Looking for a nearby place to camp

[Sucka]

My wife and I would love to get out next week (after the 4th) and do a little 2-3 day camping trip. It's been a few years since i did any camping in CO, so looking for a little advice.

We would like to keep it fairly close (2-4 hours max) do to gas prices.

It has to be pet friendly, would love a place for the dogs to swim or at least be able to cool off in a creek or similar.

Light wheeling a plus, but not necessary.

Shooting nearby a plus, but again i can do without.

If anyone has any suggestions that fit that bill let me know. We just have the urge to get away from the city for a few days and i'm not really up to par on CO camping unfortunately.

Thanks.

[Ranger]

I just did a trip last weekend to Guanella Pass, it is an AWESOME place to camp and you can shoot too. I also like the area around Tolland and also anywhere around Idaho Springs - like fall river. All within 2 hours of Denver. Better get there early though, this weekend will be B-U-S-Y!

[funkymonkey1111]

it'll be on your outer edge (4 hours) but Chapman dam campground is right on the frying pan river near basalt. its in the national forest system.