Best Equestrian Camping near Greeley, CO

Kruger Equestrian Campground at Hermit Park Open Space provides direct access to equestrian trails just outside Estes Park. Located within the larger Hermit Park property, this campground accommodates horses with spacious sites and trailer parking. Campers can choose from tent, RV, and cabin options while keeping horses nearby. The campground operates seasonally from April to October and requires reservations. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and access to drinking water. The property features miles of scenic trails suitable for horseback riding through pine forests and rocky terrain. Rangers regularly patrol the grounds ensuring rules are followed and helping visitors with any needs. The park entrance requires a daily vehicle fee in addition to camping fees.

Located approximately 5 miles from Estes Park, Hermit Park Open Space offers riders easy access to both the campground trails and nearby Rocky Mountain National Park routes. The Kruger Rock Trail within the park provides panoramic views and connects to a network of equestrian-friendly paths. Horse owners should bring their own feed and water containers as facilities are primitive. The campground maintains clean vault toilets but does not offer shower facilities. Trailer access requires navigating some switchbacks and steep sections of road, though the campground area itself provides level parking. Firewood can be purchased at the entrance station. Weather conditions vary significantly throughout the season, with summer afternoon thunderstorms common and early spring or late fall bringing possible snow. The serene mountain setting and well-maintained grounds make this a popular destination for horse enthusiasts seeking camping near Rocky Mountain National Park.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Greeley, Colorado (12)

    1. Fort Collins North-Wellington KOA

    8 Reviews
    Wellington, CO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 568-7486

    $20 / night

    "This is a KOA journey, meaning it’s great for a stopover, and it is located next to a horse farm. If you are used to smelling farm life, then the smell won’t be a problem."

    "We needed a stop on the way out of Colorado and grabbed a quick night here in a tent site. Water was off for weather but stoves made much needed coffee in the cold."

    2. Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    26 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 577-2090

    $35 / night

    "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."

    "It would be nice if the county could put water in, there are two places to fill containers/rvs-one right by the entrance and another at the entrance to Bobcat Gulch."

    3. East Portal Campground at Estes Park

    40 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 964-7806

    $45 - $80 / night

    "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."

    5. Terry Bison Ranch

    16 Reviews
    Cheyenne, WY
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 634-4171

    $20 - $100 / night

    "Horse drawn wagon ride to senator steak house. Omg absolutely fresh and delicious meal. Thanks!!"

    "Honestly, when we first pulled in, we were a little put off by the proximity to the highway, and a policy they have to keep your cc information on a handwritten card."

    6. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    24 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    "It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great."

    "The Gross Resevoir outside Boulder is a great place for people to go for some recreation just outside the city. People commonly drop in a paddleboard or kayak."

    7. Bobcat Campground — Hermit Park

    7 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 577-2090

    $35 / night

    "The bear box was a good size, easy to use, and well located. Restrooms were a short walk away. Our site was easy to get level on but some others looked difficult."

    "We only saw the rangers twice as they were driving by. Most people left on Sunday morning, probably because the snow and wind were moving in. We stayed. The wind gusts must have been close to 60mph!"

    8. Peaceful Valley

    8 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    $19 - $38 / night

    "Stayed here overnight for some hiking in the nearby foothills."

    "Stumbled upon this small, nice campground simple because we liked the name :)  It is very convenient from the main highway (which happens to be part of the Peak to Peak scenic byway- a FANTASTIC drive!"

    9. Jacks Gulch - **CLOSED FOR SEASON**

    6 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6700

    $42 - $206 / night

    "After 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"

    "Well off the beaten path. We were afraid of it being full, so we arrived around 930am on a Saturday, there were plenty of spots to choose from, and several still available by the end of the day."

    10. Granite Gulch Campground — Hermit Park Open Space

    1 Review
    Estes Park, CO
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 577-2090

    $35 / night

    "There is a short drive over a tall hill to a valkey with 3 camp grounds. Hermits hollow, Bob cat and kruger equestrian . Hermits hollow is better for small rigs and tents."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Greeley, CO

136 Reviews of 12 Greeley Campgrounds


  • Sarah D.
    Jun. 23, 2021

    Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    Good spot!

    Site 5 was a great spot for a bigger group. It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great. We didn’t make it to the gross reservoir but it was nice to have the option of a good hike near by. It is very important that you have a high clearance car to drive on the road. It’s a lot like off roading on some parts. I would go back!

  • Mike T.
    Nov. 29, 2022

    Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    Great Site Easy Access

    This 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.

  • Lara B.
    Jun. 22, 2020

    Jacks Gulch - **CLOSED FOR SEASON**

    Saving grace

    After 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 😳

  • David L.
    May. 22, 2022

    Granite Gulch Campground — Hermit Park Open Space

    You feel like your camping.

