Trappers Lake Horse Thief Equestrian Campground provides dedicated horse corrals for an additional $5 per night, making it a practical option for riders exploring the Flat Tops Wilderness. The campground features approximately 10 sites with Powder River corrals, potable water available from a single spigot near the toilet facilities, and accommodates trailers up to 32 feet in length. While the campground lacks shade trees due to previous forest fires, it offers direct access to multiple wilderness trails popular for pack trips. The equestrian sites remain relatively uncrowded even during peak season, with many visitors noting they had the entire campground to themselves during early summer visits.
East Marvine Campground connects directly to the East Marvine Trail and Marvine Trail, both leading into the Flat Tops Wilderness and frequently used for pack rides. The campground maintains 7 campsites including one pull-through site (Site 1) located near restroom facilities. Horse corrals are available for an additional $5 nightly fee, with the campground accommodating RVs up to 50 feet in length. Despite its prime location for wilderness access, the campground typically remains less than half full even during mid-July, offering a quiet, relaxing atmosphere for equestrians. Nearby Marvine Campground provides additional camping options with similar trail access, though East Marvine specifically caters to horse owners with its corral facilities. The trailheads for both wilderness trails are located near the campground entrance, creating convenient access for day rides or extended pack trips.
"We hit this place coming from the northern Colorado border with Wyoming on a Sunday night. I've grown up and camped in Colorado my whole life, this place was 10/10, and one of my favorite spots ever!"
"Horses are allowed. There are pens for horses. They're not allowed to walk through the campsite though. The reservoir is kind of small. There are picnic tables. Many locations around it."
"This was our first stop on a week long road trip from Colorado Springs to the Oregon Coast and, honestly, we could have just hung out there and saved all the miles."
"I had just done Rock Creek's drive up to dispersed near Dillon and thought that was bad, but this was worse. "
"Located between a bunch of Aspen trees. There are about 27 spots available, all are mostly shaded depending on the time of day."
"A couple of miles down the road there are pull outs were there is easy access to the river. Follow county road 8 to the left and about 20 miles up the road there are numerous hiking trails."
"Site 1 is a pull-thru near the restrooms."
$11 - $25 / night
"We stayed in the equestrian campground. In two of the campgrounds (on the left as you come in), only the smallest of trailers will work. "
"It does have facilities including horse corrals."
$23 - $52 / night
"Trailhead for East Marvine Trail and Marvine Trail is not far from the campground entrance. Both trails lead into the Flat Tops Wilderness and are popular for pack rides. "
$20 / night
"The campground is next to a trailhead. We stopped at the cave, but didn’t go in and then took the Cliff Lake Trail up a couple of miles. Beautiful views."
"There is a bathroom nearby with vault toilets. It was self-pay, cash only, $27. It was very secluded and peaceful. No WiFi service. This became our favorite campsite of our trip."
$20 - $80 / night
"The lake is incredible and the panoramic view is out of this world. I was fortunate to drive in right around sunset and the whole valley was lit with a glorious red light."
"I have spent many years coming to Teal lake, its always been a family favorite!"
$150 / night
ScoutWe hit this place coming from the northern Colorado border with Wyoming on a Sunday night. I've grown up and camped in Colorado my whole life, this place was 10/10, and one of my favorite spots ever! With hiking, biking, and fishing, you could spend some time here!
RangerBeautiful spot. Almost at 9,000 ft. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Most of them are slightly treed. There is garbage pickup. The fall colors are just starting to show. Horses are allowed. There are pens for horses. They're not allowed to walk through the campsite though. The reservoir is kind of small. There are picnic tables. Many locations around it. We arrived late so we didn't get to see how beautiful it was until the morning.
RangerThere are 4 small US Forest Service campgrounds here. The access road is in great shape and while it is gravel, it is passable with any vehicle and trailer combination.
One of the campgrounds is reservable, the the others are FCFS. We stayed in the equestrian campground. In two of the campgrounds (on the left as you come in), only the smallest of trailers will work. The first one on the right is the equestrian campground and the second one on the right is the reservable campground. We have a short 5th wheel (26') and we found only a couple of sites we could fit in. I would say that 32' is about it. On the other hand, the campgrounds get very little use and you should have no problems finding a spot. We were there in early June and we had our campground to our selves. There is water but no other services. Cell service? Forget about it.
The hiking is fantastic from the campground. Trappers Lake is outstanding. There was a forest fire a few years back so the trees around the lake are gone. There are many trails and the views are some of the best.
GuideThis campground was less than half full. Trailhead for East Marvine Trail and Marvine Trail is not far from the campground entrance. Both trails lead into the Flat Tops Wilderness and are popular for pack rides. Horse corrals are available at the trailhead and nearby East Marvine Campground for an additional $5 / night.
GuideThe 7 campsites at East Marvine Campground were surprisingly empty in mid-July and the neighboring Marvine Campground was only half full. Site 1 is a pull-thru near the restrooms.
Open late-May to late-October
First Come First Served
$20 per night +$5 for horse corrals
50ft max RV length
The big attraction in the area seems to be the East Marvine Trail and Marvine Trail that leads into the Flat Tops Wilderness. Very popular for pack trips. We saw quite a few horse trailers in the area.
