Equestrian camping near Center, Colorado offers access to remote wilderness trails and mountain terrain ranging from 7,500 to 9,000 feet elevation. The San Luis Valley region experiences wide temperature variations with summer days reaching the 80s and nights dropping into the 40s. Most dispersed camping sites near Center lack designated horse facilities but provide space for portable containment systems.
What to do
Trail riding at higher elevations: Willow Creek Trail provides access to dispersed camping at the base of Kit Carson peak with approximately 15 sites along the forest road. A reviewer notes, "Easy access to sites, easy access to trail head. Restrooms also available at trailhead."
River camping with horses: East Fork San Juan River offers multiple sites along a forest service road with access to creek crossings. One camper reports, "There are 20+ campsites along FR667. Some can accommodate RVs, some only tents. We parked a popup at the 1st campsite past the bridge near the trailhead."
Mountain views for riders: When bringing horses to Ventana Arch Dispersed Camp, prepare for complete isolation. A visitor describes it as "the quietest campsite I've ever been to. Literally zero sounds, not even bugs! Great for peaceful getaway."
What campers like
Dark sky viewing: Riders appreciate the stargazing opportunities at Cotton Creek Trailhead after long days on horseback. A camper shared, "Once the wind settled, there were more stars than I've ever seen in my life. Endless views and endless stars - can't beat it!"
Creek access for horses: The river access points at dispersed sites provide natural water sources for supervised horse watering. According to one review, "The spot can be sketchy if you have a shorter clearance since there are two rocky drops that can be avoided with a good approach."
Secluded camping spots: Riders value privacy at these remote sites for managing horses away from crowds. A camper at Ventana Arch noted, "Was going to stop at the dispersed camping which is before this one. Decided to continue on and take my chances. So glad I did. Beautiful scenery, so quiet. It's a mental escape."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many equestrian-friendly areas require slow travel on rocky terrain. A Cotton Creek visitor warns, "The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow."
Site selection for trailers: Choose sites with adequate space for both camping equipment and horse containment. At Alvarado Campground, "The campground won't accommodate fifth wheels only horse and rv up to 30 or so. Many of the sites in the 30s up are useless other than a van."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife interactions while camping with horses. At East Fork San Juan River, one camper mentioned, "I got a visitors few cows snooping my site but they left right away."
Seasonal variations: Most sites are accessible from May through October, depending on snow conditions. Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground offers quick access for overnight horse camping trips, with one visitor noting it's "only about 12 miles from the Great Sand Dunes National Park and also on the way the Crater Lake."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: South Fork Campground provides riverside sites where children can safely interact with horses and enjoy water activities. One family reported, "Our kids tubed down the creek."
Trail accessibility: Choose camps with shorter trail options for young riders. A visitor to Alvarado Campground shared, "Trail access is great too. Plenty to see and do!"
Safety considerations: Prepare for weather changes at higher elevations when bringing children and horses. At East Fork San Juan River, a camper noted, "The weather was perfect with day time temps in the 70s and overnight temps in the 50s. Ideal hiking and fishing conditions."
Campsite spacing: Look for sites with adequate space between neighbors for horse safety. One Alvarado visitor observed, "Sites were widely spaced on the lower level. There were plenty of sites."
Tips from RVers
Horse trailer parking: Ponderosa Campground in Antonito offers water hookups and facilities for horse owners hauling larger rigs. A reviewer notes, "Nice, clean privately owned campground with lots of amenities. Hot showers, bath house, ice and few supplies sold in the office."
Level sites for larger rigs: Avoid uneven terrain when parking horse trailers with living quarters. At Alvarado Campground, one RVer found, "We easily got our 40' coach into a very level site."
Road navigation: Plan your route carefully when hauling horses. A Cotton Creek visitor advises, "Do not route via Apple Maps, it will try to take you through a private road. Don't follow the 'major trail' signs, just find the side road this spot is on and drive up and you'll find it."
Water management: Bring extra water containers for horses at dispersed sites. While staying at Willow Creek Trail, one equestrian camper appreciated having "restrooms also available at trailhead" but noted no other water sources for livestock.
