17 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dispersed camping areas near Monarch, Colorado accommodate horses with varying levels of facilities. Browns Creek and Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site provide primitive camping options where riders can set up highlines for their horses. These areas feature large, open sites that accommodate horse trailers and multiple vehicles. The Colorado Trail passes through both locations, offering direct access to extensive riding routes. Sites are spaced well apart, providing adequate room for horses and camping equipment without designated corrals or pens.
North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping connects directly to the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area with multiple primitive camping spots along County Road 365. Located approximately 7-8 miles from Buena Vista, the access road requires high-clearance vehicles when hauling horse trailers. The sites feature natural water sources from nearby streams where horses can drink after filtering. Riders access the Colorado Trail system from multiple points near these camping areas, with connections to extensive backcountry routes. The terrain consists primarily of pine and aspen forests with some sites positioned near streams. No designated horse facilities exist, so equestrians must bring portable corrals or use highline systems between trees. Fire restrictions frequently affect this area during dry periods, requiring advance planning for overnight horse camping trips.
"Dispersed camping up at the lake. I say anything next to water is a bonus! For Night 1 we hiked in stayed somewhere off the trail, at what seemed like a horse camp stop."
"The hiking is good with several trailheads and easy access to the Colorado Trail."
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Bare bones but beautiful camping opportunity conveniently located near the trailhead to the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area in Colorado Campground Review:
Needing a spot to serve as a staging area"
"A lot of spots the further up you drive towards trailhead. Found a spot right next to the creek with room for several cars and framed in by trees. Sounds of water is awesome."
"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 are many different ways to explore the array of trails, so you can bike, take a four-wheeler, horse-back ride, hike, or just drive your car. There are about 3 toilets (nothing fancy)."
"This is exactly what we were looking for in Colorado, thanks to the previous reviewer we found it by dumb luck! Primitive camping at its finest. Absolutely stunning views."
"We were able to find dispersed camping if you keep driving down the road past the private ranch. There was a fire pit, shade, and a short walk to the river. Super dusty though."
"The campground’s location on the hillside allows for an excellent view of Twin Lakes and the surrounding mountains. Also close to the South Mt Elbert and Colorado Trail for easy hiking."
"high altitude. no showers, so come prepared. the camp manager is very helpful and gave us great tips for the mountain hike. it is some distance from the trailhead (although there is a trail from the campsite"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"30 bucks a night... some highway noise as this is situated right off the highway"
"Our site was level, very quiet, roomy, and comfortable with a lovely mix of sun and shade due to the surrounding trees."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"The Colorado trail/CDT passes close by and was a great evening hike from our camp. We ended up leaving around 9pm because there were 3-4 campfires around us, one super smoky and we have a baby."
"Great spot to camp, saw hikers off in the distance a few times but overall all to myself. This site definitely requires high clearance! There were quite a few campsites nearby which were taken."
"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"
TravelerDispersed camping up at the lake. I say anything next to water is a bonus!
For Night 1 we hiked in stayed somewhere off the trail, at what seemed like a horse camp stop. Night 2 we stayed up at the lake campground. Got there early afternoon and was able to claim a prime spot. There is not much access to the water, so those spots get taken up rather quickly.
Great views, awesome sunrise.
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.
ScoutFinally checked out this campground and will definitely return. The campground’s location on the hillside allows for an excellent view of Twin Lakes and the surrounding mountains. Also close to the South Mt Elbert and Colorado Trail for easy hiking. Basic amenities (toilets, drinking water, trash, etc.) and no showers.
TravelerThe 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.
Guidevery remote! high altitude. no showers, so come prepared. the camp manager is very helpful and gave us great tips for the mountain hike. it is some distance from the trailhead (although there is a trail from the campsite to the trailhead if you want to add another 8+ mi to your hike). very shady campside, which was nice and cool. stunning view of the Twin lakes Reservoir.
RangerKinda busy with good access to Browns creek and the Colorado trail, but otherwise quiet if you can squeeze in. Easy for trailers too.
