12 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lower Hermosa Campground provides accommodations for horseback riders with dedicated horse and cattle stalls on site. Located 10 minutes from downtown Durango, this USFS campground offers first-come, first-served sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and impeccably clean vault toilets. The spacious sites are set in a shady area at higher elevation, making for comfortable camping conditions even during warmer months. While Lower Hermosa doesn't offer water hookups or trash service, campers appreciate the peaceful setting and excellent access to trail systems. The campground host is known for being friendly and helpful, occasionally providing water to visitors camping with their animals.
The Hermosa Creek trail system connects directly to the campground, offering extensive riding opportunities through the San Juan National Forest. Horse owners can access numerous trails straight from their campsite without having to trailer to a separate trailhead. Cell service ranges from adequate to excellent depending on the specific site location, allowing riders to stay connected while enjoying the wilderness setting. The $20 nightly fee is considered reasonable for the location, though some equestrians note the lack of water access requires planning ahead for animal needs. Portable water can be refilled affordably at the Hydration Station in Durango or for free at the Durango Montessori School. The campground's proximity to climbing areas and an above-ground hot spring provides additional recreation options for horseback riders looking to extend their stay.
"You do get a lot of traffic at all times with the County yard right behind you, also horse stables and stadium, baseball fields, Rec centers, fair grounds, so quite a busy area (and the town really uses"
"Not a spectacular view, but 6 large spots close to the free shuttle, bike path and rec center (totally worth the day pass) ."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"There is horse/cattle stalls if you need. High elevation and lots of shade. Was a little chilly at night in early may. Close to nice climbing off the 550. Also close to above ground hot spring."
"Right next to Hermosa Creek trail. Such a beautiful place. The bathrooms are clean, the camp host is an awesome guy. Would definitely stay again."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful area with lots of hiking near by."
"It's a little ways out but the drive makes up for the miles"
from $34 - $58 / night
Check Availability"A hidden gem with close accessability to trails, lake and rivers. Supplies are nearby. Spectacular views of the Vallecito Valley carved by glacer actions."
from $15 - $60 / night
"Pass by the entrance to East Fork Campground and continue on the forest service road. This is where the road becomes fairly rough. Dispersed sites begin about 2 miles further."
"Not far off the highway but far enough. At a point it says 4x4 only and I only walked there. Lots of wildlife activity."
"All kinds of activities are nearby. Spectacular Colorado mountains and scenery. Silverton and the Million Dollar Highway are nearby if you dare."
"Pros: Really nice big camping spots, pit toilets not too far of a walk, firewood available from hosts, convenient location Cons: first come first served (I think some people missed out even this late"
from $24 / night
Check Availability"This privately owned campground feels like Colorado-at peace-to me. "
"Nice campground right next to the San Juan nation forest. Could use a little landscaping. However, it is very peaceful and we would stay here again"
from $34 - $190 / night
Check Availability"You can hear the highway, but it's not much. Just ambient background noise. I got a spot with shade all day, so that was awesome."
"Situated along the banks of the Rio Grande, we were able to sleep with the sound of moving water which was so relaxing. The bathrooms were clean and smelled like bubble gum."
from $29 - $33 / night
Check Availability
RangerVery sweet camp hosts that provided water. Clean bathrooms and large camp spots. There is horse/cattle stalls if you need. High elevation and lots of shade. Was a little chilly at night in early may. Close to nice climbing off the 550. Also close to above ground hot spring.
LegendSo is it full hookup, nope. You get power and share a water connection between two sites, you'll need to dump at a gas station a few miles away (free). For $28 you are right in the middle of town and this place will fit any size rig you got.
You do get a lot of traffic at all times with the County yard right behind you, also horse stables and stadium, baseball fields, Rec centers, fair grounds, so quite a busy area (and the town really uses them). So if you looking for quiet and posh this would not be a 5 star for you.
You can't beat this price!
