Best Dog-Friendly Camping near South Fork, CO

Forest Road 614 offers dispersed camping options near South Fork where pets are welcome. Several established campgrounds in the area also accommodate pets, including Big Meadows Reservoir Campground, Park Creek Campground, and Cathedral Campground. South Fork Lodge & RV Park provides full hookup sites with pet-friendly policies, while Grandview Cabins and RV Resort is noted for being extremely quiet and pet friendly. ['The campground seems to be primarily a RV campground with 50 sites, but they do allow tent camping with 6 sites.'] Most campgrounds in the area feature standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and toilets, with varying levels of services from primitive sites to full-hookup RV parks.

The Rio Grande River runs through many of these camping areas, providing excellent opportunities for dogs to cool off during summer months. Trails surrounding South Fork campgrounds offer pet-friendly hiking options, though owners should keep dogs leashed when exploring. Cathedral Campground, located about 10 miles off the highway down a narrow dirt road, provides spacious sites with plenty of room for tents and trees for hammocks. Wildlife sightings are common in the area, including black bears spotted near campgrounds, so proper food storage is essential when camping with pets. The town of South Fork has basic supplies, while larger selections of pet supplies can be found in nearby communities.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near South Fork, Colorado (124)

    1. Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (south Central Co)

    16 Reviews
    South Fork, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $29 - $103 / night

    "It's everything we wanted in a Colorado vacation. The mountains were spectacular. The water was cold and clear. It was perfect. To start, we stayed in site 38."

    "The campground was a bit off the highway and we saw countless waterfalls along the way to the campground entrance Immediately upon getting to our site my heart sank because I realized our site didn't"

    2. Park Creek Campground

    9 Reviews
    Rio Grande National Forest, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 657-3321

    "Park Creek Campground Rio Grande National Forest Elevation: 8500

    Directions: In South Fork, Colorado, at intersection of State 149 and US 160, take Road 160 west 7.8 miles to Park Creek campground sign"

    "Beautiful sites and right next to the water! Unfortunately closed now. Our dogs enjoyed running around though and they have clean pit toilets!"

    3. South Fork Lodge & RV Park

    5 Reviews
    South Fork, CO
    1 mile
    +1 (719) 873-5303

    "Great place for full hook up spots in South Fork. They also have great trails close that you can drive to via atv or ohv's. Wonderful views all around from our campsites!"

    "We love South Fork Lodge and RV. Not fancy but run by great people who aim to please!"

    4. Lower Beaver Creek Campground

    5 Reviews
    Rio Grande National Forest, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 657-3321

    "Tho the road to Beaver Reservoir is close by, it is a quiet campground even during the day and pretty much dead silence at night."

    "We ended up pulling into this campground at night when we didn't feel safe driving on the road any longer. Spots were easy to find. Basic setup, table and fire pit. Bathrooms were stocked and clean."

    5. Palisade

    6 Reviews
    Rio Grande National Forest, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 658-2556

    "Beautiful location on the Rio Grande River. 12 spots, 26$ per night. Flat parking lots for fishing and overflow parking."

    6. South Fork Campground

    4 Reviews
    South Fork, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 873-5500

    $29 - $42 / night

    "My friend and I stayed at the South Fork Campground for a fly fishing trip.   The campground seems to be primarily a RV campground with 50 sites, but they do allow tent camping with 6 sites."

    "The town of South Fork is very small but you can get groceries and gas.  South Fork is on the East side of Wolf Creek Pass, which is a beautiful, steep, drive. "

    7. Cathedral Campground

    8 Reviews
    South Fork, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 657-3321

    $11 / night

    "It’s about 10 miles off the highway down a narrow, dirt road, and there were plenty of empty spots over the Holiday weekend."

    "Great location, easy drive on a road, would maybe have a hard time turning into campsite with large camper. Only negative is no water. It's a really awesome free campground. Great stream."

