4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests offer limited horse camping options near Estes Park campsites and the surrounding mountain areas. While most campgrounds accommodate tent and RV camping, specialized horse facilities are minimal throughout the region. Campsites at Peaceful Valley Campground provide access to nearby horse trails but lack dedicated equestrian amenities like corrals or stalls. The campground features 17 sites with standard fire pits and picnic tables, with approximately half able to accommodate RVs or trailers. The adjacent trails connect to the wider Buchanan Pass Trail system where riders can access permitted horse routes. Visitors note the campground is especially busy during summer weekends.
Trail access from the developed campgrounds requires careful planning as horse trailer parking is restricted at most locations. The Meadow Creek Reservoir area offers Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland free camping spots more suitable for equestrians, with space for larger vehicles and horse trailers along forest service roads. Riders can access the Columbine Lake trail system from this area, though high elevation means cold overnight temperatures even in summer months. Water access for horses is available at creeks and the reservoir, but no dedicated equestrian facilities exist. Horse owners should bring portable corrals or highlines as no permanent tie facilities are provided. The 9-mile dirt road accessing the Meadow Creek area can accommodate trailers but requires careful navigation during wet conditions. Several visitors report occasional moose sightings along the trails and campsites.
"Our space was large enough to accommodate our 20 ft travel trailer with our truck next to it, still leaving plenty of room for the picnic table and a chair circle around the fire."
"The bathrooms were clean, and close to almost every site. They had a very nice playground for the kids with a climbing wall."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 - $80 / night
"This campground has all the privacy you would expect yet provides easy access to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountian National Forest. The Laramie County Staff that were on site were kind and helpful."
"It would be nice if the county could put water in, there are two places to fill containers/rvs-one right by the entrance and another at the entrance to Bobcat Gulch."
from $35 / night
"They have direct access to the headwaters of the Colorado River. We visited a little late in the season (August) to catch many fish, but we still had fun. "
"Three dispersed camping locations all completely booked so I chose to stay in this RV Park which is located within Rocky Mountain National park and right next to Arapahoe National Park."
from $40 - $60 / night
"Busy campground, however views from some spaces were epic as well as the easy access to the walking trail and all the day use areas."
"The place is beautiful, tucked right beneath the mountain side. There are many trails nearby with many options for those seeking adventure, the campsite staff was very kind and helpful also"
"Close to the Columbine Lake trail and so many other awesome hiking trails. It's far enough away from the National Park to not have a ton of foot traffic through. No reservations."
"It was pretty busy when we arrived on a Saturday afternoon in July (non-holiday weekend), lots of groups camping and day use but was able to find a spot next to another group next to a path that lead straight"
"Stayed here overnight for some hiking in the nearby foothills."
"Stumbled upon this small, nice campground simple because we liked the name :) It is very convenient from the main highway (which happens to be part of the Peak to Peak scenic byway- a FANTASTIC drive!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $19 - $38 / night
"This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to."
"Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado. We couldn’t believe it…so close but you feel incredibly removed once you get there."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 - $90 / night
"area was plowed open to exactly the width of our trailer, so with more than three feet of snow on the ground we needed to get some exercise and do a bit of shoveling so we could back in and be able to walk"
"Late October is very unpredictable in Colorado for a camper who is primarily a tent camper."
Available this weekend
from $18 / night
"It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great."
"The Gross Resevoir outside Boulder is a great place for people to go for some recreation just outside the city. People commonly drop in a paddleboard or kayak."
"Sites were wooded and tucked into granite boulders. In the 24 hours we were there we saw one car and two people walking their dogs.
Sites were pretty level, each with fire pits and picnic tables."
"The bear box was a good size, easy to use, and well located. Restrooms were a short walk away. Our site was easy to get level on but some others looked difficult."
from $35 / night
TravelerFrom a Sprinters point of view.
Sites are $45.00 a day plus parking
Sites were sloped, we took the flattest one we could find and it took 6” to block our van level.
Pit toilets were very clean.
Sites had trees and boulders, spaced roughly 50’ apart, but there visible traffic on the main road below.
It was a nice campground but we liked the Bobcat Campground a couple miles farther up the road.
See separate review.
TravelerWe took our Sprinter for its maiden voyage, this camp ground was beautiful, private and secluded.
Camping was $45.00 a day plus a parking fee.
Paid at the entry point to an extremely friendly attendant. Reservations can be made on line ahead of time and highly recommended in peak season, especially on weekends.
Site were 50’ to 100’ apart.
Sites were wooded and tucked into granite boulders.
In the 24 hours we were there we saw one car and two people walking their dogs.
Sites were pretty level, each with fire pits and picnic tables.
The pit toilets were very clean and with in 100’ of most sites.
Road in had signs stating you had to be in four wheel drive to avoid damaging the roads but they were very well graded.
GuideSuper easy drive into town, 10min from beaver meadows entrance to RMNP. Hiking trails right off the campground. Sites a little close together but could definitely be a lot worse. Super friendly hosts. The clean bathrooms, hot showers, and dish washing station were amazing after days of dispersed camping.
