Dowdy Lake Campground
USFS · Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Campground
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Nearest dump station
- Rocky Mountain National Park Dump Station · 30.2 mi
- Coordinates
- 40.7973, -105.5681
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
Dowdy Lake Campground is located near the popular Red Feather Lakes area. It is located 48 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado. The campground is next to Dowdy Lake in a ponderosa pine forest. Each site contains a tent pad, fire grate and picnic table. All campsites with a tent pad have a bear locker. The campground has 70 sites, including 10 walk-in tent sites. The back loops close in early fall leaving 30 sites open year round. All of the sites, except the walk-in tent sites, have electricity and can accommodate RVs of various sizes. There are five double sites available. The complex also includes a day-use area and boat ramp. This campground is extremely popular for fishing, hiking and mountain biking.
From the USFS.Official page
Is Dowdy Lake Campground free?
No. Dowdy Lake Campground charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
How do I get to Dowdy Lake Campground?
Drive 21 miles north of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287. Turn left (west) onto the Red Feather Lakes Road (County Road 74E) and travel approximately 22 miles. Turn right (north) and travel another mile to signed campground entrance on the right.
What are the rules at Dowdy Lake Campground?
A single site may hold up to eight people. Double sites will accommodate more people. Tents must fit on the pads provided. RVs, trailers or other vehicles must fit on the parking spur because driving or parking off road is not permitted. The parking length ranges from 30 to 70 feet.
Nearby
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
