27 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dispersed camping options near Hartsel, Colorado cater to horse enthusiasts seeking backcountry experiences. Several forest service roads in Pike National Forest provide access to primitive camping areas where horses are permitted, though few established campgrounds offer dedicated equestrian facilities. Sites along Matukat Road feature level ground suitable for horse trailers, with enough space for portable corrals or high-line setups. The terrain provides natural barriers and rock formations that create semi-private camping spots with room for both human accommodations and horses. Large pull-through areas accommodate vehicles with horse trailers at many dispersed sites.
Trail access remains the primary attraction for equestrians camping in the Hartsel region. Multiple forest service roads connect to extensive trail systems traversing diverse terrain from alpine meadows to rocky outcroppings. Riders should carry sufficient water for horses as natural water sources are limited and seasonally dependent. Most dispersed camping areas require proper manure management, as no designated disposal facilities exist. During peak summer months, arriving mid-week improves chances of securing suitable horse camping locations. The high-altitude environment (8,000-9,000 feet) requires acclimatization time for horses from lower elevations before attempting strenuous trail rides.
"This is a wonderful campground at the end of the road near the dam and right next to the Platte. This is a wonderful spot for fly fishing, and can get busy sharing the river with day visitors."
"There is a trail above the camp that will take you up to some beautiful views through a meadow. Right in the camp are over 5 established bouldering routes and even more in the hill above camp."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"This Colorado state park brings visitors year-round for all types of recreation. We have traveled here several times, both tent camping and in our camper."
"By far my favorite campground in Colorado. Sites all have great views and are paved. The park is clean and rangers are always around checking in. Close to town and great hikes. Can’t wait to go back!"
from $28 - $270 / night
Check Availability"* Most sites appeared to be just off the road so you will see others driving by, and some sites have close by neighbors so keep that in mind if you're looking for something more private.
- Livestock"
"Rock fire pits, wood around. No water, garbage, nor toilets. Cool temps, road in is rough go slow. Nice shady trees. First few spots you encounter left, then right seem ok."
"On my last trip to Colorado I had crossed paths with this campground and vowed that this time I would make it a stop on my journey."
"It's a quick drive from Colorado Springs and tons of trails! Usually pretty quiet except for holiday weekends."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"This is exactly what we were looking for in Colorado, thanks to the previous reviewer we found it by dumb luck! Primitive camping at its finest. Absolutely stunning views."
"We were able to find dispersed camping if you keep driving down the road past the private ranch. There was a fire pit, shade, and a short walk to the river. Super dusty though."
"Dispersed camping up at the lake. I say anything next to water is a bonus! For Night 1 we hiked in stayed somewhere off the trail, at what seemed like a horse camp stop."
"The hiking is good with several trailheads and easy access to the Colorado Trail."
"Large well-spaced sites within a short driving distance to BV. Great access to the colorado trail."
"Kinda busy with good access to Browns creek and the Colorado trail, but otherwise quiet if you can squeeze in. Easy for trailers too."
"The campground’s location on the hillside allows for an excellent view of Twin Lakes and the surrounding mountains. Also close to the South Mt Elbert and Colorado Trail for easy hiking."
"high altitude. no showers, so come prepared. the camp manager is very helpful and gave us great tips for the mountain hike. it is some distance from the trailhead (although there is a trail from the campsite"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"This was a great stay, conveniently located just down 285 for a short get away during the work week. We stayed for 3 days and during that time there were only a few other campers here."
"Super easy access for a quick trip to hit the Colorado Trail. We stayed in sight 22, and realized the map on the reservation system was a bit skewed as it is very close to the bathrooms."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"Bare bones but beautiful camping opportunity conveniently located near the trailhead to the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area in Colorado Campground Review:
Needing a spot to serve as a staging area"
"A lot of spots the further up you drive towards trailhead. Found a spot right next to the creek with room for several cars and framed in by trees. Sounds of water is awesome."
LegendThis campground has a equestrian area and a tent camping area. The tent camping is to the right after you enter, there are two tent loops with bathrooms. Water spigots next to the bathroom. There are a few trails here, some are horse trails. Overall a beautiful spot with some shade!
