29 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir provides limited facilities for primitive horse camping with accessible riding trails. The campground features designated camping areas near the reservoir with open space suitable for portable horse corrals. High clearance vehicles and 4-wheel drive are necessary to access most sites due to rough forest roads. While no permanent horse corrals exist, the dispersed sites offer adequate space for setting up portable containment. Recent visitors report finding spots large enough to accommodate both horses and camping equipment, though competition for sites increases on weekends. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Northglenn, Colorado.
Access to riding trails from Winiger Ridge connects horseback riders to multiple routes surrounding Gross Reservoir. Located approximately 45 minutes from Northglenn, the area provides trail riding opportunities with mountain views and reservoir access points. Camping sites fill quickly during summer months, particularly Friday and Saturday nights. Horse owners should bring their own water, as the reservoir water is not suitable for horses. Forsythe Canyon Trail offers a moderate one-mile loop suitable for day rides. Horse trailer parking requires planning, as turnaround space is limited at many sites. Picnic tables and fire rings are available at designated campsites, though amenities remain primitive with no water hookups or permanent facilities for horses.
"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"The easy access to the trail around the lake, the spread out sites, the clean bathhouse and laundry room, the sunset over the mountains, the location close to town, and they don’t have any breed restrictions"
"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."
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"
"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."
"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"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 Availabilityfrom $39 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, with ample space, and easy access to the sugarloaf mountain trail. The road is in poor shape but a 2wd suv with decent clearance should be fine."
"You definitely need to know where you’re going with this one, as the location on here isn’t really even close."
"Our space was large enough to accommodate our 20 ft travel trailer with our truck next to it, still leaving plenty of room for the picnic table and a chair circle around the fire."
"The bathrooms were clean, and close to almost every site. They had a very nice playground for the kids with a climbing wall."
from $45 - $80 / night
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RangerBathrooms were very nice and clean. Lots of sites with minimal privacy. Pretty packed and noisy in October. Our site had electrical hookups and its own water. Picnic tables and fire rings available as well. Looks like a very family friendly campground. Stayed one night.
TravelerFrom a Sprinters point of view.
Sites are $45.00 a day plus parking
Sites were sloped, we took the flattest one we could find and it took 6” to block our van level.
Pit toilets were very clean.
Sites had trees and boulders, spaced roughly 50’ apart, but there visible traffic on the main road below.
It was a nice campground but we liked the Bobcat Campground a couple miles farther up the road.
See separate review.
TravelerWe took our Sprinter for its maiden voyage, this camp ground was beautiful, private and secluded.
Camping was $45.00 a day plus a parking fee.
Paid at the entry point to an extremely friendly attendant. Reservations can be made on line ahead of time and highly recommended in peak season, especially on weekends.
Site were 50’ to 100’ apart.
Sites were wooded and tucked into granite boulders.
In the 24 hours we were there we saw one car and two people walking their dogs.
Sites were pretty level, each with fire pits and picnic tables.
The pit toilets were very clean and with in 100’ of most sites.
Road in had signs stating you had to be in four wheel drive to avoid damaging the roads but they were very well graded.
GuideSuper easy drive into town, 10min from beaver meadows entrance to RMNP. Hiking trails right off the campground. Sites a little close together but could definitely be a lot worse. Super friendly hosts. The clean bathrooms, hot showers, and dish washing station were amazing after days of dispersed camping.
ScoutPull thru site easy to maneuver, lots of space between sites. Hookups easy to use. Maintained nice, lake was beautiful. Seemed like bikers heaven.
GuideWe loved staying here! It was quiet and peaceful, even when it fully booked over Labor Day Weekend. The easy access to the trail around the lake, the spread out sites, the clean bathhouse and laundry room, the sunset over the mountains, the location close to town, and they don’t have any breed restrictions for dogs. I don’t have any complaints about the campground itself.
The only issue we had was that the $17 per vehicle day use fee wasn’t included in the camping cost. We were there for 8 nights and ended up buying the annual Colorado State Parks pass for $80 at the registration office because it was cheaper.
GuideHas a nice sandy beach inside the park that's conveniently walkable or drivable with ample of parking spots.
Paddleboard and kayak rentals available but should be done with reservation beforehand.
While there are public bathhouses, the showers is not free - it is pay-per-use metered.
GuideWhile there aren't many amenities (no comfort station), it is a great value place to stay if you're just needing a place to camp. Spacious and decent night sky view.
Automated secure gate where you get an unique digital code for access.
Quiet, good for value place (especially if you do weekly rates).
GuideThere must be another way in i would assume. 3.5 mile steep climb dirt rd in the rain was slick. After a 8 mile windy rd straight up. Like I said, probably another rd in. Campground is great once you get here. And it's paved!
