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York Gulch Road provides free, dispersed camping near Idaho Springs with multiple drive-in sites accessible to smaller RVs and tents. The dirt road requires careful navigation, particularly for larger vehicles, as it becomes increasingly rocky beyond the first camping areas. Sites are secluded with adequate space between them, offering privacy for campers with dogs. Fire rings are available at established sites, though some may have "no trespassing" signs posted. The campground is approximately 10 minutes from I-70 and 15 minutes from Idaho Springs.
The area experiences semi-busy OHV traffic, particularly on weekends. Most sites lack amenities such as toilets, trash service, or drinking water, requiring campers to pack in supplies and pack out waste. The road passes through residential areas before reaching the camping spots, with some local residents expressing concerns about camper traffic. Cell service is unavailable throughout the area. The location offers dark night skies for stargazing and peaceful surroundings, with early morning activity from off-road enthusiasts. Winter accessibility varies depending on snow conditions, but the road is generally maintained year-round for local residents.
"area was plowed open to exactly the width of our trailer, so with more than three feet of snow on the ground we needed to get some exercise and do a bit of shoveling so we could back in and be able to walk"
"Late October is very unpredictable in Colorado for a camper who is primarily a tent camper."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to."
"Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado. We couldn’t believe it…so close but you feel incredibly removed once you get there."
from $28 - $90 / night
Check Availability"There are 4 sites that are down by the creek in the trees that are walk-in only but have the most space between them and are right on the creek. They are my favorite spots on site."
"Close hikes near by including one of Colorado’s 14ers."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"Peaceful & quiet little area that’s about 10 mins from I-70 & 15 from Idaho springs."
"Take the exit onto Fall River Road from the highway, a short road. You are then soon connected with forest service road of sorts York gultch."
"It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great."
"The Gross Resevoir outside Boulder is a great place for people to go for some recreation just outside the city. People commonly drop in a paddleboard or kayak."
"Stay here a couple times a year, great amenities and lots to do with a swim beach, shore line, horses, boat ramp and model planes."
"Chatfield State Park is a great mixture of access to the outdoors with availability of many of the benefits of a metro area close by."
from $36 - $200 / night
Check Availability"Close proximity to the highway. Clean level spots. Geared more towards RV camping. Pros: great views of the foothills."
"So much to do in this little area-lakes, trails, horses. Very close to red rocks. This is still in town so great for beginners"
"Walking distance to vault toilets. Some nice foresty hikes between Aspen Meadows and Reverend's Ridge. We could see some other campsites but didn't feel too squished."
"This site is surrounded by pine trees, aspens and boulders. Parking is a bit tight and the some of the sites pretty steep. Dude's Fishing Hole is within walking distance."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"The pit, very clean are at base, and there is a porta-potty by site 14, far enough away from 14 to not be a problem."
"We brought out the bike and did some trails to find the perfect spot and since we went in the middle of the week we had our choice of spot."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"About 15-20 of us camped at this site (#19) the weekend after the 4th of July, and it was an incredible, mostly private location."
"When you pull in off the main road, the road turns into a washboard and you drive up into a meadow with multiple sites for RV’s and tents. The sites surround the outside of the meadow."
Scout1 night stay. 2/3 camping spots I saw with a fire ring had a “no trespassing sign” posted on it but nobody bothered me. Semi-busy OHV traffic for a Sunday & no cell service. Peaceful & quiet little area that’s about 10 mins from I-70 & 15 from Idaho springs.
GuideI drove here December 16th on a sunny day. Take the exit onto Fall River Road from the highway, a short road. You are then soon connected with forest service road of sorts York gultch. This connects a lot of off grid housing to the highway. well maintained crushed dirt.
At the GPS coordinates there are 3-4 drive in campsites and then a road that might lead to more. Idk I hiked around 1 mile and didn’t see other spots, you might have do drive in a couple more mirles
I spent the night here while I partied in Idaho springs for a mini vacation
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!
GuideThis is a beautiful campground with lots of family-friendly activities to do. They have direct access to the headwaters of the Colorado River. We visited a little late in the season (August) to catch many fish, but we still had fun. We found some tailwaters below the big lakes and caught some trout on the fly rods.
This site is minutes away from an entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. We got up early and hiked a trail in RMNP and had a few moose walk right past us. It is also close by to the major lakes of the area.
They rent ATVs and lots of people bring their own horses to this campground to enjoy the many back-country trails that begin at the back of the property and go high up into the mountains.
