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Pyramid Rock Camp provides equestrian-friendly dispersed camping for horses and riders approximately 15 minutes from Interstate 70 near De Beque. The open space surrounding the camp offers plentiful room for horses to roam while accommodating various camping setups including tents and RVs. Free camping is available along a loop road with multiple pull-offs large enough for horse trailers and camping equipment. Riders frequently use this area for trail riding as it's designated for OHV and equestrian use, making it ideal for those traveling with horses. The terrain features wide open spaces with 360-degree views of surrounding mountains, providing excellent visibility for monitoring horses. The dirt road access is generally good, though it can be rutted in places, requiring careful navigation with horse trailers.
Trail access directly from the campground allows riders to explore the surrounding BLM land without trailering horses to separate riding areas. The loop road configuration makes it convenient for riders to access different trail options throughout their stay. During warmer months, gnats and mosquitoes can be present particularly near the water treatment area, so equestrians should bring appropriate protection for themselves and their horses. The dispersed camping area offers a mix of open terrain at the bottom areas and elevated sites with superior views for those willing to navigate slightly rougher roads. Weather patterns include afternoon thunderstorms during summer months and strong winds across the exposed landscape, so securing horse containment systems properly is essential. No drinking water is available, requiring equestrians to bring adequate water supplies for both themselves and their horses.
"There’s a T in the road just outside of De Beque. Don’t go on the road marked no outlet! Make the right instead."
"If you have ATVs, dirt bikes, horses, etc. this is a great place for you. It’s just 4 miles off of I-70 but still secluded."
"Our site was hidden by trees off a short dirt drive which wasn’t too bad."
"We spent two weeks near vela resevoir. No fish but lots of mushrooms. The first trees are inoxicating. We are disappointed in the virtual take over by atvs."
"Only 2 spots out here at lands end that are actually on the edge of the mesa. No tree cover out on the edge of the mesa. Alt is around 10.5k so won't get super hot."
"Easy drive up for any vehicle. I clocked about 10 options before parking on a grassy flat area about half way up (options at both sides of road at this spot) About 4/5 others camped. Fire pits."
"To start, we camped with a teardrop trailer, but once you pass the White River National Forest sign and parking lot for the babbish trail head, it’s not easy to turn around unless you find a campsite."
"My first winter camping trip in Colorado."
"Entrance is via 139 just before the 8 mile marker, you have to drive over a cattle grate and road is gravel."
"Near town and close to i70. Note: there are several coyotes in the area. Be sure to keep an eye on your pets."
"Mud springs is a small campground tucked away on top of a national monument."
"There are toilets and a water faucet near our site. Rained on us a bit the first day so the name definitely fits! 4x4 would help get to the sites! Especially on muddy days!"
from $5 - $10 / night
Check Availability"Pretty spot with stream water right behind the sites. You have to drive over a stream when you come in but it was easily crossed when we visited."
"Arrived on foot trail via a Little Dominguez Canyon going to Big Dominguez Canyon. Half of Campground is on one side of the river need four-wheel-drive to cross the river."
"This area is called Fluffle Campground, and the center is a large Group Are with Equestrian corral also. There are a total of 25 sites but 9 of them are in the so called group area complex."
from $10 - $20 / night
TravelerIt was a great spot once I finally found it. Waze took me through privately owned land. Google had it right. There’s a T in the road just outside of De Beque. Don’t go on the road marked no outlet! Make the right instead.
LegendThis area is called Fluffle Campground, and the center is a large Group Are with Equestrian corral also. There are a total of 25 sites but 9 of them are in the so called group area complex. These sites are large and roomy and good for RVs and TTs. However they are close to I70 and some will have freeway noise depending on the site. One toilet is at the group areA. No dumpsters, no water, no RV dump. Cell signal is very strong. Sites all are reserved and paid for online. No FCFS but sort of a hybrid if FCFS and online pay for sites as most are open during the week. Likely alot of OHVs on weekends. Sites are $20/$10 senior with an $8 reservation online fee. 7 day camping limit
GuideIf you have ATVs, dirt bikes, horses, etc. this is a great place for you. It’s just 4 miles off of I-70 but still secluded. It is a designated OHV area so no worries about people stopping you from ripping around and exploring.