GuideColorado campground is situated outside of Woodland Park (10 minute drive) and right next to Manitou lake. This is a great area central to the Pikes Peak wilderness area so many trails are nearby and activities while still being close to civilization if you forget something or choose to eat-out. The CG itself is large, but the sites are well spaced apart...it is a primitive CG with picnic table, fire-pit and gravel pull through or back-in spots. There are water spigots, vault toilets and garbage cans equally dispersed throughout. In the summer they have an educational series also on the weekends of various nature/wildlife "seminars" that are great for the kids in their small amphitheater, although i don't know how frequent they are scheduled. As others have stated its a short walk to the lake for fishing and canoeing if you choose. The CG is well maintained and hosts are friendly.
LegendCAMPGROUND REVIEW: COLORADO CAMPGROUND PIKE NATIONAL FOREST
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/colorado-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70684
Colorado Campground is one of several campgrounds less than 10 miles north of the city of Woodland Park off Route 67 in the Pike National Forest.
Situated at 7800 feet elevation, even summer nights get cool. Nearby 5 acre Manitou Lake is a trail walk away. You can toss your canoe or kayak in, but unless you are simply trout fishing, it’s tiny size doesn’t offer much variation.
Numerous foot trails lead into the National Forest, offering wonderfully quiet hikes and exploration.
There are 81 sites available, but some are adjacent to highway 67, so periodic road noise will be heard. The ponderosa pines assist in muffling highway noise.
Neighboring sites are visible across the entire campground, but they are situated in such a way that you are not directly on top of each other.
The back loop sites are larger and set deeper (Site 19, 20,21, 22, 23) which are my choice. Sites can be secured on www.recreation.gov. There are double sites which garner double fees. At the time of this review, sites are $23.00 nightly (a bit pricey for no showers or modern facilities). When there during the week, not including the host and groundskeeper, only four sites were filled. Most sites were reserved for weekends and upcoming Labor Day holiday.
No RV/Campers over 36 ft permitted. Parking pads are gravel, a few are pull-through. Sites are non-electric with no hookups…no showers Water spigots, metal trash containers and pit latrines are spaced out through the campground. Each site has one stationary picnic table and a fire pit. Most sites appeared fairly level. No specific tent pad locations.
With the towering ponderosa pines, there is ample shade.
Plenty of trails permit mountain biking as well as the paved centennial bike path that runs along highway 67 from Woodland Park 15 miles north…that you can walk, in-line, cycle and even ebike.
You have plenty of local activities to keep you busy, including the Red Rocks a couple miles south…or drive east on Rt 24 to Pikes Peak, or further into Manitou Springs for the Incline, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Garden of the gods and more!
Just six miles south into Woodland Park offers every food or shopping option.
All in all, a nice, clean campground in a great location.
GuideMy folks bought property you can ride to Indian Creek from. Love this area!!! Lots of beautiful trails, close to Denver and very peaceful. Bring your ponies, its an equestrian campground!
TravelerDispersed camping up at the lake. I say anything next to water is a bonus!
For Night 1 we hiked in stayed somewhere off the trail, at what seemed like a horse camp stop. Night 2 we stayed up at the lake campground. Got there early afternoon and was able to claim a prime spot. There is not much access to the water, so those spots get taken up rather quickly.
Great views, awesome sunrise.
GuideGreat location within Colorado's Mueller State Park. Easy access to trails, visitor center, and scenic drives. Nice large site with level gravel tent pad, large table, and nice fire pit. Nearby sites seemed to be a good distance away.
TravelerLarge well-spaced sites within a short driving distance to BV. Great access to the colorado trail. Portable toilets available at the intersection of 270 and 272 (the road leading to browns creek trailhead). Minimal wash boarding as of May 2026.
ScoutFinally checked out this campground and will definitely return. The campground’s location on the hillside allows for an excellent view of Twin Lakes and the surrounding mountains. Also close to the South Mt Elbert and Colorado Trail for easy hiking. Basic amenities (toilets, drinking water, trash, etc.) and no showers.
GuideIndian Creek is lush and wooded, while still being close to Denver. The drive in is easy, following a paved road most of the way. Great spot for car camping. The Indian Creek trail system is ideal for mountain biking or running, with access to the Colorado Trail running through it as well.
Dispersed camping near Hartsel, Colorado offers sites at elevations of 8,000-9,500 feet where temperatures often drop below 40°F at night, even in summer months. The South Park basin's unique geography creates a high-altitude desert environment with limited natural water sources, making preparation critical for campers and their horses.
Trail riding access points: At Matukat Road Dispersed Camping, riders find connections to several backcountry routes. "We went for a hike, there were multiple hiking trails including access to the Colorado Trail. We also rode our mountain bikes on 272, 274A and the 273," notes one reviewer who found the area ideal for various trail activities.