    8. Woods & River RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Del Norte, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 657-4530

    "HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FOR FAMILIES AND PETS. PLAYGROUND FOR KIDS HAS A FUN ZIPLINE AND LOTS OF TRAILS TO WALK THE DOGS."

    "Great place in an awesome location! Stayed for 3 months beginning of 2020 and had a great time! The host is always checking to make sure your stay is everything g you need!"

    9. Grandview Cabins and RV

    3 Reviews
    South Fork, CO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (719) 873-5541

    "The RV park is extremely quiet and pet friendly. We extremely enjoyed our three day stay."

    "RV park is well maintained with big areas for dogs to play. Close to grocery and restaurants, hiking, fishing, ATV! Internet is not great. ATT Cell phone coverage sporadic."

    10. Forest Road 614

    3 Reviews
    South Fork, CO
    1 mile

    "This is a great area that’s near a few private ranches. The app mentioned a steep incline but we managed no issues with a 04 Toyota sienna FWD"

    "I wanted a spot while driving north from New Mexico and this was perfect. sat right above town, it was an awesome little spot."

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Showing results 1-10 of 124 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near South Fork, CO

627 Reviews of 124 South Fork Campgrounds


  • Caitlin  D.
    Aug. 5, 2016

    Upper Beaver Creek Campground

    Upper Beaver Creek

    This was pretty close to a perfect campspot for us. It's only a 10 minute drive off the main road from South fork, and 5 mins up from the main Beaver Creek Campground. The main is a bit more populated and traveled. The upper was secluded, closer to the water, closer to the reservoir, and only had 10-12 spots so not populated at all. Our spot was 15 ft from the water! The river is right there and beautiful. Each spot has water access also. We caught 3 trout right in front of our spot! Well shaded, fire pits with grates, and picnic tables. There are toilets and a water pump, no hookups or showers. Overall can't wait to get back here, by far one of the best spots we've ran across-$18 p/night.

  • K
    Aug. 11, 2021

    Park Creek Campground

    Park Creek Campground, Rio Grande National Forest

    Park Creek Campground Rio Grande National Forest

    Elevation: 8500

    Directions: In South Fork, Colorado, at intersection of State 149 and US 160, take Road 160 west 7.8 miles to Park Creek campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

    This small campground, stretches along the banks of the South Fork of the Rio Grande River among mature shade trees. Many sites are adjacent to the river. US Highway 160 is very close by so will have some traffic noise. The campground has the feel of spacious seclusion and is very cool and shady. Accessible, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets , Drinking water.

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2019

    South Fork Campground

    South Fork Campground + The Rio Grande River + Fly Fishing

    My friend and I stayed at the South Fork Campground for a fly fishing trip.  

    The campground seems to be primarily a RV campground with 50 sites, but they do allow tent camping with 6 sites. There is an office at the entrance and the staff were friendly. Next to the office is a community room and laundry room.

    The RV sites have water and electric hookup. The tent sites do not - at least ours did not. There are restrooms with sinks, toilets and showers nearby the campsites.

    The campground itself sits on the Rio Grande River which is a world class fly fishing river. When we were visiting the river was flowing fast and deep, so it was not a very productive time. We choose to fish in the mountain lakes and streams instead.

    Overall the South Fork Campground is a nice place to stay for a few days or longer. The campsites were a little close in proximity for me, but I'm one that is accustomed to backcountry camping where there are few people around. The campground is a short drive to the town of South Fork where there are grocery stores, gas stations and outdoor gear and fly fishing stores.

  • Steve & Ashley  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2019

    Highway Springs Campground

    Great Roadside Camping

    This is a NFS site along State highway 160 near South Fork Colorado. They have basic camps with fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets. The also have food lockers to protect from bears. The wooden site is beautiful in the Fall surrounded by the golden leaves of aspen trees and ponderosa pines. The highlight is the river side location and the beautiful views of the mountains. The site has a fairly high elevation which can provide cool summer temps and early frost even in September. Surprisingly, the site was half full in September. I would stay here again.

