The scenic 2,711-acre Horsetooth Mountain Open Space (consisting of Culver, Soderberg, and Hughey Open Spaces) covers elevations from 5,430 to 7,255 feet. Its 29.5 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails connect to the Blue Sky Trail and Lory State Park. The outstanding Horsetooth Rock is a familiar local landmark visible from the plains. This open space is also known for Horsetooth Falls in the spring, and for tremendous Front Range views. Drinking water is available at the trailhead. Please carry enough food and water for your backcountry camping experience. NO FIRES allowed. (NO RESTROOMS, be ready to pack out all waste or have a shovel to bury waste.) Follow Leave No Trace principles. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space requires entrance permits, is open year-round, and is located west of Horsetooth Reservoir, 4 miles from Fort Collins and 12 miles northwest of Loveland.

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space specific notices:

- **ALERT:** You must be in the parking lot by 11 pm. The gates will close at 11 pm to all visitors entering. You will be able to exit at any time.
- **WARNING:** Absolutely NO FIRES allowed at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. You will be evicted if you start a fire.
- Follow "Leave No Trace" Principles: [https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/](https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/)
- Drinking water is only available at the trailhead parking lot.
- Dogs must be on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and natural resources.
- Each reservation is for one site that can have up to two tents with 6 people max.
- The exit gate is automatic, allowing you to leave any time after 11 P.M. (You will not be able to re-enter the open space until 4 a.m. the next day)
- Check In Times: Noon for campsites (can check in later). Go directly to campsite after obtaining required park entrance permits (annual or daily).
- Check Out Time: 11 AM.

Backcountry Campground — Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

Masonville, CO is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Masonville is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Masonville, CO. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Masonville

The Best Camping Near Masonville, Colorado

This backcountry site is a hidden gem just off of the commonly used Horsetooth Rock trail. Awesome panoramic views and plenty of wildlife.

Horsetooth Backcountry Site 

if you are okay for a little bit of a hike up the mountain I grantee you will not regret the views you get of the beautiful town of fort Collins. Great sunrises and away from traffic noise tho you may have to deal with a little bit of noise from the hiking trail but other than that horse tooth has 3 back country sites that are perfect. highly recommend spending a night up there to watch the sun light up the town of Foco!

Backcountry-ish

This would be a perfect first backpacking trip for beginners! Once you park, you sign in to the backpacking log to the right of the main entrance by the kiosk. The sites are first come first serve. From the parking lot, it’s only about a mile and a half. The site is off the main trail and is secluded enough so you don’t see hikers or bikers. It has a nice view of Horsetooth Reservoir and you are surrounded by the trees/rocks. There isn’t much shade coverage though. This site would be a perfect base for exploring Horsetooth rock/Horsetooth falls! There’s a wooden table about 50 yards from where you set up your tent so no need to bring chairs. There isn’t a water source close by so you’ll have to pack all your water. Also leave no trace and pack all your trash when you leave!

Photos of Backcountry Campground — Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

Real photos from real campers