Best Equestrian Camping near Crestone, CO
We're here to help you find where to go horse camping in Crestone. Equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. Find Colorado equestrian campgrounds with ease on The Dyrt.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Crestone, CO (13)
1. Alvarado Campground
Westcliffe, Colorado15 Reviews•32 Photos•137 SavesOverview
Alvarado Campground, located at an elevation of 9,000 ft., is a prime location for accessing easy to challenging hikes in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. The variety of trails lead to high elevation lakes, picturesque waterfalls, and a number of stunning scenic overlooks. Alvarado is designed for a range of campers, with facilities for tent, RV and equestrian campers. Pike-San Isabel National Forests include over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado's mountain peaks that reach above 14,000 feet.
Recreation
Near the campground are several trailheads that provide visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities. All trails are open for horseback riding and hiking. The Rainbow Trail is a premier ATV and motorcycle trail. The non-motorized Comanche and Venable Trails lead into the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness where waterfalls and alpine lakes may be enjoyed.
Natural Features
Alvarado is perched on the side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains among sweet smelling ponderosa pine, aspen, lodgepole and gambel oak trees. Some sites offer views of the Wet Mountain Valley below while others sit beside Alvarado Creek. The campground is within reach of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, which spans 226,455 acres with 60 alpine lakes, 400 miles of streams and over 400 miles of trails to explore. Large aspen stands visible in the area today are a result of fires set in the early 1900's to clear pasture land, expose minerals and produce charcoal.
Nearby Attractions
Explore the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway that takes drivers through the Wet Mountains and provides spectacular views of 22 peaks, all within the San Isabel National Forest.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
$27 / night
2. Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
Moffat, Colorado3 Reviews•3 Photos•23 SavesEach campsite is 5-10 acres. Miles of running trails and an outdoor gym are available to guests. Each campground is equipped with a fire pit, log benches, charcoal grill, and hammock posts. Tents, sleeping bags, hammocks, And more are available to rent by reservation. Spectacular 7600 ft 360-degree high desert views.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
3. Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
Cañon City, Colorado18 Reviews•31 Photos•34 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
4. Cotton Creek Trailhead
Crestone, Colorado2 Reviews•9 Photos•78 SavesThe Cotton Creek Trail is 13.1 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 962 and ends at Forest Trail #745. Trail is well marked and maintained. It follow the creek through a rugged, steep canyon and diverse scenery, with views of high peaks and many beautiful wildflowers in season. Some stream crossings can be tricky if water level is high. Attractions are fishing in creeks and lakes, and many good campsites. Teacup Lake presents an opportunity for primitive route finding.
The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding, Dispersed Camping, and Wildflower Viewing
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
5. Hermit Pass OHV
Westcliffe, Colorado1 Review•4 Photos•30 SavesDon't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".
Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.
Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:
In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park
Cañon City, Colorado3 Reviews•1 Photo•75 SavesLocated adjacent to the Temple Canyon trail that takes you to delightful Grape Creek and beyond The Temple. Operated by the City of Cañon City. Vault toilets, fire rings, some picnic tables, no water. Four different campsites spread apart to allow you to enjoy the solitude of this area located 8 miles southwest of Cañon City. Open year-round. (Free)
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Picnic Table
7. Huerfano State Wildlife Area
Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, Colorado1 Review•36 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
8. Haggards RV Campground
Penrose, Colorado8 Reviews•15 Photos•18 Saves- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Crestone
53 Reviews of 13 Crestone Campgrounds
sportzfytv A.
Scout
Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts. With its expansive facilities, it perfectly complements Sportzfy TV's mission to promote active lifestyles and engage audiences in diverse sporting events. Whether you’re looking to train or unwind, this destination provides an excellent backdrop for fitness and recreation. For More: https://www.sportzfytvapks.com/
- sportzfytv A.Scout
Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts. With its expansive facilities, it perfectly complements Sportzfy TV's mission to promote active lifestyles and engage audiences in diverse sporting events. Whether you’re looking to train or unwind, this destination provides an excellent backdrop for fitness and recreation. For More: https://www.sportzfytvapks.com/
Angela E.
