St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel

If you’re looking for a peaceful, Fido-friendly campground to stay at during your adventure at Colorado’s Lake Isabel, consider pitching your tent at the furrific St Charles Campground! You and your pooch will need to "ruff" it a bit -- facilities at St. Charles are pretty rustic. You won’t find any electricity, showers, or RV hookups, and if you’re camping in a big rig, you’re out of luck, as the campsites can only accommodate small trailers.

But if you’re willing to sacrifice some modern comforts, you can reap the benefit of St. Charles' spectacular location. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Lake Isabel Recreation area, none of the campsites have waterside views, but you and your buddy will be treated to the serene sounds of St. Charles Creek nearby. The sites are well-shaded by stately, mature trees, and at an elevation of 8,600 feet, you two should have no trouble keeping cool even in the height of summer! Not only that, but the nearby Wet Mountains make for wonderful views of striking peaks.

St. Charles has been designated as a heavy usage campground by the US Forest Service, so it pays to make your reservation early. The entrance fee to the area is included in the camping price, and sites start at $22.

You and your buddy are sure to sniff out something to do during your stay! If casting a line is your idea of a good time, you’ll be glad to know that the creek and the lake both provide plenty of opportunities for keen anglers. Fancy getting out on the water? You can rent a boat at the lodge nearby. Just make sure your pupper is wearing a doggy life jacket before heading out! 

As you might expect, this part of Colorado is something of a haven for hound-dog hikers. The moderate-difficulty Cisneros Trail is nearby, and this 3.5-mile out-and-back route makes for a grrr-eat walk through wooded wonderland. The trail is quite paw-pular with ATV enthusiasts, though, so watch out for off-road vehicles!

WiFi isn’t available at St. Charles, and cellular coverage varies from network to network. Fires are permitted, and you’ll find drinking water available on-site. Remember to bring waste bags for your pooch, and have a pawesome time!