Best Equestrian Camping near Gunnison, CO
Horse Ranch Park dispersed camping area on Paonia Road offers free camping for equestrians with designated sites accommodating horses, approximately 20 miles north of Gunnison. The area permits fires and allows pets, making it suitable for campers traveling with both horses and dogs. Campgrounds throughout the Gunnison National Forest commonly feature sites that can handle horse trailers and provide access to extensive trail systems. Each campsite's fire ring marks established locations where camping is permitted, though facilities remain minimal with no corrals, water hookups, or toilets available. The dispersed nature of these sites provides adequate space for horses and vehicles while maintaining natural separation between camping groups.
Located at the edge of the West Elk Wilderness, Horse Ranch Park provides direct access to multiple trail systems suitable for day rides or pack trips. Most trails connecting to the campground allow horses, with routes extending into high-country meadows and forested terrain. Soap Creek Campground, positioned 9 miles up a dirt road, offers an alternative with more developed facilities including toilets and trash service. The road access to many horse-friendly camping areas requires high-clearance vehicles, particularly when pulling horse trailers. Seasonal considerations affect campsite availability, with most areas open from June through September depending on snow conditions at higher elevations. The extensive network of public lands surrounding Gunnison creates numerous opportunities for equestrians seeking both developed campgrounds and primitive camping options with trail access.
