The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Equestrian Camping near Rocky Mountain National Park

337 Reviews

Rocky Mountain National Park embodies the Colorado spirit perfectly. If you want to get out into nature with other avid outdoors types, few parks are more suited for you. Though the altitude can be tricky, the views are worth the effort.

Currently, there are three campgrounds available during the summer season, with two on TBD status. Rocky Mountain campsites open at the end of May and close around late September. The three available campsites are all on a reservation system. Longs Peak, which is still TBD, is the only first-come, first-served camping option. You can RV camp in Rocky Mountain, though there are no RV-specific sites. If you can’t get a spot in the park during peak season, the best camping near Rocky Mountain National Park is in Estes Park, CO, or any US Forest Service land to the east.

Map showing campgrounds near Rocky Mountain National Park, ColoradoExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites Near Rocky Mountain National Park (36)

    1. East Portal Campground at Estes Park

    40 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 964-7806

    $45 - $80 / night

    "As always, Rocky Mountain National Park is epic. Pictures from winter adventures."

    "Stayed here for 2 nights while visiting Rocky Mountain National park. Reserved in advanced, its on the expensive side. Camp hosts were great! Showers immaculate."

    2. Winding River Resort

    20 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 627-3215

    $40 - $60 / night

    "They have direct access to the headwaters of the Colorado River.  We visited a little late in the season (August) to catch many fish, but we still had fun. "

    "Three dispersed camping locations all completely booked so I chose to stay in this RV Park which is located within Rocky Mountain National park and right next to Arapahoe National Park."

    3. Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    25 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 577-2090

    $35 / night

    "Best place to camp in Estes Park/Northern Colorado! Wooded sites mean privacy from your neighbors and shade during the day. Vault toilets are very clean, well kept."

    "This campground has all the privacy you would expect yet provides easy access to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountian National Forest. The Laramie County Staff that were on site were kind and helpful."

    4. Moraine Loop Campground

    6 Reviews
    Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 887-4100

    "About 45 minutes from Grand Lake entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. 9 mile dirt road to get to the campground. Nice level sites each with picnic/tent area. Vault toilets were clean."

    "Busy campground, however views from some spaces were epic as well as the easy access to the walking trail and all the day use areas."

    5. Stillwater Pass Grand Lake Colorado - Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "The first stops have more Mountain View’s and the farther you drive is next to the water!"

    "Close to town, and had no issues getting our travel trailer into a site. There where some deep ruts getting into our site. Most of the sites are shouldn’t have issues with trees falling."

    6. Country Road 455 Camp

    4 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    8 miles

    "There’s a good bit of campsites along the road and if you’re able to get one close to the edge you can get some good views"

    "There are two towns within 10-15 minutes, Granby and Grand Lake. Granby had a Dollar General, which is amazing for stuff that you may have forgotten."

    7. Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site

    7 Reviews
    Tabernash, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Close to the Columbine Lake trail and so many other awesome hiking trails. It's far enough away from the National Park to not have a ton of foot traffic through.

    No reservations."

    "It was pretty busy when we arrived on a Saturday afternoon in July (non-holiday weekend), lots of groups camping and day use but was able to find a spot next to another group next to a path that lead straight"

    8. Peaceful Valley

    8 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    $29 - $58 / night

    "Stayed here overnight for some hiking in the nearby foothills."

    "Stumbled upon this small, nice campground simple because we liked the name :)  It is very convenient from the main highway (which happens to be part of the Peak to Peak scenic byway- a FANTASTIC drive!"

    9. Bobcat Campground — Hermit Park

    7 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 577-2090

    $35 / night

    "Just south of Estes Park, CO and ~30 minutes to rocky mountain national park.  This county park is a hidden gem. "

    "The bear box was a good size, easy to use, and well located. Restrooms were a short walk away. Our site was easy to get level on but some others looked difficult."

    10. North Michigan Campground — State Forest State Park

    17 Reviews
    Rand, CO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 723-8366

    $28 - $120 / night

    "Getting to the campground and visitors center is easy as they are both right off the highways 41 and 14, but it is quite a drive to get to, in general."

    "Fishing, hiking, off-roading, kayaking or canoeing, or simply sightseeing - there are big mountain vistas to enjoy."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 36 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Rocky Mountain National Park Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Rocky Mountain National Park

19 Photos of 36 Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Rocky Mountain National Park

337 Reviews of 36 Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds

  • Jason W.
    Jun. 18, 2021

    Winding River Resort

    CO river access, nearby access to RMNP, zoo, & access to nearby lakes

    This is a beautiful campground with lots of family-friendly activities to do.  They have direct access to the headwaters of the Colorado River.  We visited a little late in the season (August) to catch many fish, but we still had fun.  We found some tailwaters below the big lakes and caught some trout on the fly rods.  

    This site is minutes away from an entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.  We got up early and hiked a trail in RMNP and had a few moose walk right past us.  It is also close by to the major lakes of the area.  

    They rent ATVs and lots of people bring their own horses to this campground to enjoy the many back-country trails that begin at the back of the property and go high up into the mountains.  

    Facilities were well kept and clean.