GuideGreat boondocking sites about 45minues from Pagosa Springs. These sites are completely primitive. No restroom facilities, electricity, potable water or trash service. No cell service. Its worth it, so plan accordingly.
Follow US160E about 10 miles, turn right onto USFS 667. Pass by the entrance to East Fork Campground and continue on the forest service road. This is where the road becomes fairly rough. Dispersed sites begin about 2 miles further. Most sites are clustered together in pockets near the river.
We arrived early in the day and found a great site near a vertical rock face. Campsite was at 8000'. We stayed a week and only saw other campers on the weekend. The weather was perfect with day time temps in the 70s and overnight temps in the 50s. Ideal hiking and fishing conditions.
The forest road gets busy with Jeeps and UTvs during the day on weekends. Our site was far enough away from the road that we weren't bothered.
Access to several trails, beautiful valley views and waterfalls nearby .
GuideTarget Tree has awesome campsites. It sits between Mesa Verde and Durango and is a perfect launch for this area. All kinds of activities are nearby. Spectacular Colorado mountains and scenery. Silverton and the Million Dollar Highway are nearby if you dare. Fishing everywhere, hiking trails, wildlife, and cool weather.
Durango has a lot of campgrounds nearby, but they aren't really RV oriented. Target Tree is an excellent RV campground with large sites and plenty of room. The camp host is great, friendly, and helpful.
GuideThis is a small area at the fairgrounds that has space for 6 RVs. All of the sites are back in with 30 amp power and a shared water connection. There are no sewer connections but there are several dump stations in town. There are no showers or restrooms. The sites are gravel and pretty level. Our Verizon and AT&T hotspots both worked well and cell service was good. There is what looks like a maintenance area behind the campground so there was traffic back and forth most of the day that kicked up some dust. It was also a bit noisy. The Durango to Silverton train runs right next to the fairgrounds and that can be a bit noisy too. The Animas River trail is within walking distance. There is also a town trolley service that will take you into the main part of town. The weekends can have events going on which could make it a bit tight to get in and out with your RV. Overall, this was an ok place for a few days but it is certainly nothing fancy. It was very affordable though.
RangerThis privately owned campground feels like Colorado-at peace-to me. Campgrounds, especially in the times of Covid are filled to the brim these days and that means a different type of experience complete with sometimes noisy neighbors, lots of vehicles and generators running at all hours.
This. Place. Is. Peaceful.
Your first look at the view on the way in to the camoground office should make you want to take a big breath of fresh CO air and leave the worries of the world behind.
The owners/workers were all as friendly as can be and seemed extremely genuine in providing everyone an enjoyable experience. There are 3 ponds on property for fishing and there are some whoppers in there! Do keep in mind, you need to get a permit at the office to partake in being an angler for the day.
The campsites themselves are well spaced, shady, pretty level and have full hookups. What more could you want? They have even separated the RV area from the tent camping area which I find to be the most enjoyable for all parties involved.
As for the general area-you can't go wrong no matter which direction you go. Pagosa Springs is a lovely town with everything you could need. There are too many fishing opportunities to name in the area, and a MUST see-Treasure Falls-it's quite literally .5 miles from the campground entrance.
TravelerPros: Really nice big camping spots, pit toilets not too far of a walk, firewood available from hosts, convenient location
Cons: first come first served (I think some people missed out even this late in the season), quite a bit of road noise at times due to being next to a big hill on the motorway
LegendClose to the main highway. 1 bar Verizon signal. Full rv hook ups, pit toilets, and picnic tables. The drive in there is a large meadow that had several elk. A large logging operation is happening around the rv park, so it probably gets loud with machinery during the day. This is a seasonal rv park.
TravelerA hidden gem with close accessability to trails, lake and rivers. Supplies are nearby. Spectacular views of the Vallecito Valley carved by glacer actions.
