Bear Creek Lake Park offers horse-friendly camping options just west of Kittredge, Colorado, with direct access to equestrian trails. The park features horseback riding facilities including stables and an equestrian ring for visitors looking to bring their horses. Campsites at Indian Paintbrush Campground accommodate various camping styles including tents, RVs, cabins, and yurts, though visitors should note that none of the campgrounds in the area feature dedicated horse corrals. Trail riders enjoy both mountain views and lake access at this 2,600-acre park, which provides a convenient base for exploring nearby riding trails. Many horse enthusiasts appreciate the park's location minutes from the foothills while providing necessary amenities for equestrian activities. The campground maintains electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary facilities for campers.
Trails throughout Bear Creek Lake Park connect riders to scenic routes with views of the mountain landscape. The park's location offers convenient access to additional riding opportunities in the surrounding Jefferson County Open Space areas. Horse owners typically bring their own portable corrals or high-line setups since permanent corrals aren't available at most campgrounds near Kittredge. The proximity to Red Rocks and Denver makes this area particularly popular for equestrians seeking both trail access and urban amenities. Trail riding at sunset is especially popular among visitors, with guided rides available through the park's stables. Campers planning extended stays should reserve well in advance as the campground fills quickly during peak season. Daily trail rides connect campers to the surrounding wilderness areas while allowing for returns to comfortable camping facilities.
$36 - $200 / night
"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."
"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"
$18 / night
"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."
$28 - $90 / night
"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."
$28 - $432 / night
"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."
$28 / night
"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."
"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."
$28 / night
"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."
$26 / night
"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."
"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."
"Off roaders showed up in the morning!"
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!
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.
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.
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
Equestrian camping sites near Kittredge, Colorado offer access to mountain trails at elevations ranging from 6,500 to 9,000 feet. The camping season typically runs April through October, with July and August temperatures averaging 75-85°F during day and 45-55°F at night. Most trailheads connecting to horse-friendly campsites require moderate experience due to elevation changes and rocky terrain.
Explore mountain bike trails: At Reverend's Ridge Campground, riders access various difficulty levels of terrain. "This was a phenomenal state park. Many multiuse trails... Panorama Point had a breath taking view," notes Diana M., who adds that the park offers connections to longer trail systems suitable for both horses and mountain bikes.
Visit local lakes: Water activities complement equestrian camping trips when horses need rest. "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding," reports Joshua H. about Indian Paintbrush Campground, where many riders alternate between trail days and water recreation.
Scenic photography: Horse campers often combine riding with photography at higher elevations. "This park has great trails for hiking and mountain biking. There is also a high elevation lake as well as fantastic views of the continental divide," writes Mike M. about the landscape surrounding Golden Gate Canyon State Park, making it ideal for photography while on horseback.
Night sky viewing: The distance from Denver's light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "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," according to Kandisa S. at Bear Creek Lake Park, where many equestrians enjoy evening astronomy after day rides.
Wildlife encounters: Early risers frequently spot native animals. "Get up early and drive mountain base road...we caught a great view of a moose," recommends Diana M., highlighting that dawn trail rides often provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities around Golden Gate Canyon.
Quieter weekday stays: Experienced horse campers recommend non-weekend visits. "Quiet (mid-week stay) campground with access to hiking trails. Some sites are more secluded than others, 5 was great," reports L M. about Aspen Meadows Campground, where weekday visitors find more space for horse trailers and equipment.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian-friendly sites book quickly during peak season. "You can reserve in advance; do so if possible. Water and vault toilets are provided, you can buy firewood, and the site is nice and basic," advises Amber A. about Guanella Pass, noting that horse-accessible sites typically fill first.
Insect protection: Mosquitoes can be problematic in summer months near water sources. "We LOVED Guanella Pass Campground! It was surrounded by beauty that was breathtaking! But make sure you bring bug spray. The mosquitoes are out in full force and they're huge!" warns Cynthia W., emphasizing the importance of protection for both horses and riders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Kittredge, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Kittredge, CO is Chatfield State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 79 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Kittredge, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 36 equestrian camping locations near Kittredge, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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