Equestrian Camping near Florence, CO

Equestrian camping near Florence, Colorado offers options for riders seeking places to camp with their horses. Located in south-central Colorado at approximately 5,180 feet elevation, the area features high desert terrain with sagebrush, pine forests, and rocky outcroppings. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F during the day while dropping to the 50s at night, creating significant temperature variations that campers should prepare for.

What to do

Trail riding at Alvarado Campground: Located about 45 miles southwest of Florence, this campground sits at 9,000 feet elevation and offers access to multiple trail systems. "Trail riding opportunities expand in the wider region surrounding Florence. We easily got our 40' coach into a very level site," notes a visitor from Alvarado Campground.

Explore historic mining towns: Take a day trip to nearby Cripple Creek, about an hour's drive from Florence. "The towns of Cripple Creek and Victor are full of old mining history!" shares a camper who stayed at Cripple Creek KOA.

Wildlife viewing: The foothills provide excellent opportunities to spot wildlife. At Haggard's RV Campground, one camper mentioned, "So neat to see pronghorn in nearby fields as we sat drinking coffee."

What campers like

Spacious sites for horse trailers: Many campgrounds in the region can accommodate larger vehicles. "The sites were large and plenty of room for my slideout and not too close to next site. About 30 min from Pueblo and 30 from Canon City on Hwy 50," reported a visitor at Haggard's RV Campground.

Mountain views: The area offers scenic vistas of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. A camper at Cripple Creek noted, "The campsite pads were great, shelter building with water and a grill. The camping location was great with lots for kids to do."

Quiet, secluded spots: Many campers appreciate the peaceful settings. "We've stayed at campsite 36 and 41. 41 is our favorite. It has plenty of space and a nice creek running near it. We felt secluded," shares a camper from Alvarado Campground.

What you should know

Challenging terrain for trailers: Many dispersed camping areas have difficult access. One camper at Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park warns, "There is no warning on how these roads are!! Please do not bring any trailers or RVs out here as they will not fit/fall off of the windy roads. Roads are super rocky and full of deep holes, not many options to turn around once you've started."

High elevation considerations: Many camping areas sit above 8,000 feet, affecting both humans and horses. Cripple Creek KOA sits at 10,000 feet, with one camper noting, "The air is thin up here - real thin. That also means that it's pure, clean blissfully light oxygen."

Water availability varies: Not all sites have reliable water sources for horses. At BLM Rec Trail Dispersed camping, there are toilets available but limited water sources, making it essential to bring your own water supply for both you and your horses.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer amenities specifically for children. "Kids rode go carts, the big slide, and putt putt," reports a family at Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA.

Safety precautions: The high desert environment requires extra vigilance. A visitor notes, "This is a beautiful state campground. 30 amp electrical hook ups. Along with fireplaces and picnic tables at each site. Awesome hiking trails with views of the mountains."

Dog-friendly options: For families camping with both horses and dogs, several sites accommodate pets. "There's a seasonal pool, walking trails and a HUGE fenced dog park," mentions a camper at Haggard's RV Campground.

Tips from RVers

Water pressure challenges: Some campgrounds have water issues that affect RVers. At Haggard's RV Campground, a camper advised, "Water system needs work; well water has rust and sediment, be prepared!"

Elevation affects RV performance: The high altitude around Florence impacts RV systems. "We were placed near the bathroom, which was fine. There was plenty of lighting at night! Staff was friendly," shares an RVer at Cheyenne Mountain State Park.

Limited turnaround space: Many forest roads near Florence restrict larger rigs. "Very clean and plenty of spaces. A bit understaffed, but they do their best to prioritize tasks and keep the facility well maintained," reports a camper at Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA.