Pet-Friendly Camping Near Colorado Springs and the Royal Gorge
Yes, you can bring the dog to Observer Ranch. One thing up front: pet lodging is limited. Among rentals, only two units take pets: Mars (the pet planet camper) and Betelgeuse / Cabin 2 (the pet A-frame). If you bring your own RV, the dog stays with your rig. Tent and boondocking sites do not allow pets. The ranch has an on-site dog park and 76 acres of high desert to walk. Book the right unit, or you may land a camper or cabin that does not allow pets.
Which stays allow dogs?
1. Bring your own RV
RV sites from $49/night off-peak (back-in floor; pull-through and peak dates cost more). Full hookups and 20/30/50-amp power available. No pet fee.
Check RV availability
2. Mars (pet camper)
The only pet-friendly planet camper. Rates vary by season; from $74/night, plus a $35 cleaning fee once per stay (not included in the nightly rate). Confirm your dates on the calendar.
Book Mars
3. Betelgeuse / Cabin 2 (pets)
The only pet-friendly A-frame among our six cabins. Rates vary by season; Master Rate Card off-peak floor is $179/night, plus a $35 pet fee once per stay (not included in the nightly rate). Confirm your dates on the calendar.
Book Betelgeuse
Only Mars and Betelgeuse among rentals take pets. Book those names, not a random camper or cabin.
Fee note: Mars: $74/night plus a $35 cleaning fee once per stay (fee not included in the nightly rate). Betelgeuse: $179/night plus a $35 pet fee once per stay (fee not included in the nightly rate). Other channels may present the fee differently. Confirm what is included at checkout.
For more than one dog, size limits, or special cases, ask the desk before you book.
Leash and dog park
Dogs stay leashed everywhere on the ranch except inside the dog park. Pick up after your pets at the stations on the property.
Beyond the dog park, the ranch sits on 76 acres of high desert with mountain views, and Eightmile Creek runs through the property. Mornings are calm, and the nights are dark enough for real stargazing.
How close are Colorado Springs and the Royal Gorge?
The ranch is at 4509 CR 123, Penrose, CO 81240, about 8 miles from Cañon City, 20 minutes from the Royal Gorge Bridge, 30 minutes from Pueblo, and about 45 minutes south of Colorado Springs. Most area attractions set their own pet rules, so check before you load the dog in the truck. Call (719) 203-2436 with booking questions.
FAQ
Do dogs need a leash?
Yes, everywhere on the ranch except inside the dog park.
Which stays take pets?
Rentals: only Mars and Betelgeuse (Cabin 2). Own RV: dog stays with your rig, no pet fee. Tent and boondocking sites: no pets.
What is the pet fee / cleaning fee?
Mars: $35 cleaning fee once per stay, on top of the $74/night rate. Betelgeuse: $35 pet fee once per stay, on top of the $179/night rate. No pet fee on RV stays. Confirm how your channel shows it at checkout.
Can I book a different camper or cabin with a dog?
No. Only those two rentals. If you are unsure, ask the desk before you pay.