Aspenglen Campground

If you and your pup are looking for a place to pitch your tent during your Rocky Mountain adventure, you’d be barking mad not to consider camping at Aspenglen Campground! Like most national park campgrounds in Colorado, facilities at Aspenglen are pretty primitive. You won’t find any showers, electricity, or RV hookups, though you will have the benefit of trash collection and flushing toilets.

But with such a fabulous location, who could complain? Aspenglen is situated next to the Fall River entrance of the national park, with all the outdoor adventure you could ask for just a bone’s throw away from camp. Not only that, but the scenery isn’t bad, either! The sites are surrounded by mature, coniferous trees, and the campground is right next to a colorful wildflower meadow. Some sites even have riverside views! 

There’s a camp store at the nearby visitors center, so there’s no need to waste precious backpack space on provisions, and the town of Estes Park is just a short drive away. Wildlife is plentiful, and you’re sure to see at least a few chipmunks scurrying through the tents. Best keep a tight leash on your furry friend if they have a tendency to tear after smaller critters! In addition to the wildlife concerns listed, watch out for Great Horned Owls if you have a smaller pupper -- yes, seriously.

Aspenglen is a very paw-pular spot, so it’s essential to make your reservation early, particularly if you’ll need to stay at one of their accessible sites. There is a cost to enter the national park -- $25 per vehicle for a day pass, $35 for a week, or $70 for an annual pass. Sites cost $26 per night.

Unfortunately for hound-dog hikers, pets are not allowed on any of the backcountry trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. You and your buddy should still be able to sniff out something to do, though! The Endovalley Road doesn’t see much traffic, and it’s a lovely spot for a sedate stroll. There are also some Fido-friendly trails around Estes Park -- the Lake Estes trail even has a dog park at the end! For more of a wilderness experience, check out the 9-mile, creekside Buchanan Pass Trail, or the short but off-leash Lily Mountain Trail.

Wifi isn’t available at Aspenglen, and there’s no cell service, either. If you need to stay in constant contact, this isn’t the campground for you. Fires are permitted, and you’ll find drinking water on-site. Remember to bring waste bags for your doggo, and have a pawesome time!