39 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Guanella Pass Campground accommodates horses on trails surrounding the camping area, with several sites suitable for equestrian access. The main campground features toilets and trash service that serve as convenient facilities for riders planning multi-day excursions. Horses can be kept at designated sites where adequate space exists for portable corrals or highlines. Horse trailer parking requires careful planning as some sites have limited room for both camping equipment and horse trailers. The campground remains open seasonally from June through early September, giving riders access during prime mountain riding months. Sites by the creek offer natural water access for horses when camping in the less developed areas of the pass.
Located approximately 20 miles from Empire via Guanella Pass Road, the area connects to numerous backcountry riding trails through the Arapaho National Forest. The surrounding terrain offers varied riding experiences from creek-side trails to alpine meadows filled with wildflowers during mid-summer months. Horse owners should bring their own water buckets, portable corrals or highlines as no permanent equine facilities exist at this primitive camping location. Forest Service roads branching off Guanella Pass provide access to additional dispersed camping suitable for horse trailers, particularly along Leavenworth Creek Road where multiple sites accommodate larger rigs with adequate space for horses. The valley area past the creek crossing offers the best options for groups traveling with multiple horses. Many riders report moose sightings while exploring the surrounding trails, adding to the appeal of this backcountry equestrian destination.
"This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to."
"Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado. We couldn’t believe it…so close but you feel incredibly removed once you get there."
from $28 - $90 / night
Check Availability"area was plowed open to exactly the width of our trailer, so with more than three feet of snow on the ground we needed to get some exercise and do a bit of shoveling so we could back in and be able to walk"
"Late October is very unpredictable in Colorado for a camper who is primarily a tent camper."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"There are 4 sites that are down by the creek in the trees that are walk-in only but have the most space between them and are right on the creek. They are my favorite spots on site."
"Close hikes near by including one of Colorado’s 14ers."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"Take the exit onto Fall River Road from the highway, a short road. You are then soon connected with forest service road of sorts York gultch."
"Might ROAD: Dirt, but not "off road trail"- again people live off of this road so its somewhat maintained. BEWARE OF RAIN WASHOUT AREAS, DIPS, AND WASHBOARD."
"It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great."
"The Gross Resevoir outside Boulder is a great place for people to go for some recreation just outside the city. People commonly drop in a paddleboard or kayak."
"About 15-20 of us camped at this site (#19) the weekend after the 4th of July, and it was an incredible, mostly private location."
"When you pull in off the main road, the road turns into a washboard and you drive up into a meadow with multiple sites for RV’s and tents. The sites surround the outside of the meadow."
"Walking distance to vault toilets. Some nice foresty hikes between Aspen Meadows and Reverend's Ridge. We could see some other campsites but didn't feel too squished."
"This site is surrounded by pine trees, aspens and boulders. Parking is a bit tight and the some of the sites pretty steep. Dude's Fishing Hole is within walking distance."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"Stay here a couple times a year, great amenities and lots to do with a swim beach, shore line, horses, boat ramp and model planes."
"Chatfield State Park is a great mixture of access to the outdoors with availability of many of the benefits of a metro area close by."
from $36 - $200 / night
Check Availability"Close proximity to the highway. Clean level spots. Geared more towards RV camping. Pros: great views of the foothills."
"So much to do in this little area-lakes, trails, horses. Very close to red rocks. This is still in town so great for beginners"
"Located in the Arapaho National Forest, Sugarloaf is a small campground found on the Williams Fork of the Colorado River. The valley was once heavily forested but is much more open these days."
"This campground is perfect for those who live in Boulder or the nearby surrounding areas (Louisville, Superior, Lafayette, Longmont, Gunbarrel)."
from $19 / night
Check Availability
LegendThis campground has a equestrian area and a tent camping area. The tent camping is to the right after you enter, there are two tent loops with bathrooms. Water spigots next to the bathroom. There are a few trails here, some are horse trails. Overall a beautiful spot with some shade!
GuideThis is a beautiful campground with lots of family-friendly activities to do. They have direct access to the headwaters of the Colorado River. We visited a little late in the season (August) to catch many fish, but we still had fun. We found some tailwaters below the big lakes and caught some trout on the fly rods.
This site is minutes away from an entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. We got up early and hiked a trail in RMNP and had a few moose walk right past us. It is also close by to the major lakes of the area.
They rent ATVs and lots of people bring their own horses to this campground to enjoy the many back-country trails that begin at the back of the property and go high up into the mountains.
Facilities were well kept and clean.
TravelerThis is a bare bones remote campground with assigned sites and vault toilets. There is no potable water on site, so bring plenty of water for your stay. The 18 sites are on a first come basis and can't be reserved.
I don't own horses, but have seen some in the area so it is equestrian friendly. The campground is located in a canyon with high cliffs and there are several hiking and backpacking trails that branch off from the campground. The south fork of the white river runs through the campground affording good fly fishing.
While you can get to the campground in a standard automobile the gravel road is rutted in places as you get close to the campground and can become dicey in heavy rain or snow for the last mile or two.
I have been there numerous times as early as July and as late as September when snow can be expected.
LegendThree dispersed camping locations all completely booked so I chose to stay in this RV Park which is located within Rocky Mountain National park and right next to Arapahoe National Park. Very good price compared to other RV resorts and surrounded by beautiful flowers and mountains and silence. They have showers and laundry and free coffee and garbage dump, and a small country store, along with many equestrian activities for adults and kids and it's very homey feeling.
GuideAlthough this site is a no water/ electric site and next to the horses, we had a blast! Especially the kids. The site was a great size! We went horse back riding, hung out by the river, had s’mores, and even went for an ATV ride!! I was most impressed by how clean the bathrooms were, especially with the current COVID situation! Thank you Winding River Resort for keeping the place clean!
