2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Laramie River Road dispersed camping provides several options for equestrians in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, with horse camping sites along forest service road 103 offering enough room for horse trailers and full equestrian setups. The camping areas stretch along forest service road 103, offering numerous spots with enough room for horse trailers and equestrian setups. While no dedicated horse corrals are available at these primitive sites, established camping areas include fire rings and ample space for portable corrals or highlines. The road is well-maintained and wide enough for large vehicles, with visitors reporting successful access for trucks with horse trailers. Spots can be found near Chambers Lake or further down the road for more seclusion. The topography features aspen wetlands, creating scenic surroundings for riders and their horses.
Direct access to extensive trail networks makes this area particularly valuable for equestrians seeking backcountry riding experiences. Wildlife sightings are common, with campers reporting moose, deer, elk, and black bears in the vicinity—important considerations when securing horses at camp. Water access is available from the Laramie River and smaller creeks that run through the area, providing natural water sources for horses. Most sites are situated at approximately 9,000 feet elevation, creating cooler temperatures even during summer months. Evening temperatures drop significantly, requiring appropriate planning for both riders and horses. No amenities, cell service, or facilities exist in the dispersed areas, though some established campgrounds nearby offer vault toilets. Summer weekends bring higher visitor numbers, with even seemingly secluded spots filling with neighbors.
"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 $45 / night
"After driving for nearly 4hrs to find a spot in any of the first come first serve camp grounds up Poudre Canyon we started to head home only to pull into Pingree Park for one last cry for help... we stumbled"
"Well off the beaten path. We were afraid of it being full, so we arrived around 930am on a Saturday, there were plenty of spots to choose from, and several still available by the end of the day."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $42 - $206 / night
"We were shocked at the availability of spaces given that Colorado is notoriously booked up by February. Our space was The Overlook and it had an amazing view."
"Staff was friendly except for at the horse back riding. They don't let you ride if you look like you weigh more than 200lbs. RV parking is a little tight for bigger rigs but great tent spots."
"The beautiful Kilpecker Creek runs through the camp and most of the campsites are situated right along the creek. All of the campsites have a good tent pad, fire pit and picnic table."
"It gets very cold at night if you’re near the river!"
"Options for camping in campgrounds, close to others, or more alone. Options to camp near the lake, river, or on dry land.options for large or small camping areas. Peaceful and beautiful."
"There is a camp ground near by with a porta-potty and there is a small market about 10-20 miles away."
"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 $45 / night
"Getting to the campground and visitors center is easy as they are both right off the highways 41 and 14, but it is quite a drive to get to, in general."
"There are campsites on both sides of the lake. On the southern side, a number are situated off the road, minimizing noise and dust."
Available this weekend
from $28 - $120 / night
"There are so many different types of sites, from those with several trees, lake side, open, or group spots. Water is available for filling bottles, but not campers."
"Easy drive from Loveland Colorado. The check In was very easy and the trails are right outside of the camp grounds. The park does have hook ups for water and power."
Available this weekend
from $10 - $200 / 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
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.
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).
Guide20 degrees cooler than Fort Collins. Beautiful meadows with mountain views 360.
Nice large picnic table, fire ring (burn ban) and tent site. Fairly level gravel site.
RangerThe road was a bit rough but I made it without issue in my Tacoma pulling a trailer. Some spots were more private than others. There was significant ATV traffic. It was a good spot to visit RMNP west entrance.
GuideWe took the road up from Fraser, they’re logging roads so it’s well taken care of, did it in my Honda Odessy with rear wheel drive and did fine. Probably about 30 mins on the more rough dirt roads. Definitely wash boarded at certain points
There’s a decent amount of spots just past the reservoir, some drive up some walk up. You can camp along the road up towards the reservoir as well (but those seemed less secluded) There’s bear proof trash cans and bathrooms by the reservoir. We found a spot with tons of shade just past the bathrooms, drive up. Pet friendly, there’s lots of spots which means potential for lots of people- we weren’t close to anyone but could hear a group of loud campers.
Laramie River Road equestrian camping offers practical options beyond the established spots along forest service road 103. The terrain sits at approximately 9,000 feet elevation with typical summer high temperatures ranging from 65-80°F and nighttime lows frequently dropping to 40-45°F. Dispersed camping access requires vehicles capable of navigating maintained but unpaved forest roads, with most sites offering room for trailers up to 35 feet.
