Best Equestrian Camping near Rye, CO

We're here to help you find where to go horse camping in Rye. Camping with your horse in Rye just got easier. These scenic and easy-to-reach Colorado campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Rye, CO (13)

    Camper-submitted photo from Alvarado Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Alvarado Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Alvarado Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Alvarado Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Alvarado Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Alvarado Campground

    1. Alvarado Campground

    15 Reviews
    32 Photos
    137 Saves
    Westcliffe, Colorado

    Overview

    Alvarado Campground, located at an elevation of 9,000 ft., is a prime location for accessing easy to challenging hikes in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. The variety of trails lead to high elevation lakes, picturesque waterfalls, and a number of stunning scenic overlooks. Alvarado is designed for a range of campers, with facilities for tent, RV and equestrian campers. Pike-San Isabel National Forests include over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado's mountain peaks that reach above 14,000 feet.

    Recreation

    Near the campground are several trailheads that provide visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities. All trails are open for horseback riding and hiking. The Rainbow Trail is a premier ATV and motorcycle trail. The non-motorized Comanche and Venable Trails lead into the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness where waterfalls and alpine lakes may be enjoyed.

    Natural Features

    Alvarado is perched on the side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains among sweet smelling ponderosa pine, aspen, lodgepole and gambel oak trees. Some sites offer views of the Wet Mountain Valley below while others sit beside Alvarado Creek. The campground is within reach of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, which spans 226,455 acres with 60 alpine lakes, 400 miles of streams and over 400 miles of trails to explore. Large aspen stands visible in the area today are a result of fires set in the early 1900's to clear pasture land, expose minerals and produce charcoal.

    Nearby Attractions

    Explore the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway that takes drivers through the Wet Mountains and provides spectacular views of 22 peaks, all within the San Isabel National Forest.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $27 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Haggards RV Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Haggards RV Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Haggards RV Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Haggards RV Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Haggards RV Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Haggards RV Campground

    2. Haggards RV Campground

    8 Reviews
    15 Photos
    18 Saves
    Penrose, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA

    3. Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA

    18 Reviews
    31 Photos
    34 Saves
    Cañon City, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park

      5. Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park

      3 Reviews
      1 Photo
      75 Saves
      Cañon City, Colorado

      Located adjacent to the Temple Canyon trail that takes you to delightful Grape Creek and beyond The Temple. Operated by the City of Cañon City. Vault toilets, fire rings, some picnic tables, no water. Four different campsites spread apart to allow you to enjoy the solitude of this area located 8 miles southwest of Cañon City. Open year-round. (Free)

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Equestrian
      • Picnic Table
      Camper-submitted photo from Purgatoire Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Purgatoire Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Purgatoire Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Purgatoire Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Purgatoire Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Purgatoire Campground

      6. Purgatoire Campground

      6 Reviews
      17 Photos
      51 Saves
      Weston, Colorado

      Overview

      Purgatoire Campground is nestled near the headwaters of the Purgatoire River in the beautiful Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The primitive campground is laid out on two loops. One is a large grassy meadow with sites that accommodate equestrian campers and one that is wooded with aspen and spruce.Constructed by the Youth Conservation Corp in 1976, Purgatoire was originally named Potato Patch Campground. The river provides nice fishing and a trailhead attracts hikers and horseback riders.

      Recreation

      The North Fork Trail # 1309 is located on the north end of the campground and offers non-motorized access to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. The 5-mile trail delights with mountain vistas and shade from forested terrain. The river, which is creek-sized at these upper reaches, provides opportunities for anglers to cast for trout.

      Natural Features

      The campground is in an aspen and conifer forest near the North Fork River at an elevation of 9,800 feet. The river, also known as the Purgatoire River, flows 196 miles to the confluence of the Arkansas River. Pike-San Isabel National Forest includes over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado's mountain peaks that reach above 14,000 feet.

      Nearby Attractions

      The nearby towns of Stonewall and Cuchara offer shopping and restaurants.

      Charges & Cancellations

      Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.

      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Equestrian

      $23 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Pueblo West Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Pueblo West Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Pueblo West Campground

      7. Pueblo West Campground

      2 Reviews
      3 Photos
      4 Saves
      Pueblo, Colorado
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • RVs
      Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Pass OHV
      Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Pass OHV

      8. Hermit Pass OHV

      1 Review
      4 Photos
      30 Saves
      Westcliffe, Colorado

      Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".

      Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.

      Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:

      In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Equestrian
      • Dispersed
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
      Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
      Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
      Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
      Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
      Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead

      9. Cotton Creek Trailhead

      2 Reviews
      9 Photos
      78 Saves
      Crestone, Colorado

      The Cotton Creek Trail is 13.1 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 962 and ends at Forest Trail #745. Trail is well marked and maintained. It follow the creek through a rugged, steep canyon and diverse scenery, with views of high peaks and many beautiful wildflowers in season. Some stream crossings can be tricky if water level is high. Attractions are fishing in creeks and lakes, and many good campsites. Teacup Lake presents an opportunity for primitive route finding.

