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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Rocky Mountain National Park

2,691 Reviews

Rocky Mountain National Park embodies the Colorado spirit perfectly. If you want to get out into nature with other avid outdoors types, few parks are more suited for you. Though the altitude can be tricky, the views are worth the effort.

Currently, there are three campgrounds available during the summer season, with two on TBD status. Rocky Mountain campsites open at the end of May and close around late September. The three available campsites are all on a reservation system. Longs Peak, which is still TBD, is the only first-come, first-served camping option. You can RV camp in Rocky Mountain, though there are no RV-specific sites. If you can’t get a spot in the park during peak season, the best camping near Rocky Mountain National Park is in Estes Park, CO, or any US Forest Service land to the east.

Map showing campgrounds near Rocky Mountain National Park, ColoradoExplore the Map

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Rocky Mountain National Park (296)

    1. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    91 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 - $70 / night

    "Great location, near everything in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Flat spaces and easy in and out."

    "The park is in Rocky Mountain National Park and it is great.  There is tons of wildlife - Elk, Mule Deer, chipmunks, wild birds of all kinds.  "

    2. Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    60 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 - $70 / night

    "Wonderful view of the surrounding mountains, quiet, clean, staff was friendly. They had wood and ice for sale."

    "Small stream to fish at the entrance to campground. Great trails to hike close to campground. Shuttle stop at Campground to get around the park."

    3. East Portal Campground at Estes Park

    40 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 964-7806

    $45 - $80 / night

    "As always, Rocky Mountain National Park is epic. Pictures from winter adventures."

    "Stayed here for 2 nights while visiting Rocky Mountain National park. Reserved in advanced, its on the expensive side. Camp hosts were great! Showers immaculate."

    4. Timber Creek Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    38 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 / night

    "This is a great introduction to Rocky Mountain National Park. The campground is adjacent to the Colorado River, close to the Kauwuneeche Visitor Center and Grand Lake!"

    "First come first serve campground in Rocky Mountain National Park. Has ampitheater that had a movie playing the weekend we stayed. No showers. Sites have a picnic table and fire ring."

    5. Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    46 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 964-7806

    $45 - $70 / night

    "Great starting point for visiting Rocky Mountain national park."

    "We enjoyed the easy access to the Rocky Mountain National Park and downtown Estes from Eastes Park at Mary's Lake."

    6. Green Ridge Campground

    27 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    7 miles
    Website

    $29 - $88 / night

    "We used it as our base to visit Rocky Mountain National Park.  It was the perfect location for us.  We visited the nearby town and went into the park several times. "

    "Our campsite was great and pretty quiet, kind of tucked away from people. The pit toilets were really clean. Very close to Grand Lake for dining."

    7. Arapaho Bay Campground

    31 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    10 miles
    Website

    $29 - $58 / night

    "Good campground not to far from Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s about 9 miles off the main road so it’s a good drive back in there but nice area right by the lake and some streams."

    "Arapaho Bay Campground is on Lake Granby in the Arapaho National Forest to the south east of Rocky Mountain National Park's Grand Lake entrance."

    8. Arapaho National Forest Stillwater Campground

    28 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    10 miles
    Website

    $32 - $73 / night

    "Really awesome views and close to the west entrance if the Rocky Mountain National park. Spacious sites, we had water view which we all enjoyed. Would definitely go back."

    "Nice drive on Trail Ridge Road to Rocky Mountain National Park. The town of Grand Lake is nearby and a nice place to visit."

    9. Winding River Resort

    20 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 627-3215

    $40 - $60 / night

    "A lovely wooded campground literally on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park - we even saw moose from the back window of our RV! "

    "They have direct access to the headwaters of the Colorado River.  We visited a little late in the season (August) to catch many fish, but we still had fun. "

    10. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    28 Reviews
    Allenspark, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "We found a spot with several fire rings close to the water and just a short walk from parking along the road."

    "Take the road far enough and you’ll get past those with homes and find some decent BLM off road camping/overnight parking places. Road gets a bit more 4x4 like as you keep going"

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Rocky Mountain National Park

346 Photos of 296 Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Rocky Mountain National Park

2691 Reviews of 296 Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds

  • J
    Sep. 30, 2019

    Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    Fantastic

    Great campground! Wonderful view of the surrounding mountains, quiet, clean, staff was friendly. They had wood and ice for sale. Conveniently located across the road from Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle that takes you to the major trailheads as well as Estes Park.

  • Erin A.
    Jul. 19, 2021

    Horsetooth Inn & RV Park

    A place to sleep

    This is an RV park with mostly long term residents. Good location near Hoorsetooth Reservoir and State Park, about an hour from Rocky Mountain National Park. Gravel lot with full hook ups but you are close to neighbors. No bathrooms or laundry. No bad for a place to sleep but we prefer more nature when camping.

