Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Hayden? Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. Search horse campsites and discover top-rated spots, as reviewed by other campers.
Managed by the Yampa Ranger District. This campground is located in the Bear River area of the Flat Tops Wilderness, 14 miles southwest of Yampa on Forest Development Road 900. This campground is in a large wooded area that makes a small loop with 43 sites + 4 double sites and 1 triple site making it a popular place for RV’s and families with children.
$5 / night
Freeman Reservoir Campground has 18 campsites near Freeman Reservoir which is located at the picnic area and boat ramp, and is separate from the campground. Fishing is available on Freeman Reservoir but no motor-propelled water craft, including electric or internal combustion engines are permitted on Freeman Reservoir. Campground has a combination of pull-though and back-in sites, vault toilets, potable water and garbage services. Corrals and horse trailer parking are available at the campground. This area accesses several mountain bike, horse and hiking trails. No motorized trails are accessible from this campground. It is managed by the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District and is located in the California Park/Black Mountain area. For more information: Stop in or call the Ranger Station / Visitor Center located in Steamboat Springs 925 Weiss Drive Steamboat Springs, CO 970-870-2299
Dry Lake Trailhead is located off County Road 60 (Buffalo Pass Road) and is near the Dry Lake Campground. This trailhead provides access to both non-motorized and motorized trails. Access for dirt bikes and other recreational vehicles on Buffalo Pass Road. This is a very high-use year-round trailhead and a gateway to exploring the aspens, sub-alpine firs, and wildflowers of the mountains of the Park Range. A vault toilet is provided at the Trailhead. Dry Lake Trailhead is managed by the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District in Steamboat Springs. In the summer and shoulder seasons, there is access to multiple hiking trails which are also beginner through advanced mountain bike trails (Panorama, Fiddlehead, Flash of Gold, Spring Creek, Spring Roll, BTR, Soda, Buffalo Billy's, and several others) and single-track dirt-bike trails (Great White Buffalo and upper Flash of Gold). Continental Divide Trail heading south from the top of Buffalo Pass is open to ATC 50 or less. Heading north from the top of the pass users almost immediately enter Mount Zirkel Wilderness. In the winter, Dry Lake Trailhead is the primary access to the Buffalo Pass Winter Backcountry Permit Area. This area has special regulations to ensure the enjoyment of both non-motorized and motorized user. Winter users especially motorized users please pay attention to access regulations and information.
Dry Lake campground provides a great gateway for hiking and biking.
At an elevation of 8,277 feet, Dry lake lies in the Rocky Mountains in the heart of the Routt National Forest. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland encompass nearly three million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands.
For facility specific information, please call (970) 870-2299.
There are many attractions with Steamboat Springs only a short drive away. Many more outdoor opportunities exist in the surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.
$26 / night
Trappers Lake is known as the "Cradle of Wilderness." At approximately 302 surface acres, the lake contains a strain of native cutthroat trout and the Colorado Division of Wildlife operates a spawn collection station at the Cabin Creek inlet during May and June. Trappers Lake itself lies completely within Flat Tops Wilderness; motorized boats and wheeled carts for boat transport are prohibited. Trappers Lake Lodge rents cabins and boats, and there are 5 Forest Service campgrounds nearby. Dispersed camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of Trappers Lake and the campgrounds. The video below is provided courtesy of Flattopsbyway. A downloadable audio tour of the Flat Tops Trail Scenic and Historic Byway is also available.
$11 - $25 / night
Teal Lake Group Campground is set along a small yet scenic lake in north central Colorado in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Located in the Routt National Forest at an elevation of 9,000-ft., the lake is popular for trout fishing and lies close to a wilderness area with a variety of hiking and off-highway vehicle trails.
Trout fishing and boating are popular activities in the clear, calm waters of Teal Lake. Only electric boats and non-motorized boats are permitted. Off-road vehicle enthusiasts have easy access to the Grizzly-Helena Trail nearby. Hiking is great in the nearby Mount Zirkel wilderness, though hikers must drive to the trailheads.
