The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Dolores, Colorado

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience near Dolores, Colorado with your furry friends. With over 1100 options tailored to your pets' needs, you'll find the ideal spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Whether you're seeking a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, we've got you covered. Check out top-rated campsites like The Needles Outpost Campground with 811 reviews, The Views at Gateway with 243 reviews, and Bright Star Campground with 211 reviews. Enjoy popular amenities such as pet-friendly sites, showers, and potable water. And don't miss out on exciting activities like paddling, wildlife watching, and exploring historic sites. With an average price per night of $42 and options as low as $15, you'll find the perfect camping experience that fits your budget. Happy camping!

98% (1.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience near Dolores, Colorado with your furry friends. With over 1100 options tailored to your pets' needs, you'll find the ideal spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Whether you're seeking a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, we've got you covered. Check out top-rated campsites like The Needles Outpost Campground with 811 reviews, The Views at Gateway with 243 reviews, and Bright Star Campground with 211 reviews. Enjoy popular amenities such as pet-friendly sites, showers, and potable water. And don't miss out on exciting activities like paddling, wildlife watching, and exploring historic sites. With an average price per night of $42 and options as low as $15, you'll find the perfect camping experience that fits your budget. Happy camping!

98% (1.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Animas River Valley red cliffs

95%

(129)

37mi from Dolores · 1 site · Tent, RV · Durango, CO

Pitch your tent or park in the upper pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the road from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D  Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille.  Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road.  Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production this year.  No other view like it of the Mission Ridge red cliffs with the silhouettes and glow at sunset.  At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or park in the "sloped" pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the highway from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D  Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille.  Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road.  Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production.  Mission Ridge red cliffs with the mysterious silhouettes and glow at sunset.  At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Please provide what you will be driving and camping in, along with guesstimate of your arrival time for a quick booking response. Safe travels.  

2. Denkai Animal Sanctuary

100%

(2)

32mi from Dolores · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Hesperus, CO

Nestled amidst 40 acres of breathtaking Mountain Views, our tranquil sanctuary offers a truly serene and peaceful retreat. Located on our nonprofit animal sanctuary property, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while knowing that your stay supports a worthy cause. Just a short ten-mile drive away lies the renowned Lake Nighthorse, a haven for water enthusiasts. And for those looking to explore the shimmering waters, we provide convenient on-site paddleboard rentals, ensuring you have everything you need for an unforgettable aquatic adventure. As you wander through our expansive grounds, you'll discover pockets of lush greenery and shaded areas, perfect for finding solace in the embrace of nature. If you're traveling with an RV, worry not, as we offer ample parking space to accommodate your vehicle. Additionally, horse owners will find our sheltered areas with larger paddocks ideal for their equine companions. Whether you're seeking a peaceful respite or embarking on an equestrian adventure, our sanctuary provides the perfect haven for both humans and horses alike. At our sanctuary, we understand that everyone has unique needs and desires. Whether you're in search of a quiet place to rejuvenate your soul or simply passing through the area, we are dedicated to catering to your individual requirements. While we don't provide amenities such as water, electricity, or septic facilities for RVs, we encourage you to come prepared for sustainability. Bring your own water and necessary items to ensure a comfortable stay. Rest assured, our idyllic surroundings and warm hospitality will make your visit a memorable one, regardless of the purpose of your stay.

from

$25

/ night

3. Mtn Ridge View River & Lakes

100%

(8)

41mi from Dolores · 2 sites · RVs · Durango, CO

This property is a 1 acre private area tucked in ponderosa pines on a ridge over looking a breath-taking mountain view. Below you will find the Florida River flowing along with two spring-fed lakes. You have a private deck at the edge of the ridge to enjoy the view. This site can accommodate any RV size and has full water and electric hook up available. It also has ample flat spots for any tent type or multiple tents. - 10 minutes from bustling downtown Durango - 20 minutes from Lemon Reservoir - 25 minutes from Vallecito Reservoir - 35 minutes from Purgatory Resort - 1 hr from Molas and Little Molas Lakes - 1 hour 10 min from Silverton

4. Four Corners' Dragonfly Camp

7.1mi from Dolores · 2 sites · RVs · Cortez, CO

Our setting is cooler and greener than much of the surrounding area. If you still haven’t “gotten over the color green” (there’s a book by that title!), this is the place for you. Or, even if you do thrill in a red rock setting, a little green will refresh you in the evening and morning. A small stream nearby, with a four-foot waterfall, graces our camp with the sound of running water. Cottonwoods and historic fruit trees shade parts of each site, while dragonflies and birds often dart about among the rabbitbrush and sagebrush. Each site can accommodate one vehicle, van, small RV, or truck-bed camper up to 18 feet in length. Just north of Cortez, we are ideally located in the heart of the northern Four Corners region—only 15 minutes to Mesa Verde National Park, 20 minutes to Canyons of the Ancients, 10 minutes to Phil’s World, and 30 minutes to the mountains for hiking, biking, or fishing. Cortez markets and restaurants are just 10 minutes away. Durango is an hour away, Telluride is 1½ hours, and Moab is 2 hours. We are naturalists, so if you have questions about birds, dragonflies, butterflies, or fireflies (yes, fireflies!), such as the best places to see them besides your campsite, just ask us! We also worked in the field of archaeology and can help you choose sites to visit—like Mesa Verde National Park or Canyons of the Ancients. We encourage you to connect with the natural world as well as the ancient cultures of this region. Four Corners' Dragonfly Camp exists on the ancestral lands of the Puebloan and Ute peoples. This is a dry site—please bring your own water and toilet. Showers are available at the Cortez Recreation Center, just 10 minutes away. Please pack out what you pack in, including human waste, for now. Plans for a composting toilet are in the works for next spring!

