Equestrian camping near Hesperus, Colorado centers around dispersed options within the San Juan National Forest at 7,000-9,000 feet elevation. The region transitions between high desert and alpine terrain, experiencing wide temperature fluctuations even in summer months. While dedicated horse facilities remain scarce, several campgrounds accommodate trailers with sufficient space for portable containment systems.
What to do
Trail riding access: Cherry Creek Gravel Lot provides direct access to forest service trails, though the approach requires careful navigation. "Getting up there was not possible in my Travato (in my opinion). I've got some Falken Wildpeaks so traction was not so much the issue as the uneven path up," notes one Cherry Creek visitor.
Mountain biking: Lower Hermosa Campground offers proximity to popular mountain bike trails. "From what we heard, weekends can get crowded... It was awesome though because several trails leave from the area, so you can go for nice evening hikes. These trails are also mountain bike friendly!" reports a camper at Lower Hermosa.
Fishing opportunities: McPhee Recreation Complex provides access to reservoir fishing within walking distance of campsites. "A few steps from the back of the site is a nice view of the reservoir. The site offers ample space for a tent in addition to the back-in paved pad that accommodated our 32 ft truck/trailer combination," notes a visitor.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort offers larger sites conducive to equestrian camping near Hesperus. "What keeps bringing us back are the friendly people, the large and absolutely beautiful sites and the long list of things to do. The forest is just a short side X side ride away with tons of trails and some of the best scenery in Colorado," writes a regular at Echo Basin.
Clean facilities: Target Tree Campground maintains well-kept amenities despite limited horse facilities. "All campsites are carefully raked and put in good shape - no ashes left in rings. Host sells .75 sq ft of firewood for $7 / bundle or 3 for $20. Good water hauled in from Durango and available at numerous spigots throughout camp," notes one camper.
Affordability: La Plata County Fairgrounds offers budget camping with basic amenities. "What a find in the middle of Durango. Yes it is dusty and really there is nothing cute about it but you can't beat the location. We had access to the trails by the river. There are only 6 spots with water and 30 or 50 amp electric. It was $28 for a night," reports a visitor at La Plata County Fairgrounds.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Mountain elevations cause significant temperature drops at night, even in summer. "High elevation and lots of shade. Was a little chilly at night in early May. Close to nice climbing off the 550. Also close to above ground hot spring," notes a McPhee Recreation Complex camper.
Water access: Many dispersed sites lack potable water sources. "Unfortunately, there is no water or trash station. However, you can refill portable water affordably at the Hydration Station in Durango or for free at the Durango Montessori School."
Road conditions: Access to horse-friendly camping often requires high-clearance vehicles. "The gravel lot features rough, uneven terrain that may require high-clearance vehicles, but provides ample room for setting up portable corrals or highlines."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Echo Basin includes recreation areas suitable for children. "This place has everything: a massive field for dogs to play off-leash (they must be on in the park), a great restaurant, laundry, propane, a swimming pool, and a massive amount of outdoor activities."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects several campgrounds in the area. "The campgrounds and the lake are absolutely beautiful. We even saw a lynx on the bank one morning! Ten minutes from town, right off the road--we thought we hit it good. But as soon as it got dark, the semis started trucking through, and that's all that was heard throughout the night."
Tent pad preparation: Some campgrounds have rocky tent pads requiring extra protection. "IF you are tent camping, the tent pads are chipped rock, not round gravel. Bring an extra tarp or two to protect your tent footprint," advises a camper at Target Tree Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers with horse trailers should prioritize end sites for easier access. "This spot would be great for large campers or campers with horses/trailers. It had several large pines for us to put our tent between to help with the rain coverage as it rained both nights we were there."
Elevation impacts: High altitude affects generator performance at some locations. "Elevation is about 10,300 and posed a problem for our generator that caused severe spark-plug fouling. But, re-jetting the carburetor from a #61 to #58 solved the problem," notes a visitor at Little Molas Lake Campground.
Utility access: Water connections often require extra preparation. "Water and electric but my need 50' hose as water shared with other sites. Gravel lot near stadium for Rodri events. Can be mucky if it rains."