RangerThis campground is rather small. It does have facilities including horse corrals.
LegendThis is the official CG for the horse crowd, however if it is empty anyone can camp there. FCFS, about 10 sites some with powder river corrals. One water spigot up at top by the single toilet one issue is NO shade.
GuideThis was our first stop on a week long road trip from Colorado Springs to the Oregon Coast and, honestly, we could have just hung out there and saved all the miles.
It was a such a beautiful area mid September. All the leaves were changing, it was cool and misty, the view was spectacular, yes it was rough as hell to get there, but totally worth it if you’ve got the rig for it.
My only note for the area was that there were a lot hunters walking through and around our camp, but everyone was polite and respectful.
TravelerHands down one of my favorite campgrounds! Located between a bunch of Aspen trees. There are about 27 spots available, all are mostly shaded depending on the time of day.
Plenty of bathrooms/vault toilets available, buildings are new and very clean/well kept! Lockers are available to keep your food and toiletries away from bears - though I haven’t seen any in the area yet.
Camp host is very friendly and knowledgeable, ready to assist with whatever you need. Pricing is fair imo for the upkeep they have for this campsite.
Absolutely worth it for those who enjoy peace & quiet, close to beautiful wilderness in the mountains.
Equestrian trails and camping options near Craig, Colorado provide direct access to the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. The region sits at elevations between 8,000-10,000 feet with seasonal access typically limited from May through October due to mountain snow conditions. Most campgrounds in this area have limited or no cell service, making advance planning essential.
Trail riding from camp: East Marvine Campground connects to two wilderness trails popular with horseback riders. "The trailhead for East Marvine Trail and Marvine Trail is not far from the campground entrance. Both trails lead into the Flat Tops Wilderness and are popular for pack rides," notes one camper.
Fishing opportunities: The mountain creeks and lakes provide good fishing opportunities during summer months. A camper at East Marvine mentioned the area "offers good fishing opportunities in the mountain creek," while others note that nearby water access makes for productive day trips.
Cave exploration: Near South Fork Campground, visitors can access Spring Cave seasonally. "Spring Cave is open from mid-April to mid-August and requires a permit from the forest service. In addition, decontamination rules must be followed to protect the bats," explains one visitor who hiked from the campground.
Wilderness solitude: Many campgrounds remain uncrowded even during peak season. At Freeman Reservoir Campground, a camper noted: "Despite a mostly full campground after dark it was very quiet, no generators, no barking dogs, and no big parties. There is a mixture of pull through, back in, and some tent sites for all camping types."
Fall colors: The aspen forests provide spectacular autumn viewing. "We went up in Mid-sept with our dogs to photograph fall color change and were not disappointed. There is a short trail around the reservoir and we even got pictures of a couple beavers," writes one visitor to Freeman Reservoir.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. "We saw quite a few horse trailers in the area," noted a visitor to Marvine Campground, while others mention seeing beaver, deer, and various bird species throughout the area.
Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. At Buffalo Pass Dispersed, a camper warned: "Very busy on a weekend and hard road. Some nice spots but many are blocked from a view so get there early. Found a dirt road that took off from the main road but my car couldn't handle it (AWD)."
Weather patterns: Mountain weather changes rapidly and affects road access. Another Buffalo Pass visitor explained: "Buff pass gate is open and you can mob over it if you have high clearance, 4wd, and definitely winter tires. It gets sketchy at some points, but you have your pick of camp sites."
Insect activity: Summer months bring mosquitoes to many sites. "This place is beautiful, found multiple spots on Monday June 30th that were beautiful and had fire pits. HOWEVER, When you see other reviews that say there are lots of bugs… they were not exaggerating, there are massive swarms of mosquitoes everywhere."
Reservoir recreation: Teal Lake Group Campsite offers shoreline fishing perfect for children. "This is by far my favorite place to go fishing when I'm in the mood to fish off the shore! I have spent many years coming to Teal lake, its always been a family favorite!"
Campfire preparation: Seasonal fire restrictions may apply. "Currently a stage 2 fire ban so no campfires allowed," noted one Buffalo Pass visitor during dry conditions, while others recommend bringing your own firewood as availability varies by location.
Site spacing: Look for campgrounds with adequate privacy between sites. A Freeman Reservoir camper observed: "The campsites are well separated, and screened by trees for good privacy. Despite a mostly full campground after dark it was very quiet."
Size limitations: Many horse campgrounds near Craig, Colorado have specific length restrictions. At South Fork Campground, larger rigs may find challenges: "Campsites were a bit overgrown and 3 sites were closed due to downed trees," limiting availability for larger units.
Water availability: Water sources vary significantly between sites. At North Fork Campground, an RVer noted there are "vault toilets, and water spigots" available, while South Fork has "No Potable Water" according to another camper.
Unlevel sites: Many forest service campgrounds have natural, unimproved pads. "The ground was very rocky and undeveloped, not great for tents. We kept sliding while we slept," reported one camper, suggesting leveling blocks are essential for RVs at these equestrian-focused campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Craig, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Craig, CO is Freeman Reservoir Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Craig, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Craig, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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