How much does camping cost at Dowdy Lake?

Camping fees at Dowdy Lake range from $20-$81/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dowdy Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Dowdy Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Dowdy Lake before I book?

Yes! Dowdy Lake has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Dowdy Lake?

Dowdy Lake is open May 16-Sept 20 annually.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Dowdy Lake?

Dowdy Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Dowdy Lake?

Fire policies at Dowdy Lake: Seasonal fire bans possible. Dead and downed firewood can be collected or purchased on-site.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Dowdy Lake?

Cell phone service at Dowdy Lake is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Dowdy Lake have?

Dowdy Lake has 70 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dowdy Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dowdy Lake. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Dowdy Lake?

Dowdy Lake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Dowdy Lake

4.65

455 reviews

REDFEATHER LAKES, BELLEVUE, CO, 80512, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Colorado#1 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Colorado#2 Camping Near Rocky Mountain National Park#3 +6 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,200 ft

Price

$20 - $81/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

70 campsites

Season

Open May 16-Dec 31, ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on U.S. Forest Service Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Dowdy Lake is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,200 ft

Price

$20 - $81/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

70 campsites

Season

Open May 16-Dec 31, ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on U.S. Forest Service Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Dowdy Lake

$20.00 - $81.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EXTRA VEHICLE FEES: One vehicle is included in your reservation. Any additional vehicles will be charged $8.00 per vehicle per night and will be...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

970-295-6700

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What Campers Say

4.65

Top-Rated

Based on 455 reviews

148 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacioushiking

Some mention

reservation

"The campground is frequently praised for its cleanliness, scenic beauty, and well-maintained facilities. Commonly noted highlights include the clean vault toilets, friendly hosts, and stunning lake views."

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Campground Map

REDFEATHER LAKES, BELLEVUE, CO, 80512, USA

Dowdy Lake

REDFEATHER LAKES, BELLEVUE, CO, 80512, USA

Nearby places

Fort Collins (48 miles, approximately 1 hour drive)

Bellvue (nearby, exact distance unspecified).

Nearby supplies

Supplies are available from the small village of Red Feather Lakes, offering limited dining options, gift shops, general stores, a library, post office, and a golf course.

Best Time to Camp at Dowdy Lake

Summer brings the best conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to upper-70s°F and cool nights dropping into the mid-30s to low-50s°F. The lake is ice-free, trails are accessible, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Winter turns the campground into a quiet retreat with crisp, dry conditions, though some facilities operate on a limited schedule and water may not be available. Crowds peak on summer weekends and holidays.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best season: ice-free lake, full amenities, trails and water activities; very popular.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 16-Sept 20 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 16-Dec 31, reservable June 24-Dec 20.
Current Alerts: Seasonal water restrictions, potential fire bans during dry conditions.

About Dowdy Lake

Dowdy Lake sits at 8,200 feet in Colorado's ponderosa pine forest, offering 70 campsites along the lakeshore. The campground includes 60 sites with electric hookups and 10 tent-only sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and tent pad. Vault toilets and potable water are available in summer. Nightly fees range from $20 to $81. Reservations open June 24 and fill quickly on peak weekends.

Dowdy Lake Campground features a mix of camping options, including sites for RVs, tent camping, and group camping. The campground is situated in a ponderosa pine forest at an elevation of 8,200 feet.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to upper-70s°F and cool nights dropping into the mid-30s to low-50s°F. The lake is ice-free, trails are accessible, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Winter turns the campground into a quiet retreat with crisp, dry conditions, though some facilities operate on a limited schedule and water may not be available. Crowds peak on summer weekends and holidays.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 8,200 feet above sea level, Dowdy Lake Campground offers a true high-altitude escape where the air is crisp and refreshing. This elevated setting provides naturally cooler temperatures throughout the summer months, making it an ideal retreat from lowland heat. The thin mountain air and brilliant sunshine create perfect conditions for stargazing and remind visitors they're camping more than a mile and a half above the ocean.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground borders Dowdy Lake, surrounded by ponderosa pine forest recovering from mountain pine beetle damage. Ongoing selective tree removal has opened the canopy, creating broader views across the water and surrounding mountains. The elevation puts campers in high-country terrain where morning mist lifts off the lake and afternoon thunderstorms build over distant peaks. The thinned forest still provides scattered shade and habitat for elk, deer, and waterfowl that frequent the shoreline.

Geological RegionThis remarkable campground occupies a unique ecological niche within Colorado's high-country ponderosa pine ecosystem at 8,200 feet elevation. The surrounding forest tells a compelling story of adaptation and renewal, as native pines face challenges from mountain pine beetle infestations. Ongoing forest management, including the selective removal of affected trees, has created a more open canopy that offers expanded views of Dowdy Lake and the surrounding mountain landscape. This evolving environment provides campers with a front-row seat to witness nature's resilience and the careful balance between forest health and recreational access in the modern West.

