Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in Lake City is the way to go. Finding a place to camp in Colorado with your horse is easier than ever. With our help, you'll find the best Colorado equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.
Mill Creek Campground is located 14 miles southwest of Lake City, Colorado at 9,500 feet above sea level. Nestled along the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, the campground offers a fishing access trail for anglers and river access (though boating is not recommended from this location). The campground is surrounded by the Redcloud Peak and Handies Peak Wilderness Study Areas with world class hiking opportunities just a short drive away, including trails to three 14,000-foot peaks. From the campground, licensed OHV's and high clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicles can access the legendary Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway; a rugged 65 mile road system that connects the towns of Lake City, Silverton, and Ouray through the spectacular mountain scenery of the San Juan Mountains. The campground is accessible June through September.
Mill Creek Campground is an ideal base camp for exploring the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway and the majestic San Juan Mountains. Whether you like to ride an off-highway vehicle, fly fish the Lake Fork, learn about the area's hardrock mining history, or challenge yourself to hike one of the 14,000-foot peaks, this area has something for everyone. There are also opportunities for viewing wildlife, seasonal wildflowers, and fishing the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River or nearby Lake San Cristobal.
Mill Creek offers shaded campsites among a mixed spruce/fir and aspen forest with magnificent mountain views of some of the highest peaks in Colorado and the sounds of the nearby Mill Creek and the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River.
Enjoy Lake City, nestled in the valley of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River and Henson Creek, not only for shopping but to take in the impressive Hinsdale County Museum that celebrates the residents of past and present and tells of the rich railway history of the rail line that went to Lake City from 1889 to 1933. A variety of tours are also available including learning about the momental volcano that formed Lake City. Lake City also is a Gateway Community for hiking the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) that traverses 800 miles of majestic and challenging peaks dotted with abandoned homesteads, ghost towns, and remnants of Native Americans and settlers who flocked here to mine gold and silver. Other shorter hikes from town can lead to some wonderful waterfalls. Discover Lake San Cristobal, the second largest natural lake in Colorado that was formed by the Slumgullion Earthflow that slid 700 years ago, damming the Lake Fork of the Gunnison. The lake offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities including boating and fishing and much more.
For facility specific information, please call (970) 642-4940.
$20 / night
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY. Overview Hartman Rocks Recreation Area includes over 14,000 acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management and 160 acres (The Base Area) owned and managed by The City of Gunnison, and Gunnison County. Hartman Rocks has 45 miles of singletrack trail, 45 miles of roads, 50 designated dispersed campsites, and countless climbing crags. Singletrack trails are perfect for mountain biking, dirt biking, hiking, and trail running. Roads are often traveled by 4x4 trucks, ROVs and ATVs. In the winter months, 16 miles of roads are groomed as cross-country ski trails for classic and skate skiing; and some single-track trails are groomed as winter singletrack for fat biking. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Field Office. Know Before You Go Camping There are 50 dry/primitive campsites available. All sites are first come, first serve. No fees. No hookups! No potable water or developed facilities. Need a Map? Hartman Rocks Recreation Area Map- Climbing, Bouldering, and Rock Climbing Areas Hartman Rocks Trail__Map Helpful Links Visit: Gunnison Field Office ADA Access: Sea of Sage, Lost Dog and Broken Shovel Trails are wide trails used by hand cycles. Accessible restrooms are located at The Base Area and at the intersection of BLM Roads 3505 and 3500.
Silver Jack Campground has 60 campsites around three loops - Chipeta, Ouray and Sapinero. Each loop is heavily wooded with Aspen and a few spruce trees and an understory of tall grass and wildflowers. The campground is convenient to the Silver Jack Reservoir and a network of trails around the Cimarron Ridge. One of the three loops is often used for groups while the other two are for individual campers. Drinking water is available. There are no close communities to get provisions so visitors need to bring everything they need. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.
There are OHV trails nearby
$175 - $275 / night
River Hill is a popular campground on the banks of the Rio Grande River. Situated in a meadow surrounded by willows, campers come here to fish for trout, hunt and take in the beautiful views of the forested hills and rock bluffs. River kayaking and fishing are also popular activities, and the Rio Grande Reservoir is just a couple miles away.
