21 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Horse camping near Nathrop, Colorado ranges from free dispersed sites with spacious pull-throughs to shaded sites at the base of 14,000-foot peaks, making the area one of the strongest equestrian camping destinations in the Sawatch Range. Browns Creek dispersed camping area features extensive sites suitable for large rigs and horse trailers with ample room between campsites for privacy. The large, level sites can accommodate multiple vehicles, trailers, and tents, making them ideal for group equestrian camping. Located between Salida and Buena Vista, these free camping areas follow all National Forest Service rules while offering direct access to multiple trailheads. Browns Creek sites are managed by the Forest Service and are spread throughout ponderosa pine forests and open meadows with views of nearby 14,000-foot peaks.
Forest Road 272 serves as the main access route to these horse-friendly dispersed sites, with several spur roads (273 and 274) offering additional camping options. The gravel roads are well-maintained and accessible for most vehicles without requiring 4x4 capabilities. Nearby Browns Creek Trail provides excellent riding opportunities with vault toilets available at the trailhead. Raspberry Gulch dispersed site, positioned at the base of Mount Princeton and Mount Antero, offers similar amenities with heavily shaded sites. Horse owners appreciate the close proximity to multiple trailheads, including access points to the Colorado Trail where riders frequently encounter thru-hikers. These camping areas are especially popular during early season as the southern Sawatch Range tends to melt out sooner than other mountain regions.
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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"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."
"This Colorado state park brings visitors year-round for all types of recreation. We have traveled here several times, both tent camping and in our camper."
"By far my favorite campground in Colorado. Sites all have great views and are paved. The park is clean and rangers are always around checking in. Close to town and great hikes. Can’t wait to go back!"
from $28 - $270 / night
Check Availability"This is a wonderful campground at the end of the road near the dam and right next to the Platte. This is a wonderful spot for fly fishing, and can get busy sharing the river with day visitors."
"There is a trail above the camp that will take you up to some beautiful views through a meadow. Right in the camp are over 5 established bouldering routes and even more in the hill above camp."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"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)."
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.
GuideGreat location within Colorado's Mueller State Park. Easy access to trails, visitor center, and scenic drives. Nice large site with level gravel tent pad, large table, and nice fire pit. Nearby sites seemed to be a good distance away.
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.
GuideThe Lodgepole and all of the Jefferson campgrounds provide great access to the Colorado trail. I’ve camped here several times, but be sure to catch it in the fall! The colors are amazing. Just a short drive to Jefferson Lake, or you can hop on the Colorado trail just across the road. Not the most secluded sites, but plenty of trees and shade to feel private enough.
TravelerThis was a great stay, conveniently located just down 285 for a short get away during the work week. We stayed for 3 days and during that time there were only a few other campers here. All of the sites are surrounded by trees, there is quite a bit of shade, and even though it is very close to 285 I thought the road noise was pretty minimal. The campground is very clean, the camp sites were nicely spaced out, the vaulted toilets were very clean, even though we had brought plenty of water there is a water pump (we did not use it so can't speak to it), and having a trash dumpster on the grounds was convenient. The camp host, Dan, was very nice and we saw him on multiple days so it's nice to know there is someone around day or night. The trailhead for section 6 of the Colorado Trail is right next to the campgrounds so we checked out a portion while we were here and loved it. There is no Verizon service anywhere on the campgrounds
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.
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.
Dispersed camping areas surrounding Nathrop, Colorado sit at elevations between 7,500-9,500 feet in the Arkansas Valley, creating unique high-desert camping conditions. Summer temperatures range from 45-85°F with significant nighttime cooling even during July and August. Most dispersed sites lack developed infrastructure and remain accessible from late April through October, with higher elevation sites closing earlier due to snowfall.
Hiking on Colorado Trail: Multiple dispersed camping areas provide direct access to the Colorado Trail. At Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site, "We came up early in May on Memorial Day holiday weekend and it was super busy as expected. Lots of larger sites for RV's and large groups. Found an area right off the Colorado Trail trailhead" (Lilliana S.).
Fish mountain streams: Several campgrounds offer angling opportunities in nearby creeks and reservoirs. The Clear Creek Reservoir area has "extensive sites in the area for all sizes of rigs. There is plenty of room and easy access for large rigs or tent camping. FR 272 is the main road in but there are several spur roads, 273 and 274 that have plenty of options also" (Doug W.).
Wildlife viewing: Camp visitors can spot diverse wildlife ranging from large mammals to birds. "Camped right underneath a few rocks and kid absolutely loved to climb rocks even with thin air in high altitude... I was able to get good night sleep before and after solo climbing Mt. Democrat" (Frank C. at Matukat Road).
Camping near 14ers: The proximity to multiple fourteeners appeals to peak baggers. At North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping, one camper noted, "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. Couldn't hear any other campers. Road in is fine for most cars" (Kelsie S.).
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas offer significant separation between camping spots. "This is a beautiful state campground. 30 amp electrical hook ups. Along with fireplaces and picnic tables at each site. Awesome hiking trails with views of the mountains. Easy access to local eateries and shopping. Verizon, 2 bars" (Kenneth F. at Mueller State Park).
Fall colors viewing: The aspen groves provide exceptional autumn displays. One camper at Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping shared, "We had a blast with this spot, arrived late at night and woke up inside an aspen grove. There is a lot of hiking trails and some cool spots to visit down by the lakes" (Dwight R.).
Fire restrictions vary: Always check current fire regulations before your trip. "Road getting in was very bumpy but manageable in my Outback. Drove down the road and took a hike with the dogs. Great trail. Rained a little but it was not a big deal. Decent amount of traffic on the road throughout the day and into the evening" (Luke R. at North Cottonwood Trailhead).
Limited cell service: Coverage can be inconsistent across the region. "Last spot on the road in near the trailhead was still pretty wide open and a few cars lingered. By morning woke up to our campsite in a parking lot! This trailhead is the start to mt. Harvard 14er!" (Angelique C. at North Cottonwood Trailhead).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Nathrop, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Nathrop, CO is Browns Creek with a 4.5-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Nathrop, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 equestrian camping locations near Nathrop, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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