Dowdy Lake
Open year-round with reduced capacity in winter when back loops close. Drinking water is typically available through September 30. Fire restrictions may be in effect during high fire danger periods. Sites not occupied within 26 hours of reservation start are released for first-come-first-served use.
Air Quality Alert issued July 1 at 9:10AM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants. WHERE...Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties WHEN...400 PM Tuesday June 30 to 400 PM Wednesday July 01 IMPACTS...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants is now in effect for the Front Range Urban Corridor. Continued hot and sunny weather conditions may allow ozone concentrations to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category on Tuesday and Wednesday. The transport of wildfire smoke may increase particle pollution levels, reaching the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category, or worse, at times. For Colorado air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx If possible, please help us reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving gas and diesel-powered vehicles until at least 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Colorado is also addressing ozone pollution through state policies. For more information about health impacts and how ozone pollution forms in Colorado, visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/ozone- pollution-and-your-health HEALTH INFORMATION...If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
Air Quality Alert issued June 30 at 4:10PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants. WHERE...Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties WHEN...400 PM Tuesday June 30 to 400 PM Wednesday July 01 IMPACTS...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants is now in effect for the Front Range Urban Corridor. Continued hot and sunny weather conditions may allow ozone concentrations to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category on Tuesday and Wednesday. The transport of wildfire smoke may increase particle pollution levels, reaching the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category, or worse, at times. For Colorado air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx If possible, please help us reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving gas and diesel-powered vehicles until at least 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Colorado is also addressing ozone pollution through state policies. For more information about health impacts and how ozone pollution forms in Colorado, visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/ozone- pollution-and-your-health HEALTH INFORMATION...If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
About
Dowdy Lake Campground is situated in a ponderosa pine forest on the shore of Dowdy Lake at 8,200 feet elevation, near the village of Red Feather Lakes. The campground offers 70 sites including 10 walk-in tent sites and 5 double sites. All sites except the walk-in tent sites have electric hookups, and each site includes a tent pad, picnic table, fire grate with grill, and bear locker. Vault toilets, drinking water from hand pumps, and trash collection are provided. No RV water connections or dump station are available on site. The 115-acre Dowdy Lake is a no-wake lake with a 10 mph speed limit, popular for canoeing and fishing. Anglers target brown, brook, cutthroat, and lake trout. A day-use area and boat ramp are part of the complex. The surrounding area offers hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails including the 4-mile Mount Margaret Trail, with several OHV trails within five miles. The back loops close in early fall, leaving approximately 30 sites open year-round. Parking spur lengths range from 30 to 70 feet depending on the site. Due to mountain pine beetle infestation and hazardous tree removal, some sites have reduced shade.
Directions
From Fort Collins, drive 21 miles north on US Highway 287. Turn left (west) onto Red Feather Lakes Road (County Road 74E) and continue approximately 22 miles. Turn right (north) and travel another mile to the signed campground entrance on the right.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 - $47 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 130ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 130ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 295-6600 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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