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Best Equestrian Camping near Hotchkiss, CO

111 Reviews

Soap Creek Corral near Hotchkiss provides horse-friendly camping with corrals for equestrians exploring the Gunnison National Forest. Located approximately 40 minutes west of Gunnison on Highway 92, this primitive campground features dedicated horse corrals adjacent to camping areas where riders can secure their animals while staying overnight. The campground sits along a creek that provides water access for horses after trail rides. Campers note the campground's isolation and quiet atmosphere make it ideal for those traveling with horses who need space away from crowded facilities. The area offers no hookups but does include vault toilets and ample parking for horse trailers. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Hotchkiss, Colorado.

Trail access from Soap Creek Corral connects riders to numerous OHV and horseback riding routes throughout the surrounding national forest. The nearby trails feature wildflowers and wildlife viewing opportunities during summer months when the campground is open, typically mid-May through mid-September. Horse owners should bring their own feed as there are no on-site supply stores, though the small market in Hotchkiss provides basic necessities. The campground's location near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park allows for day trips to additional riding areas. Riders appreciate the spacious layout that accommodates multiple horses per site without feeling cramped. The dirt road leading to the campground requires careful navigation with horse trailers but remains accessible for most rigs. Bear activity in the area necessitates proper food storage for both human and horse supplies.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Hotchkiss, Colorado (15)

    1. Kebler Corner

    5 Reviews
    Somerset, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 929-5029

    $35 - $725 / night

    "It is right on the river so my husband was happy to be able to fish right behind our RV. We stayed in#33 which is on the end so we had more privacy and room."

    "It is quiet and peaceful next to the roaring of the river. Perfectly situated between Paonia (Big B’s cider) and Kebler pass leading to Crested Butte."

    2. Lost Lake Campground

    13 Reviews
    Crested Butte, CO
    28 miles
    Website

    "There are some reserve able sites near the lake, and some first come/first serve sites as well. Also dispersed camping on the way up to the campground."

    "Lost Lake Campground near Crested Butte, Colorado, is a hidden gem that combines serene alpine beauty with a peaceful camping experience."

    3. Gunnison National Forest Soap Creek Campground

    7 Reviews
    Curecanti National Recreation Area, CO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 641-0471

    "Many of the sites are shaded by the trees and the nearby creek provides soothing background noise during nights. Trails near the sites are very accessible. Views are gorgeous."

    "We arrived at Soap Creek Campground around noon on a Friday in mid-July and found several wonderful sites to choose from."

    4. Soap Creek Corral

    4 Reviews
    Crawford, CO
    28 miles
    Website

    "This is a great spot tucked away behind the reservoir and along a sweet little creek. I didn’t stay because no one was there this time of year and I had no cell service."

    "What draws us to this campground is the beauty of the surrounding area. Black Canyon is close by for those who like to hike."

    5. Grand Mesa FS 105 Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Mesa Lakes, CO
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 874-6600

    "Our site was hidden by trees off a short dirt drive which wasn’t too bad."

    "We spent two weeks near vela resevoir. No fish but lots of mushrooms. The first trees are inoxicating. We are disappointed in the virtual take over by atvs."

    6. Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    20 Reviews
    Gunnison, CO
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 642-4940

    "The location shown looks like it’s super far out but you can find campgrounds pretty close to the entrance(10 minutes from parking lot)."

    "There are many different ways to explore the array of trails, so you can bike, take a four-wheeler, horse-back ride, hike, or just drive your car. There are about 3 toilets (nothing fancy)."

    7. Four Mile Road Dispersed

    19 Reviews
    Carbondale, CO
    46 miles
    Website

    "To start, we camped with a teardrop trailer, but once you pass the White River National Forest sign and parking lot for the babbish trail head, it’s not easy to turn around unless you find a campsite."

    "My first winter camping trip in Colorado."

    8. Avalanche Campground

    10 Reviews
    Redstone, CO
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 963-2266

    "For those without AWD/4WD vehicles I would use caution/advise against since the drive to get into the actual grounds requires a bit of off roading including crossing a creek."

    "Awesome valley with access to the creek. There is also a nice trail up the mountain that forks into two other trails."

    9. Pyramid Rock Camp

    15 Reviews
    De Beque, CO
    47 miles

    "If you have ATVs, dirt bikes, horses, etc. this is a great place for you. It’s just 4 miles off of I-70 but still secluded."

