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Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site provides basic equestrian accommodations near Howard, Colorado, with open space suitable for horse camping. While no dedicated horse corrals are available at the site, the dispersed camping area offers ample room for portable corrals or highlines. The terrain features relatively flat areas with scattered trees providing shade options for horses and riders. Both tent and RV camping are permitted on this Bureau of Land Management property, making it accessible for horse trailers and camping rigs of various sizes. Direct access to trails including the Colorado Trail makes this location popular among riders seeking backcountry experiences. The spacious dispersed sites allow campers to keep a comfortable distance from other visitors while maintaining proximity to their horses and equipment. Sites are particularly busy during holiday weekends but quieter midweek.
Located approximately 30 minutes from Mount Princeton Hot Springs, Raspberry Gulch serves as a strategic base camp for equestrians exploring the San Isabel and Pike National Forests. The nearby Browns Creek Trail provides excellent riding opportunities with routes suitable for various experience levels. Horse owners should plan to bring all necessary supplies as no water facilities are available on site. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with optimal riding typically from late spring through early fall when the area is free from snow. County road 270 to 272 provides the main access route to the camping area, with most sections passable for horse trailers without requiring high clearance or four-wheel drive. During summer months, a portable toilet is sometimes available, but riders should prepare for primitive conditions with no permanent facilities. Many horse campers appreciate the 360-degree mountain views visible from several camping spots.
"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."
"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."
"I absolutely love this area of Colorado. It's breathtaking no matter which direction you look. Decent campground that was a bit too big for my taste."
"There are several hiking trails nearby. The vault toilets were right by us and we didn’t have any issues with smell, and they were the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen."
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful views and a great walking path for my dog. I could have gone for miles. People are super friendly and it’s clean! Close to hiking. Well worth the visit"
"The site we got had our door facing another camper's door and our picnic tables were next to eachother, so we didn't spend much time hanging out outside."
"Don’t follow the “major trail” signs, just find the side road this spot is on and drive up and you’ll find it. You will have to travel like 5-10mph for the last like mile. High clearance not required"
"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"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
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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.
TravelerI absolutely love this area of Colorado. It's breathtaking no matter which direction you look. Decent campground that was a bit too big for my taste. I agree with another reviewer: choose your site wisely! Dirty vault toilets. Water spigots that were almost all dripping (some almost running). I believe it should be posted at time of reservation if there are STEPS involved to set up camp. This site had maybe 10 steps, some in desperate need of repair. As a senior solo camper, this was challenging. This site was not my choice but the only one available for my time-frame (right next door to the camp host and on the main/incoming road). When we were there, no availability of firewood from camp host, but a load did arrive while we were there. Really noisy campground (plenty of barking dogs), PLUS,a helicopter was doing a training mission two of the days we were there and flew directly over the campground, low-level, 3-5 times each day.
No bear boxes. (there was a hiker/bear interaction on the Venable trail on June 17th.)
Positives were wildlife, scenery, wildflowers, awesome hiking both directions out of the campground, nice fellow campers (those we met).
In hindsight, I would have been really upset if I'd paid full price.
RangerKinda busy with good access to Browns creek and the Colorado trail, but otherwise quiet if you can squeeze in. Easy for trailers too.
GuideClose to hiking at browns which is really pretty hike and lots of options. We found a place on Memorial Day without a reservation which never happens in Colorado. It is near the co trail too! Quiet enough for our 1 year old
GuideWe stayed at Alvarado for one night on 5/15/2021. We had sites 34 and 35 right across the road from each other. Steve the host was really friendly and stopped by to say hello a couple of times. There are several hiking trails nearby. The vault toilets were right by us and we didn’t have any issues with smell, and they were the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen. The water was closed when we were there because they were waiting on test results before they could open, they did end up opening the water on Sunday so I’m assuming it’s good to go for the season now. Town is really close by (maybe 15 min) so we just went into town and filled up water jugs. Site 34 was a bit close to the campsite next to us. We ended up going to sleep when our neighbors did just because we thought even low voices would be a disturbance to them in their tents. Other than the close proximity, the sites were great and nicely maintained. The sites higher than 35 seem to be spaced a bit further apart so would probably go to the upper sites next time. Great campsite, would return again!
Nice picnic tables and permanent fire pits/grates (which means you can typically use even during stage one fire bans) at every site. A lot of dumpsters and water spots, as well as toilets.