Teal Lake is a 50-acre lake surrounded by a rocky shoreline and pine-fir forest. Some previously forested areas of the campground have been thinned due to pests and thus have more sun than others. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland. The area is generally snow-free from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but visitors should come prepared for anything, including freezing temperatures and snow during summer.
The closest town is Walden, Colorado. Many more outdoor opportunities exist in the nearly 3 million acres of surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, OHV riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.
$60 - $80 / night
The East Marvine Campground has 7 non-reservable campsites with picnic tables, toilet, firegrates, and trash disposal. The campground adjacent to East Marvine Trail #1822 and Marvine Trail #1823. Nearby fishing is available at East Marvine Creek, Marvine Creek, Marvine Lakes, Rainbow Lake & Guthrie Lake. The Marvine parking areas provide plenty of room for trailers and vehicles. Hitchracks are available in the parking lot, and corrals are available at a charge of $5.00 each, per day. Day use parking is available on the right side of the road and overflow camping (when the campgrounds are full) is available on the left side of the road (regular fees apply). Domestic cattle may be grazing in this area. There is no potable water available. Livestock may be watered in the stream, approximately 400 yards away.
The popular Big Creek Lakes Campground offers a peaceful, scenic setting in the heart of the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado. The campground is located in Routt National Forest at an elevation of 9,000-ft., and is adjacent to Big Creek Lake, where fishing, boating and hiking are available.
This campground offers boating and fishing on Colorado's second largest natural lake, hiking in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness and ATV trails nearby. There are also ample opportunities for viewing wildlife, including moose. Fishing for trout, muskie, grayling and Kokanee salmon is available in the lake. Anglers also have access to a creek. Non-motorized boats are allowed on the upper section of the lake and motorized boats are permitted on the lower section.
Big Creek lies among Lodgepole pine and fir trees. Some previously forested areas of the campground have been thinned due to pests and now provide more sun. The campground offers beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness. The wetlands around the lake are prime moose territory. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, encompass nearly 3 million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado.
The closest town is Walden, Colorado, about 35 miles from the campsite. Many more outdoor recreation opportunities exist in the surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, OHV riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.
$20 / night
Marvine Campground is set in a towering grove of mixed conifer and aspen trees on the western slope of the Colorado Rockies at an elevation of 8,200 feet. This is an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation. Hikers, hunters, anglers and equestrians can also find recreational opportunities nearby. This is a good base for hiking and horseback riding in the Flat Tops Wilderness. Enjoy elk hunting amidst one of the largest elk herds in North America.
This popular campground is located 36 miles east of Meeker along Marvine Creek. It offers access to a number of trails and lakes for hiking, fishing and hunting. Fishing is available in Marvine and East Marvine Creeks, and in the Flat Tops Wilderness at Marvine Lakes. Marvine Trail #1823 and East Marvine Trail #1822 both begin near the campground.
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges, moose graze along the streams and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.
East Marvine Trail: The trail leads up East Marvine Creek, through the the Flat Tops Wilderness to Johnson Lake. At the summit Big Marvine Peak offers a panoramic view of the Flat Tops Wilderness and surrounding area. Marvine Trail: The Marvine Trail begins at the end of County Road 12 right outside the campground. It accesses Marvine Creek and Marvine Lakes providing great opportunity to fish. Marvine Lake and Slide Lake: These two lakes cover 135 surface acres and offer rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout fishing. Marvine Lakes General Forest Area: The Marvine Lakes general forest area offers access to a number of lakes and trails in the central part of the Flat Tops Wilderness Area of the White River National Forest. Papoose Trail: Papoose Creek Trail 2248 leads up Papoose Creek past several short waterfalls, to Papoose Basin. It then climbs onto the Flat Tops Plateau where it intersects the Oyster Lake Trail 1825.
For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$32 - $34 / night
Scout
We hit this place coming from the northern Colorado border with Wyoming on a Sunday night. I've grown up and camped in Colorado my whole life, this place was 10/10, and one of my favorite spots ever! With hiking, biking, and fishing, you could spend some time here!
