36 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Bear Creek Lake Park offers horse-friendly camping options near Idledale, Colorado with equestrian facilities and trail access. Multiple reviews highlight the horse stables available within the park for visitors wanting to bring their animals. The Indian Paintbrush Campground within Bear Creek Lake Park provides electric hookups for RVs along with tent and cabin camping options. The campground is particularly convenient for equestrians, with sites available April 1 through October 31. The park itself encompasses lakes, trails, and dedicated horse areas that create a comprehensive recreational experience for equestrians camping in the area.
Trail riders enjoy extensive riding opportunities throughout the Bear Creek Lake Park area, with miles of interconnected paths suitable for various skill levels. The park's horseback riding trails provide scenic views of the foothills and Red Rocks, creating memorable riding experiences just minutes from Denver. Horse rentals and guided trail rides at sunset are available for visitors without their own mounts. The campground's strategic location puts equestrians within easy reach of additional riding opportunities in the surrounding foothills while still providing amenities like showers, flush toilets and trash service. Most sites offer adequate space for vehicles and horse trailers, though reservations are strongly recommended during peak season as the park's popularity makes availability limited.
"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"
"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"It’s we’ll thought out with lots of activity areas like, mountain bike trail, shooting area, off leash dog area, model airfield, equestrian trails, lake and hiking trails!"
"I only gave it 4 stars because on the outskirts of the state park we have a lot of homeless camps popping up oblong Parker road and 225."
from $28 - $432 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"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"Each of them have a parking area right along the road with a fire ring a short distance away surrounded by awesome rock outcroppings."
"A large number of established roadside dispersed camping spots to choose from. All spots have metal fire rings, so campfires are allowed even with Stage 1 fire restrictions in place."
"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."
"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."
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!
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.
GuideColorado campground is situated outside of Woodland Park (10 minute drive) and right next to Manitou lake. This is a great area central to the Pikes Peak wilderness area so many trails are nearby and activities while still being close to civilization if you forget something or choose to eat-out. The CG itself is large, but the sites are well spaced apart...it is a primitive CG with picnic table, fire-pit and gravel pull through or back-in spots. There are water spigots, vault toilets and garbage cans equally dispersed throughout. In the summer they have an educational series also on the weekends of various nature/wildlife "seminars" that are great for the kids in their small amphitheater, although i don't know how frequent they are scheduled. As others have stated its a short walk to the lake for fishing and canoeing if you choose. The CG is well maintained and hosts are friendly.
LegendCAMPGROUND REVIEW: COLORADO CAMPGROUND PIKE NATIONAL FOREST
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/colorado-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70684
Colorado Campground is one of several campgrounds less than 10 miles north of the city of Woodland Park off Route 67 in the Pike National Forest.
Situated at 7800 feet elevation, even summer nights get cool. Nearby 5 acre Manitou Lake is a trail walk away. You can toss your canoe or kayak in, but unless you are simply trout fishing, it’s tiny size doesn’t offer much variation.
Numerous foot trails lead into the National Forest, offering wonderfully quiet hikes and exploration.
There are 81 sites available, but some are adjacent to highway 67, so periodic road noise will be heard. The ponderosa pines assist in muffling highway noise.
Neighboring sites are visible across the entire campground, but they are situated in such a way that you are not directly on top of each other.
The back loop sites are larger and set deeper (Site 19, 20,21, 22, 23) which are my choice. Sites can be secured on www.recreation.gov. There are double sites which garner double fees. At the time of this review, sites are $23.00 nightly (a bit pricey for no showers or modern facilities). When there during the week, not including the host and groundskeeper, only four sites were filled. Most sites were reserved for weekends and upcoming Labor Day holiday.
No RV/Campers over 36 ft permitted. Parking pads are gravel, a few are pull-through. Sites are non-electric with no hookups…no showers Water spigots, metal trash containers and pit latrines are spaced out through the campground. Each site has one stationary picnic table and a fire pit. Most sites appeared fairly level. No specific tent pad locations.
With the towering ponderosa pines, there is ample shade.
Plenty of trails permit mountain biking as well as the paved centennial bike path that runs along highway 67 from Woodland Park 15 miles north…that you can walk, in-line, cycle and even ebike.
You have plenty of local activities to keep you busy, including the Red Rocks a couple miles south…or drive east on Rt 24 to Pikes Peak, or further into Manitou Springs for the Incline, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Garden of the gods and more!
Just six miles south into Woodland Park offers every food or shopping option.
