Dowdy Lake

DOWDY LAKE

Part of Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee Ng

Overview

Dowdy Lake Campground is located 48 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Colo., near the village of Red Feather Lakes. Visitors enjoy the area for its canoeing, fishing and trail opportunities.

Facilities

The campground offers 60 accessible single and double family campsites with electric hookups. Ten sites are designated for tent camping only and do not have hookups. Each site contains a tent pad, picnic table and campfire ring with grill.

Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Dead and downed firewood may be gathered in the forest or purchased in bundles from the campground host.

Natural Features

The campground is situated in a ponderosa pine forest on the shore of Dowdy Lake, at an elevation of 8,200 feet. Afternoon thunderstorms can be expected during spring and summer months.

Due to the mountain pine beetle infestation and removal of hazardous trees, some sites have reduced shade.

Recreation

Canoeing and fishing are popular activities on the 115-acre, no-wake Dowdy Lake. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake, but a 10 mph speed limit is enforced. Anglers cast for brown, brook, cutthroat and lake trout. Several additional lakes are in the vicinity.

Many hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are in the surrounding area, including the 4-mile Mount Margaret Trail. Several off-road vehicle trails are located within five miles of the campground.

Other popular activities include viewing wildlife and visiting the nearby Redfeather Visitor Center.

Nearby Attractions

The small village of Red Feather Lakes is nearby, offering limited dining options, gift shops, general stores, a library, post office and a golf course.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578.

Important Notices

  • 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.

  • This is bear country! For bear and human safety, keep a clean campsite and do not place food or other attractants in your tent. For more information about visiting bear country, contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife at http://wildlife.state.co.us
  • Dowdy Lake is a no-wake lake
  • Campsite fee includes use of the day-use area
  • Extra parking is not available
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/arp for more information on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests

  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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 collected by the camphost. There is not a way to pay for extra vehicles when you make your reservation. One vehicle consists of one camper being towed by vehicle, or any other vehicle towed behind camper. One van or one truck with camper attached counts as one vehicle.

  • Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. 

  • Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents cannot modify reservations on or after the check-in date.

Available Activities

  • Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
  • Hiking - Hiking
  • Fishing - Fishing
  • Camping - Camping
  • Boating - Boating
  • Biking - Biking
  • Birding - Birding
  • Canoeing - Canoeing
  • Kayaking - Kayaking
  • Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking

Directions

From Fort Collins, take Highway 287 north for approximately 24 miles to Livermore. Turn west on County Road 74 and continue about 23 miles to Dowdy Lake Road. Turn right, then another right onto Dowdy Drive and continue to the campground.

Cancellation Policy

<p>Modifications for this campground must be made through <a href="http://Recreation.gov" rel="nofollow"><strong>Recreation.gov</strong></a> or by calling the call center at 1-877-444-6777 PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents cannot modify reservations on or after the check-in date.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 970-295-6700

9054 U.S Hwy 285
Morrison, CO 80465

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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