Dowdy Lake

Dowdy Lake Campground is located in Red Feather Lakes, about an hour from Fort Collins, Colorado. The campground is situated on the shoreline of Dowdy Lake, giving campers ample access to fishing, kayaking, canoeing, standup paddleboarding, and many other water activities. Red Feathers Lake is a quaint town a short distance from Fort Collins (home of Colorado State University), making it one of the most popular campgrounds in the area. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a six-foot leash. 

There are 62 campsites located within Dowdy Lake Campground, most of which can be reserved ahead of time. Peak season is May 24th - September 2nd and reservations are highly recommended during this time frame, especially during the weekend. However, there are a handful of walk-in sites for those with last-minute camping plans. Given its close proximity to Fort Collins, campers should be prepared for larger crowds of outdoor enthusiasts, many with Fido in tow!

Dowdy Lake spans an impressive 110 acres of water, and the campground itself is quite large with numerous private spots. Many of the campsites are right on the water, however, most of these do not have a lot of tree cover. If you want to stay out of the wind and far from the mosquitoes and other bugs prone to the area, one of the campsites further away from the lake in the trees will be your best bet. 

There is a very nice trail that spans the perimeter of the lake, and there are also numerous hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing trails in the vicinity. The small town of Red Feather is nearby and features a general store, visitor center, and restaurant. If you are visiting Fort Collins or looking for a quick trip up to the hills with your four-legged friend, Dowdy Lake is a great option.