Huerfano State Wildlife Area provides primitive horse camping options near Colorado City, Colorado with basic facilities for equestrian campers. The property features open terrain at 7,800 feet elevation where trail riders can access undeveloped state land. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with summer highs reaching 90°F and potential afternoon thunderstorms common from July through September.
What to do
Trail riding from base camp: Several campgrounds near Colorado City serve as excellent staging areas for horseback riding. At Alvarado Campground, one camper noted, "Trail access is great too. Plenty to see and do!" Another visitor mentioned that "hiking trail was not far from us" when staying at site 41.
Fishing nearby streams: The area offers small stream fishing opportunities within a short drive. One visitor to Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park shared, "It's a small stream but it's sure as hells got some trout in it! I've been fishing this stream since I was a kid, and I still have a good time there."
Wildlife viewing: The natural landscape provides opportunities to observe local wildlife in their habitat. At Haggards RV Campground, campers reported, "So neat to see pronghorn in nearby fields as we sat drinking coffee" and appreciated the "beautiful sunsets of the mountains."
What campers like
Mountain scenery: The surrounding mountains create a dramatic backdrop for horse camping near Colorado City. One camper at Purgatoire Campground described it as "straight out of a movie or picture book" while another remarked that "if you're looking for a beautiful high altitude forested campground that offers solitude and great hiking, you've come to the right place!"
Night skies: With minimal light pollution, the area provides exceptional stargazing. A visitor to Purgatoire Campground mentioned, "The night sky was amazing after the rain passed through and the clouds cleared," highlighting one of the natural benefits of this remote location.
Isolation and quiet: Many equestrian campers appreciate the peace of the undeveloped areas. A camper at Willow Creek Trail noted there are "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."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many of the best equestrian camping locations require driving on rough roads. A visitor to Hermit Pass OHV warned, "Your vehicle will prob need new brakes after this trip. Super beautiful but the road never eases up." Similarly, at Grape Creek, a camper cautioned about "windy roads" that are "super rocky and full of deep holes."
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions and road access. One camper at Alvarado Campground explained their timing challenge: "We visited in the height of mud season and it made leveling our rig a little tricky as the levelling blocks kept sinking in the soft Dyrt under the weight of our wheels."
Bring necessary supplies: Limited services mean preparation is essential. A reviewer at Purgatoire Campground noted, "The nearby towns are VERY small and don't have much to offer for activities, restaurants or supplies if you forget something."
Tips for camping with families
Campground selection for children: Choose sites with appropriate amenities for your family's needs. A visitor to Royal Gorge KOA mentioned, "The kids loved thr go-karting, mini-golf and giant slide. There is also a pool onsight which we did not use." Another reviewer added that "the camping location was great with lots for kids to do."
Site spacing considerations: Family privacy varies by location. An Alvarado Campground camper advised, "Lower sites are larger, more open, and more recently updated. Sites further uphill are in a mixed state of dilapidation."
Safety awareness: Be mindful of potential hazards when bringing children to undeveloped areas. One camper at Purgatoire Campground warned, "Verizon coverage had 1 bar at the south end," indicating limited emergency communication options in remote areas.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations for horse trailers: Many equestrian camping locations have restrictions on rig size. A camper at Alvarado Campground noted, "The campground won't accommodate fifth wheels only horse and rv up to 30 or so" while another mentioned, "Our rig is 28' long, and if the place had been more crowded we may have had trouble finding a spot long enough for us."
Water and utilities: Most equestrian camping sites have limited hookups. At BLM Rec Trail, prepare for self-sufficiency as one camper warned they had to "Cleanup after other campers" and found "a hot bed of coals in the fire pit" left by previous visitors, indicating minimal oversight and services.
Levelness of sites: Horse camping areas often feature uneven terrain. An Alvarado Campground visitor observed, "Many of the sites in the 30s up are useless other than a van. Tent sites are not good. Very uneven pads."
