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Best Equestrian Camping near Shawnee, CO

564 Reviews

Shawnee area dispersed camping offers limited options for equestrians in Pike National Forest. Most designated horse camping requires traveling to nearby established campgrounds with specialized facilities. Kirby Gulch provides primitive dispersed camping suitable for horse trailers with higher clearance vehicles, though no dedicated horse corrals are available. The bumpy access roads require trucks or SUVs, making this location challenging for large horse trailers. Sites along the creek provide natural water access, but many are quite exposed with minimal tree coverage farther from the road.

The Colorado Trail accessible from Kenosha Pass Campground provides excellent riding opportunities, though the campground itself lacks dedicated equestrian facilities. Trail riders frequently use the dispersed camping areas near Forest Service Roads 126 and 126.A as staging areas for horseback access to mountain trails. Staunton State Park offers walk-in camping with nearby trails, but site access requires carrying gear approximately half a mile, making it impractical for overnight horse camping. Most equestrians in the area either day-ride from trailheads or establish base camps at the limited sites capable of accommodating larger horse trailers. During fall, the golden aspens make this area particularly popular for trail riding, necessitating early arrival to secure suitable camping locations.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Shawnee, Colorado (35)

    1. Kenosha Pass Campground

    13 Reviews
    Jefferson, CO
    11 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    "This was a great stay, conveniently located just down 285 for a short get away during the work week.  We stayed for 3 days and during that time there were only a few other campers here."

    "Super easy access for a quick trip to hit the Colorado Trail. We stayed in sight 22, and realized the map on the reservation system was a bit skewed as it is very close to the bathrooms."

    2. Guanella Pass

    19 Reviews
    Silver Plume, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $26 / night

    "There are 4 sites that are down by the creek in the trees that are walk-in only but have the most space between them and are right on the creek. They are my favorite spots on site."

    "Close hikes near by including one of Colorado’s 14ers."

    3. Chatfield State Park Campground

    77 Reviews
    Littleton, CO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 791-7275

    $36 - $200 / night

    "Stay here a couple times a year, great amenities and lots to do with a swim beach, shore line, horses, boat ramp and model planes."

    "Chatfield State Park is a great mixture of access to the outdoors with availability of many of the benefits of a metro area close by."

    4. Staunton State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Conifer, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 816-0912

    $28 / night

    "The pit, very clean are at base, and there is a porta-potty by site 14, far enough away from 14 to not be a problem."

    "We brought out the bike and did some trails to find the perfect spot and since we went in the middle of the week we had our choice of spot."

    5. Kirby Gulch

    9 Reviews
    Montezuma, CO
    13 miles
    Website

    "About 15-20 of us camped at this site (#19) the weekend after the 4th of July, and it was an incredible, mostly private location."

    "When you pull in off the main road, the road turns into a washboard and you drive up into a meadow with multiple sites for RV’s and tents. 

    The sites surround the outside of the meadow."

    6. Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park

    34 Reviews
    Morrison, CO
    27 miles
    Website

    "Close proximity to the highway. Clean level spots. Geared more towards RV camping. Pros: great views of the foothills."

    "So much to do in this little area-lakes, trails, horses. Very close to red rocks. This is still in town so great for beginners"

    7. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    48 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $18 / night

    "area was plowed open to exactly the width of our trailer, so with more than three feet of snow on the ground we needed to get some exercise and do a bit of shoveling so we could back in and be able to walk"

    "Late October is very unpredictable in Colorado for a camper who is primarily a tent camper."

    8. Lodgepole - Jefferson

    6 Reviews
    Jefferson, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    $24 / night

    "The Lodgepole and all of the Jefferson campgrounds provide great access to the Colorado trail. I’ve camped here several times, but be sure to catch it in the fall! The colors are amazing."

    "Wr loved the easy access to the Colorado Trail as well. The negatives were that we were not expecting so many generators to be running while we were there."

    9. Matukat Road Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Lake George, CO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    ".

    • Most sites appeared to be just off the road so you will see others driving by, and some sites have close by neighbors so keep that in mind if you're looking for something more private.
    • Livestock"

    "Rock fire pits, wood around. No water, garbage, nor toilets. Cool temps, road in is rough go slow. Nice shady trees. First few spots you encounter left, then right seem ok."

    10. Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    30 Reviews
    Rollinsville, CO
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $28 - $90 / night

    "This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to."

    "Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado. We couldn’t believe it…so close but you feel incredibly removed once you get there."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Shawnee, CO

11 Photos of 35 Shawnee Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Shawnee, CO

564 Reviews of 35 Shawnee Campgrounds

  • Natalie B.
    Jul. 15, 2017

    Indian Creek Equestrian Campground

    Beautiful!

    This campground has a equestrian area and a tent camping area. The tent camping is to the right after you enter, there are two tent loops with bathrooms. Water spigots next to the bathroom. There are a few trails here, some are horse trails. Overall a beautiful spot with some shade!

  • Daniel S.
    Sep. 29, 2020

    South Fork Rustic Campground

    Rustic and Scenic Campground Located in the White River National Forest

    This is a bare bones remote campground with assigned sites and vault toilets. There is no potable water on site, so bring plenty of water for your stay. The 18 sites are on a first come basis and can't be reserved.

    I don't own horses, but have seen some in the area so it is equestrian friendly. The campground is located in a canyon with high cliffs and there are several hiking and backpacking trails that branch off from the campground. The south fork of the white river runs through the campground affording good fly fishing.

    While you can get to the campground in a standard automobile the gravel road is rutted in places as you get close to the campground and can become dicey in heavy rain or snow for the last mile or two. 

    I have been there numerous times as early as July and as late as September when snow can be expected.