from

$20

/ night

5. Dry RV site w/ Views of Mesa Verde

100%

(30)

15mi from Dolores · 1 site · RV · Mancos, CO

Learn more about this land: **You MUST have your own self contained RV with a restroom!! Sorry, NO TENTS! Please include a description of your RV setup in your booking request!** Nestled on seven acres of former ranch land, and enjoy a relatively level RV site (pull in or back in) with views of Mesa Verde, the La Plata Mountains, and the shade of mature juniper trees. Feel far from everything while only a few miles from town.  Enjoy the starry skies, the company of wandering mule deer, and the sound of coyotes conversing with one another.  At 7,000' above sea level, in the high desert of SW Colorado, we get over 250 sunny days a year, big beautiful snows in winter (and sometimes as late as June), and monsoon rains in late summer.  Spring can be cool and windy, but you'll experience the reawakening of the plants, the lowing of mother cows and their calves on nearby ranches, and maybe even a blooming prickly pear or two! In the heart of the Mancos River Valley, you'll find yourself at the perfect basecamp for all that the area has to offer! It's just 15 minutes to the entrance gate at Mesa Verde National Park, designated in April of 2021 as the 100th Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association. Take a scenic two mile drive to historic Downtown Mancos, to find art, dining, and fun. Historic Mancos, known for its thriving creative district, is the home of the The Raven House Gallery, The Artisans of Mancos Co-op, The Painted Turtle Gallery, Bombdiggity, and Kilgore American Indian Art. Downtown Mancos is also home to dining options from local food trucks to fine dining. Fenceline Cidery and their delightful riverside cider garden host a variety of local food trucks on a rotating basis Family friendly eats are always on the menu at the Columbine Bar & Grill. Deco Dessert, offers something for your sweet tooth with homemade ice cream, artisan chocolates, and cakes. Just across Hwy 160, you can enjoy craft beer, delicious locally sourced food, and a variety of fun events, including live local music, weekly triviaat Mancos Brewing Company. The long anticipated, Boathouse on Grand will open in Summer 2023 with fine dining fare. We even have a little bit of nightlife at the newly opened El Rio Cantina, featuring creative tequila cocktails. Other downtown offerings include locally roasted coffee at Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters, and an incredible variety of baked goods and delightful breakfast and lunch options.  Grab take out and sit at a picnic table by the Mancos River or in the park across the street or enjoy their dining area featuring local art.  Be sure to also check out local artists' work in the art vending machines at Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters and Fenceline Cider! Beyond downtown, you'll find easy access to Mancos State Park, mountain biking at Phil's World, Aqueduct, and the Boggy Draw trail systems, paddling at Summit Lake, paddling and boating at McPhee Reservoir, the 88 mile Canyon of the Ancients Scenic Drive, and miles of hiking and off-roading trails in the San Juan National Forest. Or head just 40 minutes into Durango for a ride on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a run on the rapids of the Animas River, or a powder day at Purgatory (resort an hour from the site). If you want to venture further afield, Telluride, Moab, Monument Valley, and Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are all within 2.5 hours. Or take a drive along the San Juan Skyway scenic byway to see the best of Colorado's Western Slope including Silverton and Ouray. Your hosts are avid outdoor enthusiasts who can give you the details (and loan you some maps and guidebooks) on all of the great things that await you at our little slice of southwest Colorado!

from

$35

/ night

Public campgrounds near Dolores

McPhee Recreation Complex Campground

3.3mi from Dolores · 54 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

House Creek Campground

3.5mi from Dolores · 37 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Burro Bridge Campground

5.1mi from Dolores · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Ferris Canyon Campground

12mi from Dolores · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Main

13mi from Dolores · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mancos State Park

Stories from the community

C

Christine

October 2025

Tent

4 nights at Animas River Valley red cliffs

We loved staying on Melinda's land! It was pouring rain from a freak storm and she generously allowed us to use her mudroom and her addition downstairs. Genuinely, she saved our trip. She had great recommendations on things to do in the area and was available and communicative. I could not ask for a better host,

T

Tammy

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Animas River Valley red cliffs

We love camping at Melinda’s. Beautiful views, gracious host and close to hiking trails and Durango. This was our 2nd time there and we’ll be back our next time through Colorado.

S

Sarah

September 2025

22 ft Class B

1 night at Mtn Ridge View River & Lakes

This was our first Hipcamp experience and we were pleased. Easy to get to and well maintained. It was perfect for our sprinter van. A bonus was electrical hookup. the solitude was needed.

S

Shae

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Mtn Ridge View River & Lakes

Simple campsite for a quick stay. The campsite is a gravel drive in the front yard of a home in a rural neighborhood. Active wildlife in the area. We had a deer run by the tent and heard elk calls at night. It's more of an RV spot with an electric hook-up, but does suffice for a quick, overnight stay. Be sure to use the bathroom before you show!

M

MD

August 2025

22 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Mtn Ridge View River & Lakes

Nice parking space . Beautiful deck with a view. Host was great and their dog was friendly. So quiet

Mike

August 2025

27 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Mtn Ridge View River & Lakes

Great spot to stay in while enjoying Durango and Mesa Verde! You are parked in their “front yard”, by don’t let that fact dissuade you. The views from our camper made us feel like we were in the woods, and yet we were very close to town. Chris and his wife were excellent hosts. He gave us ideas on where to eat (11th Street Station was great) and other local activities to enjoy.