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Winding River Resort

    Older and quaint but very private individual spots

    Three dispersed camping locations all completely booked so I chose to stay in this RV Park which is located within Rocky Mountain National park and right next to Arapahoe National Park. Very good price compared to other RV resorts and surrounded by beautiful flowers and mountains and silence. They have showers and laundry and free coffee and garbage dump, and a small country store, along with many equestrian activities for adults and kids and it's very homey feeling.

  • Diane D.
    Jul. 6, 2020

    Winding River Resort

    We loved it and already plan to return

    A lovely wooded campground literally on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park - we even saw moose from the back window of our RV!  Options for everyone from cabins, to FHU RV sites (limited and not the ideal locations, but still nice), water/electric sites and tenting areas.  Even Conestoga wagons!  There is horseback riding on site and we loved watching the horses run in and out each morning/evening and you just have to cross the road for a pretty hike along the Colorado River in RMNP (no dogs on the trails).  We camped with our Great Dane - very dog friendly with bag stations around the park.  Friendly and helpful staff, a small shop with supplies and souvenirs, a cute little petting zoo with goats, sheep, and pigs.

  • D
    Jun. 19, 2018

    Winding River Resort

    Typical private campground

    This was a nice place. People were all super friendly. Pricey, but it’s private owned. Nice hiking trails super close to the campground. You can ride your dirt bikes, atvs from the campground into Rocky Mountain National Park. The town of Grand Lake was nice, typical mountain town. Breath taking views. Adams fall trail is near the town, recommend hiking. It’s pretty easy and not super long, but very cool! We saw our first and only moose while camping up there. It was super cool! They also have horse rides available for purchase and I believe dirt bikes/atvs

  • Abby W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Winding River Resort

    Good Location

    Resort is right outside the gates of Rocky Mountain National Park. Grounds were clean and well maintained. It’s a bummer that Mother Nature burned the entire area. The lack of greenery is the only reason for 4 stars. Not the resorts fault just stating the facts.

  • Mikaela R.
    Jul. 1, 2017

    East Portal Campground at Estes Park

    Very Clean

    Very clean and has good amenities, cheaper and less crowded than st Mary's but still isn't exactly roughing it. As always, Rocky Mountain National Park is epic. Pictures from winter adventures.

  • J
    Aug. 25, 2023

    Moraine Loop Campground

    Water front campsites are gorgeous

    About 45 minutes from Grand Lake entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. 9 mile dirt road to get to the campground. Nice level sites each with picnic/tent area. Vault toilets were clean. No water fill, dump stations, showers or flush toilets. Hosts said the camp was packed from 4th July until Aug 20th

  • K
    Jun. 24, 2021

    East Portal Campground at Estes Park

    Great campground near RMNP

    Stayed here for 2 nights while visiting Rocky Mountain National park. Reserved in advanced, its on the expensive side. Camp hosts were great! Showers immaculate. Hiking trail from campground can take you into park. Our site was not big but worked perfect for our van.

  • M
    Jul. 9, 2018

    East Portal Campground at Estes Park

    Well maintained campground with great hosts

    While more expensive than Forest Service or BLM campgrounds, we recently had a great experience at East Portal over the busy 4th of July weekend. Despite being walk ups, the camp hosts were extremely helpful in finding us a site, and then moving us around to an even better site. Highly recommend the sites on the south side, they are much more secluded if you are tenting. Clean restrooms and facilities. Close to great fishing and hiking (close as in, you can walk to them), and an easy drive into Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park.

Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park

Horse camping near Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado offers a unique way to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With several campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride through the beautiful terrain.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

Most campgrounds have horse-focused activities

Tips for equestrian camping near Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there horse camping sites available in Rocky Mountain National Park?

While Rocky Mountain National Park itself doesn't offer dedicated horse camping, Winding River Resort located just outside the park's boundary provides excellent equestrian facilities. This resort offers horse boarding, rentals, and direct trail access to the park. For another option with equestrian-friendly accommodations near the park, Granite Gulch Campground — Hermit Park Open Space features dedicated equestrian sites with corrals. Both locations require reservations in advance, especially during peak summer months.

What are the regulations for bringing horses to Rocky Mountain National Park?

Horses are permitted in Rocky Mountain National Park with specific regulations. They must stay on designated horse trails and not venture onto hiking-only paths. Riders must bring certified weed-free feed, as outside hay/feed isn't allowed to prevent invasive species. Groups are limited to 25 horses maximum, with smaller group sizes recommended. Stock animals must be attended at all times and cannot be left unattended at trailheads. Staying overnight with horses in the park requires backcountry camping permits for designated sites. For accommodations just outside the park, Bobcat Campground — Hermit Park provides access to trail systems that connect to the park.

What trail riding opportunities exist for horseback riders in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Rocky Mountain National Park offers extensive trail riding opportunities across more than 260 miles of trails, with about 80% open to horses. Popular routes include the Glacier Creek Trail, Bierstadt Lake Trail, and Cub Lake Trail on the east side. The western side near Grand Lake provides excellent riding terrain with trails like Green Mountain and Tonahutu Creek. For those without their own horses, East Portal Campground at Estes Park offers proximity to liveries with guided rides. Moraine Loop Campground provides access to trails in the Arapaho National Forest that connect with park trails. The best riding season is mid-June through September when trails are generally free of snow.

Keep Exploring