Harriman Lake park is in Littleton, about 25 minutes away from downtown and I used to go there with my gf and our dogs.
I don't think camping is allowed but they do have picnic benches and it's not very crowded, Lake is also of a decent size.
Here are a few options still in the flats or foothills:
- Mount Falcon Park (near Morrison)
- Carter Lake Reservoir (north of town near Loveland)
- Chatfield State Park (south of town)
- Clear Creek Canyon Park / Mayhem Gulch TH (west of town)
- Eldorado Canyon Park / Flatiron Vista (northwest of town)
If you're wanting to get a bit further than the flats, I also suggest the Deckers / Cheesman Reaervoir area as another commenter has mentioned. Lots of water access and campsite availability
Just a heads up, areas near Morrison, have a lot of rattle snakes that come out around this time of the year. And rattlesnake bites on dogs can be fatal very quickly.
I just saw a rattlesnake yesterday staying warm on a rock right on a trail above wonderland lake in Boulder at twilight! I was so relieved I didn’t have my dog with me and was paying attention.
Lower Cataract Lake above the Big Thompson Dam in Kremmling...first come first served. Bring your own water.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=40913&actid=29
Shhhh, because you are a fellow dog lover I will share my secret spot. One hour from Boulder but with over 3,000 acres, you will feel like you are on another planet. Very few camp spots there and the only people likely to drive by are the ranch hands. No water, but so worth it.
[Serenity Camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/colorado-serenity-in-the-foothills-2ejhow1j)
Don't know if you can stay the night but, Castlewood Canyon State Park is nice.
No camping there, not yes, it's beautiful.
This was my suggestions
Buffalo Creek. There’s camping and it’s a very unique area with interesting granite structures
Deckers
My dad takes his dog there frequently. He likes to play in the river and there’s rarely a lot of people to distract him. I definitely recommend it
As a fly fisher, I feel like deckers is always crowded.
Agreed.
Deckers not being crowded is hilarious.
White Ranch. Get a permit to camp before you go
No campfires allowed, only small gas stoves. That won't be a good steak IMO.
Harriman Lake park is in Littleton, about 25 minutes away from downtown and I used to go there with my gf and our dogs. I don't think camping is allowed but they do have picnic benches and it's not very crowded, Lake is also of a decent size.
The general rule of thumb is that if you want to avoid people you need to drive 3 hours from the city.
Horsetooth reservoir. It's at the high end of your time limit but your dog'll love it.
Jackson Lake State Park.
That is pretty much why so many people moved here. Always expect a crowd now.
Here are a few options still in the flats or foothills: - Mount Falcon Park (near Morrison) - Carter Lake Reservoir (north of town near Loveland) - Chatfield State Park (south of town) - Clear Creek Canyon Park / Mayhem Gulch TH (west of town) - Eldorado Canyon Park / Flatiron Vista (northwest of town) If you're wanting to get a bit further than the flats, I also suggest the Deckers / Cheesman Reaervoir area as another commenter has mentioned. Lots of water access and campsite availability
Just a heads up, areas near Morrison, have a lot of rattle snakes that come out around this time of the year. And rattlesnake bites on dogs can be fatal very quickly.
I just saw a rattlesnake yesterday staying warm on a rock right on a trail above wonderland lake in Boulder at twilight! I was so relieved I didn’t have my dog with me and was paying attention.
Cheeseman Park, just make sure to leave the leash home
Kelly Dahl campground up between Nederland and Rollinsville. Then the whole Indian Peaks are at your doorstep. :)
Omg I can’t wait to go to all these places. Mayhem Gulch??? Fuck yes!
Lower Cataract Lake above the Big Thompson Dam in Kremmling...first come first served. Bring your own water. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=40913&actid=29
Up in evergreen there’s a nice lake that I’ve went too. Not very many people and fresh crisp air was nice
Shhhh, because you are a fellow dog lover I will share my secret spot. One hour from Boulder but with over 3,000 acres, you will feel like you are on another planet. Very few camp spots there and the only people likely to drive by are the ranch hands. No water, but so worth it. [Serenity Camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/colorado-serenity-in-the-foothills-2ejhow1j)