Pike National Forest encompasses Horseshoe Campground, a US Forest Service facility that sits along the Williams Fork River near the base of Mount Sherman. The campground operates seasonally from late May through early October, charging $24 per night for sites that accommodate RVs up to 40 feet with sewer hookups available.
Access requires navigating a bumpy dirt road that several campers describe as rough but manageable for standard vehicles. The entrance lacks clear signage, making it easy to miss on first approach. Once inside, campers find sites scattered among dense stands of conifers, with many positioned directly alongside the flowing creek. Erica H. notes "tons of pull out spots for true dispersed camping" just down the road for those seeking alternatives.
Sites vary considerably in layout and terrain. Some feature level ground suitable for tents, while others present challenges with sloped surfaces that make setup difficult. The larger sites work well for group camping, particularly sites 9-11 which offer expanded parking areas. A trail system connects directly to Fourmile Campground, providing hiking access between the two facilities.
Vault toilets serve the campground, though cleanliness standards fluctuate according to visitor reports. The facility includes fire rings, trash service, and allows pets throughout. Bear activity occurs in the area, but the campground lacks bear lockers for food storage. ATV traffic on nearby roads can create noise during peak periods, though the sound of the creek helps mask vehicle sounds at waterside sites.
The location serves as a staging point for Mount Sherman climbs, positioned about 15 minutes from the trailhead. Campers seeking camping near Fairplay will find this spot roughly five miles west of town, offering a forested alternative to more crowded Summit County options.
Description
Overview
Horseshoe Campground sits along its namesake creek near a grassy meadow among aspen, Engelmann spruce and Bristlecone pines in the San Isabel National Forest. Trees provide good privacy between campsites, which are located at the base of Sheep Mountain.
Recreation
Visitors enjoy the Limber Grove Trail, a 3-mile mountainside path that winds through 1,000-year-old limber pine with gigantic twisted trunks. Fishing or wading in Horseshoe Creek are also popular pastimes.
Facilities
The campground fits RVs up to 25 feet in length. Picnic tables, vault toilets, drinking water and campfire rings are provided.
Natural Features
Hikers looking for the thrill of "fourteeners," the term for mountain peaks above 14,000 feet, will find Horseshoe Campground to be an ideal location to camp. The primitive campground is located near Mount Sherman, Lincoln, Bross and Democrat - all impressive peaks for avid hikers. At elevation 10,600 feet, it's not hard to find fantastic mountain views.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Nearby Attractions
The nearest town is Fairplay, Colorado, a historic gold mining settlement of the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. The town has an open air museum that sets that helps recreate the life and times of the 19th century gold rush era. The nearby County Route 18 marks the Horseshoe/Fourmile Historic Auto Tour.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
PIKE-SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FORESTS & CIMARRON AND COMANCHE NATIONAL GRASSLANDS** STAGE 1 FIRE PROHIBITIONS **** PROHIBITIONS**Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) in the Leadville, Salida, San Carlos, Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, hereinafter referred to as the Described Area:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in
- A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);
- A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
- A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.36 CFR 261.52(a).
- Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(b)
- Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 36 CFR 261.52(d)
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator. 36 CFR 261.52(h) EXEMPTIONS Pursuantto36 C.F.R.261.50(e), thefollowingpersons areexemptfrom thisOrder:
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
- Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting service in the performance of an official duty. DESCRIBEDAREA All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the exterior boundaries of the Pikes Peak, South Platte, South Park, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, as depicted on the map attached as Exhibit A of this Order. PURPOSE Thepurposeof this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety. IMPLEMENTATION
- This Order shall be in effect from August 21, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. through August November 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., unless rescinded.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHorseshoe Campground is located in Colorado near Fairplay
Public CampgroundDirections
From Fairplay travel south on US-285 for about one mile. Turn right onto County Road 18. Continue for approximately 6 miles to the campground on the left.
Coordinates
39.2016667 N
106.0861111 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 8/28/26
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 8/28/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 52 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 1 hr 52 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 2 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 5 min from Pueblo, CO