Camping in the Boulder-Northglenn region takes place at elevations ranging from 5,300 to 9,000 feet with dramatic temperature fluctuations typical of Colorado's Front Range. Seasonal access varies widely, with many higher elevation sites around Gross Reservoir closed during winter months due to snow accumulation. Summer temperatures reach 80-90°F during days but can drop to 40-50°F at night, requiring campers to pack accordingly.
Mountain biking on established trails: Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers extensive trail networks specifically designed for mountain biking enthusiasts. "Golden Gate Canyon State Park is enormous. The options for trails are endless. Great for mountain biking or hiking enthusiasts," notes Steph A., who appreciated the park's accessibility from Denver despite feeling remote.
Fishing at multiple reservoirs: Bear Creek Lake Park provides fishing opportunities with stunning mountain backdrops. According to Joshua H., the park features a "Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding." The park maintains stocked fishing areas accessible to beginners and experienced anglers.
Hiking with elevation gains: Hermits Hollow Campground offers direct access to Kruger Rock Trail, providing spectacular mountain views. As Erin K. explains: "The Kruger Rock Trailhead is inside the campground, and it is a nice hike with an amazing view of the Rockies and Estes at the top. Bring your crayons - there are two trailmarkers on the trail that you can do rubbings of."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: East Portal Campground provides regular wildlife sightings right in the campground. One visitor reported: "Mule deer came through every evening right by our camper to eat grass. One morning 3 large Bull Elk and a young bull came through the valley and up through the campground."
Privacy between campsites: Aspen Meadows Campground offers more secluded sites compared to many Front Range options. One camper noted: "We could see some other campsites but didn't feel too squished. There's an actual parking lot but we just parked next to our campsite, off the road enough to let other cars pass by easily."
Clean facilities and amenities: Cherry Creek State Park maintains well-kept facilities despite high visitor numbers. Stephanie S. mentioned: "This place is huge and has many amenities. It's very well maintained. The bathrooms were very clean and the showers were pay only and only with a bank card. $1.50 for a five minute shower."
Natural surroundings close to urban areas: Bear Creek Lake Park balances accessibility with natural settings. Jennifer L. explained: "Close 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."
Alternative horse camping options: While Winiger Ridge provides primitive horse camping, East Portal Campground offers proximity to equestrian trails. The campground connects to multiple trail networks: "Staff super helpful and beautiful scenery," notes C.A., making it a viable alternative for those seeking equestrian camping facilities near Northglenn.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds near Northglenn require advance reservations, especially during summer months. For Chatfield State Park Campground, one visitor advised: "Without a reservation you put your name on a list that they start going through at 1pm to assign sites. As someone tent-camping this is no problem, just takes some time."
Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Farewell Gulch offers dispersed camping options but requires campers to check current fire regulations. Milton Q. noted: "There's plenty of space, but even at this time it gets crowded during the weekends. Lots of off roading around too." Fire bans frequently impact summer camping during dry conditions.
Vehicle requirements for backcountry access: Several dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles. J. advised regarding Farewell Gulch: "The trail getting in/out is fairly rough and uneven, so you'll need something with some sort of clearance. The sites themselves were pretty fantastic, clean, and accessible."
Entrance fees separate from camping fees: Most state parks charge daily entrance fees in addition to camping fees. One Cherry Creek visitor noted: "There is also an $11 day pass fee not included in your camping stay."
Look for sites with playground access: Reverends Ridge Campground provides family-friendly amenities. Diana M. shared: "Facilities within walking distance for restroom and dishes. Electricity and water were great for us semi-tent campers. We had great camping neighbors."
Consider noise levels when selecting campgrounds: Some campgrounds experience more noise than others. Jennifer S. noted about Golden Gate Canyon: "Such a beautiful place. Trails are amazing. Although the sound of screaming children that pervades the campsite kind of ruins the experience."
Choose areas with short hiking trails: Campgrounds with accessible trail networks work best for families with young children. Andrew B. highlighted Aspen Meadows: "Frazer Meadows is also a fun hike that you can easily accomplish with a kid carrier."
Verify bathroom facilities before booking: Bathroom accessibility varies widely between campgrounds. At East Portal, one visitor reported: "The bathrooms were very clean and the showers were pay only and only with a bank card. $1.50 for a five minute shower."
Know site dimensions before arrival: Reverends Ridge offers spacious RV sites. Dennis G. reported: "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."
Check for level parking areas: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. Rich M. cautioned about Reverends Ridge: "The sites are not very level so be prepared to use your blocks."
Consider hookup availability when booking: Chatfield State Park offers various hookup options. Sarah S. noted: "There are no 'tent only' sites. The minimum has electric ($26)."
Look for dump station access: Bear Creek Lake Park provides dump stations for RVs despite limited hookups. Stacy M. mentioned: "Super clean campground. Close to Red Rocks and Denver. You have to drive a bit to get to the lake."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Northglenn, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Northglenn, CO is Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon with a 4.6-star rating from 48 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Northglenn, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 equestrian camping locations near Northglenn, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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