    You must first stop at the base to check in this is where very friedly people checked us in explained the bear behavior and bear safty. The site have bear boxes. We then paid the 9 dollar a day use fee . When we reserved we had already paid 43 dollars a day for dry camp. This is my only reason for 4 stars instead of 5. There is a short drive over a tall hill to a valkey with 3 camp grounds. Hermits hollow, Bob cat and kruger equestrian . Hermits hollow is better for small rigs and tents. Some sites are not level but all are nice. Bob cat is better for your midsize rigs and seems a bit more managable. Kruger equestrian is for hourse trailers. There is a great hike up to the top of kruger rock thats not to hard. Your not far from Estes Park a tourist town that has shops food and fishing.

  • Angie G.
    May. 14, 2021

    Fort Collins North-Wellington KOA

    Spotless Overnighter

    This is a KOA journey, meaning it’s great for a stopover, and it is located next to a horse farm. If you are used to smelling farm life, then the smell won’t be a problem. This KOA is also one with long term/monthly residents but I will say the office, laundry and bathrooms were absolutely spotless! We spent 2 nights in our RV and a full day driving Poudre Canyon and it was perfect just for that. The staff was very accommodating! Office is open 8a - 8p.

  • Jennifer G.
    Aug. 19, 2019

    East Portal Campground at Estes Park

    Ranger Review: Fiber Light at Estes Park Campground at East Portal

    **Campground Review: **

    We really enjoyed our stay at Estes Park at East Portal! I can’t say enough good things. We passed so many parking lot campgrounds and were so happy we chose here. We had trees! 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. We chose to park next to the camper so as to not obstruct the view. Water and electric and a large bear box were provided. Our spot A66 overlooked a little field that every morning a little fawn would come up out of and sniff around. My kids enjoyed playing with sticks and rocks in this little field-something every kid should get to do! We had beautiful views in 3 directions(bathroom behind us). Speaking of bathrooms, they were large and clean! Auto flushing toilets, toilet paper and hand soap! A cleaning crew came in often and quickly. Individual shower rooms make for a comfortable and private hot shower very welcomed at the end of a day of nearby hiking. Mule deer came through every evening right by our camper to eat grass. One morning 3 large Bull Elk and a young bull came through the valley and up through the campground. It was so surreal! The stars were stunning too. We saw shooting stars and even the northern lights (flashing kind not curtains). Then on our last day, a rainbow could be seen right next to the campground. We could not have asked for anything more! The camp hosts were all awesome and very helpful. The location was central to most things that we wanted to do. No cell service and it was glorious! But if we did need it, about a mile down the road we picked it back up. There is a geocache very near to the campground right by a hiking trail-my boys enjoyed marking it off their list . I could watch them walk to it from the site. On our first hike we saw horse back riders from the YMCA and stunning views including a small waterfall. Wildflowers were scattered across the mountainside and there is a small reservoir for fishing-though we didn’t. The air was so clean and you could smell the pines. The site next to us was a walk-in I believe as it cycled through a few times in a week. The playground was small but my kids were satisfied. There was a rock climbing wall and swings. My husband said the dump site was not positioned perfectly for our camper but we were so happy they had one. The office has a small little store with maps brochures and some essentials or souvenirs. If we go back to Estes Park, this is definitely where we will camp again.

    ----------------- 

    Product Review: 

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time and this time we chose to review  Fiber Light.

    https://fiberlightfs.com/collections/fire-starters-tinder/products/original-fiber-light-fire-starter

    My husband has been showing our 12 year old some camping how to’s and this was a fun thing for them to mess around with. They used a spark wheel to get it going (survival mode they said lol) and it lit quickly and burned for a long time! We timed a large pinch and it burned for over 5 minutes. Lights immediately with a flame lighter. Comes in a large fully packed round tin with a thick rubber band around it to seal out moisture. My son was the first to try and was not able to get lit with his Firebiner (first time using that too), but my husband got it lit right away lighting the kindling and a log. I was impressed with how much time we had to get the rest of the fire set up! This will definitely be useful in a survival or long hike situation. Thumbs up from us!

  • V
    Aug. 16, 2020

    Terry Bison Ranch

    Absolutely wonderful

    Wonderful friendly staff.at the trading post, the escort was super nice and so helpful. Horse drawn wagon ride to senator steak house. Omg absolutely fresh and delicious meal. Thanks!!

  • Jessica H.
    Jun. 15, 2016

    East Portal Campground at Estes Park

    Small, clean, convenient

    Just south of Estes Park, this small organized campground was perfect for our first trip of the season. The bathrooms were clean, and close to almost every site. They had a very nice playground for the kids with a climbing wall. The camp store was tiny, but had a few things we needed and super friendly. And the best was that the campground was just steps away from a trailhead into the National Forest. We hiked about 4.5 miles roundtrip to Sprague Lake.

