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No dedicated equestrian campgrounds operate within Brighton, Colorado city limits. Campers with horses typically travel to nearby state parks for suitable horse camping accommodations. Cherry Creek State Park Campground, approximately 25 miles south of Brighton, permits horses but does not offer dedicated horse corrals or equestrian facilities within the camping areas. The park features full hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, and clean bathhouse facilities with showers and laundry. Visitors bringing horses should contact the park office regarding current policies and designated horse trailer parking areas. The campground provides paved parking pads and picnic tables at each site, with both pull-through and back-in options available.
Riders access the Cherry Creek trail system directly from the park, connecting to a network of multi-use paths that allow horseback riding in designated sections. The 880-acre off-leash dog area within Cherry Creek State Park borders some equestrian-permitted trails, requiring riders to exercise caution when passing through these zones. Water access for horses is limited, so campers should bring adequate supplies. Chatfield State Park, located south of Denver, offers additional horse-friendly camping options with more extensive trail systems. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with some routes becoming muddy during spring thaws and after heavy rain. Both parks require entrance fees in addition to camping fees, making extended stays relatively expensive compared to more primitive horse camping options elsewhere in Colorado.
"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."
from $28 - $432 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $36 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $39 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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."
"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."
from $28 - $90 / 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"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"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
Check Availability
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.
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).
GuideThere must be another way in i would assume. 3.5 mile steep climb dirt rd in the rain was slick. After a 8 mile windy rd straight up. Like I said, probably another rd in. Campground is great once you get here. And it's paved!
While Brighton offers no dedicated equestrian facilities, nearby campgrounds provide alternatives for outdoor enthusiasts. Cherry Creek State Park Campground, located 25 miles southwest, features 880 acres and sits at 5,550 feet elevation. The area experiences warm summer days with temperatures averaging 85°F and cool nights dropping into the 50s, making tent camping comfortable during summer months.
Mountain biking and hiking trails: Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers extensive trail systems for day activities. As one visitor notes, "Golden Gate Canyon SP is enormous. The options for trails are endless. Great for mountain biking or hiking enthusiasts. The park feels like it's far from the city, but the drive is easy for a weekend camping trip!" The park maintains over 35 miles of marked trails varying in difficulty.
Fishing opportunities: Bear Creek Lake Park provides access to stocked fishing areas throughout the season. "Great campground. Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding," reports Joshua H. The park requires a daily entrance fee in addition to camping fees.
Water recreation: Chatfield State Park Campground offers boating and paddleboarding options on its reservoir. A camper shared: "Great views of mountains. Just minutes south of Denver. With decent facilities and a playground for kiddos." The park sits approximately 30 miles from Brighton and charges separate vehicle entry fees.
Privacy between sites: Reverend's Ridge Campground at Golden Gate Canyon provides well-spaced campsites. One reviewer commented, "Loop E (electric hookups) is very spacious and well laid out. Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs. Mostly level, fire rings, and very large metal picnic tables. Enormous amount of room."
Wildlife viewing: East Portal Campground offers frequent wildlife encounters. A camper observed, "Mule deer came through every evening right by our camper to eat grass. One morning 3 large Bull Elk and a young bull came through the valley and up through the campground." Approximately 65 miles from Brighton, this campground offers a more mountain-oriented experience.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained facilities at many parks. "The bathrooms were very clean and the showers were pay only and only with a bank card. $1.50 for a five minute shower," noted Stephanie S. Most campgrounds charge daily vehicle entrance fees ranging from $9-11 in addition to camping fees.
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly, particularly on weekends. "Campground is very clean. Loop E (electric hookups) is very spacious and well laid out. Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs," reports Dennis G. about Reverend's Ridge. Reservations can typically be made 6 months in advance.
Limited horse facilities: True horse campgrounds near Brighton, Colorado are scarce. While some parks permit horses, dedicated equestrian campsites are limited. Most parks require you bring water for horses and follow specific trail restrictions.
Entry fee structure: Hermits Hollow Campground charges separate fees for camping and vehicle entrance. As one reviewer explained, "There is a fee upon entry. You have to pay for the nights you plan to stay and you have to pay for your vehicle to have a permit to be there." Expect to budget for both camping and daily vehicle fees.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Bear Creek Lake Park, one visitor shared: "Lots of park amenities like horse stables, archery range, swim beach, boat rentals, hiking trails, picnic areas." Many family-friendly parks maintain playgrounds suitable for various age groups.
Bear-proof storage: Most campgrounds provide bear boxes for food storage. "Each site had a bear box, picnic table, and fire ring. There are plenty of trees for shade and some privacy, but you are still near other campers," notes Hannah F. Bear boxes accommodate multiple coolers and are mandatory for food storage.
Kid-friendly trails: Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir connects to gentle hiking trails. "The hike from the nearby Forsythe Canyon Trail (moderate difficulty, one tricky section 3/4 of the way) which leaves from the parking lot area. It is a great 1 mile loop that ends at the north west side of the lake," explains Daniel B. Request trail maps from rangers to find appropriate routes for children.
Early arrival recommendations: Cherry Creek State Park fills quickly during peak seasons. One RVer advises, "If you want to get into the Park, suggest you go EARLY, EARLY, EARLY in the day. Traffic backs up all the way from the Entrance on Parker Rd to the Entrance Booth on weekends and holidays. Plan on an hour OR MORE to just get to the booth." Weekday arrivals typically face less congestion.
Dump station positioning: Be aware of dump station layouts when planning your visit. One camper mentioned, "My husband said the dump site was not positioned perfectly for our camper but we were so happy they had one." Most campgrounds require specific routing to access dump stations efficiently.
Level site considerations: Golden Gate Canyon campgrounds often have uneven terrain. "We were in loop C. When we got there on Thursday night, it was a bit chilly so we were basically the only people out there tent camping. The sites are not very level so be prepared to use your blocks," reports a visitor. Bring leveling equipment for RVs at mountain campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Brighton, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Brighton, CO is Cherry Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 56 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Brighton, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 equestrian camping locations near Brighton, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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