Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Ridgway? Whether you own a horse or are joining a tour group, equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. These scenic and easy-to-reach Ridgway campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.
Silver Jack Campground has 60 campsites around three loops - Chipeta, Ouray and Sapinero. Each loop is heavily wooded with Aspen and a few spruce trees and an understory of tall grass and wildflowers. The campground is convenient to the Silver Jack Reservoir and a network of trails around the Cimarron Ridge. One of the three loops is often used for groups while the other two are for individual campers. Drinking water is available. There are no close communities to get provisions so visitors need to bring everything they need. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.
There are OHV trails nearby
$175 - $275 / night
Mill Creek Campground is located 14 miles southwest of Lake City, Colorado at 9,500 feet above sea level. Nestled along the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, the campground offers a fishing access trail for anglers and river access (though boating is not recommended from this location). The campground is surrounded by the Redcloud Peak and Handies Peak Wilderness Study Areas with world class hiking opportunities just a short drive away, including trails to three 14,000-foot peaks. From the campground, licensed OHV's and high clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicles can access the legendary Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway; a rugged 65 mile road system that connects the towns of Lake City, Silverton, and Ouray through the spectacular mountain scenery of the San Juan Mountains. The campground is accessible June through September.
Mill Creek Campground is an ideal base camp for exploring the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway and the majestic San Juan Mountains. Whether you like to ride an off-highway vehicle, fly fish the Lake Fork, learn about the area's hardrock mining history, or challenge yourself to hike one of the 14,000-foot peaks, this area has something for everyone. There are also opportunities for viewing wildlife, seasonal wildflowers, and fishing the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River or nearby Lake San Cristobal.
Mill Creek offers shaded campsites among a mixed spruce/fir and aspen forest with magnificent mountain views of some of the highest peaks in Colorado and the sounds of the nearby Mill Creek and the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River.
Enjoy Lake City, nestled in the valley of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River and Henson Creek, not only for shopping but to take in the impressive Hinsdale County Museum that celebrates the residents of past and present and tells of the rich railway history of the rail line that went to Lake City from 1889 to 1933. A variety of tours are also available including learning about the momental volcano that formed Lake City. Lake City also is a Gateway Community for hiking the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) that traverses 800 miles of majestic and challenging peaks dotted with abandoned homesteads, ghost towns, and remnants of Native Americans and settlers who flocked here to mine gold and silver. Other shorter hikes from town can lead to some wonderful waterfalls. Discover Lake San Cristobal, the second largest natural lake in Colorado that was formed by the Slumgullion Earthflow that slid 700 years ago, damming the Lake Fork of the Gunnison. The lake offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities including boating and fishing and much more.
For facility specific information, please call (970) 642-4940.
$20 / night
Various recreation sites in the Soap Creek Area
This small campground has sites available for $15 a night on a first come first serve basis only. There is no water available at this campground. Tables and fire grates are at each site. A toilet is in the parking lot adjacent to the Hermosa Creek Trailhead. The parking lot is large enough for vehicles and horse trailers
$20 / night
Access to the Weminuche Wilderness
River Hill is a popular campground on the banks of the Rio Grande River. Situated in a meadow surrounded by willows, campers come here to fish for trout, hunt and take in the beautiful views of the forested hills and rock bluffs. River kayaking and fishing are also popular activities, and the Rio Grande Reservoir is just a couple miles away.
Go rock climbing or horse packing in the San Juan mountains, or fish in the river, Squaw Creek or nearby Rio Grande Reservoir. Two trailheads, Squaw Creek and Weminuche Creek, lead hikers into the Weminuche Wilderness and link to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
The campground lies in a meadow under the shade of many trees at an elevation of 9,200 feet. The Rio Grande National Forest spans 1.86 million acres in south-central Colorado. The Continental Divide runs for 236 miles along most of the forest's western border, presenting a myriad of ecosystems from alpine desert to dense wilderness. Across from the campground is the Weminuche Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in Colorado. It's a famously rugged region with three mountain peaks reaching over 14,000 feet.
For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996.
$29 - $33 / night
Thirty Mile Campground is nestled on the banks of the Rio Grande River, just a short mile from the Rio Grande Reservoir. The location is perfect for anyone who loves to spend time fishing, canoeing and swimming. In addition, there are two trailheads and regular interpretive programs located at the campground. Across from the Thirty Mile is the Weminuche Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in Colorado. It's a famously rugged region with three mountain peaks reaching over 14,000 feet.