    "Nothing extreme or crazy with this site, you get privacy, open space and 360 views of the surrounding scenery and free range cows. Road relatively easy to pass through"

    10. Horse Ranch Park (dispersed)-paonia Rd

    1 Review
    Crested Butte, CO
    30 miles
    Website

    "Lost Lake was right across the road from where we camped. Found a beautiful spot with a great view! Most of the other spots were taken so we were blessed. Can't wait to go back again."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Hotchkiss, CO

2 Photos of 15 Hotchkiss Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Hotchkiss, CO

111 Reviews of 15 Hotchkiss Campgrounds

  • Whitney L.
    Sep. 10, 2021

    Gunnison National Forest Soap Creek Campground

    free views plus free noise pollution

    This is for "Soap Creek Corral/ Coal Mesa Horse Camp" dispersed camping not the actual Soap Creek Campground. There were spots at the formal campground but they were small, unconcealed, and within close proximity to all other sites. However, there were true dispersed spots near the horse corrals where lots of horse trailers and off roaders park to ride the trails.

    Off of HWY 50, we turned on to HWY 92 and then took FR 721 to FR 721 E where we turned and went right down to the proper campground before looping back out. We went out the same way in (FR 721) but split off onto the side road to find the horse corral area. Bear country. Pros/Cons: no mobile service, primitive, right next to a creek, lots of OHVs, milky way visible, mountain views, shade, creek sounds at night.

  • T
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Kebler Corner

    Hidden Gem

    We stayed here Thursday through Monday over Labor Day Weekend. It is in an absolutely beautiful spot and the campground is kept immaculately. It is right on the river so my husband was happy to be able to fish right behind our RV. We stayed in#33 which is on the end so we had more privacy and room. It was a concrete pad so easy to level and fire pits were great. They have everything you could think of-ninja lines, playset, zip line, hammocks, jenga, frisbee golf, etc. There were tons of kids that had a huge time. Mine loved it! There is a trail to hike up to a beautiful meadow. They have a general store/liquor store on site with a really good selection of items. We were able to make a short drive to Black Canyon National Park as well as some really nice local produce stops. The town of Hotchkiss is 15 mins away and has propane/restaurants/etc. Highly recommend staying here.

  • Ali W.
    Sep. 21, 2016

    Lost Lake Campground

    Great campground you don't have to leave!

    Stumbled upon this place accidentally one weekend. There are some reserve able sites near the lake, and some first come/first serve sites as well. Also dispersed camping on the way up to the campground. Place for your horses, group sites, small sites, lakeside site, trailer sites, this place has it all! Great fishing on the lower lake, hike up to the pass or upper lakes. Great trails surround this campground . Spectacular fall foliage! Camp host you can get wood from. Bathrooms and great hammock spots, nice pull in spots for your car, accessible in any vehicle! Fire rings and picnic tables, everything in great shape.

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2024

    Lost Lake Campground

    Tranquil Alpine Retreat

    Lost Lake Campground near Crested Butte, Colorado, is a hidden gem that combines serene alpine beauty with a peaceful camping experience. Tucked away in the Gunnison National Forest, this campground offers stunning views of wildflower-filled meadows, dense forests, and the pristine Lost Lake itself, which mirrors the surrounding peaks.

    The campsites are well-maintained, spacious, and thoughtfully spaced for privacy, with some offering lakefront views. There’s a charming rustic vibe, with basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables, but no hookups. The nearby trails, including the popular Three Lakes Loop, are perfect for hiking, fishing, and soaking in the mountain scenery.

    What sets Lost Lake apart is its tranquil atmosphere—especially if you’re visiting during the off-season. It’s the ideal spot to disconnect and enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty, whether you’re kayaking on the lake or simply relaxing by the campfire.

    Be aware that the road to the campground is a bit rough and narrow, so it’s best suited for smaller campers or tents. Also, temperatures can drop quickly at night, so pack warm gear even in summer.

    If you’re looking for a quiet retreat near Crested Butte with postcard-worthy scenery, Lost Lake Campground is hard to beat. It’s the perfect blend of solitude, recreation, and breathtaking views.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2024

    Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    Easy access

    The location shown looks like it’s super far out but you can find campgrounds pretty close to the entrance(10 minutes from parking lot). There is also a portapotty within walking distance of the first camping loop, and the site has a table and fire ring. You do need to know how to drive on and around rock in the road though.

  • Doc P.
    Apr. 17, 2024

    Pyramid Rock Camp

    Good Place to Spend the Night

    If you have ATVs, dirt bikes, horses, etc. this is a great place for you. It’s just 4 miles off of I-70 but still secluded. It is a designated OHV area so no worries about people stopping you from ripping around and exploring.

    That said - I’m a quiet camper and prefer to avoid OHV areas calling them Obnoxiously High-noise Vehicle areas. I’m kidding, obviously. Seriously, everyone enjoys the outdoors in their own way and I don’t begrudge anyone their enjoyment. I took the chance and it was very quiet while I was there. Only one couple other than me that I’m aware of.

