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Bear Creek Lake Park offers horseback riding trails and an active equestrian program through its on-site stables. The park combines camping accommodations with direct access to riding opportunities, making it a popular destination for equestrians visiting the Wheat Ridge area. Trails wind through the 2,600-acre park, providing scenic rides with views of the foothills and Denver skyline. Many visitors specifically mention the quality of the sunset trail rides as a highlight of their stay at the Indian Paintbrush Campground within the park.
Located minutes from both Denver and the mountains, Bear Creek Lake Park provides convenient access to regional equestrian trails while offering camping options including tent sites, RV spaces, yurts, and cabins. Horse owners appreciate the park's comprehensive facilities that include stables, riding rings, and multiple trail options for different skill levels. The trail system connects to broader networks in the surrounding foothills, allowing for varied riding experiences from short loops to longer backcountry excursions. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby equestrian areas including Golden Gate Canyon State Park, which offers additional horse-friendly trails. Daily trail rides connect campers to the natural environment regardless of whether they bring their own horses, as rental options are available through the park's stable operation.
"Stay here a couple times a year, great amenities and lots to do with a swim beach, shore line, horses, boat ramp and model planes."
"Chatfield State Park is a great mixture of access to the outdoors with availability of many of the benefits of a metro area close by."
from $36 - $200 / night
Check Availability"Close proximity to the highway. Clean level spots. Geared more towards RV camping. Pros: great views of the foothills."
"So much to do in this little area-lakes, trails, horses. Very close to red rocks. This is still in town so great for beginners"
"area was plowed open to exactly the width of our trailer, so with more than three feet of snow on the ground we needed to get some exercise and do a bit of shoveling so we could back in and be able to walk"
"Late October is very unpredictable in Colorado for a camper who is primarily a tent camper."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"It’s we’ll thought out with lots of activity areas like, mountain bike trail, shooting area, off leash dog area, model airfield, equestrian trails, lake and hiking trails!"
"I only gave it 4 stars because on the outskirts of the state park we have a lot of homeless camps popping up oblong Parker road and 225."
from $28 - $432 / night
Check Availability"This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to."
"Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado. We couldn’t believe it…so close but you feel incredibly removed once you get there."
from $28 - $90 / night
Check Availability"It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great."
"The Gross Resevoir outside Boulder is a great place for people to go for some recreation just outside the city. People commonly drop in a paddleboard or kayak."
"Walking distance to vault toilets. Some nice foresty hikes between Aspen Meadows and Reverend's Ridge. We could see some other campsites but didn't feel too squished."
"This site is surrounded by pine trees, aspens and boulders. Parking is a bit tight and the some of the sites pretty steep. Dude's Fishing Hole is within walking distance."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"Take the exit onto Fall River Road from the highway, a short road. You are then soon connected with forest service road of sorts York gultch."
"Might ROAD: Dirt, but not "off road trail"- again people live off of this road so its somewhat maintained. BEWARE OF RAIN WASHOUT AREAS, DIPS, AND WASHBOARD."
"The pit, very clean are at base, and there is a porta-potty by site 14, far enough away from 14 to not be a problem."
"We brought out the bike and did some trails to find the perfect spot and since we went in the middle of the week we had our choice of spot."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"Each of them have a parking area right along the road with a fire ring a short distance away surrounded by awesome rock outcroppings."
"A large number of established roadside dispersed camping spots to choose from. All spots have metal fire rings, so campfires are allowed even with Stage 1 fire restrictions in place."
LegendThis campground has a equestrian area and a tent camping area. The tent camping is to the right after you enter, there are two tent loops with bathrooms. Water spigots next to the bathroom. There are a few trails here, some are horse trails. Overall a beautiful spot with some shade!
TravelerThis is a bare bones remote campground with assigned sites and vault toilets. There is no potable water on site, so bring plenty of water for your stay. The 18 sites are on a first come basis and can't be reserved.
I don't own horses, but have seen some in the area so it is equestrian friendly. The campground is located in a canyon with high cliffs and there are several hiking and backpacking trails that branch off from the campground. The south fork of the white river runs through the campground affording good fly fishing.
While you can get to the campground in a standard automobile the gravel road is rutted in places as you get close to the campground and can become dicey in heavy rain or snow for the last mile or two.
I have been there numerous times as early as July and as late as September when snow can be expected.
GuideColorado campground is situated outside of Woodland Park (10 minute drive) and right next to Manitou lake. This is a great area central to the Pikes Peak wilderness area so many trails are nearby and activities while still being close to civilization if you forget something or choose to eat-out. The CG itself is large, but the sites are well spaced apart...it is a primitive CG with picnic table, fire-pit and gravel pull through or back-in spots. There are water spigots, vault toilets and garbage cans equally dispersed throughout. In the summer they have an educational series also on the weekends of various nature/wildlife "seminars" that are great for the kids in their small amphitheater, although i don't know how frequent they are scheduled. As others have stated its a short walk to the lake for fishing and canoeing if you choose. The CG is well maintained and hosts are friendly.
LegendCAMPGROUND REVIEW: COLORADO CAMPGROUND PIKE NATIONAL FOREST
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/colorado-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70684
Colorado Campground is one of several campgrounds less than 10 miles north of the city of Woodland Park off Route 67 in the Pike National Forest.
Situated at 7800 feet elevation, even summer nights get cool. Nearby 5 acre Manitou Lake is a trail walk away. You can toss your canoe or kayak in, but unless you are simply trout fishing, it’s tiny size doesn’t offer much variation.
