Horse Ranch Park provides primitive dispersed camping options with horse access near Paonia, Colorado. Located along Paonia Road in Somerset, this camping area welcomes both tent and RV campers with horses, though it lacks developed equestrian facilities like dedicated corrals. The campground permits campfires and allows pets, making it suitable for families traveling with both horses and dogs. Unlike more developed equestrian campgrounds in the region, Horse Ranch Park offers a more rustic experience with no drinking water, electric hookups, or toilets available on-site. Campers must be self-sufficient and bring all necessary supplies for both themselves and their horses.
Soap Creek Corral offers an alternative for equestrians seeking more amenities near Paonia. The campground provides access to drinking water, firewood, and toilet facilities, making it more suitable for extended stays with horses. The nearby trails provide excellent riding opportunities through Gunnison National Forest, with routes suitable for various skill levels. While Lost Lake Campground doesn't offer horse corrals, the surrounding area features numerous trails accessible to equestrians, with spectacular mountain views and alpine scenery. The roads leading to these horse-friendly camping areas can be narrow and rough in places, requiring caution when transporting horse trailers, especially to the more remote locations.
$35 - $725 / night
"It is quiet and peaceful next to the roaring of the river. Perfectly situated between Paonia (Big B’s cider) and Kebler pass leading to Crested Butte."
"The tent spots were in a different area on the other side of the property a little away from the busier parts."
"There are some reserve able sites near the lake, and some first come/first serve sites as well. Also dispersed camping on the way up to the campground."
"Lost Lake Campground near Crested Butte, Colorado, is a hidden gem that combines serene alpine beauty with a peaceful camping experience."
"Many of the sites are shaded by the trees and the nearby creek provides soothing background noise during nights. Trails near the sites are very accessible. Views are gorgeous."
"We arrived at Soap Creek Campground around noon on a Friday in mid-July and found several wonderful sites to choose from."
"This is a great spot tucked away behind the reservoir and along a sweet little creek. I didn’t stay because no one was there this time of year and I had no cell service."
"What draws us to this campground is the beauty of the surrounding area. Black Canyon is close by for those who like to hike."
"Lost Lake was right across the road from where we camped. Found a beautiful spot with a great view! Most of the other spots were taken so we were blessed. Can't wait to go back again."
"For those without AWD/4WD vehicles I would use caution/advise against since the drive to get into the actual grounds requires a bit of off roading including crossing a creek."
"Awesome valley with access to the creek. There is also a nice trail up the mountain that forks into two other trails."
"To start, we camped with a teardrop trailer, but once you pass the White River National Forest sign and parking lot for the babbish trail head, it’s not easy to turn around unless you find a campsite."
"My first winter camping trip in Colorado."
"Crested Butte (wisely) decided to control the previously out-of-control dispersed camping situation around the region."
"Not too far outside Crested Butt CO. (About 25 mins) The road is ok , but not great getting there. Campsites and view of the mountain range is great."
"The location shown looks like it’s super far out but you can find campgrounds pretty close to the entrance(10 minutes from parking lot)."
"There are many different ways to explore the array of trails, so you can bike, take a four-wheeler, horse-back ride, hike, or just drive your car. There are about 3 toilets (nothing fancy)."
ScoutWe have been coming here for years. It is quiet and peaceful next to the roaring of the river. Perfectly situated between Paonia (Big B’s cider) and Kebler pass leading to Crested Butte. Warm showers, incredible owners , useful store and all the feelings of not being in a “campground”
GuideThis is for "Soap Creek Corral/ Coal Mesa Horse Camp" dispersed camping not the actual Soap Creek Campground. There were spots at the formal campground but they were small, unconcealed, and within close proximity to all other sites. However, there were true dispersed spots near the horse corrals where lots of horse trailers and off roaders park to ride the trails.
Off of HWY 50, we turned on to HWY 92 and then took FR 721 to FR 721 E where we turned and went right down to the proper campground before looping back out. We went out the same way in (FR 721) but split off onto the side road to find the horse corral area. Bear country. Pros/Cons: no mobile service, primitive, right next to a creek, lots of OHVs, milky way visible, mountain views, shade, creek sounds at night.
GuideStumbled upon this place accidentally one weekend. There are some reserve able sites near the lake, and some first come/first serve sites as well. Also dispersed camping on the way up to the campground. Place for your horses, group sites, small sites, lakeside site, trailer sites, this place has it all! Great fishing on the lower lake, hike up to the pass or upper lakes. Great trails surround this campground . Spectacular fall foliage! Camp host you can get wood from. Bathrooms and great hammock spots, nice pull in spots for your car, accessible in any vehicle! Fire rings and picnic tables, everything in great shape.
RangerLost Lake Campground near Crested Butte, Colorado, is a hidden gem that combines serene alpine beauty with a peaceful camping experience. Tucked away in the Gunnison National Forest, this campground offers stunning views of wildflower-filled meadows, dense forests, and the pristine Lost Lake itself, which mirrors the surrounding peaks.
The campsites are well-maintained, spacious, and thoughtfully spaced for privacy, with some offering lakefront views. There’s a charming rustic vibe, with basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables, but no hookups. The nearby trails, including the popular Three Lakes Loop, are perfect for hiking, fishing, and soaking in the mountain scenery.
What sets Lost Lake apart is its tranquil atmosphere—especially if you’re visiting during the off-season. It’s the ideal spot to disconnect and enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty, whether you’re kayaking on the lake or simply relaxing by the campfire.
