Best Equestrian Camping near Del Norte, CO

Dispersed camping options near Del Norte, Colorado include Ventana Arch Dispersed Camp, which allows pets and tent camping. The campsite sits at 37.81 degrees latitude and 106.37 degrees longitude with an elevation of 8,000 feet. Reviews indicate exceptionally quiet conditions with one camper noting "zero sounds, not even bugs" during their stay. The gravel access road requires moderate clearance vehicles, though a standard Subaru Outback can navigate it successfully.

East Fork San Juan River dispersed camping, located about 45 minutes from Pagosa Springs, offers multiple primitive sites along Forest Service Road 667. These sites accommodate both tents and RVs with no facilities or hookups. The road becomes rough after passing the East Fork Campground entrance, but dispersed sites begin approximately 2 miles further. Most camping spots cluster near the river at around 8,000 feet elevation. The area provides access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and scenic waterfalls. During summer months, the sites experience moderate weekend traffic from Jeeps and UTVs, but weekday use remains minimal. The terrain can become muddy following rain, requiring proper site drainage.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Del Norte, Colorado (18)

    2. South Fork Campground

    4 Reviews
    South Fork, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 873-5500

    $29 - $42 / night

    "Good fishing opportunities and trails for hiking and horseback riding. Spring cave is open seasonally April 15-aug15 with permit required to protect the bats from White nose syndrome."

    "Nestled next to the Rio Grande River hand its gorgeous. This is the Rio Grande in Colorado so there's plenty of running water for tubing, rafting and fishing."

    3. East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Pagosa Springs, CO
    33 miles
    Website

    "Pass by the entrance to East Fork Campground and continue on the forest service road.  This is where the road becomes fairly rough.  Dispersed sites begin about 2 miles further."

    "We parked a popup at the 1st campsite past the bridge near the trailhead. 2 waterfalls are close, Pagosa Springs is 30ish mins away. Our kids tubed down the creek."

    4. Antlers Rio Grande Lodge and RV Park

    5 Reviews
    City of Creede, CO
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 658-2423

    "Kids area, river, bridge to trails super close, etc…

    The town nearby, Creede, was pretty closed down as well. But very fascinating little place."

    "Fly fishing on the Rio Grande is just steps away. The restaurant there is very good! Reservations are recommended.
    The town of Creed is cute and funky. I will definitely go back. Loved it there."

    5. Bruce Spruce Ranch

    4 Reviews
    Pagosa Springs, CO
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 264-5374

    $34 - $190 / night

    "This privately owned campground feels like Colorado-at peace-to me. "

    "Nice campground right next to the San Juan nation forest. Could use a little landscaping. However, it is very peaceful and we would stay here again"

    6. Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    3 Reviews
    Moffat, CO
    35 miles
    Website

    "The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts."

    "The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts."

    7. Ponderosa Campground

    5 Reviews
    Capulin, CO
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 376-5857

    "The drive in is easy on Route 17 and does not require a vehicle with high ground clearance. They do allow campfires, they have clean bathrooms and a shower house."

    "Close to lots of fishing and hiking in the area. Beautiful place to watch the sunset and the stars at night. Nice and quiet at night."

    8. Salt House Dispersed

    1 Review
    City of Creede, CO
    34 miles

    9. Ivy Creek

    1 Review
    City of Creede, CO
    35 miles
    Website

    10. Cotton Creek Trailhead

    3 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 657-3321

    "Don’t follow the “major trail” signs, just find the side road this spot is on and drive up and you’ll find it. You will have to travel like 5-10mph for the last like mile. High clearance not required"

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Del Norte, CO

3 Photos of 18 Del Norte Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Del Norte, CO

50 Reviews of 18 Del Norte Campgrounds


  • J
    Jul. 31, 2018

    South Fork Campground

    Great campground by the river

    This campground is in a secluded lovely valley on the south fork of the white river. Good fishing opportunities and trails for hiking and horseback riding. Spring cave is open seasonally April 15-aug15 with permit required to protect the bats from White nose syndrome. The cave is beautiful, and also wet and cold. Helmet and lights and good warm clothes are essential!

    Campsites are close together, some smaller and some better or groups. Site#5 can fit 4-5 tents. Pit toilets which are kept very clean by camp host. Equestrian trailer parking available.

  • C
    Jul. 13, 2018

    South Fork Campground

    Beautiful River view sites

    Nestled next to the Rio Grande River hand its gorgeous. This is the Rio Grande in Colorado so there's plenty of running water for tubing, rafting and fishing.

  • Texas Roving Ranger
    Jun. 20, 2024

    East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping

    Boondocking near Pagosa Springs, Colorado

    Great boondocking sites about 45minues from Pagosa Springs. These sites are completely primitive. No restroom facilities, electricity, potable water or trash service.  No cell service.  Its worth it, so plan accordingly. 

    Follow US160E about 10 miles, turn right onto USFS 667.  Pass by the entrance to East Fork Campground and continue on the forest service road.  This is where the road becomes fairly rough.  Dispersed sites begin about 2 miles further. Most sites are clustered together in pockets near the river.  

    We arrived early in the day and found a great site near a vertical rock face.  Campsite was at 8000'.    We stayed a week and only saw other campers on the weekend.  The weather was perfect with day time temps in the 70s and overnight temps in the 50s.  Ideal hiking and fishing conditions.  

    The forest road gets busy with Jeeps and UTvs during the day on weekends.  Our site was far enough away from the road that we weren't bothered. 

    Access to several trails, beautiful valley views and waterfalls nearby .

