Equestrian camping near Mosca, Colorado offers access to diverse terrain at elevations ranging from 7,500 to 9,000 feet, with trails connecting to extensive wilderness areas throughout the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and San Luis Valley. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F nights to 85°F days, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Many horse-friendly sites require advance planning as dedicated equestrian camping areas fill quickly during peak season.
What to do
Trail riding from camp: Several campgrounds near Mosca provide direct access to horseback riding trails. At Alvarado Campground, one camper noted, "Trail access is great too. Plenty to see and do!" while another mentioned, "This campground is beautiful and had access to several wonderful trails."
Fishing along the Rio Grande: The river offers excellent fishing opportunities within minutes of your campsite. At South Fork Campground, campers appreciate that "This area is an anglers dream, reservoirs in every corner of the map with the Rio Grande at your fingertips."
Stargazing: The San Luis Valley provides exceptional dark sky viewing. At Cotton Creek Trailhead, a camper shared, "Once the wind settled, there were more stars than I've ever seen in my life. Endless views and endless stars - can't beat it!"
What campers like
Secluded sites: Many campers value privacy at dispersed sites. At Ventana Arch Dispersed Camp, visitors report, "This is the quietest campsite I've ever been to. Literally zero sounds, not even bugs! Great for peaceful getaway."
Riverside locations: Camping alongside water is highly rated. As one South Fork Campground visitor described, "Spots right on the river are pure bliss. Full hookups and the sound of the Rio Grande to lull you to sleep."
Elevation benefits: The higher altitude campgrounds offer cooler summer temperatures. A visitor to Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground mentioned, "This is only about 12 miles from the Great Sand Dunes National Park and also on the way the Crater Lake. There are several dispersed campsites."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Not all sites at popular campgrounds are equal. A reviewer at Alvarado Campground advised, "Lower sites are larger, more open, and more recently updated. Sites further uphill are in a mixed state of dilapidation."
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires careful driving. At Cotton Creek Trailhead, a camper warned, "The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow."
Seasonal challenges: Weather and insects vary significantly by season. At Ponderosa Campground, one camper noted, "Unknown if it's seasonal but the biting flies, primarily deer flies are beyond bearable, I survived 4 days, most other campers left after one night."
Tips for camping with families
Group-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. As one South Fork Campground visitor mentioned, "Campsites are close together, some smaller and some better for groups. Site #5 can fit 4-5 tents."
Water access points: Sites near water provide natural entertainment. A Ponderosa Campground visitor shared, "The view was beautiful and it's a short hike down to wade in the cool water."
Navigation challenges: Use proper maps rather than apps. According to a Cotton Creek visitor, "Do not route via Apple Maps, it will try to take you through a private road. Don't follow the 'major trail' signs, just find the side road this spot is on and drive up and you'll find it."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many campgrounds have strict vehicle length restrictions for horse trailers and RVs. One Alvarado Campground visitor warned, "The campground won't accommodate fifth wheels only horse and rv up to 30 or so. Many of the sites in the 30s up are useless other than a van."
Rig positioning: Select sites that work best for your specific RV layout. At South Fork Campground, a reviewer suggested, "I would highly recommend any of the ones on the river, you have plenty of space to spread out between the picnic table, fire ring and grassy area by the river's edge."
Water and power planning: Know which hookups are available. At Huerfano State Wildlife Area, campers noted the area is "wonderfully isolated" but lacks hookups, requiring self-sufficiency for extended stays.
