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Equestrian camping options near Fairplay, Colorado remain limited, with few developed facilities specifically designed for horses. Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout Pike and San Isabel National Forests where horses are permitted, though corrals and dedicated equestrian amenities are scarce. The Kenosha Pass Campground provides access to the Colorado Trail, which permits horses on most sections, making it a functional base camp for riders. Most campsites accommodate standard horse trailers with adequate parking areas. Sites tend to be heavily wooded with mature pines and aspens providing shade for horses, though some road noise from Highway 285 is audible at Kenosha Pass.
Trail access forms the primary appeal for equestrian campers in the Fairplay region. The Colorado Trail section at Kenosha Pass offers excellent riding opportunities through aspen groves and conifer forests with stunning mountain views. Riders frequently bring their own portable corrals or high-line systems as most sites lack fixed equine facilities. Water access for horses requires planning, as drinking water at campgrounds is limited and often requires manual pumping. The Jefferson area provides additional horse-friendly camping with proximity to Colorado Trail access points. Vault toilets are available at most established campgrounds, though amenities remain basic. Summer weekends see significant crowding, particularly during fall colors season when aspens turn gold in September, making advance planning essential for horse campers requiring adequate space.
"The campground’s location on the hillside allows for an excellent view of Twin Lakes and the surrounding mountains. Also close to the South Mt Elbert and Colorado Trail for easy hiking."
"high altitude. no showers, so come prepared. the camp manager is very helpful and gave us great tips for the mountain hike. it is some distance from the trailhead (although there is a trail from the campsite"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"This is exactly what we were looking for in Colorado, thanks to the previous reviewer we found it by dumb luck! Primitive camping at its finest. Absolutely stunning views."
"We were able to find dispersed camping if you keep driving down the road past the private ranch. There was a fire pit, shade, and a short walk to the river. Super dusty though."
"This was a great stay, conveniently located just down 285 for a short get away during the work week. We stayed for 3 days and during that time there were only a few other campers here."
"Super easy access for a quick trip to hit the Colorado Trail. We stayed in sight 22, and realized the map on the reservation system was a bit skewed as it is very close to the bathrooms."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"The Lodgepole and all of the Jefferson campgrounds provide great access to the Colorado trail. I’ve camped here several times, but be sure to catch it in the fall! The colors are amazing."
"Wr loved the easy access to the Colorado Trail as well. The negatives were that we were not expecting so many generators to be running while we were there."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"The Colorado trail/CDT passes close by and was a great evening hike from our camp. We ended up leaving around 9pm because there were 3-4 campfires around us, one super smoky and we have a baby."
"Great spot to camp, saw hikers off in the distance a few times but overall all to myself. This site definitely requires high clearance! There were quite a few campsites nearby which were taken."
"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"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."
"This Colorado state park brings visitors year-round for all types of recreation. We have traveled here several times, both tent camping and in our camper."
"By far my favorite campground in Colorado. Sites all have great views and are paved. The park is clean and rangers are always around checking in. Close to town and great hikes. Can’t wait to go back!"
from $28 - $270 / night
Check Availability"Bare bones but beautiful camping opportunity conveniently located near the trailhead to the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area in Colorado Campground Review:
Needing a spot to serve as a staging area"
"A lot of spots the further up you drive towards trailhead. Found a spot right next to the creek with room for several cars and framed in by trees. Sounds of water is awesome."
"Dispersed camping up at the lake. I say anything next to water is a bonus! For Night 1 we hiked in stayed somewhere off the trail, at what seemed like a horse camp stop."
"The hiking is good with several trailheads and easy access to the Colorado Trail."
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!
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.
GuideColorado campground is situated outside of Woodland Park (10 minute drive) and right next to Manitou lake. This is a great area central to the Pikes Peak wilderness area so many trails are nearby and activities while still being close to civilization if you forget something or choose to eat-out. The CG itself is large, but the sites are well spaced apart...it is a primitive CG with picnic table, fire-pit and gravel pull through or back-in spots. There are water spigots, vault toilets and garbage cans equally dispersed throughout. In the summer they have an educational series also on the weekends of various nature/wildlife "seminars" that are great for the kids in their small amphitheater, although i don't know how frequent they are scheduled. As others have stated its a short walk to the lake for fishing and canoeing if you choose. The CG is well maintained and hosts are friendly.