    The weather was mild in mid-April during my stay - got to about 70 during the day and around 40 at night. It was windy during the day but it is a very open space and it is western Colorado. When the wind died down, the mosquitoes came out and they were persistent. I hiked around and they weren’t just at my campsite. There is a water treatment facility in the area and just down from the main camping is a treatment pond so I’m guessing that’s the culprit.

    The road in is unpaved once you leave the small town but very easy. I base those sorts of claims off of the VW Jetta Scale - the vehicle I had for 8 years before my current vehicle. There are a few low creeks crossings but the beds are small and both were dry when I came through. Even if they had water, I still would have crossed if I were still in my Jetta. The roads were washboarded so don’t bring the nice china.

    The pull offs are plentiful and large. Most could hold a few trailers or several vehicles and some have fire rings. I did not have a fire because the fire danger was too high (ALWAYS CHECK BEFORE HAVING A FIRE). The road is a loop so just follow it around until you find the spot you want.

    The space is wide open and surrounded by 360 views of mountains. Sunset and Sunrise were great but - for you photographers - the light changes really fast so scout the compositions you want ahead of time.

    No wildlife that I was aware of aside from birds and our mosquito friends. I didn’t hear coyotes, I didn’t even see deer tracks. Just horse and tire tracks.

    Oh, on the way in there was a sign that said “Private Property, No Trespassing” and it looked like it was for the road going in; however, the other signs revealed that it was for the area around the water treatment plant. There isn’t a lot of signage, just one saying it’s an OHV area and one saying it’s a Limited Use area. Other signs are just to protect the sensitive areas.

  • Jason G.
    May. 1, 2021

    Silver Jack Campground

    Great San Juan Getaway

    Beautiful area around Silver Jack Reservoir with scrub brush low turning to pine forest and huge aspen glades as you climb. Highly suggest taking 858/Cimarron road over the pass to highway 50/Cimarron Colorado in the fall due to the extensive Aspen population. This is where I grew up so camped in the area dozens of times at least.

  • Elizabeth A.
    Mar. 15, 2021

    Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    Amazing Area

    Hartman’s is MASSIVE and has tons of sites! It’s all dispersed camping. There are smaller more remote sites, big sites, as well as areas where there are a few sites in clusters. There are shady areas, non-shady areas, spots with views, and more hidden spots. There really is something for everyone. I live here in Gunnison, and it’s a great last minute spot if you want to get out for the night. There are no water sources, as the area is just rocks and dirt. There are many different ways to explore the array of trails, so you can bike, take a four-wheeler, horse-back ride, hike, or just drive your car. There are about 3 toilets (nothing fancy). It’s an overall great area if you don’t want to get too far out of town!

  • Voyager D.
    Aug. 21, 2024

    Dark Canyon Trailhead (Dispersed)

    Not Dispersed

    Not an actual site. Pin took me to a feild with horse/cows (pics attached for cuteness). The actual site is in the campground on Google Maps, but IT ISNT ALLOWED!!!

    VERY CLEARLY SIGNED CAMPING IN CAMPGROUND SITES ONLY!!!

    There is a small fire ring by the trailhead, as description says, but the signs on the road are VERY clear. Also lots of rangers patrolling, so don't risk it!!

    So, unless you wanna pay a RIDICULOUS fee for a night, not worth it at all. Would've given it one mark, but figured someone later might find a touch of value.

Guide to Hotchkiss

Horse camping in Colorado offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Kebler Corner, you can enjoy fishing right behind your RV and access trails leading to beautiful meadows, perfect for a scenic ride.
  • Lost Lake Campground features several trails that start right from the campground, allowing for easy exploration of the surrounding wilderness.
  • Gunnison National Forest Soap Creek Campground offers nearby trails for horseback riding, making it a great base for outdoor adventures.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Silver Jack Campground provides ample space for horse trailers and has well-maintained facilities to accommodate equestrian needs.
  • At Soap Creek Corral, you’ll find a welcoming environment for horse campers, with access to trails and a serene setting.
  • Musician's Camp allows pets, including horses, making it a friendly spot for equestrian camping.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like hitching posts

  • Avalanche Campground features hitching posts and easy access to trails, ensuring a convenient stay for horse campers.
  • Grand Mesa FS 105 Dispersed Camping offers a rustic experience with plenty of space for horses and access to beautiful trails.
  • Kebler Corner includes amenities that cater to horse campers, making it a well-rounded choice for those looking to ride and relax.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hotchkiss, CO is Kebler Corner with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Hotchkiss, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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