Lake Pueblo State Park offers three dog-friendly campgrounds with access to 13+ miles of trails and shoreline activities. The terrain is mostly open with limited shade, typically 10-15° warmer than higher elevation sites near Colorado Springs. Water levels at the reservoir fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access and boat launching conditions.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Arkansas Point Campground at Lake Pueblo State Park has access to well-maintained biking trails. "We came to go mountain biking and fishing, did both," notes Patrick L. The campground host maintains the area meticulously, making this location ideal for cyclists.
Fishing at various access points: Northern Plains Campground offers multiple fishing spots with rocky shorelines. "Beautiful lake and I saw lots of people catching fish," reports Bruce K. The fishing tends to be better from boats, but bank access is available through small trails leading to the water.
Wildlife viewing and bird watching: Juniper Breaks Campground provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. "There is a lot of wildlife viewing. Friendly camp hosts," writes Keri F. The less developed areas of the park attract deer, birds, and occasionally smaller mammals during early morning and evening hours.
Watermelon socials: Haggard's RV Campground hosts casual gatherings for campers. "Nancy came around offering ice at one point and, later, watermelon," mentions Terry P. These impromptu social activities create community among travelers during summer months.
What campers like
Individual bathroom facilities: Arkansas Point Campground gets high marks for clean private bathrooms. "The bathroom/shower rooms are individual and tidy! This is rare and was much appreciated during Covid," writes Kristin K. These private restroom units include showers and are regularly maintained.
Sunset views across the reservoir: Northern Plains Campground offers spectacular evening scenes. "Great views of the lake and sunrise/sunset," Jamie notes. The open landscape without tree cover creates unobstructed panoramic views at dusk.
Covered picnic tables at every site: Juniper Breaks Campground provides shade structures over tables. "The picnic table does have a covered wind break," confirms Jacque V. These metal shelters offer protection from both sun and wind, essential during hot summer months when natural shade is minimal.
Large dog park facilities: Haggard's RV Campground features an exceptional pet area. "There's a nice dog park on-site. In fact, the best we've seen while traveling," Terry P. mentions. The fenced area gives pets room to exercise off-leash safely.
What you should know
Limited shade throughout the campgrounds: Lake Pueblo sites have minimal tree cover. "Very little trees so no shade. They do provide a shade screen at every site," explains Jamie. Temperatures routinely reach 90°F+ in summer months, making these shelters essential.
Water hookups not available at all sites: Juniper Breaks lacks water at individual campsites. "Don't think there was water in any sites, and there was no water in the bathrooms and no shower. There is a drinking water spigot near the bathrooms," notes Thomas B. Campers should fill water tanks before arrival or bring extra containers.
Moth season can be intense: Juniper Breaks Campground experiences periodic insect surges. "We were lucky enough to arrive here during moth season and I'm talking hundreds of thousands of moths," reports Semi H. These seasonal influxes typically occur in late spring.
Rocky terrain makes tent staking difficult: Some camping areas have challenging ground conditions. "None of our tent stakes would actually go into the ground more than a few inches," explains Jack T. Tent campers should bring heavy-duty stakes or alternative anchoring methods.
Tips for camping with families
Junior Ranger programs: Northern Plains Campground offers educational activities. "We took our kids to the junior ranger class they host at the visitor center almost every Saturday. They learned about boat safety and got free sunglasses and emergency whistles," shares Marissa B. These programs run regularly during summer months.
Choosing optimal campsites: Look for sites away from the entrance and closer to water. "If we return, I would try to stay at some of the sites farther away from the entrance and closer to the water," advises Allison B. Corner sites generally offer more space and privacy.
Fenced pet areas for dogs: Haggard's RV Campground provides exceptional pet facilities. "Lots of space. Limited monthly residents. Remote but close to town," Kevin H. notes. The large fenced area allows dogs to run safely off-leash.
Check campsite orientation before booking: Pay attention to table and fire ring placement. "Camping hack: pull up google maps and check out your spot from an overhead view to make sure the site orientation works with your set-up," suggests Marissa B. Many sites have fire rings and tables on the driver's side when backing in.
Tips from RVers
Water system considerations: Pueblo KOA offers full hookups but has occasional water issues. "Water system needs work; well water has rust and sediment, be prepared!" advises Joel G. RVers should consider using water filters for their connections.
Level sites with fresh gravel: Pueblo KOA maintains well-groomed sites. "We were escorted to our campsite and the freshly raked gravel was a nice surprise," Anthony B. reports. The level pads accommodate larger rigs without significant leveling required.
Easy access from major highways: Haggard's location balances convenience with tranquility. "About 30 min from Pueblo and 30 from Canon City on Hwy 50 just east of Hwy 115. Full hookup and good WiFi," shares Tj H. The campground's proximity to Highway 50 provides straightforward access without excessive traffic noise.
Water hookup positions vary by site: Check utility placement before setting up. "After getting setup I found out that I'd need to climb up the short retaining wall into my neighbors site to hookup our water hose," Jason F. notes at Garden of the Gods. Many campgrounds have shared water spigots between sites.