Go rock climbing or horse packing in the San Juan mountains, or fish in the river, Squaw Creek or nearby Rio Grande Reservoir. Two trailheads, Squaw Creek and Weminuche Creek, lead hikers into the Weminuche Wilderness and link to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
The campground lies in a meadow under the shade of many trees at an elevation of 9,200 feet. The Rio Grande National Forest spans 1.86 million acres in south-central Colorado. The Continental Divide runs for 236 miles along most of the forest's western border, presenting a myriad of ecosystems from alpine desert to dense wilderness. Across from the campground is the Weminuche Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in Colorado. It's a famously rugged region with three mountain peaks reaching over 14,000 feet.
For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996.
$29 - $33 / night
Thirty Mile Campground is nestled on the banks of the Rio Grande River, just a short mile from the Rio Grande Reservoir. The location is perfect for anyone who loves to spend time fishing, canoeing and swimming. In addition, there are two trailheads and regular interpretive programs located at the campground. Across from the Thirty Mile is the Weminuche Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in Colorado. It's a famously rugged region with three mountain peaks reaching over 14,000 feet.
Anglers and hikers are common campers at Thirty Mile, and the San Juan Mountains provide great fun for backpackers and horse packers. Two trailheads, Squaw Creek and Weminuche Pass, lead eager hikers into the Weminuche Wilderness and link up to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
The campground is located in a meadow among mature spruce and aspen trees, just between the Rio Grande River and Squaw Creek. All sites are nicely shaded and some overlook the creek. The Rio Grande National Forest spans 1.86 million acres in south-central Colorado. The Continental Divide runs for 236 miles along most of the forest's western border, presenting a myriad of ecosystems from alpine desert to dense wilderness.
For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996.
$29 - $33 / night
Access to the Weminuche Wilderness
Guide
We stumbled upon this campsite through Dyrt. We left on a 10 day honeymoon to the mountains with no real plans. This was our first time to the Silverton area and this spot was perfect for us to spend two nights. The spot we camped at was the first one when you pull in. This spot would be great for large campers or campers with horses/trailers. It had several large pines for us to put our tent between to help with the rain coverage as it rained both nights we were there. This spot is closer to the highway but we weren't there during the day and at night there was not a lot of road noise. We did have to drive to the bathrooms from this site due to the rain and distance. Would stay here again.
Traveler
The location shown looks like it’s super far out but you can find campgrounds pretty close to the entrance(10 minutes from parking lot). There is also a portapotty within walking distance of the first camping loop, and the site has a table and fire ring. You do need to know how to drive on and around rock in the road though.
Traveler
A very nice campground with first-come, first-served sites for $20 a night. The internet reception ranges from okay to excellent, depending on the site. The pit toilets are impeccable – they really couldn't be cleaner. Unfortunately, there is no water or trash station. However, you can refill portable water affordably at the Hydration Station in Durango or for free at the Durango Montessori School. I think $20 is a bit too expensive for the campground, but it is still appealing due to its clean pit toilets and very nice sites.
GuideStayed for 2 nights. Right next to Hermosa Creek trail. Such a beautiful place. The bathrooms are clean, the camp host is an awesome guy. Would definitely stay again.
TravelerPrimitive at its best
ScoutOpen space far away from access road where you’ll hear the nearby creek. Relaxing private space.
Guide
We had this campground all too our selves in late May as it was still rather cold out in the area but it was a great spot for tent camping. Lots of trails near by to explore.
ScoutAbsolutely stunning! We had the whole lake to ourselves!
TravelerGreat area with plenty of camp sites. Make sure to get there early as the area often fills up before sunset. Watched a lot of people come, make the rounds, and leave (myself included once lol).
GuideBeautiful campsite with easy access to lots of fun trails, including the CO trail. Only a short drive from Silverton and an hour or so outside Durango
Traveler
Really nice RV park in a beautiful setting. Family run, very friendly people. Seemed like most of my neighbors had been there before at least a few times. Clean showers... what more do you need?
TravelerEasy check-in with several amenities. Hosts were excellent.
GuideOne of our best campsites so far. It’s a bit of a long road in and first come first serve sites. Nice tree shaded spots
TravelerGreat dispersed camping. Sites with plenty of space. Close to town. Great trails and dirt roads for all types of activities. Excellent cell coverage.
