Best Dog-Friendly Camping near San Juan National Forest

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, San Juan National Forest, CO has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near San Juan National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near San Juan National Forest (180)

    1. Haviland Lake Campground

    21 Reviews
    Cascade, CO
    10 miles
    Website

    $32 - $98 / night

    "I stayed at Haviland Lake near Durango, Colorado for three days, but could have stayed for a week or more!"

    "The area was so peaceful and the Lake Loop trail was the perfect thing to wipe out our dogs for the day."

    2. Junction Creek Campground

    25 Reviews
    Purgatory, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 702-1420

    $32 - $150 / night

    "Very nice campground in a beautiful area near Durango. The bathrooms were very clean and the lots were all in good spots. Very close to part of the Colorado Trail!"

    "The double site allowed us to put our 24-foot trailer across both spots with our front door facing the back of the campsite with nothing but beautiful national forest behind us!"

    3. Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge

    13 Reviews
    San Juan National Forest, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 562-3810

    "Lovely walking paths and trails right in the campground. The river was delightful for the kids to play in and to listen to through the night. So close to so many beautiful places to play all around."

    "T4 is tucked away perfectly in the trees, on the bank of the Dolores river. ATT has good reception for calling, but it is Edge service. It will not work for internet."

    4. Madden Peak Road - Dispersed

    24 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    15 miles
    Website

    "We decided to drive further up the mountain, gaining some elevation but it was much more secluded."

    "Driving up the road there are spaces on either side of the road. When I came I saw at least 30 people and I didn't go too far. There was still plenty of places though."

    5. Lower Hermosa Campground

    12 Reviews
    San Juan National Forest, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 247-4874

    $20 / night

    "Right next to Hermosa Creek trail. Such a beautiful place. The bathrooms are clean, the camp host is an awesome guy. Would definitely stay again."

    "Access to camp ground is on a rock dirt road that goes from single to double lane off and on. I drove a 21foot bus with a 16x7 tandem axle trailer."

    6. Hermosa Park Road Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Rico, CO
    9 miles

    "Dispersed camping, no amenities, but beautiful location. Little streams running nearby, wildlife viewing, the drive up the slope is beautiful as well"

    "The real entrance is through Purgatory Resort. I somehow made it over the mountain in my 98 Econoline w/ RWD. I wouldn't recommend it. The spots were nice, the creek was nice and cool."

    7. Durango North-Riverside KOA

    15 Reviews
    Cascade, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 247-4499

    "A beautiful location with river front sites, a pool, amazing pizza, ice cream, clean facilities, and kind staff. Wonderful stay, no complaints! My dogs enjoyed it too!"

    "Outside of Durango, away from the road, all you hear is the river running by. The sites are all large and the grounds are immaculate. We stayed 5 nights and were very sad to leave."

    8. Alpen Rose RV Park

    17 Reviews
    Durango, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 247-5540

    $65 - $1 / night

    "Pond, 2 Acre dog park- beautiful sites and quick drive to town or off-road. We stayed here twice because a bad experience in Silverton"

    "Enjoyed bathrooms, showers and dog park (2 acres). Camp hosts were especially friendly and helpful. Spent time at Durango Hot Springs too! Make sure you go!"

    9. Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort

    20 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 533-7000

    "Tucked away from the highway and far enough from any big city, you want nature and stars at night? This is the place! We backed up to a huge green field."

    "Park is very clean and quiet plus pet friendly. Lots of large Ponderosa pine for shade and scenery"

    10. United Campground of Durango

    20 Reviews
    Durango, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 247-3853

    $45 - $70 / night

    "No dog park but enough area to do their business. Tight spaces. We're 43 feet fifth wheel. Barely enough room to park truck in the site. We would stay again."

    "Its really close to the Durango old Town area (like 10 min drive or less) and about 45 minutes to mesa verde."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near San Juan National Forest

1551 Reviews of 180 San Juan National Forest Campgrounds


  • Imogen A.
    Dec. 16, 2023

    Vallecito Resort

    Vallecito Resort

    Vallecito Resort, situated near Durango, Colorado, caters to both full-time RV enthusiasts and vacationers seeking a mountain retreat. Nestled in the San Juan National Forest, it provides a serene natural setting with comprehensive amenities. Upon arrival, guests can enjoy spacious sites, immerse themselves in the forest ambiance, and plan their outdoor activities. 

    https://iqtestonline.io/

  • Diego R.
    Jan. 5, 2022

    Little Molas Lake Campground

    Great Site

    Quiet site 12000 feet or so in the San Juan national forest. Stayed for 2 nights without a reservation seems to be a first come first serve style campground

  • PJ M.
    Jul. 5, 2023

    Outback RV

    Great spot near Cortez

    I attempted to camp in San Juan National Forest but had trouble finding a spot with clearance for Starlink.  Ended up coming here as a backup.

    Owners are super friendly and happy to provide information about the area.

    There's probably about a dozen sites & they're huge and very level.  There's a couple covered pavilions with picnic tables which separate the sites, other than that it's mostly just a massive gravel lot.  Everything is new and well maintained.  Great views of Mesa Verde.

    Overall, this is just a great no-frills FHU park for an awesome price.  Nothing you don't need, everything you do.  Definitely will be back next time I'm in the area!

    Forgot to take pictures, my bad.

  • Robert G.
    May. 18, 2021

    Mancos State Park Campground

    Great small lake

    Mancos State Park has no-wake boating and is well-known for fishing, especially rainbow trout, a few brownies and yellow perch. There are 33 campsites on two sides of the lake, plus two all-season yurts. During the winter, it is a great place to use as a base for cross country skiing.

    It is near the La Plata range to the east, and Mesa Verde National Park to the southwest. Durango is about 45 minutes to the east, and the City of Cortez about 25 minutes to the west. Telluride ski resort is about a two-hour drive. Both Cortez and Durango are full-service cities, with multiple supermarkets, other chains, etc. The town of Mancos, about a 12-minute drive from the park, has a full-service sit-down restaurant/bakery, a natural foods store, other restaurants, a community grocery store, shops, modern library and other amenities.

    The park adjoins the San Juan National Forest, including multiple hiking trails, the Chicken Creek cross country ski area, the Sawtooth and Millwood trails, and other trails. The nearby forest (about a mile up the road) has dispersed camping as well as organized campgrounds accessible by a paved road.

    There also is a dude ranch next to the park, and the approximate 1-mile trail around the park takes hikers over some beautiful scenery. There are no corrals, but horses are allowed on specific trails.

    None of the campsites currently have water or electric hookups, but potable water is available at several connections on the east (main) side of the park. While there is no public WiFi, cell signals are strong.

  • Jared T.
    Sep. 7, 2020

    Alpen Rose RV Park

    Literally- words can’t describe

    Our family vacation destination- would provide 6 stars if a could. Main features- pool, great family play areas, huge lots and shaded lots- not really a bad spot. Pond, 2 Acre dog park- beautiful sites and quick drive to town or off-road. We stayed here twice because a bad experience in Silverton

  • Karl G.
    Sep. 1, 2017

    Telluride Town Park Campground

    Telluride Town Park

    This campsite is great if you want to do Telluride on a budget - it's free. It's right next to the town and is used a lot for Telluride's summer festivals. Its more than a campground it is also where a lot of town events are held and also has sports venues. There's also grills, bathrooms, picnic tables, a dog park, and a pond. Unless you're at a festival, the campground isn't where you will want to spend your time though. The campground is very close to Bridal Veil Falls, a huge free fall waterfall. You can drive or hike up to it, and climb around on the rocks and get blasted by cold water from the falls. It's huge. There's also a bunch of awesome hikes around Telluride - the San Juans are my favorite part of Colorado.

  • M
    Jul. 9, 2022

    Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort

    GORGEOUS Campground!

    Loved loved loved our stay here! Tucked away from the highway and far enough from any big city, you want nature and stars at night? This is the place! We backed up to a huge green field. The gentleman that helped us back our 42 foot rig into our site gave PERFECT directions, telling my husband which was to turn our wheel which make this a first try back in. The owner was the kindest man we enjoyed getting to know. No dog park, but a large open field we're allowed to utilize, letting the pups off leash. They LOVED it! Mesa Verde NP with the cliff dwellings are a short drive away, perfect day trip. We should have stayed here a whole week!

  • l
    Jun. 14, 2021

    Oasis RV Resort and Cottages

    Excellent amenities and staff

    Incredibly friendly staff, great store with camping necessities and fun swag. Dog park was large enough with a shaded tree and benches. Pickle ball, movie night, pool, playground ect included. Almost every space was filled but it was quiet because the activities are spread nicely away from where we were. Pull through sites with enough room. Good price for the location.

  • Kari T.
    Sep. 25, 2016

    Cortez, Mesa Verde KOA

    This KOA is the Best in the West

    The Cortex/Mesa Verde KOA in Cortez, Colorado, was the best campground we stayed at (out of 10) on our #9parks12days road trip in June 2016. Not only was the site itself updated, it was the FIRST KOA we stayed at that had usable Wi-Fi - as in video streaming capabilities! When traveling with kids, this is such a HUGE amenity.

    This campground has an updated playground, heated (seasonal) swimming pool, a 1-mile walking trail, dog park, and even tepees in addition to cabins for overnight camping. Not to mention, the campground is located a mere 15 minutes from the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park. Other highlights: newer laundry facilities, of which we made use, and awesome mountain and mesa views right from your site.

    Don't expect a ton of privacy - sites are very close together. The family next to ours had an outdoor living room set up that pretty much took the entire space between our RVs. However, the grounds were well-kept, and there was plenty of space to remove yourself from other people throughout the facility.


Guide to San Juan National Forest

Explore the beauty of San Juan National Forest while enjoying the company of your furry friends at various pet-friendly campgrounds. These spots offer a perfect blend of nature and amenities for both you and your pets.

Pet owners like spacious sites and amenities

  • At Molas Lake Park & Campground, you'll find well-maintained sites with picnic tables and firewood available, making it easy to enjoy meals outdoors with your pet.
  • Junction Creek Campground features spacious, shaded sites that provide a comfortable environment for both you and your dog, along with easy access to walking trails.
  • Oasis RV Resort and Cottages offers a variety of accommodations, including cabins and RV spots, ensuring your pet has plenty of space to roam.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near San Juan National Forest

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the scenic trails right from Haviland Lake Campground, where your dog can join you on adventures through the beautiful forest.
  • Stoner RV Resort provides a welcoming atmosphere with grassy areas for your dog to play, plus access to nearby trails for longer hikes.
  • At Madden Peak Road - Dispersed, you can enjoy the peace and quiet while your pet explores the surrounding nature, with plenty of space for them to roam.

Dog owners appreciate the welcoming environment

  • Lightner Creek Campground is known for its friendly staff and clean facilities, making it a great choice for pet owners looking for a hassle-free stay.
  • Alpen Rose RV Park features a large dog run area, allowing your pet to stretch their legs and socialize with other dogs.
  • Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort is praised for its dog-friendly policies and ample outdoor space, perfect for enjoying quality time with your furry companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near San Juan National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near San Juan National Forest is Haviland Lake Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 21 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near San Juan National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 180 dog-friendly camping locations near San Juan National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.