Best Equestrian Camping near Mosca, CO

South Fork Campground provides equestrian trailer parking and access to trails for horseback riding and hiking. Located along the Rio Grande River, this campground accommodates tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping options with facilities designed for horse owners. The campground features picnic tables, fire rings, and clean pit toilets maintained by camp hosts. Sites vary in size, with some able to fit 4-5 tents, making them suitable for group equestrian camping. Campsites are positioned close together, with several situated directly on the river offering beautiful views and easy water access for horses.

The Alvarado Campground connects to several wonderful hiking and horseback riding trails accessible directly from the camping area. Located at 9,000 feet elevation, the campground is surrounded by trees with views of the valley below. Horse owners should note that while the campground accommodates horses, it cannot handle fifth wheels, only horse trailers and RVs up to 30 feet. Many sites in the 30s range are suitable primarily for vans, while the 40s section offers better tent camping options. Sites below 30 to 1 are generally more spacious. The campground provides picnic tables, permanent fire pits, and clean vault toilets, with water available seasonally after testing is completed.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Mosca, Colorado (13)

    2. Alvarado Campground

    16 Reviews
    Westcliffe, CO
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $30 - $60 / night

    "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."

    3. Holbrook Road

    Be the first to review!
    Blanca, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 852-7074

    4. Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    3 Reviews
    Moffat, CO
    28 miles
    Website

    "The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts."

    "The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts."

    5. Willow Creek Trail

    1 Review
    Crestone, SC
    26 miles
    Website

    "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."

    7. Huerfano State Wildlife Area

    1 Review
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    27 miles

    8. Cotton Creek Trailhead

    3 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 657-3321

    "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"

    9. South Fork Campground

    4 Reviews
    South Fork, CO
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 873-5500

    $29 - $42 / night

    "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."

    10. Ponderosa Campground

    5 Reviews
    Capulin, CO
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 376-5857

    "The drive in is easy on Route 17 and does not require a vehicle with high ground clearance. They do allow campfires, they have clean bathrooms and a shower house."

    "Close to lots of fishing and hiking in the area. Beautiful place to watch the sunset and the stars at night. Nice and quiet at night."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Mosca, CO

1 Photos of 13 Mosca Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Mosca, CO

40 Reviews of 13 Mosca Campgrounds


  • J
    Jul. 31, 2018

    South Fork Campground

    Great campground by the river

    This 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.

  • Cindy R.
    Jun. 28, 2021

    Alvarado Campground

    Loved with a few exceptions

    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. 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.

  • P
    May. 18, 2021

    Alvarado Campground

    Beautiful Spot, Would Return

    We 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.

  • C
    Jul. 13, 2018

    South Fork Campground

    Beautiful River view sites

    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.

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2019

    South Fork Campground

    South Fork Campground + The Rio Grande River + Fly Fishing

    My friend and I stayed at the South Fork Campground for a fly fishing trip.  

    The campground seems to be primarily a RV campground with 50 sites, but they do allow tent camping with 6 sites. There is an office at the entrance and the staff were friendly. Next to the office is a community room and laundry room.

    The RV sites have water and electric hookup. The tent sites do not - at least ours did not. There are restrooms with sinks, toilets and showers nearby the campsites.

    The campground itself sits on the Rio Grande River which is a world class fly fishing river. When we were visiting the river was flowing fast and deep, so it was not a very productive time. We choose to fish in the mountain lakes and streams instead.

    Overall the South Fork Campground is a nice place to stay for a few days or longer. The campsites were a little close in proximity for me, but I'm one that is accustomed to backcountry camping where there are few people around. The campground is a short drive to the town of South Fork where there are grocery stores, gas stations and outdoor gear and fly fishing stores.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Alvarado Campground

    One of those gems

    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. 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.

  • Sarah F.
    Aug. 3, 2020

    South Fork Campground

    Rollin on the River

    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? 

    Full hookups were great.  Owners were fantastic and friendly. 

    The town of South Fork is very small but you can get groceries and gas.  South Fork is on the East side of Wolf Creek Pass, which is a beautiful, steep, drive.  The best part about the area is the ample amount of fishing.  This area is an anglers dream, reservoirs in every corner of the map with the Rio Grande at your fingertips.  Fishing dreams made!

    Campground spots were well positioned but a tiny bit close.  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.

  • Glenna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Alvarado Campground

    Great campground!

    We arrived around 830am on a July Saturday morning and found a handful of spots available to select from. We were a party of five with one large tent, one medium size tent and 2 vehicles. Luckily spot 43 at the top of the loop was available and able to accommodate our group. It was located close to water and a pit toilet as well. The host was attentive and cleaned and stocked the toilet. The campground was beautiful and had access to several wonderful trails. The night sky was amazing after the rain passed through and the clouds cleared. There was a group at a lower loop that was playing really loud music until well after quiet time. I do wish the host had put an end to that. Firewood was available for purchase at the host, but we were allowed to gather our own as well. All in all, a wonderful location and we were glad to find a spot and would love to return.

  • Michael M.
    Aug. 30, 2017

    Ponderosa Campground

    The River runs through it

    The website listed for this campground is correct Ponderosa campground Antonito, CO.

    Phone 719.376.5857

    This is a very relaxing place to stay and it seems like most of the people there have been there many times before. The drive in is easy on Route 17 and does not require a vehicle with high ground clearance. They do allow campfires, they have clean bathrooms and a shower house. I stayed in a backpacking tent after driving all day arriving on a Friday at about 4:00 PM. The campground is set-up for small campers and has some cabins for rent too. The bathrooms with showers are clean and comfortable. The sites have fire rings with grates and picnic tables. The owner manager is great, providing quality fishing advice, conversation and even a free cup of coffee in the morning. Hiking on the CDT is near the campground and fishing is right in the campground. The steam train is right up the pass and I happened to be there the night before opening day catching a photo when I drove over the pass to Chama New Mexico. The Cumbres and Toltec Train traveling between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. This is a very nice drive and Chama is a cool place to visit, it is a trail town on the CDT.

    I will visit this campground again for sure.


Guide to Mosca

Horse camping in Colorado offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With various campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Tips for equestrian camping near Mosca, Colorado

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites and access to trails

  • The Huerfano State Wildlife Area offers a wonderfully isolated setting with group and individual sites, ideal for horse camping.
  • At the Cotton Creek Trailhead, you’ll find large dispersed spots with fire rings, perfect for relaxing after a day on horseback.
  • The South Fork Campground is located near the Rio Grande, providing excellent fishing and riding opportunities in a scenic valley.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • The Hermit Pass OHV area features beautiful scenery and rugged trails, perfect for adventurous horse riders.
  • Enjoy the stunning views and starry nights at The Chicken Ranch, where you can also explore nearby hiking trails.
  • The Mesita Ranch offers a peaceful environment with access to trails, making it a great base for equestrian adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mosca, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mosca, CO is Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mosca, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Mosca, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.