1 campground with availability next weekend
Big Creek Lakes Campground provides primitive equestrian camping opportunities in Colorado's Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests at an elevation above 9,000 feet. The campground features large pull-through sites that accommodate vehicles with horse trailers, though no dedicated horse corrals are present. Campers must bring their own portable corrals or use high-lines for securing horses. Potable water is available from spigots throughout the campground, and vault toilets are well-maintained. The remote location requires traveling approximately 30 miles on gravel roads that can be severely washboarded, requiring over an hour to navigate. The Continental Divide Trail is accessible from nearby areas for horseback riding excursions.
Trail access from the campground connects riders to numerous wilderness routes, with two trailheads located within the campground boundaries. Horse owners should note that camping is only available from June through early September due to high elevation weather conditions. The campground costs $10 per night and does not require reservations. Mosquitoes and horse flies can be problematic during summer months, so appropriate protection for both riders and horses is essential. Primitive camping conditions mean no electricity or shower facilities are available. The surrounding terrain offers varied riding opportunities through pine forests and mountain meadows, with multiple trails providing access to scenic alpine areas and fishing spots. The large campsites offer ample room for horse trailers and equipment.
"Great spot for car camping in Colorado except its distance from Denver. It’s a trek! Takes at least 4 hours (that’s if you’re lucky). Lots to do."
"Big Creek Lakes Campground, Colorado (close to Wyoming border): camping here is only open for 3 months out of the year: June, July & August."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 / night
"We ended up driving too far and just parking next to the lake for the night to camp. Lots of dirt trails near the lake, maybe not for camping but we showed up after driving 6 hours."
"Sandy beach but does have a bit of a “lake” smell that you’ll get used to quick. Arrived on a Thursday evening towards the end of July. No one else here."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $150 / night
"This was our first stop on a week long road trip from Colorado Springs to the Oregon Coast and, honestly, we could have just hung out there and saved all the miles."
"Some spots are wetter while others are not close to stagnant water at all. Many aspens, great trail network for mountain biking or trail running/ hiking."
"There is a sign at the beginning of the dirt road for high clearance and 4 wheel drive. This is not a suggestion. This spot was beautiful, peaceful and primitive."
"Beautiful Aspen groves surround you as you roll on endlessly down well maintained dirt roads."
"The lake is incredible and the panoramic view is out of this world. I was fortunate to drive in right around sunset and the whole valley was lit with a glorious red light."
"I have spent many years coming to Teal lake, its always been a family favorite!"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $80 / night
"Getting to the campground and visitors center is easy as they are both right off the highways 41 and 14, but it is quite a drive to get to, in general."
"There are campsites on both sides of the lake. On the southern side, a number are situated off the road, minimizing noise and dust."
Available next weekend
from $28 - $120 / night
"Ranger Lakes is located a couple miles East of the Visitor Center for State Forest State Park. It is right on highway 14 just west of the Continental Divide at Cameron Pass."
"I tent camped at Ranger Lakes. I was the only one tent camping among all the RV’s. I didn’t mind that the spaces were visible from each other since I was camping alone."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 / night
"Options for camping in campgrounds, close to others, or more alone. Options to camp near the lake, river, or on dry land.options for large or small camping areas. Peaceful and beautiful."
"There is a camp ground near by with a porta-potty and there is a small market about 10-20 miles away."
Guide20 degrees cooler than Fort Collins. Beautiful meadows with mountain views 360.
Nice large picnic table, fire ring (burn ban) and tent site. Fairly level gravel site.
TravelerGreat spot for a quick one nighter for my car-camp setup. Parked literally 5’ from the water! Sandy beach but does have a bit of a “lake” smell that you’ll get used to quick. Arrived on a Thursday evening towards the end of July. No one else here. Of course next to water the bugs are fierce, but that’s what car window screens are for! 52° tonight, Clear skys, great after gazing after the moon sets!
