4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir provides primitive equestrian camping with limited designated sites that accommodate horses and trailers. The rough access roads require 4WD vehicles with high clearance, making this location challenging but rewarding for equestrians seeking solitude. Sites are dispersed across the ridge with some offering views of the reservoir. Campsites include basic fire rings and some have picnic tables, though there are no dedicated horse corrals or pens at this location. Campers must bring their own portable corrals or highline equipment. Water access for horses is limited to the reservoir itself, which has restrictions against swimming but allows horses to drink at designated access points.
Located approximately 25 miles southwest of Lafayette, Winiger Ridge connects riders to multiple backcountry trails that extend throughout the Roosevelt National Forest terrain. The trails vary in difficulty with some technical sections requiring experienced riders. Horse camping is primitive with no water hookups, electricity, or sanitary facilities available. Most equestrians bring their own water supply for both human and horse consumption. Trailhead parking accommodates several horse trailers with adequate room for turning around. The camping area fills quickly during summer weekends and holidays, so arriving early is essential to secure a suitable spot for horses and equipment. Riders report seeing moose and other wildlife in the area, making this a rewarding yet rustic option for equestrian camping near Lafayette.
"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
"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."
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 - $90 / night
"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"
"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
"Beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, with ample space, and easy access to the sugarloaf mountain trail. The road is in poor shape but a 2wd suv with decent clearance should be fine."
"You definitely need to know where you’re going with this one, as the location on here isn’t really even close."
"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
"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."
"It would be nice if the county could put water in, there are two places to fill containers/rvs-one right by the entrance and another at the entrance to Bobcat Gulch."
from $45 / night
"Our space was large enough to accommodate our 20 ft travel trailer with our truck next to it, still leaving plenty of room for the picnic table and a chair circle around the fire."
"The bathrooms were clean, and close to almost every site. They had a very nice playground for the kids with a climbing wall."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 - $80 / night
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.
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).
GuideThere must be another way in i would assume. 3.5 mile steep climb dirt rd in the rain was slick. After a 8 mile windy rd straight up. Like I said, probably another rd in. Campground is great once you get here. And it's paved!
Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir offers dispersed camping options for visitors seeking a rustic outdoor experience. Located at approximately 8,000 feet elevation west of Boulder, this area features rugged terrain with pine forests and open meadows surrounding the 440-acre reservoir. Access roads require high-clearance vehicles, with most campsites situated along forest service roads that can become muddy and rutted after precipitation.
Paddlesports on the reservoir: Non-motorized watercraft can be launched at designated access points, but remember swimming isn't permitted. "Gross Reservoir is not gross! It is an awesome SUPing, kayaking, or canoeing option close to Denver and Boulder... There are a lot of inlets to paddle into and trails to explore," notes Karl G. from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir.
Hiking nearby trails: Explore wilderness areas within walking distance of many campsites. A camper at Golden Gate Canyon State Park shares, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours offer the best chance to spot native animals. "The drive in was beautiful, flowers everywhere... We saw tons of elk and visit the Rocky Mountain national park everyday since its about 5 minutes away!" reports Megan L. about her camping experience at East Portal.
Natural seclusion: Sites spaced throughout forested areas provide privacy despite proximity to urban areas. "Had a great time here with hardly anyone there so very peaceful," reports Jasmine G. about her stay at Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir.
Scenic diversity: The region offers mountain views, water access, and forest settings within short driving distances. A visitor to Hermits Hollow Campground shares, "Not far outside of Estes Park, but far enough up the side of a mountain to enjoy the wilderness. Sites spaced nicely apart, very well maintained, great fire pits with an attached grill grate."
Proximity to Denver metro: Most sites within 60-90 minutes of Lafayette provide quick escapes from city life. "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!" writes Minette and Ron G.
Road conditions vary dramatically: Some access roads require specialized vehicles with proper clearance. "Camp sites are nice, but except for a few (~5) the rest require a serious climb (drive) up a gnarly hill with deep ruts. I wouldn't try this with a camper/RV, or anything that doesn't have high clearance and power," warns Graham S. about Winiger Ridge.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites offer minimal amenities and require self-sufficiency. "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."
Seasonal accessibility: Spring conditions often leave roads impassable until late May or early June. "We stayed in the month of November of 2021. The road is okay to drive on, we took our car and tent camped. We didn't take our camper as the switchbacks are very tight and the road is very steep."
Choose established campgrounds: Sites with basic facilities work better for younger children. "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. Great for families with little ones," says a visitor to Reverend's Ridge Campground.
Plan for weather changes: Mountain elevations can experience rapid temperature drops even in summer. "We came up for an adventure and an adventure we had! Beautiful scenery, solid campsite, the drive out was lovely with the turning aspens."
Pack extra supplies: Limited access to towns means bringing everything needed for your stay. "The park provides every spot with a table, fire ring and bear box. The bear box is for more than just food. If you have anything that smells good, the animals (not just bears) WILL try to get into your vehicle to steal it."
Site selection is critical: Many dispersed areas near Lafayette have limited RV access. "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. Mostly level, fire rings, and very large metal picnic tables," explains Dennis G. from his stay at Cherry Creek State Park Campground.
Alternative equestrian options: Several established campgrounds offer more reliable access for horse trailers. "You definitely need to know where you're going with this one, as the location on here isn't really even close. The trail getting in/out is fairly rough and uneven, so you'll need something with some sort of clearance."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds with RV access require advance booking. "Super clean campground. Close to Red Rocks and Denver. You have to drive a bit to get to the lake. Some nice hiking and biking trails off the campground. Beautiful views of the mountains."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lafayette, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 equestrian camping locations near Lafayette, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
