Best Equestrian Camping near Blanca, CO

Blanca, CO is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Blanca, CO. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Blanca, Colorado (13)

    2. Purgatoire Campground

    8 Reviews
    Weston, CO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $25 / night

    "The area surrounding Purgatory is GORGEOUS. It’s straight out of a movie or picture book."

    "No access to electric or water. Road to camp is rough. Beautiful scenery. Short drive to Chucara and Stonewall."

    3. Holbrook Road

    Be the first to review!
    Blanca, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 852-7074

    4. Huerfano State Wildlife Area

    1 Review
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    19 miles

    5. Alvarado Campground

    16 Reviews
    Westcliffe, CO
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $30 - $60 / night

    "I absolutely love this area of Colorado. It's breathtaking no matter which direction you look. Decent campground that was a bit too big for my taste."

    "There are several hiking trails nearby. The vault toilets were right by us and we didn’t have any issues with smell, and they were the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen."

    6. Rio Costilla Park

    10 Reviews
    Red River, NM
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 586-0542

    $30 / night

    "This is the first campground I’ve found in New Mexico where I felt like I was camping in Colorado, it was so green and beautiful!"

    "The park is HUGE and just so beautiful. 10,000 acres of aspens and ponderosa pines only one hour away from the town of Taos."

    7. Cimarron Campground

    10 Reviews
    Red River, NM
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 586-0520

    $22 - $40 / night

    "Beautiful location in a place I wasn’t expecting it to be sooo green! Very relaxing and remote as there is zero service. It was perfect & exactly what we were looking for."

    "There is a walking trail at the back of the campground to get to Surree Ponds."

    8. The Chicken Ranch

    2 Reviews
    Antonito, CO
    39 miles
    +1 (719) 201-1085

    $20 - $65 / night

    "Red Lake hike was awesome and easy."

    9. The Mesita Ranch

    Be the first to review!
    Costilla, CO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (412) 443-8148

    $10 - $11 / night

    10. Willow Creek Trail

    1 Review
    Crestone, SC
    39 miles
    Website

    "Approx 15 or so dispersed camp sites along the forest road up to the parking lot for Willow Lake trail. Easy access to sites, easy access to trail head. Restrooms also available at trailhead."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Blanca, CO

1 Photos of 13 Blanca Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Blanca, CO

58 Reviews of 13 Blanca Campgrounds


  • Christa A.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    Rio Costilla Park

    So spacious!

    This is the first campground I’ve found in New Mexico where I felt like I was camping in Colorado, it was so green and beautiful! The camp sites were nicely spaced, so we felt like we were primitive camping, but it was nice to have a picnic table, especially because we have a small child. Family friendly. We wish we would have brought our 4x4 vehicle because we had initially planned to camp at little blue lake, but my Subaru Impreza was not powerful enough/didn’t have high enough clearance to make it up the road that lead to the lake! We are definitely planning on camping back to check out the lakes. The only negative thing was that we found some trash at our site from the previous campers. Also, some cows woke us up early in the morning, which was cool, but also scared the shit out of us!

  • Cindy R.
    Jun. 28, 2021

    Alvarado Campground

    Loved with a few exceptions

    I absolutely love this area of Colorado. It's breathtaking no matter which direction you look. Decent campground that was a bit too big for my taste. I agree with another reviewer: choose your site wisely! Dirty vault toilets. Water spigots that were almost all dripping (some almost running). I believe it should be posted at time of reservation if there are STEPS involved to set up camp. This site had maybe 10 steps, some in desperate need of repair. As a senior solo camper, this was challenging.  This site was not my choice but the only one available for my time-frame (right next door to the camp host and on the main/incoming road). When we were there, no availability of firewood from camp host, but a load did arrive while we were there. Really noisy campground (plenty of barking dogs), PLUS,a helicopter was doing a training mission two of the days we were there and flew directly over the campground, low-level, 3-5 times each day. 

    No bear boxes. (there was a hiker/bear interaction on the Venable trail on June 17th.)

    Positives were wildlife, scenery, wildflowers, awesome hiking both directions out of the campground, nice fellow campers (those we met).

    In hindsight, I would have been really upset if I'd paid full price.

  • P
    May. 18, 2021

    Alvarado Campground

    Beautiful Spot, Would Return

    We stayed at Alvarado for one night on 5/15/2021. We had sites 34 and 35 right across the road from each other. Steve the host was really friendly and stopped by to say hello a couple of times. There are several hiking trails nearby. The vault toilets were right by us and we didn’t have any issues with smell, and they were the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen. The water was closed when we were there because they were waiting on test results before they could open, they did end up opening the water on Sunday so I’m assuming it’s good to go for the season now. Town is really close by (maybe 15 min) so we just went into town and filled up water jugs. Site 34 was a bit close to the campsite next to us. We ended up going to sleep when our neighbors did just because we thought even low voices would be a disturbance to them in their tents. Other than the close proximity, the sites were great and nicely maintained. The sites higher than 35 seem to be spaced a bit further apart so would probably go to the upper sites next time. Great campsite, would return again!

    Nice picnic tables and permanent fire pits/grates (which means you can typically use even during stage one fire bans) at every site. A lot of dumpsters and water spots, as well as toilets.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Alvarado Campground

    One of those gems

    The campground won't accommodate fifth wheels only horse and rv up to 30 or so. Many of the sites in the 30,s up are useless other than a van. Tent sites are not good. Very uneven pads. The 40,s are much better and all mostly tents. The sites below 30 to 1 are pretty nice. Must say the hosts for the new concession explorUS were doing a bang up job.

