If you're searching for a place to camp with pets near Swink, look no further. Finding pet-friendly campgrounds in Colorado is easier than ever. These scenic and easy-to-reach Swink campsites are perfect for camping with dogs.
The smaller of the two sisters, Lake Henry offers campers an opportunity to play and camp at a site where the stars are actually visible to the naked eye. Normally calm waters, a stocked lake, easy access the water, and fee free camping are perfect for individuals and families who feel that vacation is more about communing with nature, visiting with friends and family, and great fun in the sun, rather than a hustled and hurried routine.
Less than three miles west of Lake Henry, in the Town of Ordway, one will find two gas stations, a handful of restaurants, a grocery store, a drug store, medical services, a water spray park and quiet and fully shaded parks. Behind the Junior High School you will find tennis courts and a baseball stadium which you are welcome to use. In addition, JR's Country Store offers garbage and sewage dumping services, free Wi-Fi, fishing and hunting licenses, along with laundry facilities.
Camping is free and based on a first come basis. Campfires are permitted in designated areas. PLEASE call the local Sheriff's department to get CURRENT FIREBAN information. 719-267-5235
Lake Henry is located between Ordway and Sugar City, just two miles north of Highway 96 on Lane 20 (see map below). This large lake is a great place to fish for catfish and bass, and has plenty of room for swimming, power boating, sailing, water-skiing and jet skis. The lake is a favorite among bird watchers, who include this lake in local birding tours. The lake offers primitive campsites, vault toilets and a boat ramp...all available for free.
Camping: Free first come first served basis. No trash service, please take home what you bring. Campfires are permitted in designated areas. Facilities: No Toilet, shower, water service or electricity. All supplies and facilities located within 3 miles. Activities: No ATV's. Boating and water vehicles welcome. Swimming, fishing, horseback.
This recreation area is part of John Martin Reservoir
$29 / night
Traveler
Stopped in for overnight heading West from KC October 1. Beautiful.
Traveler
Place was quiet, besides animals. Pulled over and parked for the night. It was chill no one bothered us. Shell casings everywhere, seems like we always wake up and find out we're in a shooting range. Saw some tracks, bear maybe? Kept the doors locked.
Guide
We spent one night here while passing through. We had a reservation in advance, arrived just before they closed, zero issues getting checked in. The place was strangely empty, only a handful of sites taken. Our site was clean and had great shade. Facilities were clean and functional. Zero complaints.
TravelerLast minute ditch effort to find a spot after driving 21 hours. Nice and quiet from any traffic and perfect breeze from the river. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise. Wouldn’t stay here for the day but a beautiful random spot!
GuideI stayed here with my pups for three days. The lake is really pretty - it makes the bugs worth it. There were several other campers, but enough room to spread out for total privacy. You simply drive in and find a spot by the lake. It looked like there were some more single spots right as you drive into the lake area - I might try those next time.
Guide
After reserving our campsite, we reached the campground and located spot #61, which was quite distant from the water and restroom facilities. Wanting a better location, we visited the office and the attendant kindly relocated us to waterfront site #35, boasting shaded areas and scenic water views with diverse birdlife. However, upon inspecting the restroom, we were dismayed by the abundance of mold and bugs, making it unsuitable for use. Also bring quarters if you want to take a shower.
TravelerIt was just a place to park. I only went to sleep for the night, which was fine. I would not want to spend more time than that. I saw a sign that said no fire. But it’s right on the Arkansas River, so at least it had a pretty view
Guide
This is a great spot with 3 covered picnic tables with grills. There are 3 nice, relatively short hikes to see canyon, ruins of homestead sites and stagecoach stop. The board clearly states day use only, yet I spent a quick overnight in the parking area. Nice pit toilets, like other USFS sites. There are garbage cans at each of the picnic tables. No water. Met a local here and he told me about Withers Canyon Trailhead, further down a rough road if I wanted to stay longer. It has dispersed camping and a similar toilet.
Guide
We stayed in the Cool Caboose for a night! It was definitely cool. We were greeted with a warm welcome upon our arrival. An ice cold bottle of water for each of us was a nice touch. The caboose is very cozy and has everything you need for an overnight stay. We made great use of the back patio for dinner and breakfast. The only feedback I have is regarding the beds. They’re not the most comfortable, but they’re sufficient. We’d stay here again. We walked the property and I’d have to say, out of the dozen or so KOAs we’ve stayed at, this is definitely among the best!
Scout
Secluded area with a pretty clean bathroom. The road is a washboard for a couple miles but worth it.
GuideThere are flies, atvs and trucks that drive around the lake, and cows. If you can deal with those things then this is a great spot! I was left alone, few other campers here and there but we all had plenty of space. I stayed 14 days and would stay again. Some towns nearby too. Gas is really close. The Loves in La Junta is tiny.
