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Jacks Gulch Campground in Bellvue offers equestrian camping sites with separate areas designed specifically for horses. The campground features dedicated spots for equestrians with room for horse trailers and adequate space to set up portable corrals or highlines. Vault toilets are available, but no running water is provided at individual sites. The campground layout provides ample space between sites, creating a quiet and peaceful environment for both horses and campers. Equestrians note the abundance of animal trails and hiking paths accessible directly from the campground, making it convenient for riders seeking trail access without needing to trailer horses to trailheads.
Located approximately 6 miles down a gravel road in Roosevelt National Forest, this horse-friendly campground connects to multiple trail systems suitable for day rides. The surrounding forest service roads and trails provide varied terrain for riders of all experience levels. Water for horses must be brought in or collected from nearby natural sources when available. The remote location limits cell service but ensures minimal crowds even during peak camping seasons. Sites are first-come, first-served, with no reservation system in place. The campground typically operates seasonally from May through November, weather permitting, with closures during winter months when access becomes difficult due to snow and road conditions.
"This is a KOA journey, meaning it’s great for a stopover, and it is located next to a horse farm. If you are used to smelling farm life, then the smell won’t be a problem."
"We needed a stop on the way out of Colorado and grabbed a quick night here in a tent site. Water was off for weather but stoves made much needed coffee in the cold."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
from $45 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $42 - $206 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $10 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"Horse drawn wagon ride to senator steak house. Omg absolutely fresh and delicious meal. Thanks!!"
"Honestly, when we first pulled in, we were a little put off by the proximity to the highway, and a policy they have to keep your cc information on a handwritten card."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability"There is a short drive over a tall hill to a valkey with 3 camp grounds. Hermits hollow, Bob cat and kruger equestrian . Hermits hollow is better for small rigs and tents."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Need high clearance and a good off roading car to get all the way through. Also side note, turns out the road goes all the way through! Both ends go straight to a high way which is sweet."
"It has official signs at the entrance showing you where the sites are. The site has pull ins for each user and they are spread out. Each site has a lot of space."
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.
Jacks Gulch Campground offers equestrian-focused camping approximately 6 miles up a gravel road in Roosevelt National Forest. The elevation ranges from 7,800-8,200 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures that typically stay below 80°F. Dispersed equestrian camping is available from May through November, with consistent closures during winter months when snow makes access impossible.
Trail riding access points: Multiple trail systems connect directly from the campground, accommodating both beginner and experienced riders. "There are trails all around the campsite that were accessible for bikes, or hiking," notes Lara B. from Jacks Gulch.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings offer the best chance to spot local wildlife including moose, elk, and coyotes. A visitor at Hermits Hollow Campground reported, "We watched the fireworks for 4th of July in Estes from one of the trails. Large bear boxes fit 2+ coolers."
Mountain biking exploration: The dirt forest service roads branching off from camp areas provide extensive biking terrain. "We were able to get on bikes and explore the endless dirt roads that spoke off in all directions. Little creeks abound," shares Morgan Y. about their experience at Jacks Gulch.
Peaceful seclusion: The distance from major highways creates a notably quiet camping experience. "It's way off the path. Beautiful drive to get there. It is in the woods with no water activities, but very nice and peaceful," writes Corey B. about Jacks Gulch Campground.
Well-maintained sites: Despite the remote location, campsite maintenance remains consistent. At Bobcat Campground, campers appreciate the practical features: "Each campsite has a fire ring (fire ban while we were there), table and bear box. The bear boxes were very large and clean."
Morning wildlife encounters: Campers regularly report wildlife sightings near their sites at dawn. "We had a moose and her baby visit our camper first thing the next morning," one visitor to Jacks Gulch noted, highlighting the natural experience.
Weather variability: Summer afternoons frequently bring thunderstorms, while early mornings can be quite cold even in summer. At East Portal Campground, a visitor observed, "So quiet at night...good sleeping! Friendly hosts! Great camping in the Rockies!"
Water requirements: No running water exists at most sites, requiring campers to bring their own supply. "Water for horses must be brought in or collected from nearby natural sources when available," reports a reviewer.
Road conditions: The access road requires caution with trailers or larger vehicles. "The road a little scary at times when driving to camp but worth it," shares Sabrina S. about Jacks Gulch, reflecting the typical access challenge.
Fire regulations: Restrictions frequently change based on conditions. A Jacks Gulch visitor noted, "We camped at Jack's Gulch primarily because we wanted a campfire, and it was one of the few places not currently under a fire ban in the state."
Animal attractions: Children enjoy the wildlife viewing opportunities near the campsites. At Winding River Resort, which offers similar animal encounters as horse campgrounds near Bellvue, "Horses, and a donkey walk around like they own the place."
Space between sites: Larger equestrian sites provide ample room for families to spread out. "The spots are nice and big, lots of walking trials," notes Sabrina S. about Jacks Gulch.
Bear safety education: Teaching children about proper food storage becomes an educational opportunity. "Our site was a nice size and felt private enough despite somewhat close neighbors. The bear box was a good size, easy to use, and well located," notes a visitor at Bobcat Campground.
Trailer positioning: Sites designed for horse trailers work well for travel trailers but require careful positioning. At Hermits Hollow Campground, "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."
Generator limitations: Most equestrian sites have limited or no generator use guidelines. Check specific campground rules before arrival.
Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain at equestrian sites might require additional leveling equipment. A visitor at Bobcat Campground noted, "Sites are very hard to get your unit level. Very high price for no hookups."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bellvue, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bellvue, CO is Fort Collins North-Wellington KOA with a 3.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bellvue, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 31 equestrian camping locations near Bellvue, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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