GuideMy folks bought property you can ride to Indian Creek from. Love this area!!! Lots of beautiful trails, close to Denver and very peaceful. Bring your ponies, its an equestrian campground!
TravelerSite 5 was a great spot for a bigger group. It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great. We didn’t make it to the gross reservoir but it was nice to have the option of a good hike near by. It is very important that you have a high clearance car to drive on the road. It’s a lot like off roading on some parts. I would go back!
ScoutA lovely wooded campground literally on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park - we even saw moose from the back window of our RV! Options for everyone from cabins, to FHU RV sites (limited and not the ideal locations, but still nice), water/electric sites and tenting areas. Even Conestoga wagons! There is horseback riding on site and we loved watching the horses run in and out each morning/evening and you just have to cross the road for a pretty hike along the Colorado River in RMNP (no dogs on the trails). We camped with our Great Dane - very dog friendly with bag stations around the park. Friendly and helpful staff, a small shop with supplies and souvenirs, a cute little petting zoo with goats, sheep, and pigs.
GuideThis is a great park. I camped in late July. With the exception of a few rain showers, the weather was great. This campground has all the privacy you would expect yet provides easy access to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountian National Forest. The Laramie County Staff that were on site were kind and helpful. I even had the chance to see some elk walk through while picking up firewood at the office. There are miles of trails within the park if you choose not to venture out to the National Forest. I will 100% be staying at this park again! Group sites and equestrian sites are available too.
Equestrian camping near Empire, Colorado offers access to both developed facilities and dispersed options throughout the Arapaho National Forest. At an elevation between 8,000-9,000 feet, the area experiences warm summer days and cool nights with temperatures often dropping into the 40s after sunset even in July. The region's volcanic rock formations and alpine meadows create natural barriers and grazing spots favored by horse riders.
Hiking with views: Golden Gate Canyon State Park's numerous trails connect to the campgrounds and provide spectacular mountain scenery. "This park has great trails for hiking and mountain biking. There is also a high elevation lake as well as fantastic views of the continental divide," notes Mike M. about Deer Creek Campground.
Lake activities: Fish, kayak or paddleboard at nearby reservoirs where horses can also be watered. "Gross Reservoir is not gross! It is an awesome SUPing, kayaking, or canoeing option close to Denver and Boulder," explains Karl G. about Winiger Ridge. "There are a lot of inlets to paddle into and trails to explore."
Wildlife watching: The mountain corridors around Empire provide consistent wildlife sightings for campers and riders. "We caught a great view of a moose. Panorama Point had a breath taking view," shares Diana M. from her family's experience at Reverend's Ridge Campground. Many riders report moose and deer encounters on morning rides.
Creek access: Many camping areas feature natural water sources suitable for horses and camp enjoyment. "We found an excellent spot right along the creek with a mountain view. Everything about the campsite was serene," writes Paige S. about Guanella Pass dispersed camping.
Mountain vistas: The elevation provides outstanding views that reward the journey up forest service roads. "Came here with my roommates in July after only dispersed camping earlier in the summer. Nice spot with a metal fire pit, picnic table, and tent pad," reports Taylor L. about Aspen Meadows Campground.
Quiet weekday camping: Most equestrian-friendly sites experience lower usage midweek, offering more solitude. "This campground is beautiful and low traffic during the weeks," confirms Levi about Kirby Gulch. The dispersed sites along creek beds provide natural water access for horses without crowding.
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles for access. "Super bumpy roads - must have an SUV or truck. As you drive in, you're met with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains," advises Katelyn W. about Kirby Gulch.
Site availability: Plan to arrive early, especially on summer weekends. "We got there around 9am on the Friday before Labor Day and it was already packed. We found two spots available and chose #37," shares Anna about her Kirby Gulch experience.
Elevation impacts: The high elevation affects both humans and horses with cooler temperatures and quicker fatigue. "We stayed at a tent site one night and wish we had planned for two. Beautiful facilities and well-kept sites," writes Megan E. about Reverend's Ridge Campground.
Close-to-Denver option: For families new to equestrian camping, consider locations with amenities. "This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to. Great for families with little ones," recommends Meghan H. about Reverend's Ridge Campground.
Kid-friendly activities: Several areas offer activities beyond horseback riding for mixed-interest families. "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding," says Joshua H. about Indian Paintbrush Campground.
Protection from elements: Choose sites with natural windbreaks when camping with children. "We have had many Volkswagen Bus gatherings there over the years, and everyone loves the campground," explains Dan R. about his experiences at Reverend's Ridge Campground, noting its protected sites and facilities.
Site selection for trailers: Horse trailers require specific site considerations beyond regular RVs. "Campground is very clean. Loop E (electric hookups) is very spacious and well laid out. Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs," advises Dennis G. about Reverend's Ridge Campground.
High-clearance access: Many dispersed horse camping areas need appropriate vehicles. "If you've got a high clearance 4x4 vehicle, turn onto Leavenworth Creek Rd (352) from Guanella Pass. Drive about 3 miles and you'll be in a valley," recommends Karl G., noting the quality sites available to properly equipped vehicles.
Hookup availability: Understand which services are available at established campgrounds. "Laundry facilities on site. Showers weren't warm at the end of a long day and will cost ya $1.00 for the first 4 minutes and 25 cents every minute after," details Diana M. about services at Reverend's Ridge that benefit extended equestrian stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Empire, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Empire, CO is Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon with a 4.6-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Empire, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 39 equestrian camping locations near Empire, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