Facilities were well kept and clean.
TravelerVehicle: KIA Soul (FWD- slightly more clearance than a standard sedan, but not as high up as a full size SUV) Campsite type: TENT ONLY, not even mini trailer friendly! . Beautiful views on the way back down from camp, somewhat secluded- quiet. There are residences along the way up, on neighboring roads, AND there's a commercial camp of somekind nearby. Verizon service is largely non existent. You might get lucky and catch one bar. Might
ROAD: Dirt, but not "off road trail"- again people live off of this road so its somewhat maintained. BEWARE OF RAIN WASHOUT AREAS, DIPS, AND WASHBOARD. Do NOT try to take some low riding car like a Tesla up this. Heck, dont even take a cybertruck (too big and clunky to fit in tight spaces). Signs say NO OFFROAD VEHICLES, meaning this is a road road, not a backwoods trail. You'll pass an old (but functioning) fire station on the way up, the pinned location on this post is where camp sites are. It doesnt "look like it" so you might get confused and keep going. If you do, you end up in a turnaround area out by that "Camp Always Choose Adventure" place that shows up on the gps map, a field, more housing, and a road that goes off to somewhere else in the mountains. Theres lots of roads out here so make sure you dont turn off the gulch road once youre on it. Without a high clearance vehicle, youre going to go about 15mph tops due to the washboard and dips once you get up higher. The first half is pretty smooth. If its rainy/muddy, I wouldnt chance it without a 4WD or AWD. Drive safely/carefully- ROAD DOES NARROW IN SOME PLACES/AROUND SOME CORNERS. Do not drive like Denver drivers in town. You'll either hit someone going the opposite way or force them over the edge and off the mountain side. I had a couple of 4WD vehicles come racing around corners. Be kind. Be smart. Respect that this is not a normal road and just BEHAVE.
SITES: There are rock stacked fire rings and some cleared space among the trees around them. Thats it. Woods camping. Nothing is marked, so I couldnt tell if there were others than the few where I stayed. There are signs up saying private property around the camp sites, but theyre not blocked off and are supposed to be on Forestry Service land 🤷♂️ Nobody came out to say anything. During the day some people take their 4WD vehicles out on the other roads and you might run into them leaving when youre going up the gulch road. At night its dead silent. Some people do take dirtbikes thru the area to get out to their trails, but they didnt stay in the area running laps or anything like that.
PETS: If you bring them, I wouldnt let them run off leash. There is hunting land further down the road, that Camp Always Choose Adventure place, lots of houses, and lots of roads that ARE well used. Its not safe for dogs etc to run free any more than on a neighborhood block in town. Besides, if other campers set up, you dont want your pets running over to strangers. Long tie out ropes/cables will be just fine. Wrap one end around the base of a tree and now your pet goes nowhere.
WILDLIFE: Considering all of the human settlements and activity, there doesnt seem to be that big of a threat. Youre not that isolated or "remote". Idaho Springs is a short drive of about 15 min or so.
TravelerThis is a bare bones remote campground with assigned sites and vault toilets. There is no potable water on site, so bring plenty of water for your stay. The 18 sites are on a first come basis and can't be reserved.
I don't own horses, but have seen some in the area so it is equestrian friendly. The campground is located in a canyon with high cliffs and there are several hiking and backpacking trails that branch off from the campground. The south fork of the white river runs through the campground affording good fly fishing.
While you can get to the campground in a standard automobile the gravel road is rutted in places as you get close to the campground and can become dicey in heavy rain or snow for the last mile or two.
I have been there numerous times as early as July and as late as September when snow can be expected.
LegendThree dispersed camping locations all completely booked so I chose to stay in this RV Park which is located within Rocky Mountain National park and right next to Arapahoe National Park. Very good price compared to other RV resorts and surrounded by beautiful flowers and mountains and silence. They have showers and laundry and free coffee and garbage dump, and a small country store, along with many equestrian activities for adults and kids and it's very homey feeling.
GuideAlthough this site is a no water/ electric site and next to the horses, we had a blast! Especially the kids. The site was a great size! We went horse back riding, hung out by the river, had s’mores, and even went for an ATV ride!! I was most impressed by how clean the bathrooms were, especially with the current COVID situation! Thank you Winding River Resort for keeping the place clean!
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!