  • N
    Apr. 23, 2020

    Colorado Campground

    Good location

    Colorado campground is situated outside of Woodland Park (10 minute drive) and right next to Manitou lake.  This is a great area central to the Pikes Peak wilderness area so many trails are nearby and activities while still being close to civilization if you forget something or choose to eat-out.  The CG itself is large, but the sites are well spaced apart...it is a primitive CG with picnic table, fire-pit and gravel pull through or back-in spots.  There are water spigots, vault toilets and garbage cans equally dispersed throughout.  In the summer they have an educational series also on the weekends of various nature/wildlife "seminars" that are great for the kids in their small amphitheater, although i don't know how frequent they are scheduled.  As others have stated its a short walk to the lake for fishing and canoeing if you choose.  The CG is well maintained and hosts are friendly.

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 13, 2018

    Colorado Campground

    There are many campgrounds in Colorado, but only one Colorado Campground!

    CAMPGROUND REVIEW: COLORADO CAMPGROUND PIKE NATIONAL FOREST

    https://www.recreation.gov/camping/colorado-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70684

    Colorado Campground is one of several campgrounds less than 10 miles north of the city of Woodland Park off Route 67 in the Pike National Forest.

    Situated at 7800 feet elevation, even summer nights get cool. Nearby 5 acre Manitou Lake is a trail walk away. You can toss your canoe or kayak in, but unless you are simply trout fishing, it’s tiny size doesn’t offer much variation.

    Numerous foot trails lead into the National Forest, offering wonderfully quiet hikes and exploration.

    There are 81 sites available, but some are adjacent to highway 67, so periodic road noise will be heard. The ponderosa pines assist in muffling highway noise.

    Neighboring sites are visible across the entire campground, but they are situated in such a way that you are not directly on top of each other.

    The back loop sites are larger and set deeper (Site 19, 20,21, 22, 23) which are my choice. Sites can be secured on www.recreation.gov. There are double sites which garner double fees. At the time of this review, sites are $23.00 nightly (a bit pricey for no showers or modern facilities). When there during the week, not including the host and groundskeeper, only four sites were filled. Most sites were reserved for weekends and upcoming Labor Day holiday.

    No RV/Campers over 36 ft permitted. Parking pads are gravel, a few are pull-through. Sites are non-electric with no hookups…no showers Water spigots, metal trash containers and pit latrines are spaced out through the campground. Each site has one stationary picnic table and a fire pit. Most sites appeared fairly level. No specific tent pad locations.

    With the towering ponderosa pines, there is ample shade.

    Plenty of trails permit mountain biking as well as the paved centennial bike path that runs along highway 67 from Woodland Park 15 miles north…that you can walk, in-line, cycle and even ebike.

    You have plenty of local activities to keep you busy, including the Red Rocks a couple miles south…or drive east on Rt 24 to Pikes Peak, or further into Manitou Springs for the Incline, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Garden of the gods and more!

    Just six miles south into Woodland Park offers every food or shopping option.

    All in all, a nice, clean campground in a great location.

  • Mikaela R.
    Jul. 1, 2017

    Indian Creek Equestrian Campground

    Beautiful and close in!

    My folks bought property you can ride to Indian Creek from. Love this area!!! Lots of beautiful trails, close to Denver and very peaceful. Bring your ponies, its an equestrian campground!

  • Sarah D.
    Jun. 23, 2021

    Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    Good spot!

    Site 5 was a great spot for a bigger group. It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great. We didn’t make it to the gross reservoir but it was nice to have the option of a good hike near by. It is very important that you have a high clearance car to drive on the road. It’s a lot like off roading on some parts. I would go back!

  • Amber J.
    Jun. 4, 2018

    Mueller State Park Campground

    Nice trees, large sites, excellent toilet and showers!

    Great location within Colorado's Mueller State Park. Easy access to trails, visitor center, and scenic drives. Nice large site with level gravel tent pad, large table, and nice fire pit. Nearby sites seemed to be a good distance away.

  • Jennifer L.
    May. 20, 2018

    Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park

    Best of City Camping

    Close proximity to the highway. Clean level spots. Geared more towards RV camping. Pros: great views of the foothills. Lots of park amenities like horse stables, archery range, swim beach, boat rentals, hiking trails, picnic areas. Con: Orange glow of Home Depot sign at night and no shade during the day. Your camping reservation (strongly recommended) includes park admission.

Guide to Shawnee

Horse camping in Colorado offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With numerous campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and hit the trails.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Indian Creek Equestrian Campground, you can enjoy access to a variety of trails ideal for horseback riding, all while being close to Denver.
  • Guanella Pass provides easy access to the Bierstadt trail, perfect for those looking to combine hiking with their equestrian adventures.
  • Kenosha Pass Campground is situated near the Colorado Trail, offering scenic routes for both riders and hikers.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like water access

  • Indian Creek features drinking water and well-maintained facilities, making it a convenient choice for horse campers.
  • At Kirby Gulch, you’ll find spacious sites that accommodate both tents and horses, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your animals.
  • Staunton State Park Campground offers a beautiful setting with access to trails suitable for horseback riding, along with clean facilities.

Tips for equestrian camping near Shawnee, Colorado

  • When visiting Lodgepole - Jefferson, be prepared for bumpy roads; a vehicle with good clearance is recommended for accessing the campground.
  • At Matukat Road Dispersed Camping, you can find secluded spots that are perfect for a peaceful getaway, but be mindful of the road conditions.
  • Ensure you have enough supplies when camping at Idylease Campground, as it requires a short hike to reach the sites, and amenities are limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Shawnee, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Shawnee, CO is Kenosha Pass Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 13 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 35 equestrian camping locations near Shawnee, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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