5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers tent, RV, cabin, and yurt accommodations with several campgrounds located approximately 30 miles west of Arvada. While none of the campgrounds feature designated horse corrals according to the data, the park permits horses on select trails and primitive camping areas. The park's Reverend's Ridge and Aspen Meadows campgrounds accommodate various camping styles with electric hookups, water access, and picnic tables at most sites. Backcountry camping sites accessible from the Horseshoe trail head provide more secluded options for equestrians. Forgotten Valley has particularly nice spots by a river with a very short hike required to access them.
Trail systems throughout Golden Gate Canyon State Park provide numerous riding opportunities with varied terrain and elevation. Many visitors note the spectacular mountain views and abundant wildlife viewing possibilities while traversing the park's extensive trail network. The Forgotten Valley area is particularly popular among horseback riders seeking water access. Winter camping is available, though visitors should note that certain roads, including Mountain Base Road, may close seasonally, requiring alternate access routes via Highway 46 to 119 to Gilpin Road. Campers bringing horses should be prepared with their own water and feed, as drinking water is not available at all campgrounds, particularly during winter months. The primitive camping areas offer greater flexibility for those traveling with horses, though proper Leave No Trace practices are essential.
"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
"The easy access to the trail around the lake, the spread out sites, the clean bathhouse and laundry room, the sunset over the mountains, the location close to town, and they don’t have any breed restrictions"
"Stay here a couple times a year, great amenities and lots to do with a swim beach, shore line, horses, boat ramp and model planes."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 - $200 / night
"Close proximity to the highway. Clean level spots. Geared more towards RV camping. Pros: great views of the foothills."
"So much to do in this little area-lakes, trails, horses. Very close to red rocks. This is still in town so great for beginners"
"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."
Available this weekend
from $28 - $90 / 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."
"It’s we’ll thought out with lots of activity areas like, mountain bike trail, shooting area, off leash dog area, model airfield, equestrian trails, lake and hiking trails!"
"I only gave it 4 stars because on the outskirts of the state park we have a lot of homeless camps popping up oblong Parker road and 225."
Available this weekend
from $28 - $432 / night
"Walking distance to vault toilets. Some nice foresty hikes between Aspen Meadows and Reverend's Ridge. We could see some other campsites but didn't feel too squished."
"This site is surrounded by pine trees, aspens and boulders. Parking is a bit tight and the some of the sites pretty steep. Dude's Fishing Hole is within walking distance."
from $28 / night
"Beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, with ample space, and easy access to the sugarloaf mountain trail. The road is in poor shape but a 2wd suv with decent clearance should be fine."
"You definitely need to know where you’re going with this one, as the location on here isn’t really even close."
"Take the exit onto Fall River Road from the highway, a short road. You are then soon connected with forest service road of sorts York gultch."
"Might ROAD: Dirt, but not "off road trail"- again people live off of this road so its somewhat maintained. BEWARE OF RAIN WASHOUT AREAS, DIPS, AND WASHBOARD."
"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
RangerBathrooms were very nice and clean. Lots of sites with minimal privacy. Pretty packed and noisy in October. Our site had electrical hookups and its own water. Picnic tables and fire rings available as well. Looks like a very family friendly campground. Stayed one 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.
ScoutPull thru site easy to maneuver, lots of space between sites. Hookups easy to use. Maintained nice, lake was beautiful. Seemed like bikers heaven.
GuideWe loved staying here! It was quiet and peaceful, even when it fully booked over Labor Day Weekend. The easy access to the trail around the lake, the spread out sites, the clean bathhouse and laundry room, the sunset over the mountains, the location close to town, and they don’t have any breed restrictions for dogs. I don’t have any complaints about the campground itself.
The only issue we had was that the $17 per vehicle day use fee wasn’t included in the camping cost. We were there for 8 nights and ended up buying the annual Colorado State Parks pass for $80 at the registration office because it was cheaper.
TravelerIt’s very nice except for when the conveyor belt is running from the Henderson mine And there is no water available
GuideHas a nice sandy beach inside the park that's conveniently walkable or drivable with ample of parking spots.
Paddleboard and kayak rentals available but should be done with reservation beforehand.
While there are public bathhouses, the showers is not free - it is pay-per-use metered.
GuideWhile there aren't many amenities (no comfort station), it is a great value place to stay if you're just needing a place to camp. Spacious and decent night sky view.
Automated secure gate where you get an unique digital code for access.
Quiet, good for value place (especially if you do weekly rates).
Golden Gate Canyon State Park features several horseback riding trails across its 12,000-acre landscape near Arvada, though none of the campgrounds within the park include dedicated horse corrals. Aspen Meadows, Reverend's Ridge, and Deer Creek campgrounds accommodate tent and RV camping with picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby access to equestrian trails. The mountain terrain allows riders to explore various elevation changes with spectacular views of the Continental Divide. Campers must bring portable corrals or use highlines for their horses as no permanent equine facilities exist within the campgrounds themselves. Horse trailer parking is available at several trailheads throughout the park, making day rides convenient for visitors staying at nearby accommodations.
Multiple bridle paths connect throughout the park's trail system, with routes suitable for various riding abilities. The Horseshoe Trail provides direct equestrian access with wider paths to accommodate horses safely alongside hikers. Forgotten Valley area offers more remote riding opportunities with a backcountry atmosphere that many equestrians prefer. Water crossings are limited in drier months, so riders should carry water for their animals. Chatfield State Park, located closer to Arvada, provides an alternative with more developed equestrian facilities and direct access to reservoir riding trails. Winter camping in Golden Gate requires additional preparation as water sources are shut off and access roads may be limited to specific routes due to seasonal closures. Horse owners should contact park rangers before arrival to confirm current trail conditions and equestrian access points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Arvada, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Arvada, CO is Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon with a 4.6-star rating from 48 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Arvada, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 equestrian camping locations near Arvada, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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