Traveler
Cotton Creek Trailhead
Beautiful and peaceful 💚
The sky is GORGEOUS. The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow. I've never seen so many stars!
Will H.
Guide
Ventana Arch Dispersed Camp
Dog weekend
Overnight with One of my dogs had a great time very nice no bugs dark night
Carissa G.Traveler
Hermit Pass OHV
VERY ROUGH ROAD
Your vehicle will prob need new brakes after this trip. Super beautiful but the road never eases up.
- DDiane S.Guide
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.
- KarenGuide
Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
Very beautiful 😍
Pleasantly surprised. Top notch campground.
Laura M.Traveler
Haggards RV Campground
Terrific Place
When our boondocking plans went south, Nancy accommodated us on a late Sunday night without a reservation. She was kind and pleasant even though I’m sure she was tired and didn’t feel like showing us to our site. The place was super clean, very charming, and with much attention to detail. Would definitely stay here again!
- SStacey F.Traveler
Cotton Creek Trailhead
Gorgeous Dispersed Camping
There are at least ten dispersed spots off the road, CC64. They are large spots with fire rings. Three of them are on the creek. 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!
Also - it's only 5 miles from Valley View if you can't get a reservation there but can get a day pass.
Amanda S.Traveler
Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground
Great for a night
My husband and I stayed here for a night just passing through. This is only about 12 miles from the Great Sand Dunes National Park and also on the way the Crater Lake. There are several dispersed campsites. We had a UHaul trailer we were pulling and it was easy to get to a campsite. All campsites seems you would be able to get to with a RV or a 2 wheel car. We did not do any exploring but I'm sure hiking is great.
Kyle T.ScoutHuerfano State Wildlife Area
Removed, but not much else to do
This is a wonderfully isolated, dispersed camping area. There are group sites and individual ones, scattered bathrooms, and a few picnic tables. Not much to do nearby, but the campsite is beautiful.
- Zach B.Scout
Alvarado Campground
Great trails and clean bathrooms
About 3 hours south of Denver. Solid trails nearby, sites are large and spread out enough, and bathrooms are close and clean
- CCarolScout
Haggards RV Campground
Easy, friendly, accommodating
Had to get off the road due to wind! They got us right in to their well run campground. Great dog path and running area, showers and laundry. Nancy is super friendly!
- Rowan B.Guide
Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
A pleasant surprise
Really nice. Beautiful views and a great walking path for my dog. I could have gone for miles. People are super friendly and it’s clean! Close to hiking. Well worth the visit
- DDanielScout
Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
Great
We’ll accommodated
Terry P.GuideHaggards RV Campground
Unexpected Gem
We don't usually stay at RV parks, but we really enjoyed our over night stay at Haggard's RV Park. My wife called it an unexpected gem. Nancy, the owner, was very welcoming and set the tone for the visit. She suggested some sites and we found one that was perfect for us with beautiful views across the prairie to the mountains and a spectacular sunset to boot. Nancy came around offering ice at one point and, later, watermellon. There is a nice dog park on-site. In fact, the best we've seen while traveling. Our older greyhound, who usually just follows us, actually did a few laps. Nancy's attention to detail was evident in the way she decorated the bathhouse to create a more personal, at-home feel. Haggard's is on our list of campgrounds to return to in the future.
- SSteph C.Guide
Alvarado Campground
Great place to stay
This was a gorgeous place to stay. The sites were widely spaced on the lower level. There were plenty of sites. Make sure you check your vehicle length because some of the spots were pretty small. It was just a quick trip into Westcliffe to pick up any forgotten supplies. Cell service was good here. No water or electrical hookups.
