Best Equestrian Camping near Crested Butte, CO

Lost Lake Campground near Crested Butte, Colorado, is a hidden gem that combines serene alpine beauty with a peaceful camping experience. Tucked away in the Gunnison National Forest, this campground offers stunning views of wildflower-filled meadows, dense forests, and the pristine Lost Lake itself, which mirrors the surrounding peaks.

The campsites are well-maintained, spacious, and thoughtfully spaced for privacy, with some offering lakefront views. There’s a charming rustic vibe, with basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables, but no hookups. The nearby trails, including the popular Three Lakes Loop, are perfect for hiking, fishing, and soaking in the mountain scenery.

What sets Lost Lake apart is its tranquil atmosphere—especially if you’re visiting during the off-season. It’s the ideal spot to disconnect and enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty, whether you’re kayaking on the lake or simply relaxing by the campfire.

Be aware that the road to the campground is a bit rough and narrow, so it’s best suited for smaller campers or tents. Also, temperatures can drop quickly at night, so pack warm gear even in summer.

If you’re looking for a quiet retreat near Crested Butte with postcard-worthy scenery, Lost Lake Campground is hard to beat. It’s the perfect blend of solitude, recreation, and breathtaking views.

This is a beautiful campground for those who like quiet and isolation..It is approximately 40 minutes west of Gunnison, CO. There are no reservations and no hook ups. There are vault toilets. What draws us to this campground is the beauty of the surrounding area. Black Canyon is close by for those who like to hike. We enjoy riding our ATV and have found some beautiful trails full of wildflowers and wildlife. It is also close enough to take day visits to Montrose or Crested Butte. Oh, and if you like star gazing this is the perfect place as their is no light pollution.

My boyfriend and I spent our first time camping here! It was early October, we only stayed for 2 nights, and we stayed in a tent.There were other people there, but they stayed near the fire ring and slept in their cars. We wore 6-7 layers and were warm the whole night. Very quiet, very peaceful, and the town of Crested Butte is not too far away, we even caught a movie! Even in the beginning of October, not too hot but not too cold, just right. Heard coyotes at night, no cows came over to our site. Actually got a little lost/going in circles finding this campsite, but it's important to read and understand the signage to get here. Took a Honda SUV, handled the bumpy roads very well!

Crested Butte (wisely) decided to control the previously out-of-control dispersed camping situation around the region. This NFS region was heavily impacted with people cutting trees, trampling region, etc. etc. The NSF decided to take the bull by the horns and convert it into an official campground with 17 sites divided (geographically) into about 7 tent (only) and 10 RV (or tent) sites. The RV sites (#s 4 - 13) are just basically parking lot style in a big circular parking lot without trees near the only two toilets (clean) of the CG. I don't RV and those sites were super basic so i won't review them (they would earn a 2/5 * max if i were to review them… 2* because they are free and no hassle and no reservation… otherwise lame but an important conservation effort for the area).  The tent sites (#s 1,-3; 14-17) are also separated somewhat with sites 1-3 decidedly less impressive than the 14 - 17 ones.  

NOTE: the two tent sections have two distinct drive-ins.  The better sites (14 - 17) require you to enter at the second driveway off slate road and go through the RV section (past the toilets) to the back (creeksite).  

All sites(all) have a fire pit, and designated(although still confusing) parking area and nothing else(no table, bear boxes, no garbage, water, etc.). The creek rushes past(down a steep slope offering water(you can purify) and a great cold-water swimming hole. All have super easy access (simple drive into your spot… no issues). 

Okay, now for the best sites (tent sites 14 - 17). Of these, 17 and 16 are the best with 16 taking the prize by a longshot. Sites 14, 15, and 17 are bit cramped (designed based on previous uncontrolled usage patterns and still under active design and improvement).  15 and 17 are creekside and while 17 is big and you can spread out (room for several tents and tarps) it's firepit feels like you are on top of site 15. 15 is a smaller site with room for about 2 -3 tents… (creekside as well) and is nothing spectacular but, hey, it's free and easy access… and, i think still one of the best front-country options in this valley. 

Site 16 is a "walk-in" site (walking less than 15 seconds) to a wonderful private large knook within the crook of the rushing creek which surrounds the site on the back side. It's got great morning sun (earliest of all the tent sites) and space for many tents … and away from all the others. I wouldn't be surprised if they someday split it into two… but for now (with the CG just starting out)… it's the cream of the crop. 

Lastly, the CG is currently free as the main motivation is to mitigate uncontrolled camping impact rather than generate income. We loved the spot as it felt super rustic and was a quick easy 10 - 15 min to town and 3 - 5 minutes to Oh Be Joyful TH.

We were there late-mid July (2021) and there were a few spots available. However, during our three days there, the place was full (at night) and we had to lend out space to late-arriving folks (raining hard) as no other options existed on the slate-river road.

This is for "Soap Creek Corral/ Coal Mesa Horse Camp" dispersed camping not the actual Soap Creek Campground. There were spots at the formal campground but they were small, unconcealed, and within close proximity to all other sites. However, there were true dispersed spots near the horse corrals where lots of horse trailers and off roaders park to ride the trails.

Off of HWY 50, we turned on to HWY 92 and then took FR 721 to FR 721 E where we turned and went right down to the proper campground before looping back out. We went out the same way in (FR 721) but split off onto the side road to find the horse corral area. Bear country. Pros/Cons: no mobile service, primitive, right next to a creek, lots of OHVs, milky way visible, mountain views, shade, creek sounds at night.

Stumbled upon this place accidentally one weekend. There are some reserve able sites near the lake, and some first come/first serve sites as well. Also dispersed camping on the way up to the campground. Place for your horses, group sites, small sites, lakeside site, trailer sites, this place has it all! Great fishing on the lower lake, hike up to the pass or upper lakes. Great trails surround this campground . Spectacular fall foliage! Camp host you can get wood from. Bathrooms and great hammock spots, nice pull in spots for your car, accessible in any vehicle! Fire rings and picnic tables, everything in great shape.