That said - I’m a quiet camper and prefer to avoid OHV areas calling them Obnoxiously High-noise Vehicle areas. I’m kidding, obviously. Seriously, everyone enjoys the outdoors in their own way and I don’t begrudge anyone their enjoyment. I took the chance and it was very quiet while I was there. Only one couple other than me that I’m aware of.
The weather was mild in mid-April during my stay - got to about 70 during the day and around 40 at night. It was windy during the day but it is a very open space and it is western Colorado. When the wind died down, the mosquitoes came out and they were persistent. I hiked around and they weren’t just at my campsite. There is a water treatment facility in the area and just down from the main camping is a treatment pond so I’m guessing that’s the culprit.
The road in is unpaved once you leave the small town but very easy. I base those sorts of claims off of the VW Jetta Scale - the vehicle I had for 8 years before my current vehicle. There are a few low creeks crossings but the beds are small and both were dry when I came through. Even if they had water, I still would have crossed if I were still in my Jetta. The roads were washboarded so don’t bring the nice china.
The pull offs are plentiful and large. Most could hold a few trailers or several vehicles and some have fire rings. I did not have a fire because the fire danger was too high (ALWAYS CHECK BEFORE HAVING A FIRE). The road is a loop so just follow it around until you find the spot you want.
The space is wide open and surrounded by 360 views of mountains. Sunset and Sunrise were great but - for you photographers - the light changes really fast so scout the compositions you want ahead of time.
No wildlife that I was aware of aside from birds and our mosquito friends. I didn’t hear coyotes, I didn’t even see deer tracks. Just horse and tire tracks.
Oh, on the way in there was a sign that said “Private Property, No Trespassing” and it looked like it was for the road going in; however, the other signs revealed that it was for the area around the water treatment plant. There isn’t a lot of signage, just one saying it’s an OHV area and one saying it’s a Limited Use area. Other signs are just to protect the sensitive areas.
ScoutWe towed a 35 FT 5th wheel heading west on 105 until we discovered the perfect campsite by turning south at the intersection with 108. The road was very rough but doable by moving along very slowly.
Our site was hidden by trees off a short dirt drive which wasn’t too bad. There was plenty of space for us to turn around, and a fire pit had been constructed of large rocks (with a resident chipmunk hanging out among them).
We loved being surrounded by tall trees on one side and having a long distance view across the meadow on the other side, watching storm clouds approaching every day. We were far enough from the road that we barely heard any traffic passing. However, the sound of cattle lowing was frequent, and there was evidence of their presence all over the ground! One bull approached and stood there bellowing at the camper before finally moving along, and another morning we looked outside to see several cows munching on the remains of our campfire. Apparently they like to eat ashes and charcoal for the minerals because it happened twice!
We camped there 6 nights and hated to leave. Our only reservations were driving on the long bumpy roads and cattle manure being everywhere. Otherwise, it was the best boondocking place we’ve stayed because of the scenery and remoteness. It was very quiet except for the cattle lowing.
We rode our bikes down 108 one day and discovered that it was way too rough to drive with our dually pickup. Another day we rode all the way down 105 and then back on 100 which is Land’s End Road. There are lots more dispersed campsites further down 105, but many have huge potholes turning into them. Some are located next to reservoirs and have lovely views, but we were happy with our site because we didn’t have to drive that far to reach it. If you had a smaller rig, it would be worth trying those places.