Anglers and hikers are common campers at Thirty Mile, and the San Juan Mountains provide great fun for backpackers and horse packers. Two trailheads, Squaw Creek and Weminuche Pass, lead eager hikers into the Weminuche Wilderness and link up to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
The campground is located in a meadow among mature spruce and aspen trees, just between the Rio Grande River and Squaw Creek. All sites are nicely shaded and some overlook the creek. The Rio Grande National Forest spans 1.86 million acres in south-central Colorado. The Continental Divide runs for 236 miles along most of the forest's western border, presenting a myriad of ecosystems from alpine desert to dense wilderness.
For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996.
$29 - $33 / night
Guide
We stumbled upon this campsite through Dyrt. We left on a 10 day honeymoon to the mountains with no real plans. This was our first time to the Silverton area and this spot was perfect for us to spend two nights. 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. It had several large pines for us to put our tent between to help with the rain coverage as it rained both nights we were there. This spot is closer to the highway but we weren't there during the day and at night there was not a lot of road noise. We did have to drive to the bathrooms from this site due to the rain and distance. Would stay here again.
Traveler
A very nice campground with first-come, first-served sites for $20 a night. The internet reception ranges from okay to excellent, depending on the site. The pit toilets are impeccable – they really couldn't be cleaner. Unfortunately, there is no water or trash station. However, you can refill portable water affordably at the Hydration Station in Durango or for free at the Durango Montessori School. I think $20 is a bit too expensive for the campground, but it is still appealing due to its clean pit toilets and very nice sites.
GuideStayed for 2 nights. Right next to Hermosa Creek trail. Such a beautiful place. The bathrooms are clean, the camp host is an awesome guy. Would definitely stay again.
ScoutOpen space far away from access road where you’ll hear the nearby creek. Relaxing private space.
Guide
We had this campground all too our selves in late May as it was still rather cold out in the area but it was a great spot for tent camping. Lots of trails near by to explore.
ScoutAbsolutely stunning! We had the whole lake to ourselves!
GuideBeautiful campsite with easy access to lots of fun trails, including the CO trail. Only a short drive from Silverton and an hour or so outside Durango
Traveler
Really nice RV park in a beautiful setting. Family run, very friendly people. Seemed like most of my neighbors had been there before at least a few times. Clean showers... what more do you need?
TravelerEasy check-in with several amenities. Hosts were excellent.
GuideOne of our best campsites so far. It’s a bit of a long road in and first come first serve sites. Nice tree shaded spots
RangerAmazing views at this free, dispersed campground. Stayed here in a tent in July 2015.
Guide
This is a great spot tucked away behind the reservoir and along a sweet little creek. I didn’t stay because no one was there this time of year and I had no cell service. Good to know about and will be back!
ScoutPeaceful...quiet...clean...good cell..nice and small...18 sites...$20,a nite...very nice host
Guide6/28/22 - 7/12/22: This was a nice retreat for us. It is a very popular place on the weekend, but during the week it is much quieter. Most of the weekend traffic is heading to the trailhead for hiking or biking. There are 8 sites here, several large enough for my 34’ fifth-wheel trailer, one is a pull-through with two sites. Vault toilet, no water or dump station. There was 1-bar 5G Verizon, and 2-bars AT&T 4G that were both spotty; cloud cover between the lake and Silverton caused occational intermittent connectivity. 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.
Guide
We had originally planned to disperse camp so we could ride our atvs on the Alpine Loop, but realized we couldn’t pull our trailer after a certain point going up the mountain so decided to turn around and for only $7 a night decided to stay here. We are so glad we did! We stayed June 16 - 21st and only half the spots were full. We did read prices would go up to $20 a night starting July 1st. The location of this campground was great for riding the Alpine loop and still a short drive to town. We saw Moose and Elk. 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. We loved having a spot next to the creek so our dogs could swim and drink. Although cold, the kids loved playing in the creek with their rain boots on. Check out @boldtexplorations on tiktok and Instagram for more videos and photos of our adventure
Guide
We stayed here the first day it opened in June of 2022. Only the middle loop of the campground was open at that time. Big sites, lots of pull through options. Very clean bathrooms. The hosts were friendly and informative. The short hike out to the overlook is worth the stroll. The views are amazing. Closest store is 45 min away so come prepared with everything you’ll need.