  • Amanda M.
    Aug. 5, 2018

    East Portal Campground at Estes Park

    GREAT campground right outside Rocky Mountain National Park

    We stayed at Estes Park Campground at East Portal when we visited Rocky Mountain National Park this past July 2018. At first I was disappointed that we could not Moraine Valley or Aspen Grove campgrounds within RMNP, but I am SO GLAD we ended up staying at Estes Park Campground at East Portal! While it is a private campground and is more expensive than a State Park, National Park, Forest Service or BLM campground ($35 for a standard tent site without hookups…it increases with equipment hookups), I think it was well worth the extra money.

    Estes Park Campground at East Portal is a short drive away from both RMNP and the city of Estes Park, so you are nearby everything. The camp hosts were extremely friendly, and shockingly, while there was a fire ban in place inside RMNP and outside the park near the Grand Lake area, campfires WERE allowed at Estes Park Campground at East Portal, so long as they were small and contained within the fire ring (which did have a grate for cooking!). The hosts at Estes Park Campground at East Portal had firewood for sale, and even dropped it off for us at our campsite! They also had ice for sale.

    The sites are not extremely private, but are all surrounded by tall, thin trees. The trees are perfect for hammocks, so if you have a hammock, bring one! Also, the trees would be useful for handing extra tarps if a thunderstorm was to pass through the area; we had tarps and bungee cords and ropes at the ready in case a storm came. We were lucky, a HUGE storm had rolled through the night before we arrived, and another started just as we had finished packing up the car to leave Estes Park.

    Each campsite has a newly build, raised tent pad to set your tent up on - the management is extremely strict that campers MUST place their tents only on the designated tent pad. I did not have a problem with that, as the tent pad is nice and flat, and has some compacted sandy soil which helps keep the dirt out of your tent. The sites are separated by thin logs placed on the ground.

    WARNING: You ARE in bear country, so be bear safe and use the shared bear bins available in the campground! Our party had two adjacent campsites, so we were able to share the shared bear bin amongst just our own party. The neighbor on the other side of us had a bear bin, and it didn’t appear that he had to share his with if his neighbors. Try to lock all of your food and toiletries inside the food locker - they are large, and we have always been able to fit our big cooler into locker. If you do have to leave a cooler in the car, I was once told by a ranger in Yosemite NP that bears can recognize coolers when peering into car windows - he suggested putting put a towel and gear over your coolers when keeping them in the car overnight in bear territory.

    The best part about this campground is that it had hot FREE and clean showers!!!! As a California girl who’s used to the extreme drought conditions, having a hot free shower available was absolute heaven while camping. There was also a big farm sink outside the bathrooms for dish washing and water bladder filling - it was extremely convenient.

    There is only one trash receptacle area in the campground, up towards the entrance near the playground. Even though the campground is fairly small, we were lazy and kept our trash in the cars at night, and dropped it off in the morning when we were headed out to RMNP. There is also a water spigot near the garbage bins - it was a good reminder that we hadn’t filled up our water bladders for a day of hiking.

    Estes Park Campground at East Portal is located at the very end of a road, so it is nice and quiet, without noise pollution from traffic. The campground is only about 20 minutes away from Moraine Park inside RMNP. It was easy to get to and from the NP, where we went each day to hike and search for moose.

    We found moose at Sprague Lake, around dusk! A momma moose and her yearling twins came down from the wooded hills to graze on the water plants growing in the shallow lake. They were pretty unconcerned by the crowd of people watching them, but it’s important to still give them their space, as they are very large, wild animals (ESPECIALLY during mating season, and when a momma is with her young babies). The moose were truly an amazing site to see, nobody in my party from California had ever seen a moose before this trip to Colorado.

    The camp hosts said moose and elk will occasionally make an appearance at the Estes Park Campground at East Portal. We did not see either while at camp, but we frequently deer and fawns running through the woods directly behind the campground.

    WARNING: in the woods behind the campground there is a NO TRESPASSING zone where there are piles of chopped, dead trees - those tree piles contain the remains of the trees that were infected by the pine beetle epidemic that has killed so many trees in the area. The piles will be burned in the winter and should not be touched or disturbed.

    CAMPSITE SPECS

    Fees: $35/night

    Plumbed Toilets: Yes

    Drinking Water: Yes

    Showers: Yes (no coins needed!!)

