Best Equestrian Camping near Center, CO

Center is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Center campgrounds just for you. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Center, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Center, Colorado (16)

    2. Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    3 Reviews
    Moffat, CO
    23 miles
    Website

    "The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts."

    "The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts."

    3. South Fork Campground

    4 Reviews
    South Fork, CO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 873-5500

    $29 - $42 / night

    "Good fishing opportunities and trails for hiking and horseback riding. Spring cave is open seasonally April 15-aug15 with permit required to protect the bats from White nose syndrome."

    "Nestled next to the Rio Grande River hand its gorgeous. This is the Rio Grande in Colorado so there's plenty of running water for tubing, rafting and fishing."

    4. Alvarado Campground

    16 Reviews
    Westcliffe, CO
    38 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."

    5. Cotton Creek Trailhead

    3 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 657-3321

    "Don’t follow the “major trail” signs, just find the side road this spot is on and drive up and you’ll find it. You will have to travel like 5-10mph for the last like mile. High clearance not required"

    6. Willow Creek Trail

    1 Review
    Crestone, SC
    29 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."

    7. East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Pagosa Springs, CO
    47 miles
    Website

    "Pass by the entrance to East Fork Campground and continue on the forest service road.  This is where the road becomes fairly rough.  Dispersed sites begin about 2 miles further."

    "We parked a popup at the 1st campsite past the bridge near the trailhead. 2 waterfalls are close, Pagosa Springs is 30ish mins away. Our kids tubed down the creek."

    9. Ponderosa Campground

    5 Reviews
    Capulin, CO
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 376-5857

    "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."

    "Close to lots of fishing and hiking in the area. Beautiful place to watch the sunset and the stars at night. Nice and quiet at night."

    10. Antlers Rio Grande Lodge and RV Park

    5 Reviews
    City of Creede, CO
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 658-2423

    "Kids area, river, bridge to trails super close, etc…

    The town nearby, Creede, was pretty closed down as well. But very fascinating little place."

    "Fly fishing on the Rio Grande is just steps away. The restaurant there is very good! Reservations are recommended.
    The town of Creed is cute and funky. I will definitely go back. Loved it there."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Center, CO

1 Photos of 16 Center Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Center, CO

55 Reviews of 16 Center Campgrounds


  • J
    Jul. 31, 2018

    South Fork Campground

    Great campground by the river

    This campground is in a secluded lovely valley on the south fork of the white river. Good fishing opportunities and trails for hiking and horseback riding. Spring cave is open seasonally April 15-aug15 with permit required to protect the bats from White nose syndrome. The cave is beautiful, and also wet and cold. Helmet and lights and good warm clothes are essential!

    Campsites are close together, some smaller and some better or groups. Site#5 can fit 4-5 tents. Pit toilets which are kept very clean by camp host. Equestrian trailer parking available.

  • 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.

  • C
    Jul. 13, 2018

    South Fork Campground

    Beautiful River view sites

    Nestled next to the Rio Grande River hand its gorgeous. This is the Rio Grande in Colorado so there's plenty of running water for tubing, rafting and fishing.

  • Texas Roving Ranger
    Jun. 20, 2024

    East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping

    Boondocking near Pagosa Springs, Colorado

    Great boondocking sites about 45minues from Pagosa Springs. These sites are completely primitive. No restroom facilities, electricity, potable water or trash service.  No cell service.  Its worth it, so plan accordingly. 

    Follow US160E about 10 miles, turn right onto USFS 667.  Pass by the entrance to East Fork Campground and continue on the forest service road.  This is where the road becomes fairly rough.  Dispersed sites begin about 2 miles further. Most sites are clustered together in pockets near the river.  

    We arrived early in the day and found a great site near a vertical rock face.  Campsite was at 8000'.    We stayed a week and only saw other campers on the weekend.  The weather was perfect with day time temps in the 70s and overnight temps in the 50s.  Ideal hiking and fishing conditions.  

    The forest road gets busy with Jeeps and UTvs during the day on weekends.  Our site was far enough away from the road that we weren't bothered. 

    Access to several trails, beautiful valley views and waterfalls nearby .

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2019

    South Fork Campground

    South Fork Campground + The Rio Grande River + Fly Fishing

    My friend and I stayed at the South Fork Campground for a fly fishing trip.  

    The campground seems to be primarily a RV campground with 50 sites, but they do allow tent camping with 6 sites. There is an office at the entrance and the staff were friendly. Next to the office is a community room and laundry room.

    The RV sites have water and electric hookup. The tent sites do not - at least ours did not. There are restrooms with sinks, toilets and showers nearby the campsites.

    The campground itself sits on the Rio Grande River which is a world class fly fishing river. When we were visiting the river was flowing fast and deep, so it was not a very productive time. We choose to fish in the mountain lakes and streams instead.

    Overall the South Fork Campground is a nice place to stay for a few days or longer. The campsites were a little close in proximity for me, but I'm one that is accustomed to backcountry camping where there are few people around. The campground is a short drive to the town of South Fork where there are grocery stores, gas stations and outdoor gear and fly fishing stores.

  • 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.

  • Sarah F.
    Aug. 3, 2020

    South Fork Campground

    Rollin on the River

    Spots right on the river are pure bliss.  Full hookups and the sound of the Rio Grande to lull you to sleep.  How great is that? 

    Full hookups were great.  Owners were fantastic and friendly. 

    The town of South Fork is very small but you can get groceries and gas.  South Fork is on the East side of Wolf Creek Pass, which is a beautiful, steep, drive.  The best part about the area is the ample amount of fishing.  This area is an anglers dream, reservoirs in every corner of the map with the Rio Grande at your fingertips.  Fishing dreams made!

    Campground spots were well positioned but a tiny bit close.  I would highly recommend any of the ones on the river, you have plenty of space to spread out between the picnic table, fire ring and grassy area by the river's edge.

  • 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.


Guide to Center

Horse camping in Colorado offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Tips for equestrian camping near Center, Colorado

  • The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge provides a welcoming environment for horse camping, allowing pets and offering ample space for outdoor activities.
  • At Alvarado Campground, you can enjoy well-spaced sites that accommodate horses, making it a great choice for those traveling with their animals.
  • South Fork Campground features equestrian-friendly amenities and is located near excellent riding trails, perfect for a weekend getaway.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • The scenic trails around Cotton Creek Trailhead offer breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere for horseback riding.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity of South Fork Campground to the Rio Grande River, which is ideal for a relaxing day after a ride.
  • Explore the diverse landscapes at Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground, where you can enjoy hiking and horseback riding in a tranquil setting.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and facilities

  • Holbrook Road offers a rustic experience with access to trails suitable for horseback riding, making it a great spot for adventurous campers.
  • The Huerfano State Wildlife Area features dispersed camping options with ample space for horses and nearby trails for exploration.
  • At Hermit Pass OHV, you can find rugged terrain and beautiful views, perfect for those looking to ride off the beaten path.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Center, CO is Ventana Arch Dispersed Camp with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Center, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.