The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campgrounds near Vail, ColoradoExplore the Map

Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Vail, CO

2,300 Reviews

Gore Creek Campground accommodates pets within its wooded sites and well-maintained facilities just minutes from Vail Village. Campsites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and bear-proof lockers with vault toilets kept exceptionally clean by attentive hosts. The campground allows dogs in both the drive-in and walk-in tent sites, with sites spaced far enough apart that campers cannot see or hear their neighbors. While no running water is available, the nearby creek provides a natural water feature many dogs enjoy exploring. Sites along Gore Creek offer the added benefit of river sounds that help mask occasional interstate noise. Campers should bring sufficient water for themselves and their pets as no drinking water is available at the campground. The vault toilets rank among the cleanest in national forest campgrounds, with no odor issues reported.

Red Sandstone primitive dispersed camping area provides free pet-friendly camping options in less developed settings near Vail. Dogs have plenty of room to explore on-leash at these undeveloped sites, though owners should pack extra water for their pets given the lack of facilities. Several hiking trails accessible from Gore Creek Campground welcome leashed dogs, including the relatively easy Gore Creek Trail and more challenging Deluge Lake Trail. The Gore Creek Trail makes an excellent option for dogs and their owners seeking shorter hikes, while the nearby Vail Pass bike path offers additional exercise opportunities. Wildlife encounters are possible in this area, so proper food storage in bear boxes is essential to protect both pets and local wildlife. The proximity to Vail means veterinary services are readily available should any pet emergencies arise during camping trips. Many visitors appreciate the secluded yet accessible nature of these campgrounds, allowing dogs to enjoy the outdoors without disturbing other campers.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Vail, Colorado (287)

    1. Gore Creek Campground

    22 Reviews
    Vail, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $29 / night

    "If you are looking for a great boondocking location that is close to great trails and breathtaking views, this just might be the place for you."

    "This campground is located on Gore Creek. The surrounding area is beautiful. It's appropriately 10 minutes from Vail and quite. The bathrooms are vaulted toilets and the roads are all dirt."

    2. Prospector Campground

    50 Reviews
    Dillon, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $27 / night

    "This campground is one of five Forest Service campgrounds around Dillon Reservoir, also referred to as Lake Dillon. There is a group campground called Windy Point near Prospector."

    "Located on Dillon Reservoir, Prospector Campground offers a nice balance of feeling remote while being conveniently near some really neat towns."

    3. Rock Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    26 Reviews
    Silverthorne, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-5400

    "They take you off of Highway 9 and about 5 minutes you take a left and pass trail head (cant rmemeber the name) and parking lot and you continue on a pretty bumpy ride for about 10 minutes (you start hitting"

    "There is a good amount of traffic heading towards the trail head but it was still quiet. Even had a moose run through our camp!"

    4. Peak One Campground

    35 Reviews
    Frisco, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $28 / night

    "Our site was also a short walk down to Lake Dillon which was perfect for the kids and dogs to splash around in. Close proximity to Frisco is great too if you want to get some pizza for a meal."

    "As someone who prefers wild camping, it was definitely not that, but was one of the more positive campground experiences I've had."

    5. White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground

    31 Reviews
    Frisco, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $29 - $56 / night

    "Heaton Bay Campground, located near Dillon Reservoir in Colorado, offers a stunning lakeside camping experience with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains."

    "Bring your fishing pole, SUP, kayak, or hammock to hang out by the lake. This is my favorite campground in Colorado for the accessibility to the lake and town nearby."

    6. Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Vail, CO
    5 miles
    Website

    "The campsites are decently spaced out but not the place to go if you don’t want neighbors, I chose the only single site I could find but could still hear dogs barking and music in the distance(to be fair"

    "Closed off road access unfortunately till June 20. Beautiful and the road can get a little wonky but you’re gonna have to hike it up for a bit!"

    7. Blue River Campground (Co) — White River National Forest

    16 Reviews
    Silverthorne, CO
    14 miles
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $25 / night

    "This small campground is located right on the Blue River between Silverthorne and Green Mountain Reservoir on Highway 9.  It is about 6 miles from Silverthorne and beautiful Dillon Reservoir."

    "Cool campground, not huge on the highway noise but overall the campground is in excellent condition, very clean bathrooms, bear proof storage."