TravelerGreat dispersed camping, easy to get to only a short way off the main road. We arrived 4pm on a Friday and all the spots with the best views were taken. Plenty further into the woods though we had multiple options still. The Colorado trail/CDT passes close by and was a great evening hike from our camp. We ended up leaving around 9pm because there were 3-4 campfires around us, one super smoky and we have a baby. A bummer for us but normal people probably wouldn’t have minded. Expect to have neighbors!
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
GuideDefinitely best of all worlds. If you want more trees, stay further in or closer to the road. If you want to stay close to the edge of the mountain, there's that too. Little more off-road in this area but lots of spots. It's just north up the pay Lakeview campground.
Dispersed camping near Monarch, Colorado ranges in elevation from 8,500 to 9,500 feet with accessible sites throughout San Isabel National Forest and surrounding BLM land. The area experiences dramatic weather shifts even in summer months, with afternoon thunderstorms common from July through September. Most dispersed sites sit in pine and aspen forests with creeks providing natural water sources that require filtering.
Fishing access points: Areas near Clear Creek Reservoir offer multiple fishing spots with creek and lake options. "Tons of sites along the road leading up to the trailhead. They vary in size and flatness. Managed to find a spot less than a quarter mile from the trailhead coming in late on a Thursday," notes Ryan L.
Mountain biking trails: The Hartman Rocks Recreation Area connects to extensive trail networks suitable for various skill levels. "This area is large and has tons of dispersed campsites, but they're connected by a network of bumpy and rocky roads. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle with 4WD (like a Jeep Wrangler) - otherwise, don't even attempt," advises Dan E.
Colorado Trail access: North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping provides direct connections to the Colorado Trail for day hiking or backpacking. "Travel safe," reminds one camper who adds that "Twin Lakes was also very beautiful in the valley. Verizon service was great."
Privacy between sites: At Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site, campers appreciate the spacing. "We loved it! Very spread out, lots of space. Our camping spot was excellent and provided great views and seclusion. The creek on the map didn't have any water in it though and the sun was brutal for a few hours," shares Nicole W.
Creek sounds for sleeping: Multiple sites offer water-adjacent camping. One visitor to Clear Creek Reservoir noted, "Our camp site was right next to the water and shaded. Parked right next to our site. Only issue with our stay was someone came late (around 2300) and set up camp right next to our tent."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forest areas support diverse wildlife. A camper at North Cottonwood reports, "Great for Weekend quick trip. Seen a Moose and her baby. Nice large camping spots next to the creek the further to the trailhead you go."
Water availability varies: Many creeks run seasonally. At Raspberry Gulch, a camper noted: "The creek was dry but other than that we loved it!!" Always bring sufficient water or proper filtration equipment.
Challenging access roads: Many horse campgrounds near Monarch require high-clearance vehicles. A visitor to Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping observed, "The road is rather bumpy and when it rains it will be a total mess. Most of the time this has to be extremely busy."
Weather unpredictability: Summer afternoon storms are common. "We experienced temperatures of 70's during the day and mid 40's at night. We did have the typical misty rain in the evening but it didn't last long and the ground absorbed it well," a North Cottonwood camper reports.
Site selection timing: For best equestrian camping spots, arrive midweek. "We arrived 4pm on a Friday and all the spots with the best views were taken. Plenty further into the woods though we had multiple options still," notes a Twin Lakes visitor.
Noise considerations: Some sites get busy on weekends. A Clear Creek Reservoir camper shared: "the wkends are total chaos and noise of all kinds, unavoidable and self inflicted like loud music and generators."
Activities for kids: Lakeview Campground offers established sites with family-friendly amenities near horseback riding trails. "The Continental Divide Trail goes right through the middle of the campground, so you have access to great hiking," reports Annie C.
Trailer access points: For horse trailers, Browns Creek offers suitable parking. "There are extensive sites in the area for all sizes of rigs. There is plenty of room and easy access for large rigs or tent camping," notes Doug W.
Generator etiquette: In high-use areas, generator noise can be disruptive. At Clear Creek Reservoir, a camper reported: "while we were there the one near our camp ran its loud generator all night long. Kind of annoying."
Site selection for large rigs: RVers with horse trailers should scout ahead. At Raspberry Gulch, one visitor recommends: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Monarch, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Monarch, CO is Browns Creek with a 4.5-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Monarch, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Monarch, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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