Within White River National Forest, Trappers Lake Horse Thief Equestrian Campground provides specialized camping for horse owners and other visitors in one of Colorado's high-country destinations. This US Forest Service facility operates from June through September, charging $11-25 per night for approximately 10 first-come, first-served sites equipped with powder river corrals for equestrian use.
The campground sits in a forested setting near both creek and lake access, though campers should note the lack of natural shade at most sites. A single water spigot and toilet serve the facility, while cell service remains nonexistent in this remote location. The gravel access road handles various vehicle sizes, though RVs longer than 32 feet may find limited suitable sites among the smaller spaces.
Greg L. notes "one issue is NO shade" at the sites, while multiple visitors praise the exceptional hiking opportunities radiating from the campground base. Trappers Lake itself provides the primary attraction, with numerous trails offering extensive backcountry access despite past wildfire impacts on the immediate lakeshore vegetation.
The campground typically sees light use, making it accessible even during peak summer months. Three other small campgrounds operate nearby, including Bucks Campground, giving visitors multiple options in this concentrated camping area. Horse Thief works well for equestrians seeking backcountry trail access and campers comfortable with basic amenities in exchange for exceptional hiking terrain.
Description
Trappers Lake is known as the "Cradle of Wilderness." At approximately 302 surface acres, the lake contains a strain of native cutthroat trout and the Colorado Division of Wildlife operates a spawn collection station at the Cabin Creek inlet during May and June. Trappers Lake itself lies completely within Flat Tops Wilderness; motorized boats and wheeled carts for boat transport are prohibited. Trappers Lake Lodge rents cabins and boats, and there are 5 Forest Service campgrounds nearby. Dispersed camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of Trappers Lake and the campgrounds. The video below is provided courtesy of Flattopsbyway. A downloadable audio tour of the Flat Tops Trail Scenic and Historic Byway is also available.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundTrappers Lake Horse Thief Equestrian Campground is located in Colorado
Directions
From Meeker, take Colorado Highway 13 east for 1 mile, then turn right on Rio Blanco County Road 8 and follow this for 39 miles to Trappers Lake Road #205. Turn south on Trappers Lake Road #205, and continue for 10 miles just past the Outlet Trailhead. The Trapline Campground is on the left.
Coordinates
39.99524256446367 N
107.23769765318126 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 16 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 4 hrs 46 min from Denver, CO
- 4 hrs 56 min from Boulder, CO
- 5 hrs 24 min from Fort Collins, CO