  • Lila L.
    May. 18, 2020

    Rio Costilla Park

    Unbelievable beauty

    The park is HUGE and just so beautiful. 10,000 acres of aspens and ponderosa pines only one hour away from the town of Taos. All sites offer a fire pits and some come with nice picnic tables under roofs by the clear river. Only $25 a day you can get to enjoy the nature. We didn’t take our TRD pro Taco coz we thought our All wheel super handling SUV would be good enough but definitely there are some off-roading you can enjoy. Be sure to bring your truck or Jeep to enjoy more. No cell phone reception. There are no water available and porta potties were not ready yet. The lake was closed but we still had so much fun hiking and exploring the acres of wonderland. Will definitely go back there!

  • Glenna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Alvarado Campground

    Great campground!

    We arrived around 830am on a July Saturday morning and found a handful of spots available to select from. We were a party of five with one large tent, one medium size tent and 2 vehicles. Luckily spot 43 at the top of the loop was available and able to accommodate our group. It was located close to water and a pit toilet as well. The host was attentive and cleaned and stocked the toilet. The campground was beautiful and had access to several wonderful trails. The night sky was amazing after the rain passed through and the clouds cleared. There was a group at a lower loop that was playing really loud music until well after quiet time. I do wish the host had put an end to that. Firewood was available for purchase at the host, but we were allowed to gather our own as well. All in all, a wonderful location and we were glad to find a spot and would love to return.

  • Michael M.
    Aug. 30, 2017

    Ponderosa Campground

    The River runs through it

    The website listed for this campground is correct Ponderosa campground Antonito, CO.

    Phone 719.376.5857

    This is a very relaxing place to stay and it seems like most of the people there have been there many times before. The drive in is easy on Route 17 and does not require a vehicle with high ground clearance. They do allow campfires, they have clean bathrooms and a shower house. I stayed in a backpacking tent after driving all day arriving on a Friday at about 4:00 PM. The campground is set-up for small campers and has some cabins for rent too. The bathrooms with showers are clean and comfortable. The sites have fire rings with grates and picnic tables. The owner manager is great, providing quality fishing advice, conversation and even a free cup of coffee in the morning. Hiking on the CDT is near the campground and fishing is right in the campground. The steam train is right up the pass and I happened to be there the night before opening day catching a photo when I drove over the pass to Chama New Mexico. The Cumbres and Toltec Train traveling between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. This is a very nice drive and Chama is a cool place to visit, it is a trail town on the CDT.

    I will visit this campground again for sure.

  • T
    Jul. 23, 2022

    Rio Costilla Park

    Dispersed............ but not. Worth the trip!

    My wife and I spent 3 days and 2 nights at Rio Costillo and really enjoyed our time.  We are typically dispersed campers, so paying to camp is a bit of a departure.  The fee to camp has increased to $30 per night, but we decided to give it try.  It was probably more about what we didn't experience that we enjoyed the most.  There is NO FIREWORKS permitted and NO ATV's permitted.  Thus, a pleasant and quiet camp trip.  There have been no recent fires in the area, so the views were beautiful!.  Not sure how many head of cattle roam the park, but they could care less about you and do not pose any threat.  The sites are spread apart so much that it feels like dispersed camping.  Portable toilets are close to all sites, but no running water.  The lakes were closed at the time of our visit (clearing the road of fallen trees we were told).  Most of the sites were close to running streams of water, though we only fished in the Rio Costilla outside the park entrance.  The fees are $30 per vehicle/night and $10 to fish per person per day.  No fee to fish in the river outside of the park, only a NM license or out of state permit.

  • sportzfytv A.
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts. With its expansive facilities, it perfectly complements Sportzfy TV's mission to promote active lifestyles and engage audiences in diverse sporting events. Whether you’re looking to train or unwind, this destination provides an excellent backdrop for fitness and recreation. For More: https://www.sportzfytvapks.com/


Guide to Blanca

Horse camping in Colorado offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the companionship of your equine friends. With various locations catering to horse campers, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • The Purgatoire Campground provides a peaceful setting with ample space for horses, making it a great choice for equestrian enthusiasts.
  • At Cimarron Campground, you'll find facilities that accommodate horse camping, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your horse.
  • Alvarado Campground offers horse-friendly sites with easy access to trails, perfect for those looking to ride in the beautiful Colorado wilderness.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy scenic rides and breathtaking views at Huerfano State Wildlife Area, where the trails are perfect for horseback riding.
  • The Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground is conveniently located near hiking trails that are suitable for both riders and hikers, providing a variety of outdoor experiences.
  • Explore the rugged terrain and stunning landscapes around Holbrook Road, where you can take your horse on adventurous trails.

Tips for equestrian camping near Blanca, Colorado

  • Always check the accessibility of the roads leading to your chosen site, as some areas like Hermit Pass OHV have rough terrain that may require a sturdy vehicle.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities at places like The Mesita Ranch, where you can enjoy a more rustic experience with your horse.
  • Make sure to bring enough supplies for both you and your horse, as locations such as The Chicken Ranch may not have nearby markets or water hookups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Blanca, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Blanca, CO is Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Blanca, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Blanca, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.