  • Timothy F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2022

    Prospector Campground

    Nice USDA campground

    We didn’t have reservations on a Thursday, but there were plenty of open sites. We were on our way from Rocky Mountain National Park to Aspen. The young camp host was very nice and since senior citizens qualify for discounts if they have a national park pass, the price of $5 was great.

  • K
    Jul. 14, 2019

    Arapaho Bay Campground

    Nice campground

    Good campground not to far from Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s about 9 miles off the main road so it’s a good drive back in there but nice area right by the lake and some streams. Tons of hikes and fishing right by the campgrounds. The spots are mostly small so not many would hold a large trailer. Most of them have a spot for a tent as well and ours was well spaced and covered from other spots by brush and trees. Lake is huge and the cove we were by was good for paddle boarding and kayaks. Also saw lots of wildlife all around.

  • T
    Aug. 25, 2019

    Riverview RV Park & Campground

    Riverside Camping

    We had a great time at this campground. We spent 4 days in a spot right next to the river. Close to Rocky Mountain National Park. Really enjoyed the river, dog park, live music on sat. night and laundry.

  • Zach H.
    Aug. 9, 2020

    Spruce Lake RV Park

    Great location for RMNL

    The selling point of this campground is location. It’s as close to Rocky Mountain National Park as you can get without actually camping on NPS property. You are completely surrounded by the mountains and the views are amazing. There’s a beautiful river flowing nearby. Easy access to Estes Park. I biked into downtown and back easily. Close to a great little market and several restaurants. Sites are very tight with no privacy unless you are along the edges of the park. Nice laundry facilities, mini golf, and a small pond. There’s a small dog park but I’d recommend taking your dog to the city’s dog park about 10 minutes away. It’s worth the drive and your dog can go swimming on a beach.

  • A
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Riverview RV Park & Campground

    Great option outside Rocky Mt NP

    Good Sam’s RV park with full amenities. We booked a water/electric online, but got bumped up to full hookups. Beautiful river going beside many of the sites. Newer bathrooms. Huge park with playground for kids. Our site was very wide and open, but we might just have been lucky. Most are tree covered sites and not packed in. Dog park. About 45 minute beautiful drive to Rocky Mountain National Park entrance.

  • Diane D.
    Jul. 6, 2020

    Winding River Resort

    We loved it and already plan to return

    A lovely wooded campground literally on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park - we even saw moose from the back window of our RV!  Options for everyone from cabins, to FHU RV sites (limited and not the ideal locations, but still nice), water/electric sites and tenting areas.  Even Conestoga wagons!  There is horseback riding on site and we loved watching the horses run in and out each morning/evening and you just have to cross the road for a pretty hike along the Colorado River in RMNP (no dogs on the trails).  We camped with our Great Dane - very dog friendly with bag stations around the park.  Friendly and helpful staff, a small shop with supplies and souvenirs, a cute little petting zoo with goats, sheep, and pigs.

  • RaD_Travels
    Jul. 19, 2022

    NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest

    Overlooking Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake

    7/14/22- 7/18/22: If it weren't for the burned trees, the view would be super nice. This site overlooks both Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake. Here, we were well positioned for the drive 20-minute drive into the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance north of the town of Grand Lake. Except for the occasional off-road vehicle and the horse flies, it was quiet and enjoyable. Aargh, the flies bite something fierce.

Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park

Discover the perfect spots for camping with your furry friends near Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. These campgrounds offer a range of amenities and activities that cater to pet owners, ensuring a memorable outdoor experience.

Pet owners like the amenities at these campgrounds

Tips for camping with dogs near Rocky Mountain National Park

  • Always keep your dog on a leash at the Timber Creek Campground to ensure their safety and the comfort of other campers.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks for your pet when visiting Aspenglen Campground, as amenities may be limited in some areas.
  • Make use of the bear boxes available at East Portal Campground to store your pet's food securely and avoid attracting wildlife.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Rocky Mountain National Park

  • Enjoy scenic hikes with your dog from the Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, where you can explore the beautiful trails together.
  • Take a short drive to Arapaho Bay Campground for a day of paddleboarding or fishing, with your dog by your side.
  • Visit the nearby trails from Camp Dick Campground that welcome pets, allowing you to enjoy the stunning views and wildlife encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Rocky Mountain National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Rocky Mountain National Park is Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 91 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Rocky Mountain National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 296 dog-friendly camping locations near Rocky Mountain National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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