Fishing, paddling, and shoreline access shape the experience at Dowdy Lake Campground, a Forest Service site set within Ponderosa pine forest in the Red Feather Lakes area of Roosevelt National Forest. The lake itself draws anglers working the shore and kayakers launching from the day-use boat ramp, and non-motorized watercraft keep the water relatively uncrowded on the water itself. Sites are spread across multiple loops, with the outer loops offering more space and some double sites, while spots near the entrance sit closer together. A handful of sites sit directly on the water.
Campers consistently describe the sites as large and well-spaced, with most having easy pull-in and pull-out access. Alyse P. notes that sites are "all pretty close to water access," and the layout makes lake access practical from nearly anywhere in the campground. The Ponderosa pines provide solid canopy cover, though reviewers have noted that pine beetle damage is visible in parts of the forest. Vault toilets are consistently reported as clean. Bear boxes are provided at tent sites, which is a useful detail for food storage planning.
Electricity is available at most sites, though there is no water or sewer hookup and no dump station. Filling RV potable water tanks at the hydrants is not permitted, so RV campers should plan to bring water for the stay. The campground accepts large rigs, with a listed maximum length of 130 feet. Cell service is noted as available. The access road is gravel and can be rough with potholes, so expect a dusty drive in dry conditions.
Weekends draw crowds, partly because the attached day-use area pulls visitors from the broader Fort Collins region. Matt R. describes it as "a very nice and clean campground" while flagging that weekend trail walkers and flotillas of paddlers are common by mid-morning. Wind picks up noticeably in late morning and through the afternoon. Summer reservations are competitive and should be made well in advance through Recreation.gov. Winter camping runs first-come, first-served, and the campground stays open year-round, making it a viable off-season option for those prepared for cold conditions.
Westlake Campground sits nearby for campers who want to compare options in the area, and those planning a broader trip can browse camping near Red Feather Lakes for additional sites. Dowdy rewards campers who book early and arrive ready to spend time on the water.
Description
Overview
Dowdy Lake Campground is located 48 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Colo., near the village of Red Feather Lakes. Visitors enjoy the area for its canoeing, fishing and trail opportunities.
Recreation
Canoeing and fishing are popular activities on the 115-acre, no-wake Dowdy Lake. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake, but a 10 mph speed limit is enforced. Anglers cast for brown, brook, cutthroat and lake trout. Several additional lakes are in the vicinity. Many hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are in the surrounding area, including the 4-mile Mount Margaret Trail. Several off-road vehicle trails are located within five miles of the campground. Other popular activities include viewing wildlife and visiting the nearby Redfeather Visitor Center.
Facilities
The campground offers 60 accessible single and double family campsites with electric hookups. Ten sites are designated for tent camping only and do not have hookups. Each site contains a tent pad, picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Dead and downed firewood may be gathered in the forest or purchased in bundles from the campground host.
Natural Features
The campground is situated in a ponderosa pine forest on the shore of Dowdy Lake, at an elevation of 8,200 feet. Afternoon thunderstorms can be expected during spring and summer months. Due to the mountain pine beetle infestation and removal of hazardous trees, some sites have reduced shade.
Nearby Attractions
The small village of Red Feather Lakes is nearby, offering limited dining options, gift shops, general stores, a library, post office and a golf course.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578.
Charges & Cancellations
Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the call center at 1-877-444-6777 PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents cannot modify reservations on or after the check-in date.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT: Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal barbecue, or grill, except if using a device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device. 36 CFR 261.52(a)2. Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building. 36 CFR 261.52(d)3. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 CFR 261.52(h)4. Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(b)5. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off NFS roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the motor vehicle. 36 CFR 261.56.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDowdy Lake Campground is located in Colorado near Red Feather Lakes
Directions
From Fort Collins, take Highway 287 north for approximately 24 miles to Livermore. Turn west on County Road 74 and continue about 23 miles to Dowdy Lake Road. Turn right, then another right onto Dowdy Drive and continue to the campground.
Coordinates
40.7965139 N
105.5655056 W
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 7/13/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 7/13/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/13/26
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 7/13/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 7/13/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/13/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 50 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 1 hr 6 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 1 hr 15 min from Greeley, CO
- 1 hr 38 min from Boulder, CO























































