How much does camping cost at Dowdy Lake?

Camping fees at Dowdy Lake are $20 - $47/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 January 01 to December 31. 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: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. 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

Top 25% in COSpring

A-Report Card

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Colorado#2 Best Campgrounds Colorado#2 RV Camping Colorado#2 +6 more

Quick Facts

8,200 ft

Price

$20 - $47/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 Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,200 ft

Price

$20 - $47/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 Official Website

Get Directions

Dowdy Lake

$20.00 - $47.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC-DBL: $47.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $20.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

970-295-6700

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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).

Weather at Dowdy Lake

Current alerts(10)

All campsites must be occupied within 26 hours of the beginning of the reservation. If not present the site will be rented by first come first serve basis.
Campsite fee includes use of the day-use area
Dowdy Lake is a no-wake lake
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.

Best Time to Camp at Dowdy Lake

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the warmest, most reliable weather for boating, fishing, hiking and mountain biking around Dowdy Lake, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to upper-70s°F (≈18–26°C) and cool nights in the mid-30s to low-50s°F (≈2–10°C). The lake is ice-free, forest trails are accessible, and wildlife activity (elk, deer, waterfowl) is high — ideal for anglers and paddlers. Expect moderate to busy weekends and holiday crowds (reservations begin June 24), and plan for common late-afternoon/ Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best season: warmest weather and peak access to boating, fishing, hiking and biking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 16-Dec 31, reservable June 24-Dec 20.

About Dowdy Lake

Dowdy Lake sits in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests near Red Feather Lakes, a high-elevation alpine campground operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The mid-sized facility offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups, vault toilets, and potable water, drawing campers for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing on the lake. Spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables provide a base for hiking and biking the surrounding forest trails.

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 SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the warmest, most reliable weather for boating, fishing, hiking and mountain biking around Dowdy Lake, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to upper-70s°F (≈18–26°C) and cool nights in the mid-30s to low-50s°F (≈2–10°C). The lake is ice-free, forest trails are accessible, and wildlife activity (elk, deer, waterfowl) is high — ideal for anglers and paddlers. Expect moderate to busy weekends and holiday crowds (reservations begin June 24), and plan for common late-afternoon/ Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation8200 ft above sea level

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.

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

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov and call center.

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

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Dowdy Lake

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Multiple trails: 4-mile Mount Margaret and 2.3-mile lake loop; trails vary in difficulty and scenery.

Fishing4.0/5

Anglers target brown, brook, cutthroat, lake trout; fishing is a popular activity on Dowdy Lake.

Biking4.0/5Top 18% in Colorado

Boating4.0/5

115-acre no-wake lake; canoeing and kayaking popular; motorized boats allowed with restrictions.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Canoeing and kayaking are popular on the calm, no-wake 115-acre lake.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation (8,200 ft) and remote lake setting imply good dark-sky potential and clear views.

Photography4.5/5Stunning lake and mountain views with opened canopy provide strong photo opportunities at sunrise/sunset.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Dowdy Lake

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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

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

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

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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Dowdy Lake

$20.00 - $47.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC-DBL: $47.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $20.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-295-6700

Go if

You want lakefront recreation with electric hookups and don't mind booking well ahead.

Skip if

You need last-minute availability or prefer dispersed camping away from a popular lake.

Nearby Campgrounds

West Lake sits in the high-elevation alpine terrain of Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests near Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. This U.S. Forest Service campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with electric hookups, vault toilets, and potable water. Campers fish, boat, hike, and watch wildlife along the lakeshore, with friendly hosts maintaining clean facilities throughout the season.

Dowdy Lake

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Dowdy Lake

Current alerts(10)

Best Time to Camp at Dowdy Lake

Planning Tips

About Dowdy Lake

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Dowdy Lake?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Dowdy Lake

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

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How campers graded it

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Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Dowdy Lake

Current alerts(10)

Best Time to Camp at Dowdy Lake

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Dowdy Lake?

Amenities available

Things to do at Dowdy Lake

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews