Top Dog Campgrounds near Denver, CO

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Top Dog Campgrounds near Denver, CO

Introduction

Snow-capped mountain peaks, sparkling lakes, vibrant rocky outcrops — the stunning scenery of the Centennial State draws upwards of 85 million tourists each year. Even Colorado's "muttropolitan" areas feature lush green spaces and natural attractions that keep folks coming back year after year.

Boasting dozens of dog-friendly restaurants, breweries, shops, and off-leash areas, Colorado's capital is pretty doggone Fido-friendly! Doggos are welcome with open paws at many of Denver's big-ticket attractions, like Washington Park and the Platte River Greenway Trail.

Planning to stay a spell in the Mile High City? Skip the many dog-friendly hotels in Denver and treat your buddy to some of the fresh air Colorado is known for. Keep reading to discover some of the best dog-friendly campgrounds near Denver.

#1. Cherry Creek State Park

If you're looking for a dog-friendly campground near Denver, you'd be barking mad not to consider Cherry Creek State Park! In addition to more than 130 pet-friendly sites for tents and RVs, Cherry Creek State Park boasts a 107-acre off-leash area. This "pawpular" park comes complete with all the amenities you'll need, including showers, restrooms, full hookups, and on-site concessions. Plus, it's located just 14 miles east of Denver in nearby Aurora.

#2. Strasburg / Denver East KOA

"Ruffly" 40 miles east of the hustle and bustle of Downtown, Strasburg / Denver East KOA puts you and Lassie in the lap of luxury. In addition to standard campground amenities, you can enjoy pizza, ice cream, an outdoor cinema, a spa, and swimming pool right on-site! (No pups in the pools, please!) The KOA is convenient to I-70, making it easy to venture into Denver, Colorado Springs, and Estes Park. Leashed, well-mannered puppers are welcome.

#3. Rocky Mountain National Park

No visit to Denver is complete without taking time to see one of the country's most famous national parks. Hundreds of sites are available here for tent and RV campers. Leashed doggos are welcome to tag along for your Rocky Mountain camping adventure, but there are a few things you should know. Dogs aren't allowed on any trails or nature preserve areas. They may accompany you to the picnic areas, parking lots, and paved roads.

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#4. Flying Saucer RV Park

"Pre-fur" to stay close to metropolitan Denver? Consider Flying Saucer RV Park. Located just 8 miles south of downtown, this park is an excellent choice for big rigs seeking a full-hookup space with all the creature comforts of home. Standard amenities, including restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities, are all available here. Leashed pets are welcome, but Pit Bulls and other breeds deemed aggressive by campground staff are prohibited. Call ahead for full details.

#5. Chatfield State Park

With almost 200 pet-friendly campsites to choose from, you and Fido will have no trouble finding a spot at Chatfield State Park. Once you've set up camp, head out to play in the park's 69-acre off-leash area complete with not one, but two ponds! Several miles of trails thread through the off-leash area, offering a convenient spot for Sparky's walk. Chatfield State Park is also just 23 miles south of the city.

#6. Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Admittedly, Cheyenne Mountain State Park isn't the most dog-friendly campground near Denver. However, outdoor adventurers won't want to miss this untouched wilderness. Over 21 trails wind their way throughout this stunning park, some of which welcome hound-dog hikers. After a long day of trekking the trails, head back to base to freshen up at the shower and laundry facilities. Of the park's 61 campsites, 51 are full-hookup and 10 are tent-only.

#7. Bear Creek Lake Park

Just under 20 miles from metropolitan Denver, in nearby Lakewood, you'll find a truly dog-friendly gem. Bear Creek Lake Park is the "pawfect" place to wet a line, launch out in a paddle boat, or work up a sweat on the hiking and biking trails. The park's campground offers 47 electrical sites which welcome canine campers, and even the cabins are pet-friendly for a fee. However, dogs are prohibited on the sandy swimming beach.

#8. Pawnee Campground

Nestled 60 miles northwest of Denver, within the winter wonderland of Brainard Lake Recreation Area, Pawnee Campground welcomes pups with open paws from July to September. All 47 sites here are pet-friendly and offer a true back-to-nature experience for tent and RV campers. Amenities include vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Once you've set up camp, leash up and set out to explore the trails of the adjacent Indian Peaks Wilderness.

#9. Golden Gate State Park

Get up close and personal with Colorado's flora and fauna at Golden Gate State Park, located 29 miles west of Denver. While trekking through the park's 35-mile trail network, you might see a moose, bear, or coyote (so it's extra important to keep Spot on a leash!). Settle down for the night at Reverend's Ridge or Aspen Meadows Campgrounds, offering more than 120 sites as well as showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, and a dump station.

#10. St. Vrain State Park

St. Vrain State Park rounds off our list of dog-friendly campgrounds near Denver. If you're searching for a stopover off I-25, this is a "furrific" spot! This lush green space is within a bone's throw of modern conveniences like big-box stores and fast-food restaurants. Cast a line in search of trout, then head back to your full-hookup RV campsite. When you've rested up, I-25 south is a straight shot to Denver.