Guide
Very nice peaceful campground. We had no cell service at our site but when we drove through there were a few spots that did. There are only 3 spots on the little area off to the side where we were and we were lucky the night we were there and there was no one camped on either side of us. We could here the creek and the Rio Grande which made for great sleeping.
GuideWe did show up a little early in the year and the restaurant at the campground was closed. Kids area, river, bridge to trails super close, etc…
The town nearby, Creede, was pretty closed down as well. But very fascinating little place. Kind of a shithole driving through, but, don’t let that scare you away. Great food and even better service.
My wife and I with a 4 year old and 1 year old went hiking right next to the park and had an amazing experience.
ScoutCamp Host is very friendly and helpful. This is a pack in pack out camp ground with vault/pit toilet. No water or shower. Sites have picnic table and fire pit with grill. 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.
TravelerQuiet 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
LegendCampground closed on sept. 6th, all facilities closed. River access from most campsites, some are back in, some pull through, and some walk to site. Amphitheater, loads of toilets, water points, and sink/disposal water points. Great stargazing and access to the river for fishing. Loads of hunters in October and lots of wildlife to see!
Legend
Only people here, but beautiful spot. Woke up with a light dusting of snow but it thawed by 10:30. Bathrooms were clean, unisex toilet last cleaned on oct 2nd, and well stocked. Used as a horse campground complete with halter point and tack bar with wide open spaced for trailers. Loads of foot and horse trails. High bushes make great wind blocks. Right on the river! Pack it in, pack it out.
ScoutNestled in pine trees alongside the lake fork of the Gunnison river. Most sites have tons of privacy. All have picnic tables and bear boxes. First-come first-serve. Very clean vault toilet restrooms. Camped here solo and felt very safe. Great access to fishing, hiking, and ATV trails.
GuideJust spent 5 nights here. Full hookups, concrete slab, picnic table and pretty roomy.
Fly fishing on the Rio Grande is just steps away. The restaurant there is very good! Reservations are recommended.
The town of Creed is cute and funky.
I will definitely go back. Loved it there.
My campsite has beautiful views of the valley and the mountains.
GuideThis is for "Soap Creek Corral/ Coal Mesa Horse Camp" dispersed camping not the actual Soap Creek Campground. There were spots at the formal campground but they were small, unconcealed, and within close proximity to all other sites. However, there were true dispersed spots near the horse corrals where lots of horse trailers and off roaders park to ride the trails.
Off of HWY 50, we turned on to HWY 92 and then took FR 721 to FR 721 E where we turned and went right down to the proper campground before looping back out. We went out the same way in (FR 721) but split off onto the side road to find the horse corral area. Bear country. Pros/Cons: no mobile service, primitive, right next to a creek, lots of OHVs, milky way visible, mountain views, shade, creek sounds at night.
Ranger
This is a beautiful campground! We used it as both a home base and a place to hike out of. Situated along the banks of the Rio Grande, we were able to sleep with the sound of moving water which was so relaxing.
The bathrooms were clean and smelled like bubble gum. Our kids were enchanted by the old hand pump. The camp hosts were friendly and informative.
We stayed in site 5, which backed into a lovely meadow. The trailer was a bit of a tight fit, but ended up being a great block to the (minimal) road traffic.
We loved it!
GuideSilver Lake July 4th holiday What a great campground! There are three loops with one dedicated to group camping. Lots of great views and decent site separation. The elevation is 9,100 feet. There are trails to an overlook of the reservoir and down around the reservoir. The entire campground (except groups) is all first come first served. It’s posted to select your site and the host will find you... eventually. It’s not like you are leaving anytime soon. The hosts Kathy and Jeneen are awesome. Very laidback and easygoing, creating a relaxed and stress free environment while staying on top of their campground tasks as needed. If they don’t catch up to you by dinner time, they will the next morning... relax! Interesting not to see a single chipmunk the entire week. Saw deer and a fox, lots of Monarch butterflies, but no chipmunks. No one has seen a bear this
Horse camping in Colorado offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and equestrian-friendly facilities, making it a perfect getaway for riders and their horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ridgway, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ridgway, CO is Little Molas Lake Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ridgway, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Ridgway, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