LegendMud springs is a small campground tucked away on top of a national monument. To enter the monument, there is a fee, but if you are going to mud springs you can tell them that and not pay the park entrance fee. It's up on glade park but kind of off the beat and path. The road was wet from recent rain and a small stream flowed down the washboard surface. The park itself is small but nice. Quiet. A bit muddy when it rains. We saw deer in the morning. We had a nice tent pad and firerings. Room for hammocks. It's a good place with pit toilets. But it's quiet. We did have a couple things walk through our site, we weren't sure what they were but it put our dog on high alert. One had a bell so that was strange. The other we aren't sure of but our dog watched as whatever it was walked past the tent. There weren't many people there so it probably wasn't another camper but some sort of critter. There is also a fresh spring that you can collect water from I think. We looked at it but didn't opt to collect any water. Lots of trees though which is nice. It seems to rain in July there, although they go through severe droughts and then all of a sudden, rain for two days. But both times we've gone in July, it has rained.
TravelerPretty spot with stream water right behind the sites. You have to drive over a stream when you come in but it was easily crossed when we visited. We enjoyed the trail near by and we were the only ones here while camping over night, occasionally some atv trails were used near by. Vaulted toilets as well. Absolutely no service bc it’s the middle of the woods.
TravelerSpent three nights here (5/13 - 5/16). To start, we camped with a teardrop trailer, but once you pass the White River National Forest sign and parking lot for the babbish trail head, it’s not easy to turn around unless you find a campsite. Once you pass this you’ll see the first two campsites after about 4 bends in the road, both are walking distance to the trailhead. The first is a larger open space right off the road and the second is a much more private spot. The road to access this is just beyond the first campsite, which is where we stayed (see photos). We loved this spot!
If you continue up the road you’ll eventually reach a fork, if you hang right and continue up there are 4 more dispersed sites. These would not work for trailers but are great tent spots. We had a very hard time trying to turn around.
There are no services (no bins, no toilets, no cell service) and these sites are super clean so let’s keep it that way. The aspens hadn’t bloomed quite yet but in a few weeks it’ll be pretty spectacular.
Additionally the main trailhead with access to beaver creek trail is not open until June 14th so most other dispersed sites won’t be accessible until then.
RangerMy first winter camping trip in Colorado. Just south of Glenwood Springs and west of Carbondale is Sunlight Mountain Resort, an awesome little mountain with great tree skiing and untracked powder that can be found days after a storm. It sits in the western side of the White River National Forest in the Sopris Ranger District. From Glenwood or Carbondale follow directions to the resort and just about a mile before you get there you'll take a right to stay on Four Mile Rd or county road 117. Travel about 2 miles after turning and you'll come to a parking area on your left, in the winter its mainly used by cross country skiers and snowmobiles. From here we took off on foot in our winter boots down 2 miles of groomed snow covered road until you reach an intersection with a bunch of signs giving you several different options in directions and places to go. We strapped on our snow shoes and headed west up Fourmile Park- North through 16 to 24 inches of snow for an additional mile and settled at the 2nd camping spot we came to on our left. The low that night was 19 but I stayed warm most of the time until around 4 or 5 and finally had to get up and move around. The best part about the trip was we got to ski before and when we got back the bar was still open. I loved living in Glenwood Springs and choose this area for its proximity to so many awesome places, can't wait to get back.
GuideWe camped here for two nights. It’s location was perfect for our next day Hanging Lake hike followed by a soak at Iron Mountain hot springs as both are less than an hour away from here. We found a spot that was easy enough to pull into in our Nissan Rogue. Near a small meadow but also in the woods. There was a fire pit and some trash from other campers that we cleaned up before leaving but nothing too bad.
Pyramid Rock Camp serves as a primary dispersed camping destination for equestrians approximately 15 miles southwest of De Beque, Colorado, situated at an elevation of 5,600 feet in Mesa County. The terrain features wide-open desert landscapes with juniper trees scattered throughout the area. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F during daytime hours, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions.
Trail riding opportunities: At Pyramid Rock Camp, riders can access miles of designated OHV and equestrian trails directly from camp. "We rode our bikes down 108 one day and discovered that it was way too rough to drive with our dually pickup. Another day we rode all the way down 105 and then back on 100 which is Land's End Road," notes Linda H.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer prime wildlife observation times. "We loved being surrounded by tall trees on one side and having a long distance view across the meadow on the other side, watching storm clouds approaching every day," shares Linda H. about her experience at Grand Mesa.
