Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping offers multiple sites for horse trailers on packed ground, with rocky terrain requiring careful navigation. Located about 50 feet from the South Mt. Elbert trailhead, this area provides direct access to the Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail junction. Sites higher on the mountain offer more seclusion with views of Twin Lakes in the valley below. The roads require high clearance vehicles, especially after rain when conditions become muddy. Dispersed sites fill quickly during summer weekends, though mid-week camping provides better availability.
What to do
Mountain trail riding: At Avalanche Campground, equestrians can access several trails directly from camp. "There is also a nice trail up the mountain that forks into two other trails," notes Anthony S. The campground sits at 7,300 feet elevation, making it an excellent staging area for day rides.
Fishing opportunities: Clear Creek Reservoir provides accessible fishing locations for riders. "Options for paddle boarding or fishing here, desert-like but surrounded by mountains," reports Katie H. The reservoir is approximately 7 miles from the main road and offers multiple spots where horses can be secured while anglers try their luck.
Alpine exploration: The North Cottonwood Trailhead area combines horse-friendly terrain with wildlife viewing. "Seen a Moose and her baby. Nice large camping spots next to the creek the further to the trailhead you go," shares Misty D. The trail system connects to several alpine lakes suitable for multi-day riding adventures.
What campers like
Creek access: Many horse-friendly sites feature water access. At Four Mile Road Dispersed, campers appreciate the natural water sources. "Beautiful spot and very few other people. Cute river running throughout," notes Mike C. The sound of flowing water helps mask horse movements overnight.
Seclusion between sites: Horse campers prefer adequate spacing for safety. "The sites are well-maintained, spacious, and thoughtfully spaced for privacy," reports Paulina B. about Lost Lake Campground. This separation helps prevent horse-to-horse confrontations and provides better overnight containment options.
Mountain views: The elevated camping areas provide excellent scenery while offering practical advantages for horses. "We ended up finding a pull off that had a gravel road that accessed several campsites," Tommie J. explains about North Cottonwood. The gravel surfaces provide stable footing for horses while trailers can be positioned to create natural containment areas.
What you should know
Variable road conditions: Access roads to prime horse camping locations can present challenges. For Musician's Camp, "the road is ok, but not great getting there," according to Bob D. Sites nearest to trailheads typically require higher clearance vehicles when pulling horse trailers.
Limited amenities: Most horse-friendly campgrounds near Meredith offer minimal facilities. "This area's minimum suggested practice was to dig your 'cat hole' at least 6 inches deep, 100 feet or more away from water, camping and trail locations," reports Tommie J. Bring water containers for both human and equine needs.
Wildlife awareness: Horses may be nervous due to local wildlife. "We had a visit from a momma and baby bear the first night of our stay so be prepared for visits," warns Heather about North Cottonwood Trailhead. Secure feed, use bear-resistant containers, and consider portable electric fencing for overnight containment.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly sites: When introducing children to horse camping, choose appropriate locations. "Great for First-time Campers," says "el barto" about Musician's Camp. The more established sites offer flatter terrain for setting up corrals and tend to be closer to emergency exit routes.
Water features: Streams provide both recreation and practical horse care options. At Clear Creek Reservoir, "Our camp site was right next to the water and shaded. Parked right next to our site," reports Shelby C. Children can play while horses cool down after rides.
Evening wildlife viewing: Many equestrian-friendly sites offer wildlife observation opportunities. "The best part about the trip was we got to ski before and when we got back the bar was still open," notes Fain H. about Four Mile Road. For family horse camping, this combination of activities keeps everyone engaged during non-riding hours.
Tips from RVers
Trailer positioning: At Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping, horse trailers require strategic placement. "There is a lot of hiking trails and some cool spots to visit down by the lakes," explains Dwight R. Position trailers on level ground with the hitch facing downhill for easier departure, especially during wet conditions.
Water access planning: RV campers with horses need to consider water transport. "The sites that are accessed via side gravel roads do have road designations. The one we chose was 365B and was clearly marked with a reflective post sign," explains Tommie J. Most sites require bringing water containers for horses or finding safe paths to natural water sources.
Camp layout efficiency: When setting up horse camping with an RV, organization matters. "If you have a 4x4 vehicle and can make your way toward the trailhead for south Mt Elbert, there are some amazing spots," notes Brielle E. Arrange your campsite with designated areas for cooking, horse containment, and equipment storage to minimize cross-contamination.
Ranger
