Are you an equestrian lover who prefers a more rustic experience when you visit Dinosaur National Monument? Camping with your horse in Dinosaur National Monument just got easier. With our help, you'll find the best Colorado equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.
There are 21 campsites on the shore of East Park Reservoir where you can fish for rainbow trout. There is a trailhead at north end of the lake that leads east to US 191, and another one at the south end that leads west to Oaks Park Lake. This is a fantastic waterfowl hunting area.
Camping in undeveloped areas (outside of designated campgrounds) is permitted. Please stay on existing roadways when accessing these undeveloped areas, and follow the practices in "Caring for the Forest" when camping in undeveloped areas. Camping in undeveloped areas must occurr within 150 feet of a designated route in Utah and within 300 feet of a designated route in Wyoming, at least 1/4 mile away from any administrative site, (boat ramps, guard stations, campgrounds, or visitor centers). As one of the most aptly named landscapes in the country, the vast scenery of Flaming Gorge may not fit into your camera. The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (NRA) is centered long the 91-mile section of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir and a rugged section of the Green River. The mix of climate and topography provide year-round recreation. The southern part includes colorful, narrow canyons, and conifer forests; the northern part is surrounded by high sagebrush deserts and rock mesas. Campgrounds, lodges, marinas, boat launches, swimming beaches, fishing areas, and hiking/ski trails are available along the 360 miles of shoreline and tucked into mountain retreats. Close at hand are the quaint communities of Manila, Green River, and Dutch John, which have accommodations and other services.
There are 11 campsites on the south shore of large and lovely Oaks Park Reservoir. There is a pump handle well on the west shore of the reservoir. __Trails lead north from the lake, and the area is open to OHV use. A trail leads south from the campground to the Big Brush Creek Cave. If you are interested in caving, please contact the Forest Service.
The Flaming Gorge NRA is located in the northeast corner of Utah and the southwest corner of Wyoming. It is South of I-80, between Green River and Rock Springs, Wyoming and extends into the Uintah Mountains towards Vernal, Utah. The area is a mixture of climate, topography, and recreation opportunities well suited to a variety of summer and winter interests. With 43 campgrounds hosting over 700 individual campsites and 27 group sites, all spread over nearly 91 water-miles (with a whopping 360 miles of shore line) plus countless mountain retreats. There is plenty of room for everyone. There is also the opportunity to set up “primitive” camping for those wishing a more secluded adventure, or river camps for those extending their river runs for more than a day. Close at hand are the quaint communities of Manila and Dutch John, Utah to offer accommodations and other services for more traditional vacationers.
This campground is convenient to boat ramp with four sites on asphalt.
This developed campground has interpretive displays which help you appreciate the magic of the surrounding area. Nearby Activities: Sheep Canyon Geological Area, just west of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, features stunning scenic panoramas, framed by colorfully-striated cliffs.
$7 - $13 / night
There are 4 tent sites at the north end of the Taylor Mountain Plateau. The Old Carter Military Trail passes by the campground. Consult the forest map for details about specific hikes. OHV use is permitted in the area north and south of the campground. The Forest Service offers a free detailed map of the areas open to unrestricted use. __Please contact the Forest Service for information about exploring the Big Brush Creek Cave.
Scout
We’re here in mid September and only two other campers. Got a spot right in the edge of the water. Very private could not see or hear anyone else. Beautiful, clean camping area. The campground on the tip of the little peninsula was available and surround by water on three sides was available, but a little windy. Our selected spot was more secluded but still right on the waters edge.
Scout
We spent this past Friday night at this dispersed campground. While the grounds are beautiful, it was extremely noisy with Harding going on all night by the Lakeshore. It was extremely noisy with all of the power equipment on and near the lake, including ATVs, generators, speed boats. If you were looking for peace and quiet, I would move away from the Lakeshore and Camp on the road going out. The road going out is quite rough and has about mile and a half of pretty bad washboard and is sandy in some spots as well
GuideNice grassy spots, just pull in where ever you see a fire ring. The dirt road in isn’t too bad and is pretty short, there were plenty of sedans driving in so it’s accessible for most vehicles when the ground is dry. Lots of cows and cow poop so watch out if you bring dogs! I had full bars of LTE extended network on Verizon, enough to send texts, make calls, and could load some webpages but it was pretty slow
Ranger
This is a sectioned off section ofr the parking lot at the boat ramp where 4ish rvs can park/camp. While the camping isn't much, it is right at the boat ramp/launch which is super convenient. There are toilets. Very little shade.
TravelerUpon initial set up we were thrilled. Great cell service, views, and can’t beat a fire and smores on the beach.
A couple of downsides. Lots of expansive soil. Impassable when wet. Our 2 wheel drive van got stuck in muck. Jeep pulled it out luckily. Open range means lots of cow pies. And remote camping without enforced WAG laws ( “waste alleviation and gelling,”) you will find human “pies” as well. Mix in dogs running around in rain….
Guide
We didn't end up staying here because the fire pit was small, maybe six rocks. It's right on a ledge and you're barely off the road.
Not really enough space to feel comfortable with traffic coming through the monument.
ScoutThere is a sign at the beginning of the dirt road prohibiting trailers. I assume because if it rains the mud roads become unusable.
GuideThis is an awesome spot, came in the Saturday before Labor Day so it was pretty busy but I still found a nice spot right on the water. The road coming in has lots of cows and deer so be careful! Take 319 to get to this area, not 341, it’s now fenced off
Ranger
Minutes away from lots of activities. This campground is secluded in Ashley National Forest with tons to do. From hiking to fishing to playing in the Gorge you’ll enjoy this location day and night. The night sky was amazing for meteor showers.
