Looking for a place to camp near Rio Grande National Forest with your horse? It's easy to find Rio Grande National Forest campgrounds for horse camping with The Dyrt. At The Dyrt, you can find top-rated spots for horse camping, as reviewed by campers.
$29 - $42 / night
Come and experience majestic mountain views! Fish our clean ponds chock full of trout. Ride horses, hike through the beautiful San Juan Mountains, or just relax on a porch swing, enjoying the hum of hummingbirds. Bruce Spruce Ranch offers an RV campground, tent camping, and rustic cabins outside of Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
Think of this as your sanctuary, a little spot of peaceful life that you can return to year after year.
Isn’t it time you “got away from it all?”
$34 - $190 / night
Sixteen miles South West of Creede.This trailhead offers parking, hitch rails, highline, and directional signing.The Ivy Creek trail follows Ivy Creek from the trailhead for the first__1/2 __mile to the Weminuche Wilderness boundary__and then switchbacks take the hiker up and out of the Ivy Creek drainage.__This trail leads to Fisher Mountain, Goose Lake, and on to the Continental Divide Trail
Experience the majestic San Juan Mountains at our quiet, family and pet friendly RV/tent campground and mountain cabins. 32 FHU RV sites, tent area and 7 mountain cabins on 10 shaded acres. Enjoy the cool, refreshing mountain air at an elevation of 8,100 ft. We’re 18 scenic miles from the highway just off Piedra road (Forest Service road #631), 20 miles Northwest of Pagosa Springs in Southwest Colorado. Leave the crowds behind and relax with family & friends at our ecologically friendly campground, fish for trout on nearby waters, take a scenic & refreshing hike into the San Juan Mountains, check out beautiful Piedra Falls, take a guided horseback ride to Ice Cave Ridge or the Weminuche Wilderness with on site outfitter Crazy Horse Outfitters, or just relax under one of our beautiful ponderosa pine trees!
$34 - $58 / night
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
Ponderosa Campground is located at the northwest end of the Soap Creek Arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir. 28 tent and medium sized RV sites can be accommodated at Ponderosa. All sites are first-come first-served.
Note: During dry conditions, the first 7 miles of Soap Creek Road are passable to trailers and RVs. Rain can make the Soap Creek Road hazardous or impassable.
Traveler
There are 20+ campsites along FR667. Some can accommodate RVs, some only tents. We parked a popup at the 1st campsite past the bridge near the trailhead. 2 waterfalls are close, Pagosa Springs is 30ish mins away. Our kids tubed down the creek. Lots of ATV traffic, some bikes, but overall quiet.
Guide
Overnight with One of my dogs had a great time very nice no bugs dark night
Traveler
Primitive at its best
ScoutOpen space far away from access road where you’ll hear the nearby creek. Relaxing private space.
GuideGreat boondocking sites about 45minues from Pagosa Springs. These sites are completely primitive. No restroom facilities, electricity, potable water or trash service. No cell service. Its worth it, so plan accordingly.
Follow US160E about 10 miles, turn right onto USFS 667. Pass by the entrance to East Fork Campground and continue on the forest service road. This is where the road becomes fairly rough. Dispersed sites begin about 2 miles further. Most sites are clustered together in pockets near the river.
We arrived early in the day and found a great site near a vertical rock face. Campsite was at 8000'. We stayed a week and only saw other campers on the weekend. The weather was perfect with day time temps in the 70s and overnight temps in the 50s. Ideal hiking and fishing conditions.
The forest road gets busy with Jeeps and UTvs during the day on weekends. Our site was far enough away from the road that we weren't bothered.
Access to several trails, beautiful valley views and waterfalls nearby .
GuideWaterfalls, atv trails for miles some novice some very experienced trails, hiking, creeks, fishing. Hands down my favorite CO spot. With kids or wanting some beauty this is hands down the best! We did camp passed the east fork campgrounds. All the way down to the beginning of the ranch road way you have plenty of dispersed tent areas and rv areas (no electric).
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?
Guide
Stunning spot, lots of tent sites, room for maybe 12 campers of modest length, mine is 26' spot #9 is prime for a camper with a driver side slide/kitchen table. unknown if it's seasonal but the biting flies, primarily deer flies are beyond bearable, I survived 4 days, most other campers left after one night. The camp host is very friendly, and knows the best fishing holes.
TravelerEasy check-in with several amenities. Hosts were excellent.
Traveler
I had an excellent experience. Friendly staff, clean facilities, quiet nights. I will be back. Beautiful area with lots of hiking near by.
GuideThere was a storm coming in so I was one of the only fools out here so unsure how busy this place gets. There are several spots on the water with 2 large areas that have multiple fire rings within them. Would be to close for me if all spots were full. The ground holds rain and I had to get a ditch going around my tent. Worth it though as the sounds of raging water put me sound to sleep.
Guide
Nice campground right next to the San Juan nation forest. Could use a little landscaping. However, it is very peaceful and we would stay here again
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
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.
Traveler
A hidden gem with close accessability to trails, lake and rivers. Supplies are nearby. Spectacular views of the Vallecito Valley carved by glacer actions.
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.
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!
GuideSpent two nights here in August. There were 4-5 spots in this area, which is right on the San Juan River. I was here on a Sunday night / Monday night and it was not crowded. There were a couple of other folks who were there. There are a couple of trailheads (about 1/2 mile up the road). I took the Quartz Ridge trail - which was nice - except having to cross a creek .20 miles into the hike).
I have AT&T and had no cell coverage at all.
GuideBeautiful and well kept campground but noisy as it’s off a major 4x4 road. Sites pretty close together and fills up quickly. $7 a night
Guide
Great camp spots at end of the road. No signals= heaven!
ScoutThe sites are closer than prefer but it has concrete pads with a table. Full hookups. There’s a restaurant on site and back porch live music from Thursday through Saturday night overlooking the Rio Grande River. We prefer boondocking but this was a nice stop for us for a few days. Laundry and showers very clean.
GuideI actually deleted my other review because I thought I had the wrong campsite but I checked and it’s all good. The only amenity we had was a vault toilet with a nearby water pump, a fire pit, picnic table and bear boxes. The vault toilets were probably the nicest I’ve been too. They were clean and didn’t smell at all.
The view was beautiful and it’s a short hike down to wade in the cool water. I really enjoyed the quiet here. There were only a few other campers and it mostly felt like we had the place to ourselves.
ScoutThe tent sites were large and well spaced. Well maintained and equipped with a great fire ring. Bathrooms very clean and great hot shower. Don’t go if you need to be connected digitally at this moment that is not up and running, but they did say by the end of the summer. The family was friendly and gave good advice when asked.
Horse camping near Rio Grande National Forest in Colorado offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Rio Grande National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Rio Grande National Forest is South Fork Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Rio Grande National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Rio Grande National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
