5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Horse-friendly camping options near Longmont, Colorado are limited, with no dedicated equestrian facilities among the area's established campgrounds. The regional camping data shows that none of the nearby campgrounds feature horse corrals or specialized equestrian amenities. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir, approximately 35 miles from Longmont, offers primitive camping with trail access but no specific horse facilities. The campground requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles for access, with most campsites filling quickly during peak seasons. The roads getting in are rough and uneven, requiring vehicles with adequate clearance.
Trail access opportunities for horseback riding exist in the broader region, though riders must plan accordingly without dedicated equestrian amenities. Riders typically need to arrange their own portable corrals or highlines for overnight horse containment. Several of the campgrounds in the area allow pets, but specific horse policies vary by location and require advance verification. The lack of water hookups at many of these campgrounds necessitates bringing sufficient water for horses. Campsites at Winiger Ridge are well-dispersed for privacy during off-peak seasons, though its proximity to Boulder makes it a popular destination that frequently reaches capacity on weekends. Several reviews note the beautiful scenery and hiking opportunities despite the limited facilities.
"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 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
"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
"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
"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."
"Stayed here overnight for some hiking in the nearby foothills."
"Stumbled upon this small, nice campground simple because we liked the name :) It is very convenient from the main highway (which happens to be part of the Peak to Peak scenic byway- a FANTASTIC drive!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $19 - $38 / 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
"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 bear box was a good size, easy to use, and well located. Restrooms were a short walk away. Our site was easy to get level on but some others looked difficult."
from $45 / 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!
Horse campgrounds near Longmont, Colorado are scarce, with most established sites offering standard amenities rather than equestrian facilities. Campgrounds in the region are situated between 5,500-8,000 feet elevation, creating variable weather conditions even in summer months. Several campgrounds within 40 miles of Longmont serve as bases for nearby trail riding opportunities, though dedicated horse amenities aren't common.
Hiking and mountain biking: Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers extensive trails for both activities. "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," notes Mike M. about Deer Creek Campground.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Gross Reservoir permits non-motorized watercraft with some restrictions. "There are a lot of inlets to paddle into and trails to explore. However, there are some cons to the reservoir; there are a lot of rules that are strictly enforced. There is no swimming in the reservoir," explains Karl G. about Winiger Ridge.
Camping near Rocky Mountain National Park: Campsites near Estes Park provide convenient access to national park adventures. "Just south of Estes Park, CO and ~30 minutes to rocky mountain national park. This county park is a hidden gem. Huge open space preserve with a few great hikes," says Austin C. about Bobcat Campground.
Private, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate sites with natural screening. "Wooded sites mean privacy from your neighbors and shade during the day. Vault toilets are very clean, well kept," reports Aliy L. about Hermits Hollow Campground.
Lake activities: Several campgrounds offer water recreation opportunities. "Great for biking and all kinds of water sports. Laundry facility on each loop sites are spread out giving plenty of room between sites," mentions Rick about Chatfield State Park.
Proximity to urban areas: Campgrounds that balance natural settings with urban access are popular. "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," shares Kandisa S. about Indian Paintbrush Campground.
Bear awareness: Bears are active in many campgrounds. "Don't be dumb and leave anything out. I was, I left out my water jug, a bear bit it open," warns Pedro L. about Bobcat Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "Given that this is so close to boulder, a ton of people come here. We tried to drive in Friday night and all the campsites were full so some kind people let us share theirs. I'd suggest getting their early to get a good spot," advises Gillian S. about Winiger Ridge.
Vehicle restrictions: Some campgrounds have specific access limitations. "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," cautions Graham S. about roads at Winiger Ridge.
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Some areas offer child-friendly facilities. "We went here with our 2 little girls ages 4 and 1. The views were stunning and everything was super clean. Great trails right there at the campground! Our site would have been amazing if the playground was there but they were redoing it," shares Megan L. about East Portal Campground.
Choose sites with restrooms: Clean facilities make family camping easier. "Facilities are exceptional, clean, free with camping. Each site has a bear box/food locker to keep food items safe and stored near your site. So quiet at night...good sleeping! Friendly hosts!" recommends Beth S. about East Portal Campground.
Consider activities beyond hiking: Some campgrounds offer diverse recreation options. "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding," writes Joshua H. about Bear Creek Lake Park.
Check site layouts carefully: Many campgrounds have unique parking configurations. "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. about Reverend's Ridge Campground.
Be aware of additional fees: Many campgrounds charge extra for day use or services. "You will need to pay the $9 day fee in addition to the camping fee. From the pay station, the signs direct you easily to the loops. There are 4 general loops and one group camping loop," notes Hayley K. about Chatfield State Park.
Consider levelness of sites: RV campers should prepare for uneven terrain. "Sites are very hard to get your unit level. Very high price for no hookups. Close to Estes Park," warns Pat about Bobcat Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Longmont, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Longmont, 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 Longmont, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 31 equestrian camping locations near Longmont, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
