Camp Hale Memorial
Camp Hale Memorial Campground is a pawesome place to stay for hound-dog history buffs and outdoorsy pooches alike! Located on an old World War II training ground in Colorado’s White River National Forest, facilities at Camp Hale are pretty basic. You won’t find any showers, electricity or RV hookups on-site.
Sacrifice some of your creature comforts, though, and you can reap the benefits of Camp Hale’s fabulous location! Shade is sparse in the area -- the lodgepole pines dotted around the campground are pretty far apart -- but you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the mountains and the valley below. The area is also something of a hotspot for wildlife viewing, and elk have been known to casually wander through the campground. You might want to keep a tight leash on your buddy if they have a tendency to tear after other creatures! You can also have a wander around the foundations and ruins of the old training camp. There's no entrance fee to the area, and sites start at $20.12, with an extra charge of $2 on holiday weekends.
There are plenty of op-paw-tunities for adventure in the area surrounding Camp Hale! If your pup likes to hike, you’re in luck -- there’s a stretch of the Colorado Trail just a bone’s throw away from the campground. Four-pawed fitness freaks looking for a challenge might enjoy a visit to the Mount Holy Cross Wilderness, famous for its punishing peaks. Avid anglers will be glad to know that the nearby Eagle River boasts some grrr-eat fly fishing. The resort town of Vail, just over thirty minutes from camp, is also well worth a visit. If your canine companion is itching to lose the leash, you can let them run free at Vail’s Bighorn Park Off-Leash Dog Park, which even has a pond for swimming!
Wifi isn’t available at Camp Hale, and cellular service varies from spotty to non-existent. You may want to consider your camping choice carefully if you need to stay in constant contact. Otherwise, set that out-of-office email and relax! Fires are permitted, and you’ll find drinking water available on-site. Remember to bring waste bags for your doggo, and have a furtastic vacation!
