19 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site and Browns Creek offer primitive horse camping options with adequate space for horse trailers and equestrian setups. Neither location provides dedicated horse corrals, but both feature large, open areas where horses can be secured to highlines or portable containment systems brought by campers. The terrain around both sites includes gentle slopes and meadows suitable for setting up temporary paddocks. Sites are well-spaced, allowing sufficient separation between horses and neighboring campers. The farther you drive into these areas, the more private spots become available with room for larger rigs and horse trailers. Browns Creek offers vault toilets at the trailhead, while Raspberry Gulch sometimes has a seasonal portable toilet facility.
Access to the Colorado Trail provides extensive riding opportunities directly from both camping areas. Browns Creek trailhead connects to multiple trail networks suitable for day rides through pine forests and mountain meadows. Riders can access routes leading toward 14,000-foot peaks including Mount Princeton (14,197 ft) and Mount Antero (14,275 ft). County Road 270/272/274 system allows for various entry points to riding trails, though some sections may be rough for larger horse trailers. Open range cattle occasionally wander through the camping areas, particularly at Raspberry Gulch during certain seasons. Streams are seasonal and may be dry during summer months, so campers should bring adequate water for horses. Most sites have existing fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Both locations are popular on summer weekends, with weekday visits offering better site selection for those with horse trailers.
"Off of HWY 285 between Poncha Springs and Buena Vista, we took County Road 270W for ~ 1.5 miles to a 4-way intersection and continued .... the road changes to FR 272 and we stayed on for another few miles"
"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."
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"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."
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful views and a great walking path for my dog. I could have gone for miles. People are super friendly and it’s clean! Close to hiking. Well worth the visit"
"The site we got had our door facing another camper's door and our picnic tables were next to eachother, so we didn't spend much time hanging out outside."
"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)."
"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"
GuideWe came down from Boulder to find a great little spot off of 274A! Off of HWY 285 between Poncha Springs and Buena Vista, we took County Road 270W for ~ 1.5 miles to a 4-way intersection and continued .... the road changes to FR 272 and we stayed on for another few miles until FR 274 split to the right. Our site was off 274A and had great views.
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.
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.
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.
TravelerI 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.
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.
TravelerGreat dispersed camping, easy to get to only a short way off the main road. We arrived 4pm on a Friday and all the spots with the best views were taken. Plenty further into the woods though we had multiple options still. 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. A bummer for us but normal people probably wouldn’t have minded. Expect to have neighbors!
Dispersed camping areas for equestrians near Poncha Springs, Colorado offer varied terrain and access options. The region sits at elevations between 7,000-10,000 feet with a semi-arid climate that creates distinct seasonal camping conditions. Most horse-friendly sites lack dedicated corrals but provide space for portable containment systems at sites located along forest service roads.
Trail riding access points: The North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping area connects to multiple trail networks. "Camped in middle of July and on the weekend and still not too busy. Area was beautiful with streams everywhere," notes camper Heather, who adds that "sites weren't close to one another."
Fishing opportunities: At Clear Creek Reservoir, anglers can access both lake and stream fishing. "Options for paddle boarding or fishing here, desert-like but surrounded by mountains. Also a good amount of shade," reports Katie H. The water levels fluctuate seasonally, so check conditions before planning a fishing trip.
Mountain biking trails: Horse campgrounds near Poncha Springs provide dual-use trails ideal for mountain biking. "The Colorado trail/CDT passes close by and was a great evening hike from our camp," says Lyds F. about Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping, which offers both hiking and biking routes.
Separation between sites: Many equestrian camping areas prioritize spacing. "Dispersed and a great hike to Browns Creek. The farther you drive in the rougher the road but still doable," notes Nicci M. The distance between campsites allows horses to be kept away from neighboring campers.
Creek access for horses: Water sources provide natural watering spots during certain seasons. "We ended up finding a pull off point that had a gravel road that accessed several campsites. The sites that are accessed via side gravel roads do have road designations," explains Tommie J. at North Cottonwood. "We were also near a stream that provided us beautiful sounds to fall asleep to."
Established fire rings: Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site features pre-existing fire pits at most sites. "It is gorgeous and so easy to access. From the 285 going north turn left on County road 270 until it becomes the 272," explains marine J., who adds "It was very quiet and the sky was amazing at night."
Seasonal road conditions: Access roads to horse-friendly camping areas can deteriorate quickly with weather. "Watch out in the wet weather-road super muddy a bit difficult to get through. Road is not steep though," warns Karen J. about Browns Creek.
Wildlife encounters: Campers should prepare for wildlife throughout the region. "Had a visit from a momma and baby bear the first night of our stay so be prepared for visits," cautions heather at North Cottonwood Trailhead.
Cell service variability: Lakeview Campground offers unexpected connectivity. "Verizon service worked surprisingly well at our site in Loop B, which was a nice bonus for staying connected," notes Arthur Z., though service varies dramatically between camping areas.
Weekend crowds: Popular equestrian sites fill quickly on weekends. "There is a lot of space 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," explains Doug W., adding "On weekends, there may be more than 50 campers in the area."
Choose water-adjacent sites: For family-friendly equestrian camping, look for sites near water features. "Found a good spot easily enough... Night was super quiet. It is bear country," reports Heather, who recommends sites with "streams everywhere" for added entertainment.
Consider site privacy: Alvarado Campground offers good separation for families with horses. "The sites are nicely laid out with picnic table, fire ring and grills, and high post hooks," notes Shawnda T., who adds "The sites are widely spaced on the lower level."
Pack extra water: Many horse-friendly sites lack reliable water sources. "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," reports Lilliana S. at Raspberry Gulch, warning that "The creek on the map didn't have any water in it."
Road clearance requirements: Access to equestrian sites often requires appropriate vehicles. "You can also get pretty far up the trail in a standard car. I drove a Subaru Impreza (very slow) and it did great," notes Brandon M. about North Cottonwood.
Campsite selection strategy: For RV campers with horses, arriving early improves options. "Used the reviews from this site to select this area for camping. Arrived later the day on a holiday weekend, fingers crossed a spot would be open," reports Angelique C., who advises "Don't make the mistake we made, camp in a spot much nearer the start of the road into this area!"
Weather preparation: Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA provides backup options during poor weather. "Sites are a mix of dirt and gravel and as with much of the desert, you should expect it to be very dusty," warns Jason F., noting its convenient location when weather makes primitive camping difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Poncha Springs, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Poncha Springs, CO is Browns Creek with a 4.5-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Poncha Springs, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 equestrian camping locations near Poncha Springs, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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