    Picnic Table: Yes

    Firepit: Yes

    Cooking Grates: Yes

    Shade: Yes

    Cell Service: Yes

    Animal Bins/Food Lockers: Yes (shared)

    Trash: Yes


Guide to Greeley

Kruger Equestrian Campground at Hermit Park Open Space serves riders with direct trail access near Estes Park, Colorado. Located at 7,880 feet elevation, this specialized campground accommodates horses with corral space while offering camping options for their owners. The facilities operate seasonally from April through October, when mountain weather conditions are most favorable for equestrian activities. Winds can reach 30+ mph during weather changes, requiring secure containment for horses and camping equipment.

What to do

Horseback riding on mountain trails: Kruger Equestrian Campground — Hermit Park offers direct access to trails designed for horses. "You feel like your camping. The site have bear boxes. There is a short drive over a tall hill to a valkey with 3 camp grounds. Hermits hollow, Bob cat and kruger equestrian," notes David L.

Explore Poudre Canyon: Head northwest from Greeley to find forest trails and wilderness areas. "The spots are nice and big, lots of walking trials. The road a little scary af times when driving to camp but worth it," shares Sabrina S. about Jacks Gulch.

Wildlife viewing: The mountain parks near Greeley feature diverse wildlife. "We had a moose and her baby visit our camper first thing the next morning. We were able to get on bikes and explore the endless dirt roads that spoke off in all directions. Little creeks abound," writes Morgan Y. about camping in the Poudre Canyon area.

What campers like

Proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park: East Portal Campground provides convenient access to major attractions. "We went here with our 2 little girls ages 4 and 1. The views were stunning and everything was super clean. We saw tons of elk and visit the Rocky Mountain national park everyday since its about 5 minutes away!" says Megan L.

Secluded sites with natural features: The mountain campgrounds offer privacy and scenic settings. "Best place to camp around. Wooded area at the end of the road. Book early!" recommends Gregory R. about East Portal Campground.

Diverse terrain for all skill levels: Bobcat Campground offers varied hiking options. "Just south of Estes Park, CO and ~30 minutes to rocky mountain national park. This county park is a hidden gem. Huge open space preserve with a few great hikes (Kruger rock had phenomenal views but moderately strenuous)," reports Austin C.

What you should know

Seasonal closures and weather challenges: Mountain campgrounds have limited seasons. "Weather conditions vary significantly throughout the season, and many horse campgrounds near Greeley, Colorado close during winter months. "Arrived today and it is closed off with the sign 'Campground Closed' I should have called before going lol," warns Hope W. about Peaceful Valley.

Bear safety protocols: Most campgrounds require proper food storage. "We spent 1 night at site B32 (bobcat campground). Our site was a nice size and felt private enough despite somewhat close neighbors. The bear box was a good size, easy to use, and well located," reports Lisa from Bobcat Campground.

Additional day-use fees: Some parks charge entrance fees on top of camping costs. "We spent around $30 for 3 or 4 days. The park provides every spot with a table, fire ring and bear box. The bear box is for more than just food. If you have anything that smells good, the animals (not just bears) WILL try to get into your vehicle to steal it," explains Daisee Mae S.

Tips for camping with families

Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities: Hermits Hollow Campground offers facilities that work well for children. "We stayed here during our visit to RMNP and it was perfect! Very conveniently located, only a short drive into Estes Park. Lots of trails for hiking and biking in the park. Each campsite had a bear box, picnic table, and fire ring," shares Hannah F.

Look for campgrounds with wildlife education: Children often enjoy learning about nature. "This campground is at the end of the road, zero traffic noise, lots of shade from trees, nature trails, deer visit in the mornings. Facilities are exceptional, clean, free with camping. Each site has a bear box/ food locker to keep food items safe and stored near your site," mentions Beth S.

Consider less crowded weekday stays: Peaceful experiences are better for families. "We couldn't much camping around this area that was open in early April. We came across this place and stayed for 1 night. There is bear boxes and some bathroom. Sites have fire rings," reports Jaqueline E.

Tips from RVers

Access challenges for larger rigs: Terry Bison Ranch offers easier access for big rigs than mountain sites. "RV park has level gravel lots with full hookups. Right off interstate on Exit 2, as you enter WY. We spent 2 nights in our RV and a full day driving Poudre Canyon and it was perfect just for that," shares James R.

Equestrian-focused campgrounds have size limitations: Many horse-friendly sites have tight turns. "Access in our pop up was easy (a tad bumpy in spots), but I think some of turns and narrow roads might be tricky for bigger trailers. Our site was easy to get level on but some others looked difficult," advises Lisa about Bobcat Campground.

Plan for limited hookups: Mountain campgrounds often have minimal services. "Sites are very hard to get your unit level. Very high price for no hookups. Close to Estes Park," warns Pat, highlighting the need to arrive prepared for self-sufficient camping at many of the equestrian campgrounds near Greeley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Greeley, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Greeley, CO is Fort Collins North-Wellington KOA with a 3.6-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Greeley, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Greeley, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.