RangerAmazing views at this free, dispersed campground. Stayed here in a tent in July 2015.
Guide
This is a great spot tucked away behind the reservoir and along a sweet little creek. I didn’t stay because no one was there this time of year and I had no cell service. Good to know about and will be back!
Traveler
I had an excellent experience. Friendly staff, clean facilities, quiet nights. I will be back. Beautiful area with lots of hiking near by.
ScoutWhat should have been a cool camp spot was full of partying kids. Do yourself a favor and ride on down the road to Elk Creek campground. $16 but you can’t go wrong with huge sites and flush toilets
ScoutPeaceful...quiet...clean...good cell..nice and small...18 sites...$20,a nite...very nice host
Guide6/28/22 - 7/12/22: This was a nice retreat for us. It is a very popular place on the weekend, but during the week it is much quieter. Most of the weekend traffic is heading to the trailhead for hiking or biking. There are 8 sites here, several large enough for my 34’ fifth-wheel trailer, one is a pull-through with two sites. Vault toilet, no water or dump station. There was 1-bar 5G Verizon, and 2-bars AT&T 4G that were both spotty; cloud cover between the lake and Silverton caused occational intermittent connectivity. Elevation is about 10,300 and posed a problem for our generator that caused severe spark-plug fouling. But, re-jetting the carburetor from a #61 to #58 solved the problem.
GuideAT&T 5G off and on 2 bars. Fire metal rings, pit toilets in few areas. No water, no garbage (might be garbage at entrance?). Roads spread throughout, pretty rough in some areas. Plenty of places here, views are pretty cool. Lots of hiking, biking trails. Rock formations are the star of the show. Dog friendly. 14 day limit. Town not too far maybe 5 miles for supplies. Creek near town. Not too bad for 5-14 days.
Guide
We had originally planned to disperse camp so we could ride our atvs on the Alpine Loop, but realized we couldn’t pull our trailer after a certain point going up the mountain so decided to turn around and for only $7 a night decided to stay here. We are so glad we did! We stayed June 16 - 21st and only half the spots were full. We did read prices would go up to $20 a night starting July 1st. The location of this campground was great for riding the Alpine loop and still a short drive to town. We saw Moose and Elk. The pump water wasn’t the cleanest but we only used it to boil and then wash dishes and such. Vault toilets were the cleanest we had ever seen. We loved having a spot next to the creek so our dogs could swim and drink. Although cold, the kids loved playing in the creek with their rain boots on. Check out @boldtexplorations on tiktok and Instagram for more videos and photos of our adventure
Guide
We stayed here the first day it opened in June of 2022. Only the middle loop of the campground was open at that time. Big sites, lots of pull through options. Very clean bathrooms. The hosts were friendly and informative. The short hike out to the overlook is worth the stroll. The views are amazing. Closest store is 45 min away so come prepared with everything you’ll need.
Guide
Very nice peaceful campground. We had no cell service at our site but when we drove through there were a few spots that did. There are only 3 spots on the little area off to the side where we were and we were lucky the night we were there and there was no one camped on either side of us. We could here the creek and the Rio Grande which made for great sleeping.
GuideWe did show up a little early in the year and the restaurant at the campground was closed. Kids area, river, bridge to trails super close, etc…
The town nearby, Creede, was pretty closed down as well. But very fascinating little place. Kind of a shithole driving through, but, don’t let that scare you away. Great food and even better service.
My wife and I with a 4 year old and 1 year old went hiking right next to the park and had an amazing experience.
ScoutCamp Host is very friendly and helpful. This is a pack in pack out camp ground with vault/pit toilet. No water or shower. Sites have picnic table and fire pit with grill. Access to camp ground is on a rock dirt road that goes from single to double lane off and on. I drove a 21foot bus with a 16x7 tandem axle trailer.
TravelerQuiet site 12000 feet or so in the San Juan national forest. Stayed for 2 nights without a reservation seems to be a first come first serve style campground
Horse camping in Colorado offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lake City, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lake City, CO is Mill Creek with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lake City, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 equestrian camping locations near Lake City, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