TravelerIt’s very nice except for when the conveyor belt is running from the Henderson mine And there is no water available
GuideThere must be another way in i would assume. 3.5 mile steep climb dirt rd in the rain was slick. After a 8 mile windy rd straight up. Like I said, probably another rd in. Campground is great once you get here. And it's paved!
GuideThe place is beautiful, tucked right beneath the mountain side. There are many trails nearby with many options for those seeking adventure, the campsite staff was very kind and helpful also
ScoutSuper clean toilets, great camp host, and good campsites. Some are really close together, and the water is down a lot.
GuideAs of August 2026 the reservoir is mostly empty.
Camping spots don't provide much of a view but they're spread out for privacy.
Road in is flat and gravel - I passed a two door Porsche (you do not need 4x4 in summer).
TravelerHi guys! Everyone we met here was so helpful. We stayed at Aspen meadows 014 and it was quiet, bathrooms were clean, and so spaced out. Would totally come again.
Camping near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests spans elevations ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F days and 40-50°F nights. The area's climate creates distinct camping zones, with higher elevations experiencing frost even in summer months. Sites near water sources like Meadow Creek Reservoir typically maintain colder overnight temperatures due to mountain drainage patterns.
Hiking at Kruger Rock Trail: Accessible directly from Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park, this moderate trail offers panoramic views. "The Kruger Rock Trailhead is inside the campground, and it is a nice hike with an amazing view of the Rockies and Estes at the top. Bring your crayons - there are two trailmarkers on the trail that you can do rubbings of," notes Erin K.
Horseback riding: While horse facilities are limited in most campgrounds, Winding River Resort offers equestrian activities. "They offer all sorts of activities such as horseback riding, ice cream social, chuckwagon breakfast, square dancing, cowboy church. Some do have an additional fee. You may bring your own horses here too!" shares Mary D.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide the best wildlife spotting opportunities. "Moose and black bear apparently frequent but haven't caused any problems. This is our 3rd stay here, and one of our favorites," reports Wade R. about Hermits Hollow Campground.
Proximity to water: Fishing and paddling opportunities attract many visitors to Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site. "We were Van Camping and stayed there for 8 days total. I was blown away how insanely gorgeous it was there. Saw moose's almost everyday, a fox, ospreys and eagles everywhere feeding and trout," notes Johannes R.
Quiet camping away from crowds: Several less-trafficked areas provide serenity. "Not far outside of Estes Park, but far enough up the side of a mountain to enjoy the wilderness. Sites spaced nicely apart, very well maintained, great fire pits with an attached grill grate," explains Wade R. about camping at Hermits Hollow.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain quality restrooms despite remote locations. "The bathrooms are very clean and that's something that's very important to me. We went the weekend after Fourth of July and the bathrooms weren't ever crowded from what I saw," reports Jona R. about Winding River Resort.
Fire restrictions: Many areas implement seasonal fire bans. At Bobcat Campground — Hermit Park, Joey P. noted: "No campfires allowed when we were there. Only fuel fires that you can turn off."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies throughout the forests. "No cell service and it was glorious! But if we did need it, about a mile down the road we picked it back up," shares Jennifer G. about camping at East Portal.
Bear safety requirements: Most campgrounds provide bear-resistant storage. "Each site has a bear box, picnic table, and fire ring. There are plenty of trees for shade and some privacy, but you are still near other campers," explains Hannah F.
Additional fees: Watch for unexpected costs. "Sites are very hard to get your unit level. Very high price for no hookups," warns Pat about Bobcat Campground. Another camper noted: "They do charge an additional $15 to use the dump station."
Look for campgrounds with activities: East Portal Campground at Estes Park offers family-friendly amenities. "The playground was small but my kids were satisfied. There was a rock climbing wall and swings," shares Jennifer G.
Choose sites with space to play: Areas with natural features provide entertainment. "My kids enjoyed playing with sticks and rocks in this little field-something every kid should get to do!" reports Jennifer G. about East Portal.
Visit the animal areas: Some campgrounds feature unique attractions. "Lots of activities to do. Loved the petting zoo and stream to swim in. Also really enjoyed the horseback riding and ATV ride," shares Tina K. about Winding River Resort.
Check campground road conditions: Some access roads require planning. "The drive up can be a bit breathtaking, but it can be done!" mentions Minette and Ron G. about access to Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
Campsite selection for RVs: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles. "If you pick a tent site it's your best bet the electric sites are too close to RV's," advises Paul R. about Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
Road access considerations: Mountain roads often present challenges. "About 45 minutes from Grand Lake entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. 9 mile dirt road to get to the campground. Nice level sites each with picnic/tent area," shares Joe T.
Check dump station availability: Some campgrounds charge additional fees. "Water and dump available at the entrance to the campground," notes Nathan P. about Bobcat Campground.
Consider site leveling needs: Terrain varies significantly. "Loop E (electric hookups) is very spacious and well laid out. Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs. Mostly level, fire rings, and very large metal picnic tables," reports Dennis G.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland is East Portal Campground at Estes Park with a 4.5-star rating from 41 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland?
TheDyrt.com has all 39 equestrian camping locations near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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