Forest and dog-friendly camping in Colorado
Enjoy year-round recreation and a wild diversity of landscapes in this colorful state.
95% (10318 reviews)
- Colorado
95% (10318 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Colorado
Dog-friendly getaways
Available this weekend
12 top forest and dog-friendly campgrounds in Colorado
94%
(529)
Little Scraggy Camp
21 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents95 acres · Pine, CO
Little Scraggy Camp is located on 95 acres of an historic 160-acre ranch that was homesteaded by our family in the 1890’s, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. This totally off-grid ranch is surrounded by Pike National Forest, yet has easy access from a paved road. We offer several accommodations and glamping sites, as well as sites for moderate sized RVs, travel trailers, truck campers, vans, tents, and hammocks. Additionally, we have sites for small groups (up to 14 people) and large groups (35-200 people).
NEW FOR 2024: All campers can take advantage of our Hipcamper golf discounts at Little Scraggy Disc Golf Course. Across the road from Camp is our newly constructed 18 hole course with PDGA regulation baskets, a pro shop with LSDG discs available for purchase and loaner discs available for those wanting to try out disc golf.
Potable drinking water is available from onsite 270-gallon water tanks. Portable toilets are only a short walk away from sites.
Friendly dogs are welcome to enjoy YOUR campsite off leash, but please clean up after your dog. If your pet has any aggressive tendencies, it must be leashed.
The camp has a 4 basket disc golf putting course with loaner discs provided. We also have a cornhole toss game at both the glamping/rv camp area and tent/rv area.
We are an ideal basecamp for the casual or dedicated trail enthusiast. The ranch itself has several trails and easy trail loops to explore within and just outside of the ranch’s fence lines, with direct access to the 9.5-mile Little Scraggy Trail and Segment #3 of the Colorado Trail. Just 3.5 miles away is the Little Scraggy Trailhead, where you will find easy access for biking, hiking, or horseback riding on the many other trails of the Buffalo Creek area. Additionally, we have an extensive network of hiking and horse trails that avoid conflicts with mountain bikers.
You might prefer rock climbing Little Scraggy or fishing the gold-medal waters of the South Platte River canyon below Cheesman Dam and the waters near Deckers. For a day trip, Wellington Lake is only 30 minutes away for no-wake water sports. Many people enjoy kayaking on the North Fork of the South Platte downstream from nearby Buffalo Creek.
This is a working ranch where we raise and train horses and ponies. Our particular interest is in carriage driving, and we offer driving experiences upon request.
Our site called Mountain Horse Camp, provides 3 individual porta-panel horse corrals.
There is limited cell service.
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$25
/ night
99%
(591)
Bright Star Campground
33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Cortez, CO
We have COMPLIMENTARY Wifi, Drinking Water, Ice, Hot Showers, Bathrooms, Shade, and an equipped Camper's Kitchen for our guests to enjoy from April 15 - Oct 15!
There are TIPIS, CAMPING CABINS, TENT and BOONDOCK SITES. WE ALSO HAVE A NAVAJO HOGAN (wood yurt) OPEN-YEAR ROUND. All of our sites are not listed here. We can also accommodate groups and small events but not public events. We have a private covered group site as well.
Bright Star Campground: Once used as a church camp, it is now a Campground for all to enjoy!
We are a perfectly located vacation campground on 40 acres with amenities and wide-open spaces. Amenities include hot showers, an equipped community kitchen, a pavilion with hammocks, tables, ping pong, etc. Enjoy complimentary coffee, eggs, filtered drinking water and more.
Bright Star Campground is located in the Great Sage Plain in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park with panoramic mountain/mesa views of the Four Corners region, all only 5 miles southeast of Cortez.
We are in an arid desert climate. Water is scarce, stored in cisterns for use in camp. Because of this we ask that you be conservative with water use in camp.
We are a cannabis-friendly destination but ask that Cannabis use stay at your campsite, cabin or tipi.
There are many things to do/see nearby: Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients, Hovenweep National Monument and Phil's World Mountain Biking. Raft down the Dolores river, maybe rent a SUP or kayak and chill on a quiet reservoir. There are museums and cultural centers in the area as well.
Durango is 45 min, Telluride is 1.5 hrs away, and Moab is about 2.5 hours away-including Arches and Canyonlands National parks.
The best/nearest airport is in Durango. Cortez has Denver Air (Key Lime Air) with connections to Denver and Phoenix. The nearest large international airport is in Salt Lake City or Albuquerque.
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$38
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98%
(920)
Rustic Creek Ranch
32 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Bailey, CO
The 160 acre ranch was homesteaded by my grandfather over 100 years ago. He was an engineer.
The plan was to use this property as summer grazing for his cattle. The cattle were wintered at the other ranch about 10 miles away, which was homesteaded by my great grandfather.
Because my grandfather could survey, he made sure the property lines zigzaged up the valley so the small creek was in the middle to provide water for the animals. He chose well. It is a beautiful, quiet place with elk, deer and wild turkeys. There are tons of wild flowers in the summer.