Scenic ViewsMany sites offer lakefront views. 'Gorgeous camp site with a beautiful view' mentioned in user reviews.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available, as this is a dedicated campground.

Programs & ActivitiesOccasionally, there are wildlife-related shows, but no formal programs are consistently available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2PM

Check-out

12 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay duration of 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits unspecified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is arranged in loops with separate areas designated for tents and RVs. Site sizes vary, with some described as extra-large and spacious enough for large rigs, others suited to small tents. Privacy depends on location. Some sites offer seclusion, others sit closer together.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov and call center.

Walk-in AvailabilityLimited availability; first-come, first-served possible during offseason.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the arrival date, incurring a $10 fee and potential forfeiture of the first night's fees for late cancellations. Changes cost $10 if altering dates entirely.

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible sites and trails. However, some accessibility concerns were raised, such as the need for a footbridge over a hazardous gully on one trail.

Site SizeCampsite sizes vary, accommodating both small tents and large RVs. Some sites are described as 'extra-large' and spacious.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site; some sites are noted for their seclusion, while others are closer together. A reviewer mentioned, 'The campsites are far enough away from each other to offer privacy but close enough to meet some new friends.

Total Campsites70 campsites

Recommended SitesConsider sites near the lake for best views and access to water activities. Avoid site 26 for lack of shade.

Best CampsitesSites 38, 39, 41, and 51 get mentioned in reviews for their lake views and proximity to the water. Some campers note that sites vary in spacing: far enough apart for privacy, close enough to meet neighbors if you want to.

Need help booking Dowdy Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Drinking water is available until Sept. 30. No RV water connections are available. Come with your RV/trailer water tank filled. Filling at campground hydrants cross-contaminates the system and is not allowed.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Dowdy Lake Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities, including fishing, kayaking, hiking, wildlife viewing, and biking. These activities are complemented by the scenic location on the shore of Dowdy Lake.

Hiking

Climbing

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent mentions of bears and moose in the area, with emphasis on keeping campsites clean to avoid attracting wildlife.

Active AlertsSeasonal water restrictions, potential fire bans during dry conditions.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Dowdy Lake. Vault toilets are provided and are highly praised for their cleanliness.

Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant lockers provided at each site. Praised for their cleanliness and utility in user reviews.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicySeasonal fire bans possible. Dead and downed firewood can be collected or purchased on-site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Exact times unspecified.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services include ambulance access to the campground as mentioned in user reviews. Specific locations of hospitals or police stations not documented.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is provided on-site. Recycling facilities were not mentioned in the source materials.

Water FeaturesCampground situated directly on Dowdy Lake. Activities include canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

Camp HostCamp hosts frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. 'Bob, the host, was very friendly and helpful.'

Cell CoverageMixed reviews on cell phone service—one user noted 'Excellent cell phone coverage (Verizon),' while others did not mention specific providers.

Weather at Dowdy Lake

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.7

455 reviews

Top-Rated

Dowdy Lake is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is frequently praised for its cleanliness, scenic beauty, and well-maintained facilities. Commonly noted highlights include the clean vault toilets, friendly hosts, and stunning lake views.

Review Summaries

Based on 455 reviews

What Campers Love

- Clean and well-maintained facilities - Friendly and helpful hosts - Beautiful lake views and serene atmosphere - Variety of recreational activities including kayaking, fishing, and hiking -...

Based on 455 reviews

Common Concerns

- Difficulty in securing reservations due to popularity - Some sites lack shade due to tree removal - Crowded conditions during peak times - Specific complaints about the spacing of campsites and...

Based on 455 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Book early to secure a spot, especially during peak season. - Bring your own water if visiting during the off-season, as water is not available year-round. - Stay aware of fire restrictions and...

Based on 455 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer are the busiest seasons, with activities like kayaking and fishing being popular. Winter use is limited, with fewer amenities available. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in spring...

Based on 455 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The bathrooms are impeccable! They clean them daily, and they do not smell at all.' - 'Dowdy Lake was so pretty, especially from camp during sunrise.' - 'The camp host was amazing and made our...

Based on 455 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site 32: Great view, clean, but close to the bathrooms. - Site 18: Spacious and private, with easy lake access. - Site 41: Excellent for fishing and paddleboarding. - Site 26: Not shaded, contrary...

Based on 455 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground offers accessible sites and trails. However, reviewers mentioned that certain trails could benefit from better accessibility features, such as footbridges.

Based on 455 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dowdy Lake is pet-friendly, and many users brought their dogs. However, some reviewers expressed frustration over off-leash dogs despite rules requiring leashes.

Based on 455 reviews

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