14 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several horse-friendly camping options exist near Moffat, Colorado, though none of the campgrounds in the area feature dedicated horse corrals according to available data. South Fork Campground provides equestrian trailer parking and access to trails suitable for horseback riding. The campground sits along the Rio Grande River, offering both tent and RV sites with picnic tables and fire pits. Campers report good fishing opportunities and trails for hiking and horseback riding in the secluded valley. The campground has clean pit toilets maintained by camp hosts. Sites vary in size, with some accommodating multiple tents, making it suitable for group equestrian camping.
Alvarado Campground connects to several hiking trails that can accommodate horses, though riders should be aware that trails are described as narrow in some reviews, potentially creating challenges when encountering other users. Located near Westcliffe, this campground offers tent and RV sites with picnic tables and fire rings. The campground is accessible from May through October, with water availability dependent on seasonal testing. Horse owners should note that while the trails are accessible for riding, they are shared with hikers and ATV users, creating potential safety concerns. The surrounding area features breathtaking mountain scenery with wildlife viewing and wildflower opportunities during summer months. Proper trail etiquette is essential when sharing these multi-use paths.
"I absolutely love this area of Colorado. It's breathtaking no matter which direction you look. Decent campground that was a bit too big for my taste."
"There are several hiking trails nearby. The vault toilets were right by us and we didn’t have any issues with smell, and they were the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen."
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Don’t follow the “major trail” signs, just find the side road this spot is on and drive up and you’ll find it. You will have to travel like 5-10mph for the last like mile. High clearance not required"
"Approx 15 or so dispersed camp sites along the forest road up to the parking lot for Willow Lake trail. Easy access to sites, easy access to trail head. Restrooms also available at trailhead."
"Large well-spaced sites within a short driving distance to BV. Great access to the colorado trail."
"Kinda busy with good access to Browns creek and the Colorado trail, but otherwise quiet if you can squeeze in. Easy for trailers too."
"Beautiful views and a great walking path for my dog. I could have gone for miles. People are super friendly and it’s clean! Close to hiking. Well worth the visit"
"The site we got had our door facing another camper's door and our picnic tables were next to eachother, so we didn't spend much time hanging out outside."
"Good fishing opportunities and trails for hiking and horseback riding. Spring cave is open seasonally April 15-aug15 with permit required to protect the bats from White nose syndrome."
"Nestled next to the Rio Grande River hand its gorgeous. This is the Rio Grande in Colorado so there's plenty of running water for tubing, rafting and fishing."
from $29 - $42 / night
Check Availability
TravelerLarge well-spaced sites within a short driving distance to BV. Great access to the colorado trail. Portable toilets available at the intersection of 270 and 272 (the road leading to browns creek trailhead). Minimal wash boarding as of May 2026.
TravelerThis campground is in a secluded lovely valley on the south fork of the white river. Good fishing opportunities and trails for hiking and horseback riding. Spring cave is open seasonally April 15-aug15 with permit required to protect the bats from White nose syndrome. The cave is beautiful, and also wet and cold. Helmet and lights and good warm clothes are essential!
Campsites are close together, some smaller and some better or groups. Site#5 can fit 4-5 tents. Pit toilets which are kept very clean by camp host. Equestrian trailer parking available.
TravelerI absolutely love this area of Colorado. It's breathtaking no matter which direction you look. Decent campground that was a bit too big for my taste. I agree with another reviewer: choose your site wisely! Dirty vault toilets. Water spigots that were almost all dripping (some almost running). I believe it should be posted at time of reservation if there are STEPS involved to set up camp. This site had maybe 10 steps, some in desperate need of repair. As a senior solo camper, this was challenging. This site was not my choice but the only one available for my time-frame (right next door to the camp host and on the main/incoming road). When we were there, no availability of firewood from camp host, but a load did arrive while we were there. Really noisy campground (plenty of barking dogs), PLUS,a helicopter was doing a training mission two of the days we were there and flew directly over the campground, low-level, 3-5 times each day.
No bear boxes. (there was a hiker/bear interaction on the Venable trail on June 17th.)
Positives were wildlife, scenery, wildflowers, awesome hiking both directions out of the campground, nice fellow campers (those we met).
In hindsight, I would have been really upset if I'd paid full price.
RangerKinda busy with good access to Browns creek and the Colorado trail, but otherwise quiet if you can squeeze in. Easy for trailers too.
GuideClose to hiking at browns which is really pretty hike and lots of options. We found a place on Memorial Day without a reservation which never happens in Colorado. It is near the co trail too! Quiet enough for our 1 year old
GuideWe stayed at Alvarado for one night on 5/15/2021. We had sites 34 and 35 right across the road from each other. Steve the host was really friendly and stopped by to say hello a couple of times. There are several hiking trails nearby. The vault toilets were right by us and we didn’t have any issues with smell, and they were the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen. The water was closed when we were there because they were waiting on test results before they could open, they did end up opening the water on Sunday so I’m assuming it’s good to go for the season now. Town is really close by (maybe 15 min) so we just went into town and filled up water jugs. Site 34 was a bit close to the campsite next to us. We ended up going to sleep when our neighbors did just because we thought even low voices would be a disturbance to them in their tents. Other than the close proximity, the sites were great and nicely maintained. The sites higher than 35 seem to be spaced a bit further apart so would probably go to the upper sites next time. Great campsite, would return again!