Numerous foot trails lead into the National Forest, offering wonderfully quiet hikes and exploration.
There are 81 sites available, but some are adjacent to highway 67, so periodic road noise will be heard. The ponderosa pines assist in muffling highway noise.
Neighboring sites are visible across the entire campground, but they are situated in such a way that you are not directly on top of each other.
The back loop sites are larger and set deeper (Site 19, 20,21, 22, 23) which are my choice. Sites can be secured on www.recreation.gov. There are double sites which garner double fees. At the time of this review, sites are $23.00 nightly (a bit pricey for no showers or modern facilities). When there during the week, not including the host and groundskeeper, only four sites were filled. Most sites were reserved for weekends and upcoming Labor Day holiday.
No RV/Campers over 36 ft permitted. Parking pads are gravel, a few are pull-through. Sites are non-electric with no hookups…no showers Water spigots, metal trash containers and pit latrines are spaced out through the campground. Each site has one stationary picnic table and a fire pit. Most sites appeared fairly level. No specific tent pad locations.
With the towering ponderosa pines, there is ample shade.
Plenty of trails permit mountain biking as well as the paved centennial bike path that runs along highway 67 from Woodland Park 15 miles north…that you can walk, in-line, cycle and even ebike.
You have plenty of local activities to keep you busy, including the Red Rocks a couple miles south…or drive east on Rt 24 to Pikes Peak, or further into Manitou Springs for the Incline, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Garden of the gods and more!
Just six miles south into Woodland Park offers every food or shopping option.
All in all, a nice, clean campground in a great location.
GuideMy folks bought property you can ride to Indian Creek from. Love this area!!! Lots of beautiful trails, close to Denver and very peaceful. Bring your ponies, its an equestrian campground!
TravelerSite 5 was a great spot for a bigger group. It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great. We didn’t make it to the gross reservoir but it was nice to have the option of a good hike near by. It is very important that you have a high clearance car to drive on the road. It’s a lot like off roading on some parts. I would go back!
GuideThis is a great park. I camped in late July. With the exception of a few rain showers, the weather was great. This campground has all the privacy you would expect yet provides easy access to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountian National Forest. The Laramie County Staff that were on site were kind and helpful. I even had the chance to see some elk walk through while picking up firewood at the office. There are miles of trails within the park if you choose not to venture out to the National Forest. I will 100% be staying at this park again! Group sites and equestrian sites are available too.
GuideClose proximity to the highway. Clean level spots. Geared more towards RV camping. Pros: great views of the foothills. Lots of park amenities like horse stables, archery range, swim beach, boat rentals, hiking trails, picnic areas. Con: Orange glow of Home Depot sign at night and no shade during the day. Your camping reservation (strongly recommended) includes park admission.
GuideAlthough it was a quick overnight trip for us, don’t let that be you! It’s we’ll thought out with lots of activity areas like, mountain bike trail, shooting area, off leash dog area, model airfield, equestrian trails, lake and hiking trails! It’s a 4200 acre park with 850 acre reservoir. It’s a destination, really!
Bear Creek Lake Park equestrian facilities include an on-site stable and direct trail access from the Indian Paintbrush Campground. Riders can explore approximately 15 miles of multi-use trails across the 2,600-acre park, which sits at an elevation of 5,600 feet. The stable offers guided trail rides and riding lessons for campers without their own horses, plus seasonal sunset trail rides from April through October.
Trail riding with horses: Golden Gate Canyon State Park features over 35 miles of trails suitable for riders of all experience levels. "This park has great trails for hiking and mountain biking. There is also a high elevation lake as well as fantastic views of the continental divide," notes Mike M. from Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon.
Archery practice: Bear Creek Lake Park maintains a dedicated archery range where campers can practice their skills. "Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding," says Joshua H. from Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park, who appreciated the diversity of activities available.
Mountain biking: The trail systems connecting the horse campgrounds near Wheat Ridge offer excellent mountain biking opportunities. "So much to do in this little area-lakes, trails, horses. Very close to red rocks. This is still in town so great for beginners," explains Christina A. about Bear Creek Lake Park.
Water activities: Reservoirs and lakes near equestrian camping areas provide additional recreation. "Chatfield is such a great park; I've spent so much time biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, spending time with family," shares Jenny P. from Chatfield State Park Campground.
Convenient location: Equestrian-friendly campgrounds near Wheat Ridge provide quick mountain access while remaining close to urban amenities. "While this campground is minutes from the city and seconds from a highway, at night you feel like you are in a quiet, mountain campsite with stars to gaze for days," explains Kandisa S. about Bear Creek Lake Park.
Private campsites: Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon offers spacious sites for campers with horses. "Loop E (electric hookups) is very spacious and well laid out. Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs. Mostly level, fire rings, and very large metal picnic tables. Enormous amount of room," reports Dennis G.
Scenic views: The foothills setting of these equestrian campgrounds creates dramatic vistas. "Best of City Camping. Pros: great views of the foothills. Lots of park amenities like horse stables, archery range, swim beach, boat rentals, hiking trails, picnic areas," describes Jennifer L. from Bear Creek Lake Park.
Year-round accessibility: Some horse camping facilities in the Wheat Ridge area operate throughout the year. "This is one of our favorite spots to stay when visiting Denver area. Great for biking and all kinds of water sports. Laundry facility on each loop sites are spread out giving plenty of room between sites," notes Rick from Chatfield State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Wheat Ridge, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Wheat Ridge, CO is Chatfield State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 79 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Wheat Ridge, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 equestrian camping locations near Wheat Ridge, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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