Jade T.TravelerAlvarado Campground
Small Sites
Beautiful camping sites. They’re small though. Our 12 person tent (18’x10’) did not fit on site. We ended up placing it in the parking spot and parked next to the tent so it worked out. We stayed July 1st-5th and it rained every day we were there. Very windy as well… make sure you stake everything down and add some weight to it too.
- DDusty B.Traveler
Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
KOA Royal Gorge
Large KOA. Always great bathrooms and showers. 1st campsite was full of fire ants but we were able to move to 109 with electric for our tent. Lots of great stuff for kids. Slide, playground, mini golf. Just a few miles from RG Bridge. The camp store is fully stocked!
- EElizabeth S.Guide
Haggards RV Campground
One of Our Favorites!
We've been staying at this campground for several years as we travel between Arizona and Wyoming. The owners are so helpful, and the park is immaculate. Fantastic views, country feel, and safe. There's a seasonal pool, walking trails and a HUGE fenced dog park. Most spots are pull thru, and it's worth the short, easy drive from I-25.
- LLinette C.Scout
Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
Great area
Nice area with lots of activities to keep the family busy. The spots are little close together and you don’t get to choose your spot.
- KKirk H.Traveler
Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
Needs a Refresh
A majority of the camp sites need a refresh… trees, patios, landscaping. Restrooms were clean and somewhat updated, but the showers need a total reno. Place appears to be maintained, but could use a total refresh.
- TTara K.Scout
Haggards RV Campground
Wonderful!
The campground is great for any size rig. Quiet. So neat to see pronghorn in nearby fields as we sat drinking coffee. Nancy is so accommodating. She is a pleasure. Would highly recommend.
- ttavita P.Scout
Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park
Temple canyon view camp site
Enjoyed the beautiful views and the ability to get offline and out in serenity’s. Only down fall staying at the temple view camp site is that there is a jeep tour that comes by a few time in the am and afternoon. So you feel like your on exhibit but they go by fast. Not much shade, and there isn’t a real access to the trails. Had to hike over to temple ridge about a mile away to find two beautiful intermittent trails. Would definitely stay at ridge when we go back. Oh and for sure need 4x4 drive or not a low car. Roads are windy but the view after are amazing.
- KKris M.Traveler
Alvarado Campground
Great weekend getaway
Quite National Forest camp ground that is a pay per night. Site has a nice creek and offers lots of hiking. Vault toilets and several water fountains. No electricity. Lots of wildlife in the area.
Kevin H.
LegendHaggards RV Campground
Loved this place remote but close great hosts
Data T-mobile 5G : lacking ATT: not so hot Verizon: great Visible: pretty good Cricket: ok for voice
Great campground. Plenty of space. Limited monthly residents. Remote but close to town.
Lovely hosts. Will be back
Glenna L.GuideAlvarado 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 Crestone
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.
Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites and access to trails
- At Alvarado Campground, equestrian campers will appreciate the widely spaced sites and proximity to solid trails for riding.
- Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge provides ample space for horses and offers a blend of outdoor activities, making it ideal for those looking to engage in equestrian sports.
- Huerfano State Wildlife Area features group and individual sites, allowing for a comfortable stay while enjoying the natural surroundings.
Equestrian campers like these nearby activities
- The trails surrounding Cotton Creek Trailhead offer breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for long rides under the stars.
- Hermit Pass OHV is known for its rugged terrain, providing adventurous trails for those looking to explore the backcountry with their horses.
- Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park allows for hiking and horseback riding, giving campers a chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.
Tips for equestrian camping near Crestone, Colorado
- When visiting Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground, ensure your vehicle can handle the access roads, as they can be rough but rewarding.
- At Willow Creek Trail, be prepared for a more rustic experience, as amenities are limited, but the natural beauty is unmatched.
- Always check the size of your horse trailer against the site dimensions at Alvarado Campground to ensure a comfortable fit for your camping setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Crestone, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Crestone, CO is Alvarado Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Crestone, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Crestone, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.