LegendCAMPGROUND REVIEW: COLORADO CAMPGROUND PIKE NATIONAL FOREST
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/colorado-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70684
Colorado Campground is one of several campgrounds less than 10 miles north of the city of Woodland Park off Route 67 in the Pike National Forest.
Situated at 7800 feet elevation, even summer nights get cool. Nearby 5 acre Manitou Lake is a trail walk away. You can toss your canoe or kayak in, but unless you are simply trout fishing, it’s tiny size doesn’t offer much variation.
Numerous foot trails lead into the National Forest, offering wonderfully quiet hikes and exploration.
There are 81 sites available, but some are adjacent to highway 67, so periodic road noise will be heard. The ponderosa pines assist in muffling highway noise.
Neighboring sites are visible across the entire campground, but they are situated in such a way that you are not directly on top of each other.
The back loop sites are larger and set deeper (Site 19, 20,21, 22, 23) which are my choice. Sites can be secured on www.recreation.gov. There are double sites which garner double fees. At the time of this review, sites are $23.00 nightly (a bit pricey for no showers or modern facilities). When there during the week, not including the host and groundskeeper, only four sites were filled. Most sites were reserved for weekends and upcoming Labor Day holiday.
No RV/Campers over 36 ft permitted. Parking pads are gravel, a few are pull-through. Sites are non-electric with no hookups…no showers Water spigots, metal trash containers and pit latrines are spaced out through the campground. Each site has one stationary picnic table and a fire pit. Most sites appeared fairly level. No specific tent pad locations.
With the towering ponderosa pines, there is ample shade.
Plenty of trails permit mountain biking as well as the paved centennial bike path that runs along highway 67 from Woodland Park 15 miles north…that you can walk, in-line, cycle and even ebike.
You have plenty of local activities to keep you busy, including the Red Rocks a couple miles south…or drive east on Rt 24 to Pikes Peak, or further into Manitou Springs for the Incline, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Garden of the gods and more!
Just six miles south into Woodland Park offers every food or shopping option.
All in all, a nice, clean campground in a great location.
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!
TravelerDispersed camping up at the lake. I say anything next to water is a bonus!
For Night 1 we hiked in stayed somewhere off the trail, at what seemed like a horse camp stop. Night 2 we stayed up at the lake campground. Got there early afternoon and was able to claim a prime spot. There is not much access to the water, so those spots get taken up rather quickly.
Great views, awesome sunrise.
GuideGreat location within Colorado's Mueller State Park. Easy access to trails, visitor center, and scenic drives. Nice large site with level gravel tent pad, large table, and nice fire pit. Nearby sites seemed to be a good distance away.
TravelerLarge well-spaced sites within a short driving distance to BV. Great access to the colorado trail. Portable toilets available at the intersection of 270 and 272 (the road leading to browns creek trailhead). Minimal wash boarding as of May 2026.
ScoutFinally checked out this campground and will definitely return. The campground’s location on the hillside allows for an excellent view of Twin Lakes and the surrounding mountains. Also close to the South Mt Elbert and Colorado Trail for easy hiking. Basic amenities (toilets, drinking water, trash, etc.) and no showers.
Horse camping opportunities near Fairplay, Colorado sit at elevations between 9,000-10,000 feet with summer temperatures averaging 70°F during day and 40°F at night. Located within Pike and San Isabel National Forests, these sites experience frequent afternoon thunderstorms during July and August that can affect riding plans. Access roads to many equestrian-friendly sites remain unpaved with varying conditions depending on recent weather patterns.
Trail riding at Kenosha Pass Campground: Access point to the 486-mile Colorado Trail with wide, well-maintained paths suitable for horses. "Super easy access for a quick trip to hit the Colorado Trail. We stayed in sight 22, and realized the map on the reservation system was a bit skewed as it is very close to the bathrooms. We were close to the Colorado trail and took a wonderful hike in the rain with the kids," shares Amanda M. at Kenosha Pass Campground.