TravelerEasy dirt road, pulled 34 foot toy hauler with no problem. Enough space to turn around at the end of the road. Very quiet at night, perfect for sleeping. Rock fire pits available. Very private. Slow internet with T-Mobile.
ScoutKeep following the dirt road to get to a few spots by the water! I took my Kia Soul down the road and a Honda civic was parked there as well. Only a few spots but you can jump right in the water. Had full service with AT&T. Highly recommend!
TravelerAmazing views, water was great. There were lots of people around but we never felt crowded. We took our paddle boards our every day. The wind picked up in the afternoons, too hard to paddle, but we walked along the shore and found some lovely rocks. Fishing in the early morning was a win. Lots of nature, we’ll be back!!
TravelerTwo of my friends and I stayed at this spot one night and I wish we had more time to spend at this spot because of the location, beauty, and remote feeling. Having a fire pit was great along with star gazing!
TravelerThere was not another single soul at this campsite while I was here. At the end of a peninsula into the flaming gorge reservoir, this spot is simply stunning. Huge spots and great views. Came in October and the temperature was much warmer than anticipated. Highly recommend.
GuideThis is a great spot. Easy access from the main highway, lots of spots to camp right on the waters edge.
GuideNot a lot of other campers, great views, right in the monument. (Must pay entrance fee or arrive after 5)
GuideThis campground sits right on the shore of Lake Flaming Gorge. The access road is dirt, with ruts and rocks. Tricky when wet. Scout before deciding to go down it. Camp ground has great cell coverage and stone fire rings but nothing else. Not much shade since, there are no trees. Sadly, bushes and thickets have been used as toilets and are downright gross! Wind off the lake can be furious. Try to find a spot further in, especially if you are tent camping. Generators tear through the silence of the night. Bring ear plugs! Hiking is great right out of the campground. Not sure if I’d come back. Although views and sun set are spectacular, everything else looks is not.
Legend
This place is a wreck, crappy tables, uneven sites, not usable for travel trailers, tiny vault toilet with bullet holes in door, no reason to camp here, no water no trash, no cell signal. No one was here camping. Free but still no one there.
Legend
Small primitive campground. Free, 9 sites, #10 is a group site. One vault toilet, no water or trash. No cell signal. Most sites are small back in, but a few are pull thru for larger trailers. Group area #10:seems popular with horse groups so lots of horse poop and flies. Oak Park lake is a draw down water source below so was not very scenic. Long gravel FS roads to get here.
Legend
This campground is at end of the FS #18 paved road and then .7 mi of gravel. There are 20 sites, $10/ $5 senior. No host on site. No cell signal, no water and no trash dumpsters. Two vault toilets present. The lake has a boat ramp but the water gets drawn down and there does not seem to be any nice beach area..plus cattle were on the shoreline. Two stars due to no water, no cell signal and cows on the shoreline.
LegendThis camp area is sectioned off of the very large sheep creek bay boat ramp parking. There are just 4-5 spots on blacktop for TTs and RVs, one tiny spot for a lone tenter. No shade and big toy hauler TTs seem to hog the area. $13/$6.50 senior, NO WATER no cell signal. Trash and toilets at boat ramp about 100yds away across the blacktop parking area. Unless you are a boat person, this blacktop cg area is not my idea of a cg. No RV dump either.
LegendThis campground was a pleasant surprise after the lower sheep creek CGs, there are actual large trees for shade! 14 sites all FF, $13/$6.50 senior. No water or cell signal. Has vault toilets and trash dumpster. Sheep creek is close adjacent but there are fishing restrictions.
LegendNice CG, paved FS rd all the way except last 1/2 mile of gravel from FS rd #20. CG has 20 camp sites, no reservations. $10 nite, vault toilets but NO water or garbage. Boat ramp area is a bit rough. Lake has the bathtub look as it is drawn down. Biggest negative is NO cell service of any provider, hence the 4 stars. I saw no sign of any camp host or vendor running this cg
RangerHeading South from Manila, Utah on Hwy 44 takes you to the Sheep creek Geological loop. Heading up into the Canyon about 2 mi brings you to the Carmel Campground. This site has trees a creek and amazing beauty, along with wildlife and tons of great outdoor activities, being in such close proximity to Flaming gorge. When I was there the Kokanee salmon were spawning and filled the creek with their vibrant colors. Up the road you can see bighorn sheep that graze in the fields of the ranch and take in the exquisite wonder of what nature has created via the loop road. Manila is close by for any food or drink needs and fresh water in the campground. Please pack out what you pack in and leave it better than you found it. Enjoy.
Scout❤
LegendSo this is on the Sheep Creek canyon loop which is a 2 lane road all paved that goes through some of the most amazing views around. There are lots of trails and lots of caves you can hike to and explore. If you like to explore caves this is a really awesome place. We camped here on the way to Flaming Gorge and it in an amazing place. The camp ground is nice they have outhouse style bathrooms and picnic tables and lots of trees and close to the creek so that is relaxing and helps you fall asleep fast at night. We stayed in June and there was lots of space and hardly no one on the road up the loop only saw a few other cars. This drive is worth going to go camping there. Red rocks and beauty all around.
TravelerEasy access, paved road all the way up the canyon. Only a few sites that back up to the creek. Amazing sunset with the red canyon wall in the background. Intermittent cell service.
Camping near Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or simply relax by the river, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Camping near Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique challenges of the area!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dinosaur National Monument?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dinosaur National Monument is Dispersed Camping Near Dinosaur National Monument with a 3.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Dinosaur National Monument?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Dinosaur National Monument, with real photos and reviews from campers.