Fishing opportunities: Spillway Campground provides river access for anglers. "River is easy to access and the fishing is very good. This is a popular area, but the reservation system does not allow over crowding," explains one camper who appreciated the managed access system.
Wildlife viewing: Several dispersed camping areas attract diverse wildlife. "Livestock do graze in the area, we saw a herd of cows that initially we thought were bears so we had a split second of worry before realizing what they were," reports a camper at Matukat Road, highlighting the importance of being wildlife-aware when with horses.
Rock climbing: Some sites offer natural climbing features. "Right in the camp are over 5 established bouldering routes and even more in the hill above camp. You are right next to the host, but nestled in a corner, so it is a nice, private area," writes a visitor to Spillway Campground.
Natural privacy barriers: At Round Mountain, the landscape creates natural separation between sites. "All the locations included a picnic table which looked shaded, I did not see many spaces of full sun around camp at all in fact," describes one camper who found the spacing comfortable.
Spacious pull-through options: Browns Creek offers excellent access for horse trailers. "I was able to get my 25ft rig pretty far up the mountain on road 274A. There was 30-40ft class A in the spot closest to me," writes one camper, demonstrating the area can accommodate larger equestrian rigs.
Easy access to established water sources: While natural water can be limited, some designated areas offer solutions. "The sites are very basic, you will have to literally bring everything you want with you," explains a camper at Clear Creek Reservoir, where the reservoir provides a reliable water source for campers needing to supply horses.
Wind protection: Rock formations throughout the area provide natural windbreaks. "We found a spot right next to the creek with room for several cars and framed in by trees," notes a camper who appreciated the protection offered by natural terrain features during the often windy conditions.
Weather challenges: The high elevation means rapid weather changes. "The only issue was the wind coming down the canyon over the dam. Can get windy but usually dies down at night," mentions a camper at Spillway Campground, highlighting conditions horse owners should prepare for.
Water access limitations: Most sites require bringing water for people and animals. "The road is loose gravel, and seems to be maintained well as the only person I saw was the truck plowing what snow was leftover. There is a bathroom at the entrance stocked with toilet paper," explains a winter visitor to Clear Creek Reservoir who found facilities limited.
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly by season. "The road getting in was doable. We didn't need to engage the four-wheel-drive so the only thing I would advise is you need some reasonable clearance to get all the way back in here," explains a Matukat Road camper about conditions for towing horse trailers.
Seasonal closures: Some areas have wildlife management restrictions. "Closed Dec 1-June 1 for wildlife management. Watch out in the wet weather-road super muddy a bit difficult to get through," warns a Browns Creek visitor about planning horse camping trips accordingly.
Protected camping spots: North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping offers more sheltered options. "Found a good spot easily enough. Some people throughout day hiking the trails. Night was super quiet," reports a family camper, though they caution: "It is bear country and had a visit from a momma and baby bear the first night of our stay so be prepared for visits."
Fire safety considerations: Fire rings are available at most sites but conditions can be dangerous. "There are several sources for your fire starters but none really for your actual campfire," notes a camper about preparing properly with firewood.
Site selection for groups: Finding the right spot matters for multi-family equestrian trips. "This is a great spot not to far off of Matukat. Sits back off of main dirt road for good privacy. Would be a good group spot if needed," suggests a camper who found ideal setup space.
Altitude acclimation: Children and animals both need time to adjust. "You are at around 9500 feet above sea level so you may feel the effects of the altitude," notes a North Cottonwood camper, emphasizing the importance of gradual activity increase.
Leveling challenges: Mueller State Park Campground offers more developed options. "30 amp electrical hook ups. Along with fireplaces and picnic tables at each site. Awesome hiking trails with views of the mountains," writes a recent visitor who found the established facilities helpful.
Waste management: No dump stations exist at dispersed sites. "Pack Out Everything!! There is NO trash collection at this site and since it is such a beautiful free site it is important that we remember to keep it clean," advises a Clear Creek Reservoir camper.
Generator etiquette: Noise carries in the open landscape. "Wkends are total chaos and noise of all kinds, unavoidable and self inflicted like loud music and generators," cautions one camper who found weekdays preferable for equestrian camping.
Optimal arrival timing: Getting a suitable horse camping site requires planning. "We pulled it on a Thursday afternoon and could see three or four ATVs riding around. The campground has designated quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM," notes a camper who found weekday arrivals offered better site selection for larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hartsel, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hartsel, CO is Spillway Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hartsel, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 27 equestrian camping locations near Hartsel, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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