    8. Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    43 Reviews
    Blue River, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-5400

    "Roadside pull off areas. Mostly one lane dirt, can be tight and bumpy. Best for truck camper, small RV or tent. Don't get discouraged if the 1st spots are full just keep driving."

    "While many of the campsites are quite small and located right along the roadside with limited parking, we were lucky to find a fantastic, more spacious spot."

    9. Halfmoon Campground

    8 Reviews
    Red Cliff, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 945-2521

    "Halfmoon Campground is located at the end of Notch Mountain Rd (forest Rd 707) near Minturn, CO in White River National Forest."

    "I drove up Notch Mountain Rd from Hwy 24 to reach the campground and Holy Cross Trail Head."

    10. Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District (Vail-Eagle area)

    5 Reviews
    Avon, CO
    5 miles

    "**Campground Review: ** As an adventurer in Colorado, I often find myself driving down I-70 and over the Vail Pass."

    "Be sure to go equipped for hard trails, if you are doing any four wheeling. Also expect a little rain, after all it is Colorado."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 287 campgrounds

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Vail Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Vail, CO

327 Photos of 287 Vail Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Vail, CO

2300 Reviews of 287 Vail Campgrounds

  • Jason F.
    May. 19, 2021

    Gore Creek Campground

    So good, I don’t want to tell you about it.

    Gore Creek Campground is a true gem of the National Forest Service. If you are looking for a great boondocking location that is close to great trails and breathtaking views, this just might be the place for you. The entrance to the campground is ~2 miles off of I-70 Exit 180 on Bighorn Road. Only 10 minutes from Vail Village and 25 minutes from Frisco.

    We stayed in Site #8, which provided plenty of room for our 22’ travel trailer and pickup. The sites each have a large picnic table and fire ring.

    Pit toilets are spread through the campground and were very clean and well maintained. The campground hosts do a great job of keeping everything tidy and looking great. They also have bundles of firewood for sale for $7 at their site just inside the entrance to the campground.

    I can’t say enough about this place. It’s probably my favorite spot to camp in Colorado. I almost didn’t post this review for fear of the secret getting out.

  • kristi M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Muddy Creek Dispersed Camp

    Large Dispersed Campsite off Muddy Creek

    Large open area that tucks partly into the trees. Easily accessible by non-4-wheel when the roads are dry and not rutted out. Better reached by starting from the Wolcott entrance rather than from Vail.

  • Anthony P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2018

    Gore Creek Campground

    Hidden Gem to escape the crowds

    Great campground about 10 minutes from Vail. Close to I-70 but you can faintly hear the cars so its not very noisy. The grounds have about 25 sites, ranging from small to large and some are walk in only. The majority of them have a large enough drive ways to fit a couple cars or a longer RV. There are fire rings and Picnic tables are at every spot. The campground host hangout in an RV upon entering the campgrounds, you can pay & reserve spots with them, as well as purchase bundles of wood. Vault toilets are located in a few spots around the campgrounds.

    In the immediate area there is great hiking on the Gore Creek Trail and Deluge Lake Trail. Both ending at high alpine lakes but can be difficult hikes. The Gore Creek Trail is relatively easy until it turns towards the lake, making this a great trail to take a short hike. The Deluge Lake Trail is one of the hardest trails in the Vail Area.

    The Vail Pass bike path runs next to the campgrounds and is the most popular and difficult road biking path in the Valley. This can also be used as a spot to take a walk or a run, be careful of up and down hill bikers. Gore Creek, which runs though the campgrounds and up into West Vail is home to gold medal waters and some of the best small creek Fly Fishing in Colorado.

    These sites do not fill up quickly but advanced reservations can be made and should be during Vail's High season (June - August). Overall this is a great spot if you are passing through or are looking for a quick getaway.

  • Steph A.
    Jul. 15, 2018

    Gold Park Campground

    Tons of exploring nearby

    Gold Park is a great place to stay if you want trails and high alpine lakes at your fingertips. We stayed here so we could hike Fancy Lake and the Missouri Lakes, both of which are less than 5 miles away. Gorgeous high alpine lakes. The campsite has pit toilets and a great host. We really enjoyed our 3 day stay! Be sure to take advantage of the stunning hikes nearby. An easy drive from Vail or Leadville.

