Crawford State Park is the dog friendly camping stop you do not want to skip if you are road tripping between Ouray and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. We stayed here after finishing the Ouray Perimeter Trail, and it turned out to be one of our favorite camping nights in Colorado: lakeside views, mountain backdrops, clean facilities with showers (a huge plus after a long hiking day), and a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere.

Crawford State Park sits about 1.5 hours northwest of Ouray and roughly 12 miles from Black Canyon of the Gunnison, making it the perfect halfway point if you are doing both stops on the same trip. Here is everything you need to know to book your own stay, plus what we packed, ate, and loved about camping here with our dog Tira.

We booked our campsite in advance through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife reservation system. Sites at Crawford fill up fast in summer, so book ahead.

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Crawford State Park Camping Details

• Cost: $28 to $36 per night depending on campsite type
• Reservations: Crawford State Park booking page (book in advance, sites fill up fast in summer)
• Two campground options: Iron Creek Campground (near the boat ramp, electric and water hookups) or Clear Fork Campground (also has hookups, slightly more secluded)
• Dogs: Allowed on leash throughout the campground and on trails. Note that dogs are not allowed on the swim beach
• Facilities: Flush toilets, showers, drinking water, dump station
• Firewood: Available for purchase at the park

We booked at the Iron Creek camp site near the lake and close to the shower area, which we would absolutely recommend after a long hiking day. The views of the lake with the mountains in the background were incredible, especially at sunset. DM us or drop a comment if you want to know which site we booked.

Dinner at Camp

We fired up the grill for one of our favorite camping meals: Filipino chicken inasal BBQ, Japanese sweet potatoes and ube, bacon-wrapped asparagus, ramen, and s’mores for dessert. Cooking with views of the lake and mountains made everything taste better. This is what camping is all about.

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Camping Gear We Used

Cooking at the Fire:

• Disposable aluminum grill liners (made cleanup so easy after cooking on the fire pit)
• Fire starters
• Extra long BBQ tongs
• S’mores skewers

Shelter and Comfort:

• CORE 6 person lighted dome tent
• Sleeping bags (temps dropped to the 30s and 40s at night)
• Camping light with tripod stand
• Headlamps
• Camping chairs
• Outdoor puffy camping blanket

For Tira:

• Elevated dog cot. Tira loved lounging on this after his big hiking day. It kept him off the ground and comfortable all evening
• Dog light clip on. Essential for keeping Tira visible around the campsite after dark

Find our complete gear list: First Time Camping Gear

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Evening at Crawford State Park

After dinner we sat by the campfire and watched the stars come out. The night sky at Crawford State Park is stunning with minimal light pollution, and we could see the stars clearly. Tira curled up by the fire, totally exhausted from the day. It was the perfect end to a challenging but rewarding adventure.

Prefer a roof over your head instead of a tent? Find nearby lodging on Expedia, Vrbo, or Booking.com.

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What Else to Do at Crawford State Park

We did not get to explore much beyond our campsite since we had an early start the next morning, but Crawford State Park has plenty to offer if you have more time than we did.

1. Boating and Water Sports
The park centers around the 400-acre Crawford Reservoir, so most activities here are water based. Boating, paddleboarding, sailboarding, and water skiing are all popular on the lake.

2. Swim Beach
Open during the summer months, the swim beach is a nice spot to cool off. There is no lifeguard on duty, so swim at your own risk, and note that dogs are not allowed here.

3. Fishing
The reservoir is a popular fishing spot for visitors looking to spend a quiet afternoon on the water.

4. Hiking Trails
There are several hiking trails ranging from short paved walks to longer unpaved routes, including a 3.5 mile trail connecting the Visitor Center to the West Shore Day Use Area. Six different starting points along this trail make it easy to do a shorter version if you are short on time.

5. Biking Trails
A smaller network of biking trails runs through the park for those who want to explore on two wheels instead of on foot.

6. Picnic Areas
Picnic tables with grills and fire rings are scattered throughout the park, making it easy to find a quiet spot for lunch with a view.

7. Playground and Gift Shop
Near the Visitor Center you will find a playground for kids and a small gift shop.

8. Hunting (Fall Season)
If you are visiting in the fall, waterfowl and big game hunting are permitted in season with the proper permits. Worth checking the schedule and keeping your dog visible if you are hiking during this time.

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Dog Friendly Tips for Crawford State Park

• Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet throughout the park and campground
• Dogs are not allowed on the swim beach
• Pets cannot be left unattended at your campsite, and never leave them in a hot car
• Always clean up after your dog
• If hiking during hunting season (fall), keep your dog visible with a bright bandana or vest

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Is Crawford State Park Worth the Stop?

If you are road tripping through western Colorado and want a dog friendly, lakeside camping stop that will not break your schedule or your budget, Crawford State Park delivers. It is quiet, scenic, and perfectly positioned between two of Colorado’s best outdoor destinations.

Looking to plan the full trip? Read our guide to the Ouray Perimeter Trail or continue on to Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

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