All in all, a nice, clean campground in a great location.
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!
TravelerSite 5 was a great spot for a bigger group. 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. We didn’t make it to the gross reservoir but it was nice to have the option of a good hike near by. It is very important that you have a high clearance car to drive on the road. It’s a lot like off roading on some parts. I would go back!
GuideThis is a great park. I camped in late July. With the exception of a few rain showers, the weather was great. This campground has all the privacy you would expect yet provides easy access to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountian National Forest. The Laramie County Staff that were on site were kind and helpful. I even had the chance to see some elk walk through while picking up firewood at the office. There are miles of trails within the park if you choose not to venture out to the National Forest. I will 100% be staying at this park again! Group sites and equestrian sites are available too.
GuideClose 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. Con: Orange glow of Home Depot sign at night and no shade during the day. Your camping reservation (strongly recommended) includes park admission.
GuideSo much to do in this little area-lakes, trails, horses. Very close to red rocks. This is still in town so great for beginners
Bear Creek Lake Park sits in the foothills near Idledale, Colorado at an elevation of 5,650 feet, creating a moderate climate between Denver's plains and the Rocky Mountains' alpine zones. The park encompasses over 2,600 acres with multiple lakes and trail systems. Summer temperatures average between 60-85°F, while nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in warmer months.
Mountain biking trails: Near Indian Paintbrush Campground at Bear Creek Lake Park, bikers can access numerous trail options. "Great hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding," notes Joshua H.
Lakeside activities: Big Soda Lake within Bear Creek provides swimming beaches and paddle sport rentals. "Mountain experience in the foothills. While this campground is minutes from the city and seconds from a highway, at night you feel like you are in a quiet, mountain campsite with stars to gaze for days," says Kandisa S.
Archery range: A dedicated archery facility near the horse corral area allows for target practice. Jennifer L. mentions, "Lots of park amenities like horse stables, archery range, swim beach, boat rentals, hiking trails, picnic areas."
Proximity to Denver: Located just 30 minutes from downtown, Chatfield State Park Campground offers easy access to Idledale while providing outdoor recreation. "Great views of mountains. Just minutes south of Denver. With decent facilities and a playground for kiddos," says Jessica V.
Well-maintained facilities: Camp areas receive regular upkeep and cleaning. At Reverend's Ridge Campground near Golden Gate Canyon, "Campground is very clean. Loop E (electric hookups) is very spacious and well laid out. Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs," reports Dennis G.
Equestrian accommodations: Several horse campgrounds near Idledale provide dedicated facilities. Rebecca J. from Bear Creek Lake Park writes, "They have archery, a beach, horse stables and ring, large lake to fish, clean bathrooms and courthouses."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking. At Cherry Creek State Park Campground, Kay S. advises, "Campground is usually fully booked all season. Reservations can be made six months out. Two week limit."
Additional fees: State parks charge entrance fees on top of camping costs. "There is also an $11 day pass fee not included in your camping stay," notes Stephanie S. at Cherry Creek.
Limited availability: The popularity of horse-friendly camping areas means spots fill quickly during peak season (May-September). "This site got a little grungy for a couple of years, but it's been cleaned up and looking great!" reports Jessica E. about Bear Creek Lake Park.
Sheltered sites: Aspen Meadows Campground provides tree cover and natural features ideal for children. "Nice natural features, shade is appreciated in the summer," writes Alicia A.
Activity options: Multiple recreation choices keep children engaged. "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," says Christina A. about Bear Creek Lake Park.
Safety considerations: Parents should note wildlife activity in some areas. Diana M. from Reverend's Ridge explains, "Mother Nature: This was a phenomenal state park. Many multiuse trails. Get up early and drive mountain base road...we caught a great view of a moose."
Space between sites: Some horse campgrounds offer more separation between rigs. At Staunton State Park Campground, campers find "Sites stretched out along two short trails. Most far enough that it makes sense to treat it a bit like backpacking so you have fewer trips to make," according to Laura S.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by campground. "Clean bathrooms. Very friendly attendant. Level primitive spots. $26 for primitive," writes Christa C. about Chatfield State Park.
Access road conditions: Some horse-focused camping areas have challenging approaches. At Aspen Meadows, one reviewer notes, "Parking is a bit tight and some of the sites pretty steep. Dude's Fishing Hole is within walking distance."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Idledale, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Idledale, CO is Chatfield State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 80 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Idledale, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 36 equestrian camping locations near Idledale, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