GuideThis 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. The views range from evergreens and aspen to Pikes Peak. Camping is a pleasure with electric hookups at several sites, a camper services station with showers, flush toilets, laundry, and a dump station with water filling. Water spigots are located throughout the park, but are not for camper filling. The rangers are consistently pleasant. Since the park is at 9,000 feet, bears and sporadic weather are present. The hiking trails are well-marked and lead to various ponds, abandoned buildings (from when this was a ranch) and an abundance of wildflowers. Fall is especially beautiful when the aspens turn gold. Winter camping is available and perfectly situated near sledding hills. There are several well-maintained picnic areas and a visitors center where you can learn about the wildlife and geology and purchase a few trinkets or the sweatshirt you will need by nightfall. There are no "bad" spots in this park. We particularly like 120, at the end of the loop. It is quiet and close to several trailheads. For more reviews of Mueller, see minnieoutwest.com.
TravelerBy 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!
Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site is located approximately 30 miles northwest of Howard, Colorado at 9,000 feet elevation. The site sits in San Isabel National Forest where ponderosa pines provide scattered shade throughout open meadow areas. The area experiences significant seasonal temperature variations with summer daytime temperatures typically ranging from 65-80°F and dropping to 40-50°F at night.
Access Colorado Trail hiking: The dispersed camping area connects to several sections of the Colorado Trail. "Gorgeous, remote. Dispersed campsites are spread out so you can't see or hear your neighbors. Great proximity to trailheads and easy to get to. 4x4 not required for the closer sites," notes one Browns Creek visitor.
Mountain biking on forest roads: Several forest roads accessible from camping areas provide beginner to intermediate biking 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," reports a camper at Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site.
Visit nearby hot springs: The Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is located within 30 minutes of most dispersed sites. "Came up early in May on Memorial Day holiday weekend and it was super busy as expected. Lots of larger sites for RV's and large groups. Found an area right off the Colorado Trail trailhead. Very close drive to the Mt Princeton Hot Springs," shares a Raspberry Gulch camper.
Spacious campsites with privacy: The dispersed sites provide ample space between campers. "It's a great place for dispersed camping. Each campsight has lots of space between each other," writes a visitor to Browns Creek.
Night sky viewing: The area offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. "The sky is GORGEOUS. The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow. I've never seen so many stars!" shares a Cotton Creek Trailhead camper.
Accessibility: Despite being dispersed sites, many camping areas are accessible without specialized vehicles. "There are extensive sites in the area for all sizes of rigs. There is plenty of room and easy access for large rigs or tent camping. FR 272 is the main road in but there are several spur roads, 273 and 274 that have plenty of options also," notes a Browns Creek reviewer.
Variable road conditions: Access roads can be challenging after rain or early in the season. "....but couldn't get in. Closed Dec 1-June 1 for wildlife management. Watch out in the wet weather-road super muddy a bit difficult to get through. Road is not steep though," warns a Browns Creek visitor.
Increasing popularity: The area has seen growing visitor numbers. "One problem is that this area is well known and is becoming very popular. On weekends, there may be more than 50 campers in the area," observes a Browns Creek camper.
Limited facilities: Come prepared for truly primitive camping. "This is a clean place with huge sites and spread out trees on a relatively flat area. It's ok but it's a little boring, nothing spectacular here except maybe the view of the mountains from some areas but that's about it," reports a Raspberry Gulch visitor.
Pack for weather changes: The mountain elevation means rapid temperature shifts. "We arrived around 5 pm on a Wednesday and most of the spots were taken but we were able to find one to fit our 40 feet toy hauler. It was very quiet and the sky was amazing at night," shares a camper at Raspberry Gulch.
Consider weekday visits: Weekends see significantly more use than weekdays. "Pretty busy for a Wednesday but the farther you keep driving the more private spots start popping up, quiet and nice!" advises a Raspberry Gulch camper.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Prepare children for possible wildlife encounters. "Gorgeous open and beautiful. Dispersed and a great hike to Browns Creek. The farther you drive in the rougher the road but still doable. 14ers in view, Mt Princeton and Mt Shivano," notes a visitor to Alvarado Campground.
RV site selection: Find level sites on main roads for easier access. "Very popular in July, but there are plenty of spots. Everything is very spread out. 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. Lots of views of Mt Princeton and Antero," advises a Browns Creek visitor.
Prepare for livestock encounters: Free-range cattle may wander through camp. "Only thing I didn't like is the cows. They roam freely and will come and poop in your campsite," warns a Browns Creek camper about the horse campgrounds near Howard, Colorado.
Cell service information: Coverage varies throughout the area. "We arrived around 830am on a July Saturday morning and found a handful of spots available to select from. Luckily spot 43 at the top of the loop was available and able to accommodate our group. The night sky was amazing after the rain passed through and the clouds cleared," reports an Alvarado Campground visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Howard, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Howard, CO is Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site with a 4.7-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Howard, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Howard, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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