Explore historic mining routes: Several horse-friendly trails near Fairplay follow old mining roads, offering level terrain suitable for less experienced riders. "This campground is beautiful and it is right on the Colorado Trail. Several spots are large enough for a big camper, but the tight curves on the loop and thick trees make it a little questionable for maneuvering," notes Jackie E. about Kenosha Pass.
Fish alpine lakes with horse access: Several stocked lakes within riding distance of camps have tie-up points. "Verizon service worked surprisingly well at our site in Loop B, which was a nice bonus for staying connected. While the campground has loops A through at least G, they're spread out enough to feel separate," reports Arthur Z. at Lakeview Campground.
High-elevation forests for shade: Many sites feature mature stands of lodgepole pine and aspen that provide natural shelter. "Spaces are large and well maintained. Views vary with the spots but all are peaceful," writes Karen S. about Lakeview Campground.
Creek access for horses: Several sites offer direct access to streams for watering horses. "We found a good spot easily enough. Some people throughout day hiking the trails. Night was super quiet. Area was beautiful with streams everywhere. Camped in middle of July and on the weekend and still not too busy," shares Heather at North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping.
Room for multiple trailers: Some dispersed sites can accommodate groups with several horse trailers. "Epic Large Group Camping Option. 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. The road to other sites is close to the communal camp area only our group used but tons of area for numerous tents and tent sizes beyond this area and away from the road," notes JT S. at Clear Creek Reservoir.
Variable road conditions: Access roads to horse camping areas may require high-clearance vehicles. "Road is a bit rough in a couple of spots, but doable if you take your time, even with a small vehicle. Does fill up fairly quickly," advises Lydia N. at Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping.
Limited water sources: Many sites lack reliable water for horses. "We brought plenty of water but there is a water pump (we did not use it so can't speak to it)," reports Steve C. about Kenosha Pass Campground.
Weekend congestion: Popular equestrian sites fill quickly during summer weekends. "Like camping at Disneyland. We got to the start of camp spots early on a Friday and it was already like Disney land. We thought we could drive up a ways to escape people but after an hour of driving there was not a single spot available," warns Doug at Kirby Gulch.
Choose sites with easy water access: Children appreciate sites near streams for both recreation and easier camp chores. "A lot of spots the further up you drive towards trailhead. Found a spot right next to the creek with room for several cars and framed in by trees. Sounds of water is awesome. Couldn't hear any other campers," recommends Kelsie S. about North Cottonwood Trailhead.
Look for established fire rings: Sites with existing fire rings offer safer cooking options. "Designated dispersed with great views. On the west side of the road they are close to the creek but not protected from wind, on the east side the sites have more protection from wind. Lots of wildlife sightings!" notes Lily N. about Kirby Gulch.
Consider elevation for temperature planning: Higher sites above 9,500 feet experience colder nights, requiring extra bedding. "There is a 6 mile hike (Brown Creek Falls) down the road as well. The spots near the river were taken so we continued on farther down the road. I like this area because there are spots in wide open fields and there are also spots secluded in dense woods," shares Chandler H. about Browns Creek.
Length restrictions matter: Many horse-friendly sites have limited turning radius for larger trailers. "Our 23 ft camper and truck fit in the site nicely, although close to the campground road, it seems typical for a pull through in a campground like this," reports Amanda M. about Kenosha Pass.
Scout dump stations in advance: No equestrian sites near Fairplay offer on-site dumps. "The sites are very basic, you will have to literally bring everything you want with you, no tables or lantern hooks, no electricity, not even trashcans! Sometimes with views like these it is all worth it," explains Crystal C. at Clear Creek Reservoir.
Check generator policies: Rules vary across sites with some restricting hours or prohibiting use. "We expected plenty of people given that it was 4th of July. There were a couple very loud large groups and some RV's that ran their generators all day long. Not really the campgrounds fault however," notes Cynthia W. about Lodgepole Campground near Jefferson.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Fairplay, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Fairplay, CO is Lakeview Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Fairplay, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 27 equestrian camping locations near Fairplay, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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