TravelerMy husband and I stayed at the Ranger Lakes Campground during the Never Summer race weekend, and it was the perfect spot! The race course runs right by the campground, making it incredibly convenient for cheering on the runners. The camp host was fantastic. He was around if you needed anything but never intrusive. It was obvious he took time in maintaining the campground, especially the restrooms. Speaking of the bathrooms—they were the cleanest vault toilets I've ever used! They werent buggy/cobwebby and didn't smell, and were cleaned daily by the camp host. Honestly, that alone is enough to make me come back!😂 As an added bonus, we even had a moose wander right through our campsite, which made for an unforgettable experience. Overall, we had an amazing stay. The campground was clean, quiet, well-maintained, and in a perfect location. We would absolutely stay here again!
GuideI’ve camped along this road multiple times and it’s best to get in by Fri AM for the best ones. Some spots are wetter while others are not close to stagnant water at all. Many aspens, great trail network for mountain biking or trail running/ hiking.
RangerRanger Lakes is located a couple miles East of the Visitor Center for State Forest State Park. It is right on highway 14 just west of the Continental Divide at Cameron Pass. There is trash collection at the parking lot for the lakes, vault toilets, and water available at a central location. The bathrooms are brick and had not odors. There is a path from the campground to the nearby lakes where people fish and hike the nature path. This campground is at elevation and gets cold in the evenings. Very few mosquitoes.
The campground is one loop. Most sites are well-spaced, have tent pads, picnic tables, and fire pits. This area is home to 600 moose.
Minimal cell service on T-Mobile. Public WIFI is available at the Visitor Center.
GuideWell maintained campground. It has a water pump for campers use. There are a couple of nice trails to hike on and the lake is pretty close to the campground. Overall it has a lot of different things to do, from fishing to kayaking to hiking.
GuideAmazing vistas 360 degrees, lots of hiking trails nearby. Moose & elk in the area. Many sites with electricity.
ScoutBeautiful spot, make sure you’re 4x4 capable
Guide40°44'21.2"N 106°19'03.7"W
This is where we parked
Slow trek in (lots of big dips in the road) but we made it with our 22’ camper.
Big Creek Lakes Campground sits above 9,000 feet in Colorado's Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, offering primitive equestrian access to the Continental Divide Trail. The campground operates from June through early September, limited by high elevation weather conditions. The area provides access to extensive wilderness trail systems while requiring significant travel on rough gravel roads.
Fishing at multiple lakes: State Forest State Park contains numerous fishing spots with clear alpine waters. At Ranger Lakes Campground, visitors find "BEAUTIFUL clear waters, PLENTY of trout, and great trails through the woods to explore" according to Gary E.
Hiking to alpine destinations: Several trails lead to high-country lakes and viewpoints. The North Michigan Campground area provides access to Lake Agnes Trail. As Amanda M. reports, "We settled on Lake Agnes. It was a steep climb but well worth it. We alternated looking at the beauty of Lake Agnes and watching the skiers hiking to the top."
Wildlife viewing: The region serves as Colorado's primary moose habitat. "The park encompasses almost 71,000 acres. You will find a visitor center, 187 campsites for RV and tent and over 60 dispersed sites," notes one visitor to Ranger Lakes Campground.
Remote locations: The isolation appeals to many visitors seeking quiet camping experiences. At Laramie River Road Dispersed, campers appreciate the solitude. "Very quiet from planes and light or any other noise pollution caught some epic views of does bucks a moose and a family of black bears," notes Shawn L.
Natural water features: Many campgrounds provide lakeside or riverside camping. At Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping, Quinn M. describes it as "simple, and easy place to get to… flat awesome sunset."
Variety of camping options: The forest offers established campgrounds, cabins, yurts, and dispersed sites. North Michigan Campground visitor B.B. notes "State Forest State Park is enormous, but we were in a small campground with only five sites—four on them are right on the water. We were able to paddle board and fish right from our campsite, and had a wonderful fresh trout dinner."
