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Guanella Pass offers dispersed camping sites with varying terrain to accommodate horses and trailers. Multiple sites provide spaces large enough for horse trailers and corrals, particularly in areas farther from the main road where sites become more private with natural barriers. Several camping areas feature proximity to creek access for watering horses, though riders should note the orange, rust-colored water in some sections. The roads through the camping areas can be challenging and may require high-clearance vehicles, especially for those towing horse trailers deeper into the camping area.
Horseback riders at Guanella Pass can access several trail networks that connect to the Continental Divide Trail system. Most equestrian-friendly sites are located 2-3 miles up Leavenworth Creek Road (352), which branches off from the main Guanella Pass route. This area provides ample space for larger equestrian camping setups with natural features that can serve as highlines. Trail riders frequently encounter wildlife, including moose, particularly in the early mornings. During peak summer weekends, equestrians should arrive early to secure suitable sites as the more accessible spots with trailer access fill quickly, especially those with adequate space for multiple horses and camping equipment.
"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."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $28 - $90 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Take the exit onto Fall River Road from the highway, a short road. You are then soon connected with forest service road of sorts York gultch."
"Might ROAD: Dirt, but not "off road trail"- again people live off of this road so its somewhat maintained. BEWARE OF RAIN WASHOUT AREAS, DIPS, AND WASHBOARD."
"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."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $36 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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."
"The Gross Resevoir outside Boulder is a great place for people to go for some recreation just outside the city. People commonly drop in a paddleboard or kayak."
"Located in the Arapaho National Forest, Sugarloaf is a small campground found on the Williams Fork of the Colorado River. The valley was once heavily forested but is much more open these days."
"This campground is perfect for those who live in Boulder or the nearby surrounding areas (Louisville, Superior, Lafayette, Longmont, Gunbarrel)."
from $19 / night
Check Availability"Walking distance to vault toilets. Some nice foresty hikes between Aspen Meadows and Reverend's Ridge. We could see some other campsites but didn't feel too squished."
"This site is surrounded by pine trees, aspens and boulders. Parking is a bit tight and the some of the sites pretty steep. Dude's Fishing Hole is within walking distance."
from $28 / night
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LegendThis 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!
GuideThis 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.
TravelerThis 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.
LegendThree 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.
GuideAlthough this site is a no water/ electric site and next to the horses, we had a blast! Especially the kids. The site was a great size! We went horse back riding, hung out by the river, had s’mores, and even went for an ATV ride!! I was most impressed by how clean the bathrooms were, especially with the current COVID situation! Thank you Winding River Resort for keeping the place clean!
GuideMy 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!
TravelerSite 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!
ScoutA 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.
GuideThis is a great park. I camped in late July. With the exception of a few rain showers, the weather was great. 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. I even had the chance to see some elk walk through while picking up firewood at the office. There are miles of trails within the park if you choose not to venture out to the National Forest. I will 100% be staying at this park again! Group sites and equestrian sites are available too.
Guanella Pass dispersed camping offers primitive sites with various terrain features and accessibility levels. Located in the Arapaho National Forest near Silver Plume at elevations between 9,500-11,000 feet, the area experiences significant temperature drops at night even in summer months. Most dispersed camping areas require visitors to drive 2-3 miles on forest service roads with increasing difficulty as you venture deeper into the wilderness.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings provide the best chance for wildlife spotting, particularly on the trails connecting to the Continental Divide. At Kirby Gulch, Karl G. reports, "We saw a moose!" The meadow areas near creek crossings are particularly good for wildlife observation.
Fish the nearby creeks: Multiple streams offer fishing opportunities throughout the area. Remember that some water in the region has mineral content that affects appearance. A camper at Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir notes, "There are a lot of inlets to paddle into and trails to explore," making it ideal for combining fishing with other activities.
Hike mountain trails: The area connects to numerous trail systems with varying difficulty levels. According to Tarah W., "I camped here for the night and hiked square top lakes early the next morning. Absolutely beautiful. Highly suggest going around wild flower season."
Remote camping options: For those seeking seclusion, traveling further on forest roads leads to more isolated spots. At York Gulch Road, Heather P. confirms, "Nice campgrounds. Not close to anyone. Road up is 2wd. Keep heading up the small road to get to all the secluded camp grounds."
Creek proximity: Many campers appreciate sites with running water nearby for both ambiance and practical purposes. Paige S. shared her experience: "I found an excellent spot right along the creek with a mountain view. Everything about the campsite was serene and it was the perfect setting to throw back some beers and build a fire."
Access to 14er trailheads: Camping areas serve as ideal base camps for mountain climbing adventures. Mikaela R. explains this benefit: "Camp here to hike one of Colorado's most climbed 14ers, Mt. BIERSTADT. This pass can get CROWDED so plan to leave Denver early on a Friday."
Weather preparedness: Temperature variations can be extreme, especially at night. At Kenosha Pass Campground, Erica S. warns, "We did some dispersed camping. It was quiet, serene, and gorgeous. The temperature dropped a bit more than we anticipated but stuck it out."
Vehicle requirements: High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for accessing most equestrian camping near Silver Plume, Colorado. As one camper at Kirby Gulch notes, "Super bumpy roads - must have an SUV or truck...The river can be heard from almost every site and it was great to fall asleep to."
Seasonal timing: Peak season brings significant crowds, especially on weekends. Madison G. advises, "In the late summer nights most easily accessible sites will be snagged but you can always park and walk up or down the hill to find a spot. Looking in the dark is tough, try to arrive before nightfall!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Silver Plume, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Silver Plume, CO is Guanella Pass with a 4.3-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Silver Plume, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 40 equestrian camping locations near Silver Plume, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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