Trail riding near Chambers Lake: Riders can access multiple trail networks ranging from beginner-friendly routes to challenging backcountry paths. At Laramie River Road Dispersed, "Direct access to extensive trail networks makes this area particularly valuable for equestrians seeking backcountry riding experiences. Wildlife sightings are common, with campers reporting moose, deer, elk, and black bears in the vicinity" according to Alex S.
Fishing opportunities: Bring fishing gear for trout fishing in the small creeks and Laramie River itself. Justin D. notes that "Wildlife is abundant with tons of deer and moose in the area. Topography is Aspen wetlands and is beautiful."
Wildlife viewing: Pack binoculars for spotting the diverse wildlife that frequents the area. Shawn L. reports, "I happened across an area with lots of private land making it a challenge to explore for me no cell service. Very quiet from planes and light or any other noise pollution caught some epic views of does bucks a moose and a family of black bears."
Private camping spots: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites further down the forest road. At Jacks Gulch Campground, Glenna L. shares it's "a quiet, tucked away campground several miles down a gravel road. It was so quiet and beautiful. There were several trails easily accessible from the campgrounds."
Natural water features: The running water creates a peaceful atmosphere at many camping locations. Morgan Y. found "little creeks abound" and reports "We had a moose and her baby visit our camper first thing the next morning. We were able to get on bikes and explore the endless dirt roads that spoke off in all directions."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Many sites accommodate multiple generations of campers. At North Michigan Campground, Meghan H. notes, "Amazing views and something for everyone. My 4 year olds threw rocks in the reservoir, they bikes on nearby trails. The bathrooms were clean too. My dog was able to cool off in the reservoir on a hike."
Limited cell service: Communication is restricted throughout the region. Marasha L. from Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch warns, "No cell service but there are call boxes in the area and we often see rangers driving by."
Fire regulations: Fire restrictions vary seasonally and by location. Jamie H. mentions, "There is a fire ban in effect when we were there over 4th of July." Always check current fire restrictions before your trip.
Weather variability: Mountain weather changes rapidly, especially in afternoon hours. According to Justina, "Options for camping in campgrounds, close to others, or more alone. Options to camp near the lake, river, or on dry land. Options for large or small camping areas. Peaceful and beautiful."
Road conditions: Forest service roads can be challenging after rain or early/late season. Lara B. shares, "After driving for nearly 4hrs to find a spot in any of the first come first serve camp grounds up Poudre Canyon we started to head home only to pull into Pingree Park for one last cry for help... we stumbled upon Jack's Gulch, a little hidden gem."
Bathroom facilities: Only certain established campgrounds offer toilets. At North Fork Poudre Campground, Joe O. explains, "This is a great little campground with only 7 campsites that are first come first served (no reservations). There are pit toilets in the campground, but no running water - so pack your own or bring a filter to pump out of the creek."
Food storage: Bear-proof containers or storage systems are essential. Kelly Z. notes, "Each site has a table, fire ring and tent pad. The drive up to this area is breathtaking as well."
Kid-friendly activities: Plan activities for children that don't require extensive hiking. Darla R. suggests, "We love taking our kids and dog camping out here. It is dispersed camping and it's first come first serve. There is a camp ground near by with a porta-potty and there is a small market about 10-20 miles away."
Rig size limitations: Trailers and RVs over 30 feet face challenges on some forest roads. At Bobcat Campground, Nathan P. advises, "The road in is a bit narrow so if you have a trailer/RV over 30-35 feet, it'll be tight. With that being said, I pulled my 30 foot trailer with no problems.... just go slow."
Leveling requirements: Many sites require substantial leveling blocks. Lisa notes, "Access in our pop up was easy (a tad bumpy in spots), but I think some of turns and narrow roads might be tricky for bigger trailers. Our site was a nice size and felt private enough despite somewhat close neighbors."
Water access points: Know where to fill tanks before arriving. Tim B. shares, "Our campsite was down a few steps and right next to the river flowing through the property, nestled amongst the pines, and shady. In this area, the distance between campsites was great."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG 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 & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG?
TheDyrt.com has all 32 equestrian camping locations near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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