Lower Hermosa Campground provides convenient access to equestrian camping near Rico, Colorado. Located at higher elevation, the area offers cooler temperatures during summer months, typically 5-15 degrees below lower elevations. The San Juan National Forest surrounding Rico contains multiple horse-friendly campgrounds with established facilities for riders and their animals.
What to do
Mountain biking access: The trails near Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort connect to extensive riding networks. "This place has everything: a massive field for dogs to play off-leash (they must be on in the park), a great restaurant, laundry, propane, a swimming pool, and a massive amount of outdoor activities," notes camper Soren B.
Alpine hiking: Trails at Mill Creek Campground provide access to higher elevation routes. "This campground has a combination of reservable and first come first serve sites... It is located away from Lake City that it feels quiet and ties neatly into local 4x4 roads and mountain passes," writes Stephen K. The campground serves as "a great basecamp for bagging 14ers" according to Ryan L.
Fishing opportunities: Streams near horse campgrounds in Rico, Colorado offer trout fishing during summer months. "There is a main road with sites spread out over a few close ridges, and a small loop that ends in at the day use parking and vault toilet," notes Annie C. about Little Molas Lake, highlighting the accessible layout for anglers.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance at Little Molas Lake Campground. "Quiet site 12000 feet or so in the San Juan national forest. Stayed for 2 nights without a reservation seems to be a first come first serve style campground," reports Diego R. The campground maintains pit toilets and clearly marked sites.
Proximity to trails: Equestrian-friendly campgrounds near Rico provide direct trail access. "The host is very friendly. It's a smaller campsite. It was not very busy when we were there...I liked that. There was plenty of firewood to collect in the area," notes Alex T. about Lower Hermosa Campground, highlighting its uncrowded atmosphere.
Natural water features: Streams and creeks run through many camping areas. "We had originally planned to disperse camp so we could ride our atvs on the Alpine Loop... We loved having a spot next to the creek so our dogs could swim and drink," shares Boldt E. from Mill Creek Campground, emphasizing the practical benefits of waterside camping.
What you should know
Elevation challenges: Camping at higher elevations requires preparation. "Elevation is about 10,300 and posed a problem for our generator that caused severe spark-plug fouling. But, re-jetting the carburetor from a #61 to #58 solved the problem," advises RaD_Travels from Little Molas Lake Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads to horse campgrounds near Rico vary in quality. "Access to camp ground is on a rock dirt road that goes from single to double lane off and on. I drove a 21foot bus with a 16x7 tandem axle trailer," explains David A. about his experience at Lower Hermosa.
Limited amenities: Most campgrounds operate without full hookups. "This is a very simple campground but just what we wanted. Pack in pack out, clean and well maintained sites, the only sound birdsong. Helpful camp host," reports Sarah from Lower Hermosa Campground, setting appropriate expectations.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for privacy: Choose sites away from common areas. "All sites seemed to have good hammocking trees. It seemed the best sites were the ones closest to the entrance: the parking pads were up next to the road and the tent pads and fire rings were set back from the road down a steepish grade," advises Annie C. about Little Molas Lake.
Water safety: Creeks provide recreation but require supervision. "Although cold, the kids loved playing in the creek with their rain boots on," mentions Boldt E. from Mill Creek Campground, suggesting practical footwear for younger campers.
Noise considerations: Target Tree Campground offers a family-friendly environment with some considerations. "Road noise is not awesome. Try to get the sites furthest back," recommends J.B., offering practical advice for families seeking quieter camping spots.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Anvil Dispersed Campground offers options for larger rigs. "4 miles outside Silverton, CO. Several options on both side of the creek. Easy, flat road into the area... Some are wide open and others more shaded," notes james, providing practical layout information.
Power management: Higher elevations affect RV systems. "We stumbled upon this campsite through Dyrt... The spot we camped at was the first one when you pull in. This spot would be great for large campers or campers with horses/trailers," reports Jess and Jess S., describing a suitable location for equestrian camping.
Water access considerations: When planning horse camping near Rico, Colorado, water availability varies. "The pump water wasn't the cleanest but we only used it to boil and then wash dishes and such. Vault toilets were the cleanest we had ever seen," shares Boldt E. about Mill Creek's facilities.