Stargazing sessions: Clear desert skies provide exceptional night viewing opportunities. "Stars were phenomenal! Make sure you check fire restrictions beforehand," advises Tiffany C. From Lands End Camp, "Glow of the city lights from below at night is pretty. During the daytime in clear weather, you have 100+ mile views," according to Donnie B.
Privacy and solitude: Most dispersed camping areas offer adequate separation between sites. "This site is well trafficked but cozy with great views. There were people traveling down the dirt road in the late evening in vehicles and sport vehicles but they were quiet," shares Seanna M. about her Pyramid Rock experience.
High-elevation options: Grand Mesa FS 105 Dispersed Camping provides cooler alternatives during summer heat at approximately 10,000 feet. "Took 100(Lands end rd) to 108 and turned right (north) 1/4 mile turned left on reservoir maintenance rd. One FS campsite there overlooking 'reservoir 1'. Peaceful and gorgeous!" reports Alisa H.
Diverse terrain choices: Equestrians can select from valley floors or higher elevations. "Lots of space, I believe you can drive either to the bottom or top of the little dune. We stayed on the top and we were the only ones," notes Ashlyn H. about the camping options at Pyramid Rock.
Weather considerations: Summer thunderstorms develop regularly in afternoon hours. "It would have been 5 stars if there weren't so many nats! Bring some good bug repellent and it would be perfect. The bugs went away at night which allowed for good stargazing," advises Eliza S.
Road conditions: Many access roads require careful navigation. "Bumpy road in but the view is incredible. I couldn't make it all the way in because there was a spot with huge ruts in the road that my impreza couldn't make through," warns Lauren B. about Pyramid Rock Camp.
Navigation challenges: GPS directions may prove unreliable in this region. "It was a great spot once I finally found it. Waze took me through privately owned land. Google had it right. There's a T in the road just outside of De Beque. Don't go on the road marked no outlet! Make the right instead," cautions Stephen L. from Four Mile Road Dispersed.
Cell service limitations: Signal availability varies significantly by location. "No ATT phone service beyond a certain point. This is all primitive camping and heavily used by 4x4 ATVs. There are no facilities ie: Toilets, power, water or fire pits," reports Matthew V.
Site selection strategy: For equestrian camping near De Beque with children, choose locations with natural barriers. "We towed a 35 FT 5th wheel heading west on 105 until we discovered the perfect campsite by turning south at the intersection with 108. The road was very rough but doable by moving along very slowly," explains Linda H.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife encounters. "We heard about the bats and yes there were some but watching the moonrise was well worth a few bats," shares Lee D. about BLM Camping off 139.
Temperature management: Afternoons can become extremely hot during summer months. "It's definitely HOT right now in July without a ton of tree coverage but once the sun started to set it was fine. There was only one other camper here besides us," notes Leah B.
Water requirements: Pack substantially more water than anticipated for both humans and horses. "No drinking water is available, requiring equestrians to bring adequate water supplies for both themselves and their horses," according to local land management guidelines.
Trailer considerations: Horse trailers require careful maneuvering on unpaved roads. "We pulled in at night. Our 4WD 28ft RV had no trouble with the dirt road- even though it was a little soggy in some spots. Big ruts in some sections, but most vehicles shouldn't have trouble with the climb," explains Tiffany C.
Site positioning: Select level areas with adequate turning radius for large rigs. "When you pull in, there's 5-6 designated spots, but they were full, so we went further down and found a pulloff to spend the night," notes Tiffany C. about her stay at Pyramid Rock.
Seasonal timing: Spring and fall offer more comfortable temperatures for horse camping expeditions. "Went here in May when a lot of other places weren't accessible yet. Easy drive up for any vehicle. I clocked about 10 options before parking on a grassy flat area about half way up," shares Emily C. about her experience at Lands End Camp.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near De Beque, CO is Pyramid Rock Camp with a 4.4-star rating from 19 reviews.
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