Soap Creek Corral offers dedicated equestrian camping within Gunnison National Forest, located 9 miles down a dirt road off Highway 92. The campground serves as a strategic base for riders exploring Coal Mesa Horse Camp's extensive trail system. Campsites accommodate horse trailers with proximity to water sources for horses and corrals for safe containment.
What to do
Trail riding from camp: At Soap Creek Campground, riders can access multiple forest trails directly from their sites without trailering horses after arrival. "Right next to a creek," notes one visitor, with "very quiet and primitive" conditions ideal for those seeking seclusion with their horses.
Alpine hiking access: Mill Creek Campground provides a convenient base for mountain exploration, located 40 minutes from Lake City. "Spent seven days here as a base for bagging fourteeners, 4 wheelin', and just chilling," reports one camper, noting its strategic position for accessing multiple high-elevation trails.
Fishing opportunities: The North Fork of the Gunnison River flows through Kebler Corner, creating prime fishing access directly from riverside campsites. "It is right on the river so my husband was happy to be able to fish right behind our RV," mentions a visitor who appreciated the convenience of fishing without leaving camp.
What campers like
Secluded camping areas: Despite limited cell service, many equestrian campers appreciate the isolation at Soap Creek. "Well off the beaten path, about 5 miles down a dirt road off of route 92. The hosts were really nice. BEAR COUNTRY. No cell phone service. Very quiet and primitive. Right next to a creek," reports one camper.
Exceptional site maintenance: Silver Jack Campground receives high marks for cleanliness and organization. "Big sites, lots of pull through options. Very clean bathrooms. The hosts were friendly and informative. The short hike out to the overlook is worth the stroll," notes a visitor who appreciated the well-maintained facilities.
Water features: The sound of moving water enhances the camping experience at multiple locations. "The entire campground is all first come first served. It's posted to select your site and the host will find you... eventually. It's not like you are leaving anytime soon," explains a camper at Lost Lake Campground, where the lakeside setting creates a tranquil atmosphere.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Late May can bring unpredictable conditions at high elevations. "We stayed here in late May as it was still rather cold out in the area but it was a great spot for tent camping. Lots of trails near by to explore," advises a Soap Creek Campground visitor, suggesting that early-season campers should pack for cold nights.
Road conditions: Access to equestrian camping areas often involves rough terrain. "The road in gets narrow at times so if you're bringing an RV or a larger sized car be extra cautious," warns a Lost Lake camper, highlighting the challenges of navigating forest roads with trailers.
Limited amenities: Hartman Rocks Recreation Area offers dispersed camping with minimal services. "There are no water sources, as the area is just rocks and dirt. There are many different ways to explore the array of trails, so you can bike, take a four-wheeler, horse-back ride, hike, or just drive your car," explains a local, emphasizing the need to bring all water supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Multi-activity sites: Kebler Corner provides organized activities beyond trail riding. "There was a little playground and some activities in a covered space like velcro axe throwing and corn hole. There were soccer goals set up at one of the grassy areas too. There was also a frisbee golf course, hammocks and picnic tables scattered around the property."
Quiet weekday visits: For families seeking solitude, timing matters. "Nearly empty in July (Sunday-Tuesday). Aspens everywhere, and trails right off our site. Clean bathrooms easy access to water," reports a Silver Jack visitor who found midweek camping offered a more peaceful experience.
Water play options: Small creeks provide safe recreation for children at lower-elevation camps. "We chose site 8 as it was fairly close to the restroom, had decent shade, and large enough to accommodate our large tent and two vehicles...with room enough to spare to play washers! We were able to walk to the creek and what a view!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: When pulling horse trailers, arrive early for the best spots. "The campsite was very well kept and quiet which is super hard to find nowadays. Many of the sites are shaded by the trees and the nearby creek provides soothing background noise during nights."
Elevation considerations: High-altitude camping affects equipment performance. "Elevation is about 10,300 and posed a problem for our generator that caused severe spark-plug fouling. But, re-jetting the carburetor from a #61 to #58 solved the problem," advises an RVer at Little Molas Lake, providing a technical tip for generator operation at altitude.
Timing for equestrian camping: Horse-friendly campsites fill quickly during peak summer months. "We had this campground all too our selves in late May as it was still rather cold out in the area but it was a great spot for tent camping," shares a camper who benefited from off-peak timing.