Lower Hermosa Campground offers equestrian accommodations at 8,000 feet elevation near Durango, Colorado. For those seeking horse campgrounds near Arboles, Colorado, this area provides both established facilities and dispersed camping options. The San Juan National Forest contains numerous equestrian-friendly sites within 45-60 minute drive of Arboles, with varying amenities and access to trail systems.
Trail riding from camp: At Lower Hermosa Campground, riders can access trails directly from their sites. "From what we heard, weekends can get crowded... several trails leave from the area, so you can go for nice evening hikes. These trails are also mountain bike friendly!" notes Leah W.
Explore river valleys: The East Fork San Juan River area offers excellent riding opportunities along water routes. "Waterfalls, atv trails for miles some novice some very experienced trails, hiking, creeks, fishing. Hands down my favorite CO spot," shares gretchen.
Visit nearby attractions: Many equestrian campsites provide convenient access to other recreation. "Close to nice climbing off the 550. Also close to above ground hot spring," mentions Toni K. about Lower Hermosa, offering options beyond horseback riding.
Privacy and space: Horse campers appreciate sites that aren't crowded. At Sportsman's Campground & Mountain Cabins, a reviewer notes, "We had a great time, friendly people, nice sites just a nice place. It's a little ways out but the drive makes up for the miles."
Natural surroundings: The natural setting enhances the equestrian camping experience. "The tent sites were large and well spaced. Well maintained and equipped with a great fire ring," writes Anne L. about Bruce Spruce Ranch, highlighting the importance of adequate space.
Camp hosts: Helpful staff makes a difference at equestrian facilities. "The host is very friendly. It's a smaller campsite. It was not very busy when we were there...I liked that. There was plenty of firewood to collect in the area," explains Alex T. about his Lower Hermosa experience.
Water access varies: Many horse facilities near Arboles require bringing your own water. At Target Tree Campground, "Good water hauled in from Durango and available at numerous spigots thruout camp," notes ED K., but not all sites offer this convenience.
Reservations and timing: Some equestrian campgrounds fill quickly. "We reserved 6 nites here. Host B is in his 2nd yr here and is a peach of a guy. All campsites are carefully raked and put in good shape," reports another Target Tree camper.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity differs dramatically between horse camping areas. At East Fork San Juan River, a camper warns, "I have AT&T and had no cell coverage at all," while Lower Hermosa reports variable service depending on site location.
Beginner-friendly options: Choose horse campgrounds with amenities when bringing children. Bruce Spruce Ranch offers "Bathrooms very clean and great hot shower. Don't go if you need to be connected digitally at this moment that is not up and running," advises Anne L.
Engaging activities: Look for horse facilities with additional recreation. "There are 3 ponds on property for fishing and there are some whoppers in there! Do keep in mind, you need to get a permit at the office to partake in being an angler for the day," explains Sarah F. about Bruce Spruce Ranch.
Accessible trails: Select equestrian sites with easy trail access for young riders. "We did camp passed the east fork campgrounds. All the way down to the beginning of the ranch road way you have plenty of dispersed tent areas and rv areas," recommends gretchen regarding family-friendly locations.
Site selection for rigs: At River Hill, "We stayed in site 5, which backed into a lovely meadow. The trailer was a bit of a tight fit, but ended up being a great block to the (minimal) road traffic," shares JJ V. about maneuvering larger vehicles.
Elevation considerations: Higher elevation horse campgrounds require preparation. "High elevation and lots of shade. Was a little chilly at night in early may," reports Toni K. about Lower Hermosa, highlighting the need for cold-weather gear even in spring.
Alternative options: The La Plata County Fairgrounds provides in-town RV sites near equestrian facilities. "What a find in the middle of Durango. Yes it is dusty and really there is nothing cute about it but you can't beat the location. We had access to the trails by the river," explains marine J.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Arboles, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Arboles, CO is La Plata County Fairgrounds with a 3.9-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Arboles, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Arboles, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
