Lavern M Johnson Park
Looking for a slice of Colorado adventure without the hassle of leaving civilization too far behind? Well, look no fur-ther than the campground at Lavern M Johnson Park! Located in the charming town of Lyons, this pawesome park has all the camping creature comforts pups and their people could ask for. The campground has 34 sites in total, 15 with water and electricity hookups, 2 RV sites without hookups, and 17 sites set aside for tent campers only. There are also shower stations on-site, though you’ll need to pay a little extra to get clean!
Lavern M Johnson’s location may not match the unspoiled natural beauty of some of the area’s wilderness campgrounds, but it’s still plenty pretty! The sites sit on the banks of the St. Vrain River in the shadow of Lyons' striking red sandstone cliffs. The maintained parkland may not have a lot of tree cover for shade, but it does have access to a playground guaranteed to keep non-furry family members entertained, as well as live music and other events during the summer months. Spaces at Lavern M Johnson fill up quickly, so be sure to make your reservation in advance! There’s no entrance fee to the park, and sites range from $20 for a tent to $40 for a full hookup site. Don't forget to check in with the campground host upon arrival to obtain your camping permit.
You and your buddy are sure to sniff out something to do during your stay! Avid anglers will be glad to know that the St Vrain Creek is something of a hotspot for fly fishing. Hound-dog hikers won’t need to go too far in search of entertainment -- Heil Valley Ranch is just twenty minutes away from camp, and boasts a trail for almost each and every ability, running through stunning wildflower meadows and featuring gorgeous mountain vistas. And of course, you’re just a thirty-minute drive from the mutts-visit Rocky Mountain National Park! There’s also the dog beach at Union Reservoir in Lamont, where your pup can lose the leash and splash about in the shallow waters.
It’d be a real faux paw not to head into downtown Lyons, though! The town is chock full of Fido-friendly restaurants, including the amazing The Barking Dog, a breakfast place that welcomes wagging tails outside and greets visiting pooches with treats and water. Lyons Dog Park is also grrrr-eat place to let your furry friend run free!
Wifi isn’t available at Lavern M Johnson Park, and cellular coverage varies from network to network. Fires are permitted, but only in designated rings, and there’s drinking water available on-site. Remember to bring waste bags for your buddy, and have a pawesome time!
