Equestrian camping options near Johnstown, Colorado provide access to diverse terrain at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. These camping areas sit at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,500 feet, with most experiencing seasonal temperature fluctuations between 45°F nights and 85°F days during prime camping season. Water access remains limited across the region, with many sites requiring campers to bring their own containment systems for horses.
What to do
Hiking at Golden Gate Canyon: Located approximately 50 miles southwest of Johnstown, this park offers extensive trail systems for day activities. "Golden Gate Canyon SP is absolutely gorgeous! We loved the experience at the park, the trails are great and the views are wonderful. The drive up can be a bit breathtaking, but it can be done!" writes Minette and Ron G. about Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
Visit nearby Rocky Mountain National Park: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to the national park. "Stayed here during our visit to RMNP and it was perfect! Very conveniently located, only a short drive into Estes Park. Lots of trails for hiking and biking in the park," notes Hannah F. about their stay at Hermits Hollow Campground.
Enjoy local water recreation: Regional reservoirs offer fishing and non-motorized boating opportunities. "All-wheel drive and higher clearance car helped getting in, as the road is pretty bumpy. Beautiful views. Great place for water activities, but no swimming allowed," shares Dorothy about her visit to Winiger Ridge.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Clean camping areas with reliable amenities receive consistent praise. "The sites are not very level so be prepared to use your blocks. The bathrooms are clean and park rangers monitored the area often," notes Rich M. about Reverend's Ridge Campground.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the region feature spacing that provides a sense of seclusion. "Sites spaced nicely apart, very well maintained, great fire pits with an attached grill grate. Moose and black bear apparently frequent but haven't caused any problems," writes Wade R. about their camping experience in the area.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The foothills location provides chances to see diverse wildlife. "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," reports Jennifer G. about East Portal Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most equine-friendly campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "We stayed in the month of November of 2021. The road is okay to drive on, we took our car and tent camped. We didn't take our camper as the switchbacks are very tight and the road is very steep," notes Daisee Mae S.
Bear safety requirements: Proper food and scent storage is mandatory at most sites. "Our site was a nice size and felt private enough despite somewhat close neighbors. The bear box was a good size, easy to use, and well located," explains Lisa about Bobcat Campground.
Additional fees: Many parks charge day-use fees beyond camping costs. "Campsites average prices, but they add an entrance fee to the park for each day on top of the fee," warns Haley K.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with dedicated facilities: Sites with playgrounds and activity areas work best for children. "The playground was small but my kids were satisfied. There was a rock climbing wall and swings," mentions Jennifer G.
Plan for variable weather: Temperatures can change rapidly, requiring layered clothing. "We were the only campers at this time of year in all 3 campgrounds. So it was very peaceful. The spaces are spread out," shares Daisee Mae S. about camping during shoulder season.
Select sites with ample space: Areas with room for children to play safely prove most successful. "This campground is tiny and a little cramped but was very clean and had running showers that was a plus. It was surrounded by trees but they were small which didn't help block the wind," notes Pam B. about their stay at Indian Paintbrush Campground.
Tips from RVers
Road access considerations: Many horse campgrounds have limited access for larger rigs. "The road in is a bit narrow so if you have a trailer/RV over 30-35 feet, it'll be tight. With that being said, I pulled my 30 foot trailer with no problems.... just go slow," advises Nathan P.
Dump station availability: Not all equestrian campgrounds offer full hookups or sanitary stations. "They do charge an additional $15 to use the dump station. That felt like a rip off considering what we already paid to stay here with no services," reports Shana D.
Level site challenges: Many regional campgrounds require leveling equipment. "Sites are very hard to get your unit level. Very high price for no hookups. Close to Estes Park," warns Pat about Bobcat Campground.