Guide
This was our first stop on a week long road trip from Colorado Springs to the Oregon Coast and, honestly, we could have just hung out there and saved all the miles.
It was a such a beautiful area mid September. All the leaves were changing, it was cool and misty, the view was spectacular, yes it was rough as hell to get there, but totally worth it if you’ve got the rig for it.
My only note for the area was that there were a lot hunters walking through and around our camp, but everyone was polite and respectful.
Legend
This is the official CG for the horse crowd, however if it is empty anyone can camp there. FCFS, about 10 sites some with powder river corrals. One water spigot up at top by the single toilet one issue is NO shade.
TravelerJust to update this since the last review had it closed. The road leading up to the summit is back open, but it is ROUGH. I had just done Rock Creek's drive up to dispersed near Dillon and thought that was bad, but this was worse.
You will not be able to get anything low clearance or anything you're towing that does not have independent suspension + high clearance (I dropped my 18' TT at Walmart and went to scout - glad I did) While I was 1/4 up into the climb, a Sprinter Van was stopped at what is probably the worst portion of the road. If you can make it past that first choke point, you'll pass a park then walk-in camp site on the left and then shortly after another camp spot on the right that is more van friendly. Both are not good for trailers. It is after those two sites the road goes from bad to worse.
If you have a Camper on a F350 or high clearance + tent, it has some of the best views I've seen at a park spot. It's worth the drive up there for pictures if you're curious, but I would unhook anything you're carrying before doing so.
ScoutRoad closed right by buffalo Pass campground. No way of getting through to spots and no sign of when the road will open
ScoutThe forest road was a bit washed out in some places and required decent clearance but outside of a few big bumps the road was a fun ride! Campsites were many but pretty full upon my late arrival. Would recommend daylight arrival if possible as many spots didn’t appear obvious in the night!
TravelerThe drive up Buffalo Pass is tricky, and definitely requires clearance the further up you go. We found an amazing spot over Labor Day weekend with wildflowers and great views. The spot was at a bit of an angle. The rain paid off with incredible rainbows!
RangerYes, the road is rough, especially the higher up you go - take your time and have an appropriate vehicle. But it's worth it. So many options - spots with overlooks, tree-covered spots, open field spots. Something for everyone. It was hard to pick! I pulled off and found a place behind some rocks with nice grass and a fire ring, and several more grass/fire rings, but pitched my tent on some rocks. It was stunning. Didn't hear a single person or noise. I wish I had had more time. I will be back!!
Scoutrough road up, in a sprinter 4x4, not a lot of great options. seems better for tent camping. did see one or two RVs up, shocked they made it.
ScoutThis was an awesome little diamond in the rough! We had a blast and it was absolutely beautiful. Totally worth the drive to find this place!!!! Camping spots were kind of close but it wasn't at all packed and what a beautiful little lake!! Lots of trees and a bunch of wild flowers. It was just a great family place!! The lady running the campground was super friendly and helpful. We would absolutely stay there again!!
RangerThe entrance GPS took us was super rocky but a Lexus RX350 got through it super quiet and remote spot. The back way out was a lot smoother and easily accessible by RV or travel trailer.
Traveler
The area is beautiful, we had the greatest time hiking and fishing. There were many other campers, everyone was mostly respectful. Spot 23 is where we stayed and the pull through drive way is on a wicked hill. Made it tricky getting the camper level. I was surprised to see so much litter down at the lake. Lots of cigarette butts at the day use areas. Really sad to see in such a perfect example of nature.
Legend
Many nice sites ,all first come, first serve. There are quite a few sites that are pretty private. Also , there are some Lakeside sites. Fantastic scenery and beautiful sites. Short drive to tails which can be accessed from campground via feeder trail. The Grand Mesa is pretty. Wild flowers and mosquitoes this time of year. Mosquitoes will be gone sometime in August they say .
TravelerRoad is rough but very doable if you go slow. 2wd might struggle in couple sections. It took me 40 min from town until my spot, where it gets flat, but there’s several other spots along the road. Awesome views! Lots of loud dirt bikes. Lots of mosquitoes. BRING SPRAY AND CITRONELA.
