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Top Equestrian Camping near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland

The Dyrt can help you find the perfect horse camping site near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland. Camping with your horse in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland just got easier. With our help, you'll find the best Colorado equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.

Best Equestrian Camping Sites Near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, CO (16)

  1. Camper-submitted photo from Big Creek Lakes Campground

    1.

    Big Creek Lakes Campground

    5 Reviews
    24 Photos
    106 Saves
    Cowdrey, Colorado

    Overview

    The popular Big Creek Lakes Campground offers a peaceful, scenic setting in the heart of the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado. The campground is located in Routt National Forest at an elevation of 9,000-ft., and is adjacent to Big Creek Lake, where fishing, boating and hiking are available.

    Recreation

    This campground offers boating and fishing on Colorado's second largest natural lake, hiking in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness and ATV trails nearby. There are also ample opportunities for viewing wildlife, including moose. Fishing for trout, muskie, grayling and Kokanee salmon is available in the lake. Anglers also have access to a creek. Non-motorized boats are allowed on the upper section of the lake and motorized boats are permitted on the lower section.

    Facilities

    This facility has a campground and day use area. There are 24 reservable campsites and 30 first-come, first-served campsites, all of which are near Big Creek Lake. Two boat ramps are provided for the convenience of boaters and anglers. A campground host is on-site for visitor assistance.

    Natural Features

    Big Creek lies among Lodgepole pine and fir trees. Some previously forested areas of the campground have been thinned due to pests and now provide more sun. The campground offers beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness. The wetlands around the lake are prime moose territory. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, encompass nearly 3 million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado.

    Nearby Attractions

    The closest town is Walden, Colorado, about 35 miles from the campsite. Many more outdoor recreation opportunities exist in the surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, OHV riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $10 / night

  2. Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Pass Dispersed
  3. Camper-submitted photo from Site 459 - State Forest State Park

    3.

    Site 459 - State Forest State Park

    14 Reviews
    79 Photos
    207 Saves
    Rand, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $60 / night

  4. Camper-submitted photo from Medicine Bow
  5. Camper-submitted photo from Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    5.

    Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    30 Saves
    Walden, Colorado

    Walden Reservoir is a picturesque lake full of wildlife outside of Walden, Colorado. The Walden Reservoir is an easily accessible destination in a seldom seen portion of northern Colorado for birders, hunters, and those looking for a free, isolated place to rest.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
  6. Camper-submitted photo from Dry Lake Campground

    6.

    Dry Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    12 Photos
    207 Saves
    Steamboat Springs, Colorado

    Overview

    Dry Lake Campground is located 8 miles northeast of Steamboat Springs, Colorado on the Buffalo Pass Road. This small campground is surrounded by Aspen, Spruce and Fir trees and is in a good location to access some great hiking and biking. Camping limit is 14 days. It is within a reasonable driving distance of community events and the commercially operated Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Dry Lake has 7 campsites with tables and fireplace grates. Vault toilets and trash services are available. Trailer spaces are available with a maximum length of 20 feet.

    Recreation

    Dry Lake campground provides a great gateway for hiking and biking.__

    Facilities

    There are 7 campsites, 4 of which may be reserved two weeks in advance. Remaining sites are first-come, first-served. Each site is spacious and equipped with a campfire ring and picnic table.__

    Natural Features

    At an elevation of 8,277 feet, Dry lake lies in the Rocky Mountains in the heart of the Routt National Forest. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland encompass nearly three million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands.

    Nearby Attractions

    There are many attractions with Steamboat Springs only a short drive away. Many more outdoor opportunities exist in the surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (970) 870-2299.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $10 / night

  7. Camper-submitted photo from Teal Lake Group Campsite

    7.

    Teal Lake Group Campsite

    2 Reviews
    8 Photos
    99 Saves
    Coalmont, Colorado

    Overview

    Teal Lake Group Campground is set along a small yet scenic lake in north central Colorado in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Located in the Routt National Forest at an elevation of 9,000-ft., the lake is popular for trout fishing and lies close to a wilderness area with a variety of hiking and off-highway vehicle trails.

    Recreation

    Trout fishing and boating are popular activities in the clear, calm waters of Teal Lake. Only electric boats and non-motorized boats are permitted. Off-road vehicle enthusiasts have easy access to the Grizzly-Helena Trail nearby. Hiking is great in the nearby Mount Zirkel wilderness, though hikers must drive to the trailheads.