Columbines, the Colorado state flower, wild roses, paintbrushes and lots of wild chokecherries. With nice views of nearby mountains, open pastures, evergreen forests and aspen groves, it looks like it did 100 years ago. Plus, there are a couple of ponds for your dogs to cool off in. Since the first cattle, the ranch has also been home to goats, chickens, horses, and now more goats, alpacas and llamas. And of course the Great Pyrenees ranch dogs.
I had a house built a few years ago and live on the property full time. The ranch is surrounded by Pike National Forest with the Colorado Trail connecting the property in a number of places. Some of the highest ranked mountain bike trails are nearby. There are lots of places on and off the property to hike, mountain bike and ride your horse. On a clear night you can see thousands of stars and hear coyotes howl. For a drone video of the ranch check out: YouTube's Midsummer 2020 Flyover.
Elevation 8,000 feet, Average Summer Temperatures: Days 60-80 f, Nights 45-60 f, Sunshine Average 73-80%, Colorado Trail Segment 3, USGS Maps: Windy Peak; Green Mountain quadrangles. This is the official info. Basically, the weather is usually similar to the Denver area - just 10 degrees cooler.
About 8 miles away is the small town of Bailey. It has just about everything you might need: small grocery store, coffee shops, gas, laundry, a dollar store, hardware store, camping and sports equipment, brew pub, winery, a few restaurants, potable water station and more.
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$30
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92%
(149)
Arapaho Valley Ranch
68 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Granby, CO
Arapaho Valley Ranch is a gorgeous, family-owned guest ranch in Colorado’s beautiful Grand County. Our ranch is surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest and is nestled in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This area features hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic steam engines from the old town of Monarch. We have a private hiking trail that leads to our “kissing swing” overlooking the headwaters of the Colorado River Valley.
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$65
/ night
90%
(157)
Prospector’s Rush
10 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Central City, CO
Welcome to Prospector’s Rush campground located on a 5-acre old mining claim near Idaho Springs, Colorado. This unique rustic campground offers visitors a chance to reconnect with nature while experiencing the rich history of the area. 4WD or AWD is necessary to access our property!!! Accessing the campsite is an off-road adventure. Please only book if you are comfortable with off-road driving.
As you arrive, you'll be greeted by the untouched beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the sound of a nearby stream. The campground is surrounded by towering pine trees and a variety of wildlife (moose, deer, elk, turkeys and black bear), providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
Prospector’s Rush campground offers tent sites and RV sites, each with plenty of space for campers to spread out and enjoy the natural surroundings. While we do not have running water on site, we do have a pit toilet. This is a true camping experience, allowing you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the simplicity of nature.
As you explore the area, you'll discover remnants of the old mining operation, including abandoned mineshafts. You can also hike the nearby trails, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the starry night sky.
At Prospector’s Rush campground, we pride ourselves on offering a true wilderness experience, with limited amenities to ensure that you can fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Come visit Prospector’s Rush campground and discover a piece of Colorado's rich history while immersing yourself in the peace and tranquility of pure nature.
4WD / AWD is mandatory!!
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$29
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99%
(1014)
Serenity in the Foothills
12 sites · RVs, Tents3600 acres · Conifer, CO
***NO BOOKINGS ACCEPTED UNTIL YOUR CAR INFORMATION IS PROVIDED***
Basic car information will help us ensure you and your party have no issues driving on our forest roads.
If you are looking to plan an outdoor event, send us a message. We would love to host your event!
YEAR LONG FIRE BAN- propane fire rings are allowed.
Propane fire rings and gas tanks available for rent.
Welcome to Serenity in the Foothills. Located an hour west of Denver, this 3600 acre ranch features 12 spaced out campsites that offer quite a bit of privacy. There are tons of trails/ roads to hike and bike around on, as well as many amazing views. Resort Valley Ranch was combined from around 15 homesteads by the Corbin family. You will see lots of relics and evidence related to those homesteads across our property! Please do not disturb any artifacts or relics on our property, we are very conservation minded with the history as well as the natural beauty of the area. Come enjoy this hidden private jewel in the pines of Jefferson County, Colorado!
We want to ensure your vehicle and trailer won't get damaged while commuting to your campsite. Please read about our campsites and make sure the one you pick works for your car/trailer.
-NO fifth wheels (ALL sites).
-Maximum length of trailers is 22ft(Select campsites)
-Trailers must have adequate clearance: 8 inches or higher with no low hanging plumbing.
-Sites 1, 2 : 4WD/ SUV- Short camper trailers only (12 foot max)
-Site 3 : 4WD/SUV vehicles only
-Sites 4-12(excluding site 11): 4WD/SUV with good clearance are recommended as well as trailers (22 foot max)
-Site 11 : 4WD vehicles only.
If your trailer is bigger than 22 feet, our sister camp-site Resort Valley Ranch may be able to accommodate you. (Also located on Hipcamp)
**When booking, please include basic information about your car/ trailer clearance to ensure that your campsite you've selected will accommodate it!**
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$40
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100%
(153)
Frenchman's Creek Ranch
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Buena Vista, CO
We have a 100+ acre working ranch with access to the Arkansas river for fishing, kayaking or just dipping your feet in. We have great views of the Collegiate Peaks 14ers and the Harvard trail is just up the hill. Frenchman's creek runs through the ranch which has hay fields, aspens, cottonwoods, pinons, cows, chickens, sheep and pigs. Deer, elk, coyotes and bobcats also wander through. We are 15 minutes from BV, 10 minutes from Clear Creek Reservoir, 20 minutes from Twin Lakes and 30 minutes from Leadville.