  • Sarah F.
    Aug. 3, 2020

    South Fork Campground

    Rollin on the River

    Spots right on the river are pure bliss.  Full hookups and the sound of the Rio Grande to lull you to sleep.  How great is that? 

    Full hookups were great.  Owners were fantastic and friendly. 

    The town of South Fork is very small but you can get groceries and gas.  South Fork is on the East side of Wolf Creek Pass, which is a beautiful, steep, drive.  The best part about the area is the ample amount of fishing.  This area is an anglers dream, reservoirs in every corner of the map with the Rio Grande at your fingertips.  Fishing dreams made!

    Campground spots were well positioned but a tiny bit close.  I would highly recommend any of the ones on the river, you have plenty of space to spread out between the picnic table, fire ring and grassy area by the river's edge.

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2019

    Poage Lake Primitive Campsite

    Poage Lake Primitive Campsite + Lake + Fishing

    My friend and I made a fly fishing trip to Poage Lake. This land is part of the National Forest System and offers dispersed primitive camping. 

    The Poage Lake campsite consists of a large parking area, a short trail to the lake, and the lake itself. You can disperse camp next to the parking lot. There are no services nor amenities at this campsite, so Leave No Trace principles should be applied..

    There is nothing special about the campsite area other than it is conveniently located next to the beautiful Poage Lake. The lake is secluded and pristine and surrounded by old growth forest. It is an excellent place for fly fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout. 

    There are no towns nor stores near the campsite, so be sure to pick up any supplies you may need in the town of South Fork, CO. There are grocery stores, gas stations and outdoor gear and fly fishing stores in South Fork. Take any water that you may need or filter water from the lake.

    If you like peace and quiet this site might be for you. If you like amenities, this site probably is not your style.

  • Max B.
    Jun. 25, 2018

    Buffalo Pass Campground

    Dispersed camping, solitude

    Great place to camp in Colorado to avoid weekend crowds. Wide open, off the beaten path as far as Colorado goes.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2021

    Highway Springs Campground

    Quiet thanks to the river

    Just outside of South Fork, the campground sits above the River. It’s small, with only about a dozen sites. Even though the campground is right next to the highway, it was really quiet thanks to the River. There are two loops, and I preferred the bottom loop thanks to the River. Vault toilet was clean, and sites had the standard fire rings and picnic tables.

  • P
    Jun. 5, 2021

    South Fork Lodge & RV Park

    South Fork Gem

    Great place for full hook up spots in South Fork. They also have great trails close that you can drive to via atv or ohv's. Wonderful views all around from our campsites! Great mom and pop business that is reasonably priced.


Guide to South Fork

Forest Road 614 near South Fork offers free dispersed camping with full pet access. The site features multiple fire pits and provides adequate space for pets to explore while maintaining proximity to town. Grandview Cabins and RV Resort accommodates pets at their cabin and RV sites with well-maintained grounds that include large areas for dogs to play. South Fork Lodge & RV Park provides pet-friendly options across tent sites, RV spots, and cabins. ['Campers report the RV park is extremely quiet and pet friendly with ample room for dogs to exercise.'] Most campgrounds in the area maintain standard pet policies requiring leashes and proper waste disposal.

Hiking trails accessible from Forest Road 614 provide excellent pet exercise opportunities with stunning mountain views. Dogs have space to explore while enjoying the natural surroundings, though owners should note the area experiences significant wind due to the lack of tree coverage. Pet owners camping at South Fork campgrounds have convenient access to town amenities while still enjoying wilderness settings. Veterinary services are available in South Fork for emergency pet care needs. When planning extended stays, campers should be aware that afternoon thunderstorms are common during summer months, which may limit outdoor activities with pets. Lower Beaver Creek Campground offers a quieter pet-friendly alternative that remains peaceful even during peak visitation periods, with bear boxes provided at each campsite for securing pet food along with human provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near South Fork, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near South Fork, CO is Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (south Central Co) with a 4.8-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near South Fork, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 124 dog-friendly camping locations near South Fork, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.