Nice picnic tables and permanent fire pits/grates (which means you can typically use even during stage one fire bans) at every site. A lot of dumpsters and water spots, as well as toilets.
GuideNestled next to the Rio Grande River hand its gorgeous. This is the Rio Grande in Colorado so there's plenty of running water for tubing, rafting and fishing.
RangerIt is gorgeous and so easy to access. From the 285 going north turn left on County road 270 until it becomes the 272 we went straight to the 274. At the cross of 2 National Forests, San Isabel and pike . We arrived around 5 pm on a Wednesday and most of the spots were taken but we were able to find one to fit our 40 feet toy hauler. We went for a hike, there were multiple hiking trails including access to the Colorado Trail. We also rode our mountain bikes on 272, 274A and the 273. It was very quiet and the sky was amazing at night. I highly recommend it if you are traveling on the 285.
GuideThe campground won't accommodate fifth wheels only horse and rv up to 30 or so. Many of the sites in the 30,s up are useless other than a van. Tent sites are not good. Very uneven pads. The 40,s are much better and all mostly tents. The sites below 30 to 1 are pretty nice. Must say the hosts for the new concession explorUS were doing a bang up job.
Horse-friendly camping options in the Moffat, Colorado area offer access to a variety of terrain types at elevations typically ranging from 7,500 to 9,000 feet. The region's high desert climate creates stark temperature differences between day and night, often dropping 30-40 degrees after sunset. Most dispersed sites near Moffat don't have dedicated equestrian facilities, but several campgrounds accommodate horse trailers with access to riding trails.
Fishing the Rio Grande: South Fork Campground provides direct access to the Rio Grande River for anglers. As one camper noted, "Nestled next to the Rio Grande River and its gorgeous. This is the Rio Grande in Colorado so there's plenty of running water for tubing, rafting and fishing." The campground serves as an excellent base for fishing expeditions.
Mountain biking: Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site offers multiple trail options for mountain bikers. A reviewer mentioned, "We also rode our mountain bikes on 272, 274A and the 273. It was very quiet and the sky was amazing at night." The area connects to the Colorado Trail for more extensive riding opportunities.
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution around Moffat creates exceptional night sky viewing. At Cotton Creek Trailhead, campers report stellar experiences: "The sky is GORGEOUS. The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow. I've never seen so many stars!"
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas near Moffat offer good separation between campsites. One visitor to Raspberry Gulch noted, "We camped here ahead of whitewater rafting and found a huge, private site... Great views and areas to walk around."
Hot springs proximity: Several camping areas provide convenient access to hot springs. A Raspberry Gulch visitor shared: "Very close drive to the Mt Princeton Hot Springs," making it easy to enjoy natural thermal waters after a day of trail riding.
Riverside camping: South Fork Campground offers coveted riverside sites. One reviewer explained, "Spots right on the river are pure bliss. Full hookups and the sound of the Rio Grande to lull you to sleep. How great is that?" These waterfront sites are particularly popular during summer months.
Rough access roads: Many horse-friendly camping areas near Moffat require navigating difficult terrain. At Hermit Pass OHV, one camper warned: "Your vehicle will prob need new brakes after this trip. Super beautiful but the road never eases up."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas lack amenities. At Huerfano State Wildlife Area, a visitor noted: "This is a wonderfully isolated, dispersed camping area. There are group sites and individual ones, scattered bathrooms, and a few picnic tables. Not much to do nearby, but the campsite is beautiful."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds close during winter months. Royal Gorge KOA operates from "Apr 15 to Oct 1," while others may have flexible seasons depending on weather conditions and elevation.
Activity options: Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA offers numerous family-friendly amenities. One visitor explained, "The campsite pads were great, shelter building with water and a grill, kids rode go carts, the big slide, and putt putt." Another mentioned, "We were there for a few, big, afternoon thunderstorms, one of which caused a little flooding around the office."
Site selection: Choose your campsite carefully when visiting horse campgrounds near Moffat. At Alvarado Campground, a reviewer advised: "I love/hate this campground after staying here several times... Some sites don't have a good place to put a tent. On our last visit, meadow voles spent the night climbing up and down our tent poles."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many camping areas offer chances to observe local wildlife. Near Ventana Arch Dispersed Camp, one camper shared their experience: "Overnight with One of my dogs had a great time very nice no bugs dark night," highlighting the peaceful environment for both pets and wildlife observation.
Site accessibility: When bringing an RV to horse campgrounds near Moffat, verify site dimensions. At Alvarado Campground, a visitor noted: "The campground won't accommodate fifth wheels only horse and rv up to 30 or so. Many of the sites in the 30's up are useless other than a van."
Hookup availability: Most dispersed sites lack hookups, but some established campgrounds offer them. At Royal Gorge KOA, a camper shared: "Very nice campground, friendly staff, clean facilities. The site we got had our door facing another camper's door and our picnic tables were next to each other, so we didn't spend much time hanging out outside."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly. A camper at Royal Gorge KOA advised: "We arrived after the rain, and the sites had gravel streams pouring through them." Having leveling blocks and drainage solutions helps manage unexpected weather events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Moffat, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Moffat, CO is Alvarado Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Moffat, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Moffat, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