Weather considerations: High elevations mean unpredictable conditions even in summer. At Teal Lake Group Campsite, campers should arrive prepared for mountain weather shifts. Tarah W. describes it as "a dream. The lake is incredible and the panoramic view is out of this world. I was fortunate to drive in right around sunset and the whole valley was lit with a glorious red light."
Insect protection: Multiple campgrounds report significant mosquito and biting fly populations. Walden Reservoir visitor Kathryn B. warns, "Easy to get to. Lovely to see. Pelicans and seagulls. Flat, no trees and darned few bushes taller than sage. SO MANY BUGS."
Road access challenges: Many campgrounds require travel on rough forest roads. Sarah C. at Dry Lake Campground cautions about the journey to nearby camping: "You will have to travel down a gravel/dirt road for ~30 miles to get to the lake and campground. Sections of it are TERRIBLY washboarded. Plan for over an hour to navigate through."
Water activities: Several sites offer family-friendly water recreation. North Michigan visitor Meghan H. reports, "Something for everyone. My dog could swim in North Michigan reservoir. The kids could ride bikes in trails and throw rocks in the water. Hiking was fun."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds report frequent wildlife sightings for children to enjoy. Darla R. notes at Laramie River Road that "We have had full grown moose run through our camp site and there has been reports of black bears near by as well as elk and deer."
Winter cabin options: For cold-weather visits with children, consider renting a cabin. North Michigan visitor Hayley K. shares, "We stayed in cabin #3 and it was an awesome experience! We had room enough for 4 people and 3 dogs and didn't feel like we were on top of each other. The gas stove kept us nice and toasty all night long!"
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds have varying site sizes and configurations. Dry Lake Campground recently underwent improvements as Chad H. notes, "Many of the sites and one bathroom seem to be recently updated. The pull through sites have very long driveways with nice level spots. The tent areas look great."
Limited hookup availability: Most Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests campgrounds offer primitive camping with minimal amenities. At Ranger Lakes, Alan G. mentions, "Only has electric and water hookup and the dump station was not convenient. Saw moose from the campsite. Clean and very quiet."
High clearance requirements: Dispersed camping areas often require appropriate vehicles. Buffalo Pass visitor Robbie advises, "Buff pass gate is open and you can mob over it if you have high clearance, 4wd, and definitely winter tires. It gets sketchy at some points, but you have your pick of camp sites."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at horse camps in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests?
Horse camps in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests vary in amenities. Big Creek Lakes Campground offers larger sites suitable for horse trailers, access to water, and proximity to equestrian-friendly trails at over 9,000 feet elevation. The campground is typically open only during summer months (June-August). Freeman Reservoir Campground provides access to excellent trails for riding, along with fishing opportunities when you're not in the saddle. Most dedicated horse camps feature hitching posts, corrals or paddocks, manure disposal areas, and access to water sources. Many sites require reservations, especially during peak season. Basic amenities typically include vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, though hookups are generally not available. Always check current conditions before your trip, as mountain weather can be unpredictable even in summer.
Where can I find horse camping in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests?
The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests offer several excellent options for horse camping. Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch provides dedicated horse camping with corrals at nearly every RV site, making it ideal for equestrians. The ranch's extensive property allows for convenient horse access to trails. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Long Draw Road Campsites offer dispersed camping opportunities with enough space for horse trailers. When planning your trip, consider making reservations in advance, especially during peak summer months (June-August), as horse-friendly sites can fill quickly. Look for campsites with adequate space for trailers and proximity to equestrian trails throughout the national forests.
What are the horse trail regulations in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests?
Horse trail regulations in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests require staying on designated equestrian trails to prevent erosion and protect natural resources. Pack animals must be kept under control at all times. When camping in areas like State Forest State Park, horses must be properly secured at designated hitching posts or corrals. Buffalo Pass Dispersed and other dispersed camping areas require practicing Leave No Trace principles, including proper manure management. Feed must be certified weed-free hay or processed feed to prevent introducing invasive species. Group size limits typically restrict the number of horses per party, and some trails may have seasonal closures due to wildlife protection or trail conditions, particularly during spring thaw or extreme weather.
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