    Facilities

    Teal Lake provides 17 individual campsites and one group site for up to 30 people. Campsites are private and have ample space. The group site has four picnic tables and two campfire rings for groups to gather.

    Natural Features

    Teal Lake is a 50-acre lake surrounded by a rocky shoreline and pine-fir forest. Some previously forested areas of the campground have been thinned due to pests and thus have more sun than others. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland. The area is generally snow-free from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but visitors should come prepared for anything, including freezing temperatures and snow during summer.

    Nearby Attractions

    The closest town is Walden, Colorado. Many more outdoor opportunities exist in the nearly 3 million acres of surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, OHV riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $20 - $40 / night

  8. Camper-submitted photo from Seedhouse Group Site - Medicine-bow Routt Nf (CO)

    8.

    Seedhouse Group Site - Medicine-bow Routt Nf (CO)

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    14 Saves
    Clark, Colorado

    Overview

    Seedhouse Group Site provides a private setting for group gatherings of up to 100 guests. Located near the Elk River, just miles from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Seedhouse is a retreat for fishing, hiking, biking and horseback riding in the Rocky Mountains. At an elevation of 8,000 feet, the area is also set near the Mount Zirkel Wilderness, which provides for excellent backcountry hiking and camping.

    Recreation

    The group campsite is a great central location for wilderness hiking and mountain biking, trout fishing in the nearby Elk River and picnicking amidst beautiful mountain scenery. Campers can access the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail via a connector trail within a short drive from the campground.

    Facilities

    The facility provides eight primitive tent sites with campfire rings and picnic tables, as well as a large picnic shelter that can accommodate 20 guests. Water is available via a hand pump well system. Bear-proof food storage lockers and trash receptacles are provided for visitor safety.

    Natural Features

    Seedhouse lies in the Rocky Mountains in the heart of the Routt National Forest near the Elk River. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland encompass nearly three million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands.

    Nearby Attractions

    Visitors might also enjoy stopping by Steamboat Lake State Park, only a short drive from the campground. Many more outdoor opportunities exist in the surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Alcohol

    $100 / night

  9. Camper-submitted photo from North Michigan Campground — State Forest State Park

    9.

    North Michigan Campground — State Forest State Park

    9 Reviews
    40 Photos
    202 Saves
    Rand, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $18 - $120 / night

  10. Camper-submitted photo from Laramie River Road Dispersed

    10.

    Laramie River Road Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    14 Photos
    559 Saves
    Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

    Located on the southern end of the Medicine Bow Mountain Range in north central Colorado, Rawah Wilderness was designated by the Wilderness Act of 1964 and now contains 73,868 acres. "Rawah" is a Native American term meaning "wild place."

    Elevations in the Rawah Wilderness range from 8,400 to 13,000 feet. The high peaks were carved by glaciers, resulting in spectacular cirque lakes and moraines. There are twenty-five named lakes, ranging in size from five to 39 acres. This high alpine area contains the headwaters of the McIntyre, Rawah, and Fall Creeks, as well as the Laramie River.

    The Rawahs are host to mammals such as elk, moose, mule deer, black bear, bighorn sheep, marmot and beaver. There are many species of birds including the red-tailed hawk, white-tailed ptarmigan, golden eagle, raven, Steller's Jay and a variety of warblers. Lakes and streams are inhabited with lake, cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout. Graylings are also found in this area.

    The Rawah Wilderness is very popular with summer backpackers, hikers and anglers. It is also popular with hunters in the fall. To encounter the fewest people, plan your trip for mid-week and use less popular trails.

    Always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep this area wild, clean and pristine.

    Motorized equipment, or mechanized transportation is prohibited, including motorcycles, chain saws, bicycles or carts. Wheelchairs are exempt. Group size is limited to 12 people and/or livestock combined. Camping and campfires are prohibited within 200’ feet of all lakes, streams and trails to protect water quality, sensitive vegetation and to help assure solitude. Thin soils and mountain vegetation are easily damaged by fire and fires scar rocks and soil. Use a stove, a fire pan or an existing fire ring when and where fires are allowed. Campfires are prohibited in the alpine areas above 10,800 feet. Campfires consume scarce vegetation and leave permanent scars on the fragile soils of the area. Pets must be on a handheld leash at all times if hiking. Equestrian riders can have dogs under voice control.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

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100 Reviews of 16 Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland Campgrounds