5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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 horse 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.
"The easy access to the trail around the lake, the spread out sites, the clean bathhouse and laundry room, the sunset over the mountains, the location close to town, and they don’t have any breed restrictions"
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 - $200 / night
"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."
Available this weekend
from $18 / 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."
Available this weekend
from $28 - $90 / 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."
Available this weekend
from $28 - $432 / night
"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."
Available this weekend
from $28 / night
"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."
"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
"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."
RangerBathrooms were very nice and clean. Lots of sites with minimal privacy. Pretty packed and noisy in October. Our site had electrical hookups and its own water. Picnic tables and fire rings available as well. Looks like a very family friendly campground. Stayed one night.
TravelerFrom a Sprinters point of view.
Sites are $45.00 a day plus parking
Sites were sloped, we took the flattest one we could find and it took 6” to block our van level.
Pit toilets were very clean.
Sites had trees and boulders, spaced roughly 50’ apart, but there visible traffic on the main road below.
It was a nice campground but we liked the Bobcat Campground a couple miles farther up the road.
See separate review.
TravelerWe took our Sprinter for its maiden voyage, this camp ground was beautiful, private and secluded.
Camping was $45.00 a day plus a parking fee.
Paid at the entry point to an extremely friendly attendant. Reservations can be made on line ahead of time and highly recommended in peak season, especially on weekends.
Site were 50’ to 100’ apart.
Sites were wooded and tucked into granite boulders.
In the 24 hours we were there we saw one car and two people walking their dogs.
Sites were pretty level, each with fire pits and picnic tables.
The pit toilets were very clean and with in 100’ of most sites.
Road in had signs stating you had to be in four wheel drive to avoid damaging the roads but they were very well graded.
GuideSuper easy drive into town, 10min from beaver meadows entrance to RMNP. Hiking trails right off the campground. Sites a little close together but could definitely be a lot worse. Super friendly hosts. The clean bathrooms, hot showers, and dish washing station were amazing after days of dispersed camping.
ScoutPull thru site easy to maneuver, lots of space between sites. Hookups easy to use. Maintained nice, lake was beautiful. Seemed like bikers heaven.
GuideWe loved staying here! It was quiet and peaceful, even when it fully booked over Labor Day Weekend. The easy access to the trail around the lake, the spread out sites, the clean bathhouse and laundry room, the sunset over the mountains, the location close to town, and they don’t have any breed restrictions for dogs. I don’t have any complaints about the campground itself.
The only issue we had was that the $17 per vehicle day use fee wasn’t included in the camping cost. We were there for 8 nights and ended up buying the annual Colorado State Parks pass for $80 at the registration office because it was cheaper.
TravelerIt’s very nice except for when the conveyor belt is running from the Henderson mine And there is no water available
GuideHas a nice sandy beach inside the park that's conveniently walkable or drivable with ample of parking spots.
Paddleboard and kayak rentals available but should be done with reservation beforehand.
While there are public bathhouses, the showers is not free - it is pay-per-use metered.
GuideWhile there aren't many amenities (no comfort station), it is a great value place to stay if you're just needing a place to camp. Spacious and decent night sky view.
Automated secure gate where you get an unique digital code for access.
Quiet, good for value place (especially if you do weekly rates).
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 84 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Kittredge, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 equestrian camping locations near Kittredge, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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