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$50
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95%
(55)
Uncle Charlie’s Ranch
13 sites · Tents5 acres · Black Hawk, CO
Uncle Charlie’s Ranch is an escape from the big city, we are only 45 minutes from Denver. Our property hosts the experience of Colorado’s nature and so much more; we offer therapeutic spring water soaks, warmed via our wood burning stove, fresh mountain spring drinking water and easy access to local trails and fun. Our lake is paddle board friendly, and while we do not offer fishing on the property, there are several locations nearby to fish. Message us for more information regarding camp sites and things to do!
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$60
/ night
95%
(264)
Creekside Paradise
5 sites · Lodging, Tents42 acres · CO
Located perfectly between Boulder, Nederland, and Rocky Mountain National Park, and very close to other stunning hikes, this spot is a great landing pad to have easy access to some of the most beautiful places in the Rockies as well as offering it's own breathtaking scenery. This land is the sacred land of the Arapaho tribe. Chief Niwot and his tribe spent winters here. It is a very special place. The property is a mile long so there is plenty of space with the tent sites being 1/2 mile from the yurt and separate entries for each. There are currently 2 tents sites available, a bell tent, and a yurt.
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$36
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93%
(34)
Aspenwald
6 sites · RVs, Tents85 acres · Guffey, CO
*Port-a-potty added for this season* June-September.
85 acres of ranch land with mixed Aspen and Pine Forest. Campsites are separated along a small creek. Each campsite has a fire pit and FREE firewood provided at a central location. The firewood is replaced weekly. It is first come/first served. Excellent shade and 8500 feet of elevation to help keep you cool during warm months. Endless miles for gravel biking. Close to Eleven mile, Pike National Forest, Cripple creek, and Florissant Fossil Beds.
Please make sure you note the gate code in the arrival instructions upon booking a campsite. I hope you have a great stay.
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$35
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95%
(143)
Hummingbird Ranch
12 sites · RVs, Tents360 acres · Rye, CO
Learn more about this land:
Hummingbird Ranch is a gorgeous sprawling ranch in Colorado's Spanish Peaks Country with panoramic views of the Wet Mountains and across the plains to the Spanish Peaks. Location is only 12 easy driving minutes from I25. Come experience the dark Colorado skies and quiet secluded campsites with scenery all around...
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$33
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84%
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Mountaintop Camping
6 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Conifer, CO
500 acres of mountaintop land, aspen and evergreen forests, rocky outcroppings, 180deg views, serenity, room to roam, all this just an easy 35min drive from downtown Denver!
Potable water
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$37
/ night
Star Hosts in Colorado
Under $50
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Forest and dog-friendly camping in Colorado guide
Overview
With 42 state parks and four national parks, Colorado has long been a shining star among lovers of the great outdoors. This western state offers a wide variety of landscapes, with ancient mountains, massive canyons, ski resort towns that range from quaint to ultraluxe, many within easy access of the capital city of Denver. Camping areas abound throughout the state, ranging from simple backcountry tent sites to developed campgrounds with full hookups and dump stations, many managed by Colorado State Parks. Best of all, pretty much every outdoor activity under the sun is available, from biking and horseback riding to birding and stargazing.
Where to go
Western Colorado
Western Colorado shares quite a bit in common with neighboring Utah to the west, with massive sandstone rock formations—including the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park—plus fantastic opportunities for winter and summer recreation alike. Towns worth checking out include Steamboat Springs and Aspen—both popular ski resorts—as well as cute towns such as Montrose and Durango that make excellent bases for exploring the wilds of the San Juan Mountains. If you’re interested in history or archaeology, don’t miss the chance to visit the Puebloan cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park.
Denver and North-Central Colorado
Stretching from Fort Collins near the Wyoming border all the way down just past Denver, this region is largely urban but still offers plenty for campers. You can take in fantastic views of the region from the Estes Park Aerial Tramway or by driving the Trail Ridge Road scenic byway through Rocky Mountain National Park. Or, pack up your tent and head out on a backcountry camping trip in the Arapaho and Roosevelt national forests.
South and South-Central Colorado
This part of the state offers a mix of wide-open plains and towering massifs, including Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs, a scenic mountaintop that served as the inspiration for the patriotic tune America the Beautiful. Popular area activities include fishing and whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande and sledding down the sands at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. If you want to soothe tired muscles after a weekend of adventure, head to the hot springs towns of Buena Vista and Salida—both just outside the Pike and San Isabel national forests.
Eastern Colorado
Quiet Eastern Colorado features a mix of grasslands and canyons, with massive expanses of grazing lands and farms that give way to charming small towns. You can learn about life in the 19th century at the Old Fort National Historic Site and the Boggsville Historic Site, or head down to the John Martin Reservoir, a great place for birdwatching and boating.
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