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2019

    South Fork Campground

    South Fork Campground + The Rio Grande River + Fly Fishing

    My friend and I stayed at the South Fork Campground for a fly fishing trip.  

    The campground seems to be primarily a RV campground with 50 sites, but they do allow tent camping with 6 sites. There is an office at the entrance and the staff were friendly. Next to the office is a community room and laundry room.

    The RV sites have water and electric hookup. The tent sites do not - at least ours did not. There are restrooms with sinks, toilets and showers nearby the campsites.

    The campground itself sits on the Rio Grande River which is a world class fly fishing river. When we were visiting the river was flowing fast and deep, so it was not a very productive time. We choose to fish in the mountain lakes and streams instead.

    Overall the South Fork Campground is a nice place to stay for a few days or longer. The campsites were a little close in proximity for me, but I'm one that is accustomed to backcountry camping where there are few people around. The campground is a short drive to the town of South Fork where there are grocery stores, gas stations and outdoor gear and fly fishing stores.

  • Sarah F.
    Aug. 3, 2020

    South Fork Campground

    Rollin on the River

    Spots right on the river are pure bliss.  Full hookups and the sound of the Rio Grande to lull you to sleep.  How great is that? 

    Full hookups were great.  Owners were fantastic and friendly. 

    The town of South Fork is very small but you can get groceries and gas.  South Fork is on the East side of Wolf Creek Pass, which is a beautiful, steep, drive.  The best part about the area is the ample amount of fishing.  This area is an anglers dream, reservoirs in every corner of the map with the Rio Grande at your fingertips.  Fishing dreams made!

    Campground spots were well positioned but a tiny bit close.  I would highly recommend any of the ones on the river, you have plenty of space to spread out between the picnic table, fire ring and grassy area by the river's edge.

  • Sarah F.
    Aug. 2, 2020

    Bruce Spruce Ranch

    Colorado-At Peace

    This privately owned campground feels like Colorado-at peace-to me.  Campgrounds, especially in the times of Covid are filled to the brim these days and that means a different type of experience complete with sometimes noisy neighbors, lots of vehicles and generators running at all hours.  

    This. Place. Is. Peaceful.  

    Your first look at the view on the way in to the camoground office should make you want to take a big breath of fresh CO air and leave the worries of the world behind.  

    The owners/workers were all as friendly as can be and seemed extremely genuine in providing everyone an enjoyable experience. There are 3 ponds on property for fishing and there are some whoppers in there!  Do keep in mind, you need to get a permit at the office to partake in being an angler for the day.  

    The campsites themselves are well spaced, shady, pretty level and have full hookups.  What more could you want?  They have even separated the RV area from the tent camping area which I find to be the most enjoyable for all parties involved.

    As for the general area-you can't go wrong no matter which direction you go.  Pagosa Springs is a lovely town with everything you could need.  There are too many fishing opportunities to name in the area, and a MUST see-Treasure Falls-it's quite literally .5 miles from the campground entrance.

  • Michael M.
    Aug. 30, 2017

    Ponderosa Campground

    The River runs through it

    The website listed for this campground is correct Ponderosa campground Antonito, CO.

    Phone 719.376.5857

    This is a very relaxing place to stay and it seems like most of the people there have been there many times before. The drive in is easy on Route 17 and does not require a vehicle with high ground clearance. They do allow campfires, they have clean bathrooms and a shower house. I stayed in a backpacking tent after driving all day arriving on a Friday at about 4:00 PM. The campground is set-up for small campers and has some cabins for rent too. The bathrooms with showers are clean and comfortable. The sites have fire rings with grates and picnic tables. The owner manager is great, providing quality fishing advice, conversation and even a free cup of coffee in the morning. Hiking on the CDT is near the campground and fishing is right in the campground. The steam train is right up the pass and I happened to be there the night before opening day catching a photo when I drove over the pass to Chama New Mexico. The Cumbres and Toltec Train traveling between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. This is a very nice drive and Chama is a cool place to visit, it is a trail town on the CDT.

    I will visit this campground again for sure.

  • sportzfytv A.
    Oct. 22, 2024

    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.
    Oct. 22, 2024

    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/


Guide to Del Norte

Horse camping in Colorado offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventure, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy scenic trails and fishing opportunities at South Fork Campground, where the Rio Grande provides a beautiful backdrop for your camping experience.
  • Experience the thrill of ATV trails and hiking near the East Fork San Juan River, with plenty of water activities for the whole family.
  • Discover the peaceful surroundings and fishing spots at Bruce Spruce Ranch, located right next to the San Juan National Forest.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Antlers Rio Grande Lodge and RV Park offers full hookups and easy access to trails, making it a convenient choice for horse campers.
  • At Ponderosa Campground, you'll find spacious sites and amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, perfect for a comfortable stay with your horse.
  • Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge provides a variety of outdoor activities and facilities that cater to equestrian needs, ensuring a great experience for both you and your horse.

Tips for equestrian camping near Del Norte, Colorado

  • When visiting Salt House Dispersed, be prepared for primitive camping conditions, as there are no amenities, but the natural beauty is worth it.
  • For a more developed experience, consider Ivy Creek, which offers access to hiking and fishing while being close to horse-friendly trails.
  • Make sure to check local regulations and trail conditions before heading out, especially if you plan to camp at Holbrook Road, where access can vary based on weather and road conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Del Norte, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Del Norte, CO is Ventana Arch Dispersed Camp with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Del Norte, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 18 equestrian camping locations near Del Norte, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.