Dowdy Lake Campground

For us, as Colorado locals, the pursuit of the perfect outdoor escape is a familiar quest. We seek places that not only offer breathtaking scenery but also provide a comfortable and welcoming environment. Dowdy Lake Campground, nestled in the popular Red Feather Lakes area, stands out as a true testament to what makes Colorado camping so special. It consistently earns high praise for its meticulously maintained facilities, beautiful lakeside setting, and the overall quality of the camping experience it provides.

Dowdy Lake Campground isn't just another spot to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a meticulously cared-for oasis within the vast Roosevelt National Forest. With its focus on cleanliness, spacious sites, and direct access to Dowdy Lake, it offers a serene and engaging environment for individuals, couples, and families looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. This article will provide a comprehensive look at Dowdy Lake Campground, covering its prime location, the array of services it offers, its standout features, and why it's an ideal choice for your next memorable Colorado camping adventure.

Dowdy Lake Campground is conveniently located at Owassa Cir, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545, USA. This places it approximately 48 miles northwest of Fort Collins, within the highly sought-after Red Feather Lakes region. The drive to the campground is a picturesque journey, taking you through quintessential Colorado landscapes that signal your transition from daily life to mountain tranquility. The approach involves driving 21 miles north of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287, then turning left (west) onto the Red Feather Lakes Road (County Road 74E) and traveling approximately 22 miles. Finally, you'll turn right (north) and travel another mile to the signed campground entrance on the right. These roads are generally paved and well-maintained, ensuring a relatively smooth journey for various vehicle types, including RVs.

The campground's location directly next to Dowdy Lake is a significant draw, offering stunning lake views and easy access for water-based activities. It's nestled within a ponderosa pine forest, providing a beautiful natural backdrop and a degree of shade, though some areas may have reduced shade due to historical pine beetle infestations and tree removal for safety. While immersed in nature, the campground remains within reasonable proximity to the village of Red Feather Lakes, offering access to basic supplies, limited dining options, and a post office if needed. This balance of feeling remote while still having some conveniences nearby is a hallmark of a great Colorado camping spot. It's important to note that Dowdy Lake Campground is a very popular destination, especially during peak summer months. Reservations are highly recommended, often filling up months in advance, though a limited number of sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly during the shoulder seasons or winter when 30 sites remain open year-round.

• Individual Campsites: Offers 70 spacious single-family campsites, including 10 dedicated walk-to tent-only sites.
• Electrical Hookups: 60 of the campsites (all except the walk-to tent sites) are equipped with electrical hookups (30/50 amp), accommodating RVs and trailers of various sizes (parking spur lengths range from 30 to 70 feet).
• Tent Pads: Each campsite has a large, level tent pad, capable of accommodating more than one tent or a large tent plus a sunshade.
• Picnic Tables: Every campsite is furnished with a large picnic table, often noted for being freshly cleaned.
• Fire Rings with Grates: Each site includes a fire ring with a cooking grate, perfect for campfires and outdoor cooking (check for current fire restrictions).
• Bear Lockers: Secure, bear-proof food storage lockers are provided at each campsite, crucial for safety in this wildlife habitat.
• Clean Restrooms: Exceptionally clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available throughout the campground, frequently praised by visitors for their cleanliness and pleasant smell.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available (typically through late September).
• Camp Host On-Site: A friendly and available camp host checks in daily, contributing to the campground's cleanliness and assisting campers.
• Day-Use Area: The complex includes a designated day-use area, ideal for picnics or short visits.
• Boat Ramp: A boat ramp provides convenient access to Dowdy Lake for launching watercraft.
• Trash Collection: Facilities for trash disposal are provided, promoting a clean and responsible camping environment.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally allowed but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet, and owners are responsible for waste disposal.
• Reservations System: Primarily reservation-based through Recreation.gov, available up to 6 months in advance.

• Beautiful Lakefront Setting: Located directly on the shore of Dowdy Lake, offering stunning views and direct access to the water for various activities.
• Exceptional Cleanliness: Consistently highlighted by campers as one of the cleanest campgrounds they've encountered, particularly the restrooms and overall site tidiness.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Camp sites are beautiful, large, and thoughtfully arranged among the trees to provide a good degree of privacy for campers.
• Friendly and Attentive Camp Hosts: Visitors frequently commend the camp hosts for their helpfulness, presence, and dedication to maintaining the campground's high standards.
• Electric Hookups for RVs: A significant convenience for RV and trailer campers, making it a comfortable option for those requiring power.
• Excellent for Water Activities: Dowdy Lake is a 115-acre, no-wake lake (10 mph speed limit for motorized boats), popular for canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and fishing (stocked with trout).
• Good Cell Service: Unlike many mountain campgrounds, Dowdy Lake generally offers good cell service, providing a balance for those who need to stay minimally connected.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The surrounding forest and lake attract various wildlife, including eagles, herons, ducks, and potentially elk, deer, and moose.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: Access to several trails in the area, including a path around Dowdy Lake and the 4-mile Mount Margaret Trail, cater to hikers and bikers.
• Year-Round Camping: While the full campground is open seasonally, 30 sites remain open year-round, offering opportunities for winter camping and enjoying the frozen lake.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The amenities and activities make it well-suited for families, offering plenty of space and opportunities for children to play and explore.

Address: Owassa Cir, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545, USA

Phone: (970) 295-6700 (This number typically connects to the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, part of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, which manages Dowdy Lake Campground.)

For reservations, it is highly recommended to use the national reservation system: Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.

For those of us who call Colorado home, Dowdy Lake Campground represents an exemplary blend of nature's grandeur and thoughtful amenities, making it a highly desirable destination for a local getaway. We appreciate well-maintained spaces, and the consistent reviews praising the campground's cleanliness—from the spotless restrooms to the freshly tidied campsites—speak volumes about the care put into this location. This attention to detail allows us to focus entirely on relaxation and recreation, rather than logistical concerns.

The availability of electrical hookups is a significant convenience for many Colorado campers, especially those with RVs or trailers, providing a level of comfort that isn't always found in more rustic settings. Yet, even tent campers are well-catered for with spacious, private tent pads and all the essential site amenities like bear boxes and fire rings. The beautiful setting right on Dowdy Lake, coupled with opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking, aligns perfectly with our active, outdoor-centric lifestyle.

While some campers might occasionally encounter issues with noise from neighbors, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the peaceful atmosphere that Dowdy Lake typically offers. The presence of a friendly and active camp host further ensures a pleasant experience, as they are on hand to assist and maintain the campground's high standards. For Colorado locals seeking an immaculately clean, amenity-rich, and beautifully situated campground that truly feels like a cherished escape, Dowdy Lake Campground is an undisputed top choice for creating lasting memories in our stunning natural backyard.

Dowdy Lake Campground

Owassa Cir, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545, USA