RangerLots of sites, electric service and water from a tap close. A few nice places to walk and from the back of a bike, plenty of places to ride and explore. Also has a small hike and a frisbee golf course.
GuideWell spaced sites with many trees and Lake Hasty. Bents Fort and Sand Creek Monument in area. Clean showers and rest rooms. Water is available, but no hookups.
Scout
We rant camped here for the tarantula migration. Sites were full by Thursday. Quiet campground with views for days
Traveler
Brandy was very kind to us and we stayed for 1 night passing through. It was nice to be able to shower and get a quiet night to relax and sleep in. Check out is at 12 so that’s always nice as well!
ScoutHello our names Brandy Mapes and Bill Mapes and we are the new owners of the park. I just want to let you know there have been some changes, good changes not bad. Please take a look at the picture and maybe give us a chance and if you've been here before can you please give us another chance. I promise it will be worth it.. We now serve coffee Smile and make someone else smile 719-691-1856 call or text to make reservations
GuideI come here most springs for bird migration -- it's fantastic to see the variety of birds that move through this campground. Mature trees provide shade to a large portion of the campground, while another portion is in full sun (with picnic table shades). Popular for weekend boaters and fishers, bathrooms don't stay very clean. Right on a small lake popular for small wakeless craft, includes a swim beach. Part of the State Park system, so expect to pay an entrance fee if you don't have your annual pass.
GuideCalled in a rainstorm looking for a site just for the night. They give no discount and also charge a fee just to drive into your site if your out of state. They were far from full. Why not make revenues and give a discount under these conditions. GS Agent sounded haughty regarding questioning the fees. Ppl like to travel but don’t always have deep pockets like the huge RV to spend esp. when just passing thru being an out of stater
TravelerThere is a lot of space for camping on shore. The lake was filled back up to the bank. Bugs were very light.
LegendWe have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site 55 for 2 days in mid June. The pull-through sites are very roomy, lots of open space and fairly level. This is a fairly large CG and there were only a few other campers here mid-week. The road leading to the CG is a little bumpy, but not too bad. The gravel roads within the CG are filled with fairly significant pot holes that must be maneuvered around and there are a few low branches that need to be trimmed. The men’s showers were rust stained, but otherwise fairly clean, but my wife said there was hair on the floor and walls of the women’s showers. The showers are coin operated and mine was amply hot, but the water heater kept shutting off every 45 seconds or so. Turning the faucet off and back to hot would start it again. My wife said hers didn’t shut off, but only got warm. Water spigots available around the CG, but the one nearest us was out of service. AT&T coverage was decent, with 1-2 Bars of LTE service and speeds up to about 3.5 MB/s. We had a clear view of the southern and northern sky, so we were able to get DISH coverage on all three western satellites at our site and Starlink had speed up to 5 MB/s.
ScoutSpent the night in early March 2023 on our way back to Colorado from picking up our new Casita travel trailer in Texas. Only four sites were occupied on the evening that we stayed there. The trees were leafless and the grass was that lovely winter brown color, but we loved the solitude and peacefulness of a nearly empty campground.
ScoutNo amenities. Says there is a vault toilet, but it’s been taken down. Lake is mostly dry. Free range Bulls! They’re nice though.
TravelerThere’s not much here… just some dirt, a bit of water, and big sky. The sunset was AMAZING! And you can see mountains in the distance. Plus + it’s free! Only downside is the bugs. Lots of them.
TravelerStayed 3 days in October. Site's are in prairie among wooded river bottom. Shade is abundant. Reservations required, easy to obtain at gate. Site's electric only. Water at hydrants. Good facilities,shower laundry and restrooms. Plenty of activities for exploring and fishing. T-mobile cell was spotty as well as radio reception. Streaming is possible but not dependable. Our campsite had an issue with flies. Not a deal killer but have your repellant handy.
TravelerStayed in September 2022, stopped in on the way home to KS. Unfortunately lake down to 4% at present so don’t plan on fishing swimming. They are going to be working on the dam. Campsite level & nice on Hasty lake side of Dam. Shower are pay. Probably a nice place when the lake is full.
ScoutIt’s a KOA, so yes, everything is pretty nice! However, jacking up the price because it’s a holiday weekend, isn’t that price gouging? $52 WITH a veteran discount, for a TENT SPOT! REDICULOUS!!! If it hadn’t been so late in the day, I would have kept going down the road! Also, lots of highway noise, and the occasional train!
Travelerit’s a pretty lovely spot, quiet and peaceful. there are a lot of bugs however so be ready for that! otherwise really loved it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Swink, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Swink, CO is La Junta KOA with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Swink, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 dog-friendly camping locations near Swink, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