      The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding, Dispersed Camping, and Wildflower Viewing

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
      • Tents
      Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground
    Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

    Recent Equestrian Reviews in Rye

    57 Reviews of 13 Rye Campgrounds


    • Angela E.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
      Oct. 7, 2024

      Cotton Creek Trailhead

      Beautiful and peaceful 💚

      The sky is GORGEOUS. The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow. I've never seen so many stars!

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Alvarado Campground
      Jun. 15, 2024

      Alvarado Campground

      One of those gems

      The campground won't accommodate fifth wheels only horse and rv up to 30 or so. Many of the sites in the 30,s up are useless other than a van. Tent sites are not good. Very uneven pads. The 40,s are much better and all mostly tents. The sites below 30 to 1 are pretty nice. Must say the hosts for the new concession explorUS were doing a bang up job.

    • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Haggards RV Campground
      Aug. 25, 2023

      Haggards RV Campground

      Terrific Place

      When our boondocking plans went south, Nancy accommodated us on a late Sunday night without a reservation. She was kind and pleasant even though I’m sure she was tired and didn’t feel like showing us to our site. The place was super clean, very charming, and with much attention to detail. Would definitely stay here again!

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
      Jul. 30, 2023

      Cotton Creek Trailhead

      Gorgeous Dispersed Camping

      There are at least ten dispersed spots off the road, CC64. They are large spots with fire rings. Three of them are on the creek. Once the wind settled, there were more stars than I've ever seen in my life. Endless views and endless stars - can't beat it!

      Also - it's only 5 miles from Valley View if you can't get a reservation there but can get a day pass.

    • Amanda S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground
      Jun. 28, 2023

      Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground

      Great for a night

      My husband and I stayed here for a night just passing through. This is only about 12 miles from the Great Sand Dunes National Park and also on the way the Crater Lake. There are several dispersed campsites. We had a UHaul trailer we were pulling and it was easy to get to a campsite. All campsites seems you would be able to get to with a RV or a 2 wheel car. We did not do any exploring but I'm sure hiking is great.

    • Kyle T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Huerfano State Wildlife Area
      Jun. 17, 2023

      Huerfano State Wildlife Area

      Removed, but not much else to do

      This is a wonderfully isolated, dispersed camping area. There are group sites and individual ones, scattered bathrooms, and a few picnic tables. Not much to do nearby, but the campsite is beautiful.

    • Zach B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Alvarado Campground
      May. 29, 2023

      Alvarado Campground

      Great trails and clean bathrooms

      About 3 hours south of Denver. Solid trails nearby, sites are large and spread out enough, and bathrooms are close and clean

    • C
      Camper-submitted photo from Haggards RV Campground
      Oct. 22, 2022

      Haggards RV Campground

      Easy, friendly, accommodating

      Had to get off the road due to wind! They got us right in to their well run campground. Great dog path and running area, showers and laundry. Nancy is super friendly!

    • Rowan B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
      Sep. 24, 2022

      Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA

      A pleasant surprise

      Really nice. Beautiful views and a great walking path for my dog. I could have gone for miles. People are super friendly and it’s clean! Close to hiking. Well worth the visit

    • Terry P.
      Camper-submitted photo from Haggards RV Campground
      Sep. 8, 2022

      Haggards RV Campground

      Unexpected Gem

      We don't usually stay at RV parks, but we really enjoyed our over night stay at Haggard's RV Park. My wife called it an unexpected gem. Nancy, the owner, was very welcoming and set the tone for the visit. She suggested some sites and we found one that was perfect for us with beautiful views across the prairie to the mountains and a spectacular sunset to boot. Nancy came around offering ice at one point and, later, watermellon. There is a nice dog park on-site. In fact, the best we've seen while traveling. Our older greyhound, who usually just follows us, actually did a few laps. Nancy's attention to detail was evident in the way she decorated the bathhouse to create a more personal, at-home feel. Haggard's is on our list of campgrounds to return to in the future.

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from Alvarado Campground
      Aug. 1, 2022

      Alvarado Campground

      Great place to stay

      This was a gorgeous place to stay. The sites were widely spaced on the lower level. There were plenty of sites. Make sure you check your vehicle length because some of the spots were pretty small. It was just a quick trip into Westcliffe to pick up any forgotten supplies. Cell service was good here. No water or electrical hookups.

    • Jade T.
      Camper-submitted photo from Alvarado Campground
      Jul. 11, 2022

      Alvarado Campground

      Small Sites

      Beautiful camping sites. They’re small though. Our 12 person tent (18’x10’) did not fit on site. We ended up placing it in the parking spot and parked next to the tent so it worked out. We stayed July 1st-5th and it rained every day we were there. Very windy as well… make sure you stake everything down and add some weight to it too.

    • K
      Camper-submitted photo from Purgatoire Campground
      Jun. 15, 2022

      Purgatoire Campground

      Purgatoire Site #8

      This was a beautiful peaceful camp ground. Very quiet. It has a pit toilet which was decent - better than having to use or portable. No cell phone service.

    • D
      Camper-submitted photo from Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
      May. 30, 2022

      Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA

      KOA Royal Gorge

      Large KOA. Always great bathrooms and showers. 1st campsite was full of fire ants but we were able to move to 109 with electric for our tent. Lots of great stuff for kids. Slide, playground, mini golf. Just a few miles from RG Bridge. The camp store is fully stocked!

    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Purgatoire Campground
      May. 28, 2022

      Purgatoire Campground

      Fantastic high mountain FS campground

      I can understand rating this campground low if you were hoping to find a Ritz Carlton at the end of the 4-mile rough road, but if you're looking for a beautiful high altitude forested campground that offers solitude and great hiking, you've come to the right place!  The worst we can say about it was that we visited in the height of mud season and it made leveling our rig a little tricky as the levelling blocks kept sinking in the soft Dyrt under the weight of our wheels, but we eventually figured it out.  There was snow on the ground and snow flurries during our visit.  We basically had the whole campground to ourselves on a mid-week evening, maybe two others in the entire campground.  Our rig is 28' long, and if the place had been more crowded we may have had trouble finding a spot long enough for us, but given how empty it was we had our pick of multiple sites that worked.  Overall a very cool spot off the Highway of Legends.  If you're in the vicinity of the Spanish Peaks and looking for some great mountain camping, this is your place!

    • E
      Camper-submitted photo from Haggards RV Campground
      May. 4, 2022

      Haggards RV Campground

      One of Our Favorites!

      We've been staying at this campground for several years as we travel between Arizona and Wyoming. The owners are so helpful, and the park is immaculate. Fantastic views, country feel, and safe. There's a seasonal pool, walking trails and a HUGE fenced dog park. Most spots are pull thru, and it's worth the short, easy drive from I-25.

    • K
      Camper-submitted photo from Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
      Oct. 22, 2021

      Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA

      Needs a Refresh

      A majority of the camp sites need a refresh… trees, patios, landscaping. Restrooms were clean and somewhat updated, but the showers need a total reno. Place appears to be maintained, but could use a total refresh.

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Haggards RV Campground
      Oct. 17, 2021

      Haggards RV Campground

      Wonderful!

      The campground is great for any size rig. Quiet. So neat to see pronghorn in nearby fields as we sat drinking coffee. Nancy is so accommodating. She is a pleasure. Would highly recommend.

    • t
      Camper-submitted photo from Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park
      Sep. 13, 2021

      Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park

      Temple canyon view camp site

      Enjoyed the beautiful views and the ability to get offline and out in serenity’s. Only down fall staying at the temple view camp site is that there is a jeep tour that comes by a few time in the am and afternoon. So you feel like your on exhibit but they go by fast. Not much shade, and there isn’t a real access to the trails. Had to hike over to temple ridge about a mile away to find two beautiful intermittent trails. Would definitely stay at ridge when we go back. Oh and for sure need 4x4 drive or not a low car. Roads are windy but the view after are amazing.

    • K
      Camper-submitted photo from Alvarado Campground
      Sep. 3, 2021

      Alvarado Campground

      Great weekend getaway

      Quite National Forest camp ground that is a pay per night. Site has a nice creek and offers lots of hiking. Vault toilets and several water fountains. No electricity. Lots of wildlife in the area.

    • G
      Camper-submitted photo from Purgatoire Campground
      Aug. 30, 2021

      Purgatoire Campground

      Good camping spot

      Liked the camp spots (ours was 14). Mark (the camp host) kept everything clean. Beautiful star viewing. 4 mile dirt road was a bit rough bringing my camper. Verizon coverage had 1 bar at the south end.

    • Kevin H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Haggards RV Campground
      Aug. 7, 2021

      Haggards RV Campground

      Loved this place remote but close great hosts

      Data T-mobile 5G : lacking ATT: not so hot Verizon: great Visible: pretty good Cricket: ok for voice

      Great campground. Plenty of space. Limited monthly residents. Remote but close to town.

      Lovely hosts. Will be back

    • Glenna L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Alvarado Campground
      Jul. 18, 2021

      Alvarado Campground

      Great campground!

      We arrived around 830am on a July Saturday morning and found a handful of spots available to select from. We were a party of five with one large tent, one medium size tent and 2 vehicles. Luckily spot 43 at the top of the loop was available and able to accommodate our group. It was located close to water and a pit toilet as well. The host was attentive and cleaned and stocked the toilet. The campground was beautiful and had access to several wonderful trails. The night sky was amazing after the rain passed through and the clouds cleared. There was a group at a lower loop that was playing really loud music until well after quiet time. I do wish the host had put an end to that. Firewood was available for purchase at the host, but we were allowed to gather our own as well. All in all, a wonderful location and we were glad to find a spot and would love to return.



    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Rye, CO?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Rye, CO is Alvarado Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Rye, CO?

      TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Rye, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.