Campgrounds, quiet mornings & nights under the stars.

The rules, plainly

Where you can camp with a dog.

• Colorado state park campgrounds: Dog-friendly with a 6-foot leash at all times; some parks restrict dogs from certain trails, and you must pick up waste (fines apply). Reservations run through CPW.
• National forest campgrounds: Generally dog-friendly with leash rules in developed sites.
• Dispersed camping: Free camping on national forest land is a Colorado classic — dogs welcome under control. Rules and stay limits vary by ranger district, and some corridors prohibit it entirely: for example, dispersed camping is prohibited along Guanella Pass Road except in designated areas near the Grant side.
• Rocky Mountain National Park: All five campgrounds allow leashed dogs — but remember dogs can’t go on any RMNP trails, so it’s a basecamp, not a hiking trip with your dog.

Camping with a dog: what actually matters

• Food storage: Store dog food like people food — sealed and in the car or a bear-safe container, never in the tent.
• Night temps: Mountain nights drop fast, even in July. Short-coated dogs like Jaxson need a blanket or insulated bed off the cold ground.
• The leash rule at camp: A tie-out or long line keeps your dog legal and safe while your hands are full. Never leave a dog tied and unattended.
• Wildlife at night: Bring dogs into the tent at night — it’s safer for them and required in many campgrounds.
• Fire restrictions: Colorado fire bans change weekly in summer. Check the county’s current restrictions before you plan on a campfire.
• Ticks & paws: Do a tick check and a paw check every evening — it takes two minutes.