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Best Equestrian Camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

41 Reviews

Several campgrounds near Great Sand Dunes National Park accommodate horses, though none offer dedicated horse corrals. Alvarado Campground provides the most developed sites for equestrians with picnic tables, fire rings, and toilets in a forested setting at 9,000 feet elevation. The campground features hiking trails accessible directly from the sites, with some trails suitable for horseback riding. Visitors report the sites are widely spaced in the lower loop, making it easier to manage horses and gear. Most sites can accommodate horse trailers up to 30 feet, though the campground cannot handle fifth wheels or larger RVs.

Dispersed camping options provide more flexibility for horse owners. Cotton Creek Trailhead offers free primitive camping with multiple dispersed sites along road CC64, including three spots by the creek. The rough, rocky access road requires slow driving but rewards riders with exceptional stargazing and direct access to trails. Huerfano State Wildlife Area provides isolated group and individual sites with scattered vault toilets and picnic tables but limited amenities. Horse owners should note that most dispersed areas have no water sources, corrals, or designated horse facilities, requiring portable containment systems and packed-in water supplies for horses.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve (12)

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

41 Reviews of 12 Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve Campgrounds

  • Cindy R.
    Jun. 28, 2021

    Alvarado Campground

    Loved with a few exceptions

    I absolutely love this area of Colorado. It's breathtaking no matter which direction you look. Decent campground that was a bit too big for my taste. I agree with another reviewer: choose your site wisely! Dirty vault toilets. Water spigots that were almost all dripping (some almost running). I believe it should be posted at time of reservation if there are STEPS involved to set up camp. This site had maybe 10 steps, some in desperate need of repair. As a senior solo camper, this was challenging.  This site was not my choice but the only one available for my time-frame (right next door to the camp host and on the main/incoming road). When we were there, no availability of firewood from camp host, but a load did arrive while we were there. Really noisy campground (plenty of barking dogs), PLUS,a helicopter was doing a training mission two of the days we were there and flew directly over the campground, low-level, 3-5 times each day. 

    No bear boxes. (there was a hiker/bear interaction on the Venable trail on June 17th.)

    Positives were wildlife, scenery, wildflowers, awesome hiking both directions out of the campground, nice fellow campers (those we met).

    In hindsight, I would have been really upset if I'd paid full price.

  • P
    May. 18, 2021

    Alvarado Campground

    Beautiful Spot, Would Return

    We stayed at Alvarado for one night on 5/15/2021. We had sites 34 and 35 right across the road from each other. Steve the host was really friendly and stopped by to say hello a couple of times. There are several hiking trails nearby. The vault toilets were right by us and we didn’t have any issues with smell, and they were the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen. The water was closed when we were there because they were waiting on test results before they could open, they did end up opening the water on Sunday so I’m assuming it’s good to go for the season now. Town is really close by (maybe 15 min) so we just went into town and filled up water jugs. Site 34 was a bit close to the campsite next to us. We ended up going to sleep when our neighbors did just because we thought even low voices would be a disturbance to them in their tents. Other than the close proximity, the sites were great and nicely maintained. The sites higher than 35 seem to be spaced a bit further apart so would probably go to the upper sites next time. Great campsite, would return again!

    Nice picnic tables and permanent fire pits/grates (which means you can typically use even during stage one fire bans) at every site. A lot of dumpsters and water spots, as well as toilets.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Alvarado Campground

    One of those gems

    The campground won't accommodate fifth wheels only horse and rv up to 30 or so. Many of the sites in the 30,s up are useless other than a van. Tent sites are not good. Very uneven pads. The 40,s are much better and all mostly tents. The sites below 30 to 1 are pretty nice. Must say the hosts for the new concession explorUS were doing a bang up job.

  • Glenna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Alvarado Campground

    Great campground!

    We arrived around 830am on a July Saturday morning and found a handful of spots available to select from. We were a party of five with one large tent, one medium size tent and 2 vehicles. Luckily spot 43 at the top of the loop was available and able to accommodate our group. It was located close to water and a pit toilet as well. The host was attentive and cleaned and stocked the toilet. The campground was beautiful and had access to several wonderful trails. The night sky was amazing after the rain passed through and the clouds cleared. There was a group at a lower loop that was playing really loud music until well after quiet time. I do wish the host had put an end to that. Firewood was available for purchase at the host, but we were allowed to gather our own as well. All in all, a wonderful location and we were glad to find a spot and would love to return.

  • sportzfytv A.
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts. With its expansive facilities, it perfectly complements Sportzfy TV's mission to promote active lifestyles and engage audiences in diverse sporting events. Whether you’re looking to train or unwind, this destination provides an excellent backdrop for fitness and recreation. For More: https://www.sportzfytvapks.com/

  • sportzfytv A.
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts. With its expansive facilities, it perfectly complements Sportzfy TV's mission to promote active lifestyles and engage audiences in diverse sporting events. Whether you’re looking to train or unwind, this destination provides an excellent backdrop for fitness and recreation. For More: https://www.sportzfytvapks.com/

  • Silouan A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2025

    Willow Creek Trail

    Dispersed camping at the base of Kit Carson peak

    Approx 15 or so dispersed camp sites along the forest road up to the parking lot for Willow Lake trail. Easy access to sites, easy access to trail head. Restrooms also available at trailhead.

  • Marissa B.
    Jun. 25, 2019

    Purgatoire Campground

    Secluded, but rough terrain

    The area surrounding Purgatory is GORGEOUS. It’s straight out of a movie or picture book. The roads to get to the campsite were pretty rough and many of the lower campsites had standing water on or near them. Our site was steep to get to, but level and felt separated from the other sites.

    The nearby towns are VERY small and don’t have much to offer for activities, restaurants or supplies if you forget something. Several beautiful small lakes nearby though!

  • Alicia S.
    Aug. 5, 2018

    Alvarado Campground

    pretty campground, but bad trails for atv

    The campground was nice, but we took our atv and the trails are very narrow, and when encountering another atv, theres really no where to get around. There were also lots of people walking and hiking the trails, making it very dangerous on an atv.

Guide to Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve

Horse camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, equestrian enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to set up camp.

Equestrian campgrounds include Alvarado Campground

  • At Alvarado Campground, horse camping is welcomed, and the campground features spacious sites that allow for easy maneuvering of trailers.
  • This campground is known for its beautiful surroundings and access to nearby trails, making it a favorite among horse campers.
  • The hosts at Alvarado are praised for their excellent service, ensuring a pleasant stay for all visitors.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge provides a range of amenities, including drinking water and firewood, making it convenient for horse campers.
  • The campground is designed to accommodate both tents and RVs, ensuring that equestrian campers have the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay.
  • With its pet-friendly policy, Colorado Sports Ranch allows you to bring your horses along while enjoying the beautiful Colorado scenery.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Horse campers at Purgatoire Campground can enjoy hiking and exploring the surrounding trails, perfect for a day out with your horse.
  • The area around Cotton Creek Trailhead offers stunning views and a peaceful environment, ideal for horseback riding and relaxation.
  • Visitors to Huerfano State Wildlife Area can experience the beauty of dispersed camping while enjoying the freedom to ride in a less crowded setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve is Alvarado Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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