TravelerI wanted to do a quick getaway out to Steamboat Springs and this fit the bill. The road is rough, but there are a bunch of dispersed campsites along the roads. I went on July 4-5 and it was pretty busy, but the sites are far enough away that I didn’t hear/see my neighbors. Fire pits are provided at each site. My dog and I hiked just a bit up a trail connected to our site and had gorgeous sunset views of the mountains. If I’m ever out that way again, I’ll definitely be staying here.
TravelerWe took our 3/4-ton diesel truck with a heavy slidein, let’s just say it’s bumpy.
There are plenty of spots, trails and trees, but we won’t be leaving camp while here (even with the camper off) to drive that road more than necessary.
Cell service was great though and we were able to work remotely throughout the week here.
Guide
The camp host was very nice. There was A TON of firewood available. Almost all the sites have shade. The ground is a bit rocky and unlevel in some sites.
GuideThis campground is rather small. It does have facilities including horse corrals.
Ranger
This campsite is a dream. The lake is incredible and the panoramic view is out of this world. I was fortunate to drive in right around sunset and the whole valley was lit with a glorious red light. Some campsites are right on the water and others are near the road but all have beautiful views.
TravelerWe went up in Mid-sept with our dogs to photograph fall color change and were not disappointed. There is a short trail around the reservoir and we even got pictures of a couple beavers. The campground itself is decent and I've never seen it crowded. Road is impassable in winter.
GuideGood camping right close to the road. Secluded and private with beautiful views. Currently a stage 2 fire ban so no campfires allowed.
GuideAfter seven miles of washboard road down FR900 and CR7 out of Yampa, you arrive at Bear Lake about 9,700 feet. The entire campground (43 sites) is first come first served with no reservations. The sites have good separation between them and most of them are really good sites. They have single sites for $10/night, $20/night for a few double sites and $30/night for the triple site. Make sure you bring bug spray because the mosquitoes are brutal! I would definitely recommend this campground to anyone that enjoys some seclusion and privacy.
GuideWe are experiencing a very hot summer, hot even at higher altitudes. Shade in a campsite becomes important. This campground sits in an Aspen forest, and many of the sites have some trees if enough to provide some shade some of the day. A shade canopy or a couple of tarps for shade would be a good idea. Campsites are mostly spread apart enough for decent privacy. Campsites were clean, pit toilets well maintained. Midweek the campground was mostly empty. Accross the road from the cpground is the White River, but it is hard to access because of the dense growth. A couple of miles down the road there are pull outs were there is easy access to the river. Follow county road 8 to the left and about 20 miles up the road there are numerous hiking trails. Follow the road farther you will reach the turn off that will take you to Trappers Lake, at the foot of the Flat Tops wilderness area. Lots of interesting possibilities.
GuideDrove a long ways to find out the gate isn’t open like prior post of members and will not open until June 15 on the steamboat side as posted at gate. We drove to the east side from Walden to find out you can’t even make it to the gate as the road has way too much snow cover yet even with a 4 wheel drive . That side isn’t expected to open until mid July . But plenty of camping on the east side leading up to the pass .
RangerGreat free spot if you’re looking for somewhere not too far from the town. Awesome bike trails not very far. No bathroom or water it is dispersed. Not too hard of a road to get up either got up in a RWD Tacoma no problem.
ScoutBuff pass gate is open and you can mob over it if you have high clearance, 4wd, and definitely winter tires. It gets sketchy at some points, but you have your pick of camp sites.
GuideThis was an amazing site! Even though this is a group campground you wouldn't know it! We chose a great site that was actually 2 tiered! We had a spot for our truck with truck bed tent and then some stairs led to the picnic table, fire ring, and ground tent site. It was an awesome experience to have tiers at our campsite. The campground was quiet and it was great to be able to walk our dog around with most people following leash laws.
We'd stay here again!
Horse camping in Colorado offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and equestrian-friendly facilities, making it a perfect getaway for horse enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hayden, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hayden, CO is Buffalo Pass Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hayden, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Hayden, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