  • S
    Sep. 25, 2021

    Gore Creek Campground

    Camping on Gore Creek. Beautiful

    This campground is located on Gore Creek. The surrounding area is beautiful. It's appropriately 10 minutes from Vail and quite. The bathrooms are vaulted toilets and the roads are all dirt. I would not attempt this campground in a rig over 35 feet as it becomes very tight in and out. Being situated on Gore Creek the sounds of the dancing waters are right with you. There are several hiking paths throughout the campground. There is no electricity, dump or water available here so make sure you have plenty before you get in. There is firewood for sale at the camp host site. There are fire rings, picnic tables and bear proff lockers at each site. Nice place to re focus. Verizon worked well. Have fun and safe travels.

  • Karl G.
    May. 7, 2019

    Piney Crossing Primitive Campground - CLOSED

    Primitive sites near Piney River Ranch

    So I am not sure if this is still a “campground” as of 2019. It is no longer marked on the forest service map for 2019. Regardless, there’s still primitive/dispersed camping in the area. I stayed at one of the primitive sites last fall and spent most of my time in Piney River Ranch. There was a wedding at the ranch when we were there, and we didn’t want to intrude on it so I don’t know much of what the ranch has to offer. I do know that there’s a restaurant and a store, as well as cabins. My guess is that there is a wedding there almost every weekend summer-fall, so that is something to take into account if you come here for the ranch.

    You are allowed to hike in the ranch during weddings, so that is what we did. We hiked the trail to the left of Piney Lake. It is a great trail to do in the fall because it goes through numerous aspen groves. We took the trail all the way to a waterfall area, but the trail does continue further to Upper Piney Lake. The trail became hard to follow after the waterfall area though, so we turned back.

    As for the drive up to the ranch and camping sites, it’s about 45 minutes on a dirt road from Vail. It is a beautiful drive, but it is slow. The road is also in pretty good condition - I’d say a 2wd car can do this drive if the road is dry.

  • Jess T.
    Aug. 11, 2018

    Cold Springs Campground

    beautiful place surrounded by trees and mountain.

    first place I went camping in Colorado and I loved it so much I paid for an extra day. it rained on the last day but it was still wonderful. felt lost in the mountains and loved it

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 8, 2021

    Twin Peaks Dispersed Campground- Colorado

    Love love love!

    Easily one of my favorite places to camp in Colorado! It’s a must stay every year for me. Killer views, great hiking, beach days and a peaceful location.

  • John H.
    Aug. 28, 2021

    Denver West-Central City KOA

    Beautiful view

    Gorgeous views, relaxing and very kind, courteous staff. Dog park, hot tubs, laundry, all you can eat pancakes (very reasonably priced) well worth the so steep drive on way up to 9,000 ft.

Guide to Vail

Gore Creek Campground, located just 10 minutes from Vail Village, allows pets throughout its wooded sites where campers can enjoy privacy among dense aspen and ponderosa pines. The campground provides bear boxes at every site, fire rings, and picnic tables, with sites spaced far enough apart that neighboring campers aren't visible. Tent campers and RVs up to 35 feet can utilize the pet-friendly accommodations, though some sites require a short uphill walk from parking areas. Red Sandstone offers primitive dispersed camping options for pet owners seeking a more rustic experience with their animals, while White River National Forest's Heaton Bay Campground accommodates pets at tent sites, RV spots, and cabins. The campground's clean vault toilets and spacious sites receive consistent praise from campers traveling with dogs.

Several hiking trails accessible directly from Gore Creek Campground provide excellent opportunities for dog exercise, including the Gore Creek Trail which leads to high alpine lakes. Dogs should be kept leashed due to wildlife presence in the surrounding White River National Forest. Gore Creek itself offers water access where pets can cool off during summer months, though highway noise might disturb sensitive animals at some campsites. Camping with pets requires careful planning as no water is available at Gore Creek or the dispersed sites, requiring visitors to bring sufficient water for themselves and their animals. The proximity to Vail Village means pet owners can quickly access veterinary services or pet supplies if needed. Pet waste disposal is essential for maintaining the pristine natural environment, especially along the popular hiking and biking trails that connect to the campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Vail, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Vail, CO is Gore Creek Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Vail, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 287 dog-friendly camping locations near Vail, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring