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Near Gould, Colorado, equestrian camping options are limited but can be found with proper planning. State Forest State Park encompasses 71,000 acres with 187 campsites for various accommodations, but lacks dedicated horse corrals or facilities specifically designed for equestrians. Winding River Resort near Grand Lake offers some of the most complete horse-friendly amenities in the region, allowing horses with appropriate containment brought by campers. The campground is affected by pine beetle infestation that has decimated many trees, leaving camping areas with minimal shade—an important consideration when containing horses during summer months.
The trail systems throughout State Forest State Park connect riders to extensive backcountry terrain suitable for day rides. Multiple lakes provide water access, with North Michigan Reservoir offering potential watering spots for horses when lake levels permit. Trailer parking is available at several trailheads throughout the park. Most equestrians bring portable corrals or highlines as no permanent equine containment systems exist at standard campgrounds. Dispersed camping options along Laramie River Road provide more flexibility for horse camping with appropriate Leave No Trace practices. Winter access remains possible at some sites, though trail conditions and campground availability vary seasonally. Reservations are required for established campgrounds through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
"Getting to the campground and visitors center is easy as they are both right off the highways 41 and 14, but it is quite a drive to get to, in general."
"There are campsites on both sides of the lake. On the southern side, a number are situated off the road, minimizing noise and dust."
from $28 - $120 / night
Check Availability"Small campground next to three lakes. One lake has dried up. Beautiful Gould, CO. We also boondock camp in this area as well. Don't miss Lake Agnes. It's at the top of a mountain."
"I tent camped at Ranger Lakes. I was the only one tent camping among all the RV’s. I didn’t mind that the spaces were visible from each other since I was camping alone."
from $36 / night
Check Availability"The campsite has two entrances - one from the west passing North Michigan Reservoir and one from the South East which is basically from Lake Agnes Trailhead."
"There are lots of great activities to participate in very close by - fishing, hiking, 4-wheeling and more!"
from $28 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"Three 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."
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Our space was large enough to accommodate our 20 ft travel trailer with our truck next to it, still leaving plenty of room for the picnic table and a chair circle around the fire."
"The bathrooms were clean, and close to almost every site. They had a very nice playground for the kids with a climbing wall."
from $45 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Options for camping in campgrounds, close to others, or more alone. Options to camp near the lake, river, or on dry land.options for large or small camping areas. Peaceful and beautiful."
"There is a camp ground near by with a porta-potty and there is a small market about 10-20 miles away."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Three pretty easily accessible spots on the right, about a half-mile from the highway. Sites 2 and 3 are fairly private, site 1 is in view of Long Draw road traffic."
"A few really awesome hiking trails a couple different lakes to choose from for fishing kayaking. It’s along rd 151 you also have Peterson lake nearby as well."
"We ended up driving too far and just parking next to the lake for the night to camp. Lots of dirt trails near the lake, maybe not for camping but we showed up after driving 6 hours."
"Sites aren’t really marked/but are right next to the reservoir. No fires/water pumps."
TravelerGreat spot for car camping in Colorado except its distance from Denver. It’s a trek! Takes at least 4 hours (that’s if you’re lucky). Lots to do. Great fishing, beautiful hiking trails to a water fall, and trails for the RZR near by.
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.
LegendSmall campground next to three lakes. One lake has dried up. Beautiful Gould, CO. We also boondock camp in this area as well. Don't miss Lake Agnes. It's at the top of a mountain. Not many people get to see this. I grew up in this are. Teller City is a nearby ghost town, and the Rand store is a time warp to the 1800's.
GuideBig Creek Lakes Campground, Colorado (close to Wyoming border): camping here is only open for 3 months out of the year: June, July & August. It's camping at over 9,000ft elevation and requires for you to be extra prepared for snow even in the summer months, bears, mountain lions, mosquitos, aggressive horse flies, leeches, strong winds, thunder storms and altitude sickness. They do provide water which tastes fresh like newly melted snow. You can boat, fish, even hunt at some spots with a permit, hike, and swim at your own risk (can be cold, leeches, snakes). It is truly beautiful up here and the drive up the Poudre river makes it worth it. You can also spend the day rafting down the river or fishing.
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!
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.
ScoutAfter driving for nearly 4hrs to find a spot in any of the first come first serve camp grounds up Poudre Canyon we started to head home only to pull into Pingree Park for one last cry for help... we stumbled upon Jack’s Gulch, a little hidden gem, tucked inside a cute mountain trek to the CSU campus at Pingree Park. It didn’t have any “water features” like a stream or a river but it was a quick car ride to find that. The spots were clean, noise was minimal, and there were bathrooms if you needed them. A lot of options as far as camping goes - electrical sites, walk up sites, equestrian sites, and mixed use (what I like to call a mixture of tent and RV). There were also trails all around the campsite that were accessible for bikes, or hiking. It was definitely a Father’s Day to remember. Oh yea, some coyotes at night definitely woke us up! I don’t believe they made it to the campsite but they were close 😳
State Forest State Park surrounding Gould, Colorado sits at elevations between 8,500 and 10,800 feet with daily summer temperature swings of 30-40 degrees. Winter access remains limited after November with snowfall often continuing through May. Most campers report minimal cell service throughout the region, with spotty connectivity at higher elevation points.