Be aware that the road to the campground is a bit rough and narrow, so it’s best suited for smaller campers or tents. Also, temperatures can drop quickly at night, so pack warm gear even in summer.
If you’re looking for a quiet retreat near Crested Butte with postcard-worthy scenery, Lost Lake Campground is hard to beat. It’s the perfect blend of solitude, recreation, and breathtaking views.
TravelerThe location shown looks like it’s super far out but you can find campgrounds pretty close to the entrance(10 minutes from parking lot). There is also a portapotty within walking distance of the first camping loop, and the site has a table and fire ring. You do need to know how to drive on and around rock in the road though.
GuideIf you have ATVs, dirt bikes, horses, etc. this is a great place for you. It’s just 4 miles off of I-70 but still secluded. It is a designated OHV area so no worries about people stopping you from ripping around and exploring.
That said - I’m a quiet camper and prefer to avoid OHV areas calling them Obnoxiously High-noise Vehicle areas. I’m kidding, obviously. Seriously, everyone enjoys the outdoors in their own way and I don’t begrudge anyone their enjoyment. I took the chance and it was very quiet while I was there. Only one couple other than me that I’m aware of.
The weather was mild in mid-April during my stay - got to about 70 during the day and around 40 at night. It was windy during the day but it is a very open space and it is western Colorado. When the wind died down, the mosquitoes came out and they were persistent. I hiked around and they weren’t just at my campsite. There is a water treatment facility in the area and just down from the main camping is a treatment pond so I’m guessing that’s the culprit.
The road in is unpaved once you leave the small town but very easy. I base those sorts of claims off of the VW Jetta Scale - the vehicle I had for 8 years before my current vehicle. There are a few low creeks crossings but the beds are small and both were dry when I came through. Even if they had water, I still would have crossed if I were still in my Jetta. The roads were washboarded so don’t bring the nice china.
The pull offs are plentiful and large. Most could hold a few trailers or several vehicles and some have fire rings. I did not have a fire because the fire danger was too high (ALWAYS CHECK BEFORE HAVING A FIRE). The road is a loop so just follow it around until you find the spot you want.
The space is wide open and surrounded by 360 views of mountains. Sunset and Sunrise were great but - for you photographers - the light changes really fast so scout the compositions you want ahead of time.
No wildlife that I was aware of aside from birds and our mosquito friends. I didn’t hear coyotes, I didn’t even see deer tracks. Just horse and tire tracks.
Oh, on the way in there was a sign that said “Private Property, No Trespassing” and it looked like it was for the road going in; however, the other signs revealed that it was for the area around the water treatment plant. There isn’t a lot of signage, just one saying it’s an OHV area and one saying it’s a Limited Use area. Other signs are just to protect the sensitive areas.
ScoutBeautiful area around Silver Jack Reservoir with scrub brush low turning to pine forest and huge aspen glades as you climb. Highly suggest taking 858/Cimarron road over the pass to highway 50/Cimarron Colorado in the fall due to the extensive Aspen population. This is where I grew up so camped in the area dozens of times at least.
GuideHartman’s is MASSIVE and has tons of sites! It’s all dispersed camping. There are smaller more remote sites, big sites, as well as areas where there are a few sites in clusters. There are shady areas, non-shady areas, spots with views, and more hidden spots. There really is something for everyone. I live here in Gunnison, and it’s a great last minute spot if you want to get out for the night. There are no water sources, as the area is just rocks and dirt. There are many different ways to explore the array of trails, so you can bike, take a four-wheeler, horse-back ride, hike, or just drive your car. There are about 3 toilets (nothing fancy). It’s an overall great area if you don’t want to get too far out of town!
GuideNot an actual site. Pin took me to a feild with horse/cows (pics attached for cuteness). The actual site is in the campground on Google Maps, but IT ISNT ALLOWED!!!
VERY CLEARLY SIGNED CAMPING IN CAMPGROUND SITES ONLY!!!
There is a small fire ring by the trailhead, as description says, but the signs on the road are VERY clear. Also lots of rangers patrolling, so don't risk it!!
So, unless you wanna pay a RIDICULOUS fee for a night, not worth it at all. Would've given it one mark, but figured someone later might find a touch of value.
Horse Ranch Park offers dispersed camping sites for equestrians in the Gunnison National Forest near Somerset, Colorado. Located along Paonia Road, this primitive camping area accommodates both tents and RVs with designated spaces for horses. The campground provides direct access to multiple trail systems suitable for horseback riding throughout the forest. Fire rings are available at campsites, and pets are permitted to accompany horse owners. Many sites offer stunning mountain views with natural shade under forest cover, creating a secluded camping experience for equestrians and their animals.
Trail access from Horse Ranch Park connects directly to Lost Lake, situated across the road from the equestrian camping area. The trail system provides varied terrain for riders of all skill levels. Soap Creek Corral, another equestrian option in the area, features designated horse facilities and sits approximately 5 miles down a dirt road off Highway 92. Both locations accommodate horse trailers with adequate parking space. Water access is available through natural creeks near both campgrounds, though riders should note there are no drinking water facilities at Horse Ranch Park. The narrow, windy roads leading to these equestrian areas may present challenges for larger trailers, particularly the final approach to Soap Creek Corral.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Paonia, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Paonia, CO is Kebler Corner with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Paonia, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Paonia, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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