York Gulch Road lies at approximately 9,500 feet elevation in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, about 10 minutes west of Idaho Springs, Colorado. The area features steep mountain terrain with mixed conifer forests, rocky outcroppings, and creek beds that can run high during spring snowmelt. During summer, daytime temperatures typically range from 65-80°F, dropping to 40-50°F at night, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
OHV riding: York Gulch Road connects to multiple forest service roads, providing access to extensive OHV trail networks. "I'm currently here and it's pretty great. Nice campgrounds. Not close to anyone. Road up is 2wd. Keep heading up the small road to get to all the secluded camp grounds," notes Heather P. from York Gulch Road.
Hiking nearby: The Guanella Pass area offers numerous trail options within a 20-minute drive. "I camped here for the night and hiked square top lakes early the next morning. Absolutely beautiful. Highly suggest going around wild flower season," shares Tarah W. from Guanella Pass.
Stargazing: The high elevation and distance from city lights creates exceptional night sky viewing conditions. "Sites weren't marked like other places I've been but I expected it being dispersed. Had a wonderful time the sky was pretty it was secluded and lots of space for dogs to run!" reports Wil L. about his experience at York Gulch Road.
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer significant separation between camping spots. "We stayed at a tent site one night and wish we had planned for two. Beautiful facilities and well-kept sites. Would love to explore all the trails next time. A place to go back to," writes Megan E. about Reverend's Ridge Campground.
Creek access: Several camping areas feature stream access for cooling off or filtering water. "As you drive in, you're met with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. You'll find that the first few sites are less desirable in that they are close together and lack tree coverage but keep driving and the sites become more private and pushed back from the road," explains Katelyn W. from Kirby Gulch.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse mountain wildlife including deer, elk, and occasionally moose. "Looking in the dark is tough, try to arrive before nightfall!" advises Madison G. about dispersed camping at Guanella Pass.
Road conditions: Roads deteriorate significantly beyond the initial camping spots. "Positives: The drive is gorgeous, the road is mostly smooth. Negatives: It is a pretty steep ascent... A lot of off road vehicles and the road is narrow in spots," explains Melanie S. from York Gulch Road.
Early arrival recommended: Sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. "We got to the start of camp spots early on a Friday and it was already like Disney land. We thought we could drive up a ways to escape people but after and hour of driving there was not a single spot available," warns Doug from Kirby Gulch.
Limited amenities: Most dispersed areas lack facilities. "All-wheel drive and higher clearance car helped getting in, as the road is pretty bumpy. Stayed in the last park-in campsite. Had to hike in to the lake, but was much easier that bringing in camping gear to the lake-side campsites," notes Dorothy about Winiger Ridge.
Quieter weekday visits: For families with young children, weekdays offer more site options and less traffic. "Guanella pass was my families favorite place to camp for years. We finally had to stop going due to the road through the campground was rotted out due to water and drainage. You almost needed a four wheel drive just to drive through the campground," shares Jim W.
Accessible day trips: Several family-friendly activities exist within short drives. "Golden Gate Canyon SP is absolutely gorgeous! We loved the experience at the park, the trails are great and the views are wonderful. The drive up can be a bit breathtaking, but it can be done!" recommends Minette and Ron G. from Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
Pack extra warm clothes: Mountain temperatures drop significantly at night, even in summer. "Sites are spaced out, but if you happen to get an upset baby at the next site like we did, you'll be up all night too," warns laura S. from Staunton State Park.
RV size limitations: Most dispersed areas accommodate smaller RVs only. "Definitely a busy dispersed camping road but it's a great place if you're okay with people in your line of sight. The beginning of the road is definitely more busy; I recommend driving farther back. Definitely have a truck or suv!" advises Alison C.
Alternative RV-friendly options: Consider established campgrounds for larger vehicles. "Clean bathrooms. Very friendly attendant. Level primative spots. $26 for primative," notes Christa C. about Chatfield State Park Campground.
Equestrian camping near Idaho Springs: For those bringing horses, specialized equestrian camping facilities exist within 30 miles. "Close proximity to the highway. Clean level spots. Geared more towards RV camping. Pros: great views of the foothills. Lots of park amenities like horse stables, archery range, swim beach, boat rentals, hiking trails, picnic areas," explains Jennifer L. from Indian Paintbrush Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Idaho Springs, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Idaho Springs, CO is Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon with a 4.6-star rating from 48 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Idaho Springs, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 equestrian camping locations near Idaho Springs, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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