Fishing in alpine lakes: North Michigan Reservoir at North Michigan Campground provides trout fishing directly from some campsites. "We were able to paddle board and fish right from our campsite, and had a wonderful fresh trout dinner," reports camper B B. The reservoir features clear water and accessible shorelines.
Hiking to alpine lakes: Lake Agnes trail near Ranger Lakes Campground offers views of the Continental Divide. "Lake Agnes. It was a steep climb but well worth it. We alternated looking at the beauty of Lake Agnes and watching the skiers hiking to the top and skiing what was left of the snow," notes B B. Most alpine lake trails range from 3-6 miles roundtrip with significant elevation gain.
Wildlife viewing: State Forest State Park hosts Colorado's largest moose population, with regular sightings near waterways. "We stopped at various spots along the highway, and ended up walking around the Joe Wright Reservoir for a while... there were two young bull moose snacking by a small river," shares Amanda M. Dawn and dusk provide optimal viewing times, particularly in wetland areas with aspen trees.
Accessibility to off-road trails: Many dispersed camping areas connect directly to ATV and 4x4 trails. "You can ride your dirt bikes, atvs from the campground into Rocky Mountain National Park," notes Donna S. from Winding River Resort. Trail connections typically remain open from June through October, snow conditions permitting.
Quiet, remote camping: Laramie River Road offers multiple dispersed camping options. "Plenty of camping sites even though some were destroyed in the fires. Options for camping in campgrounds, close to others, or more alone. Options to camp near the lake, river, or on dry land," explains Justina about Laramie River Road Dispersed camping. Midweek visits provide the best chance for privacy and site selection.
Proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to park entrances. "Great location. East Portal is at the end of the road, zero traffic noise, lots of shade from trees, nature trails, deer visit in the mornings," shares Beth S. Many campers use sites near Gould as staging points for day trips into the national park.
Pine beetle impact: Beetle kill has dramatically altered the forest landscape at many campgrounds. "There's a ton of beetle kill in the area, so that hurts the views a bit, but that's pretty typical in this area," reports Brenda I. from Ranger Lakes Campground. Shade availability remains limited at many campsites.
Weather patterns: Summer thunderstorms typically develop in early afternoon. "Thunderheads were rolling in, and some rain and thunder started, so we decided to start making our way back," notes Amanda M. Summer evening temperatures often drop into the 40s, requiring appropriate clothing and sleeping gear.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds operate on reservation systems. "Fee box at entrance with all current information. 'Reservation Only' 800-244-5613 or cpwshop.com or come to the Moose Visitor Center," explains N I. Dispersed camping areas typically operate on first-come basis with specific regulations about length of stay.
Accessible trails: Several campgrounds feature family-friendly hiking options directly from camp. "We hiked, biked and just enjoyed the view. Fishing was slow but in such a pretty place we didn't care," reports Kell H. about Bockman Campground. These trails typically range from 0.5 to 2 miles and connect to lakes or lookout points.
Wildlife education opportunities: The Moose Visitor Center provides educational programming about local wildlife. "We returned to the Moose Visitors Center to share the experience with the rangers (they record the specifics of moose sightings in the area on a board)," shares Amanda M. Ranger-led programs typically operate weekends during summer months.
Bear awareness: Food storage remains critical throughout the region. "WARNING: You ARE in bear country and there were no bear bins in the campground - be bear safe and bear smart, lock all of your food and toiletries inside your car at night," advises Amanda M. Many established campgrounds provide bear boxes, but dispersed campers must plan accordingly.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections exist at select campgrounds. "Campsite was very clean, level, and well kept," reports Gary E. about Hermits Hollow Campground. Most sites with hookups require advance reservations through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Road access considerations: Access roads vary significantly in quality across the region. "The road is a county dirt road but it is very well maintained and fairly wide," explains Justin D. regarding Laramie River Road. High-clearance vehicles prove beneficial for accessing more remote camping areas, particularly after rain.
Water fill stations: Potable water remains limited at many locations. "If you have an RV make sure to fill your tank and the maintenance center 6 miles up the road," advises Sarah S. Most established campgrounds provide water access points, but dispersed camping requires bringing sufficient water supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gould, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gould, CO is North Michigan Campground — State Forest State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Gould, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 32 equestrian camping locations near Gould, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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