Equestrian camping near Steamboat Springs, Colorado offers varied terrain across the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, with elevations ranging from 6,700 to 10,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day while dropping to 40-50°F at night. Trail conditions vary significantly by season, with most high-elevation routes impassable until late June due to snowpack and spring runoff.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Multiple forest service roads near Buffalo Pass Dispersed provide excellent horseback riding options. "This place is beautiful, found multiple spots on Monday June 30th that were beautiful and had fire pits. HOWEVER, When you see other reviews that say there are lots of bugs... they were not exaggerating, there are massive swarms of mosquitoes everywhere."
Fishing access: Several lakes in the area accommodate trailer parking for riders wanting to combine fishing trips with horseback excursions. "Good camping right close to the road. Secluded and private with beautiful views. Currently a stage 2 fire ban so no campfires allowed."
Multi-day pack trips: The Freeman Reservoir Campground area connects to extensive trail networks suitable for longer excursions. "There is a short trail around the reservoir and we even got pictures of a couple beavers. The campground itself is decent and I've never seen it crowded. Road is impassable in winter."
What campers like
Seasonal timing: Mid-July through September offers optimal trail conditions for horse travel across most routes. According to one camper at Dry Lake Campground: "We arrived in early afternoon on a Monday and despite the sign out front that said 'campground full' we found that there were 2 or 3 available sites that must have been recently vacated. We chose site 8 which was fairly spacious and private despite being close to the bathroom."
Overnight facilities: The campgrounds with designated equestrian accommodations typically offer more level parking areas for trailers. "We hit this place coming from the northern Colorado border with Wyoming on a Sunday night. I've grown up and camped in Colorado my whole life, this place was 10/10, and one of my favorite spots ever! With hiking, biking, and fishing, you could spend some time here!"
Wildlife viewing: Horse campers report frequent moose sightings along wetland trails and meadow areas. Ranger Lakes Campground users note: "Unprecedented scenery in the wilderness just below 10,000 foot elevation. Short hike to multiple high altitude lakes. Glorious views from campsite. Only has electric and water hookup and the dump station was not convenient. Saw moose from the campsite."
What you should know
Road condition warnings: Access to prime horse camping areas often requires high-clearance vehicles. One visitor to North Michigan Campground warns: "Drove a long ways to find out the gate isn't open like prior post of members and will not open until June 15 on the steamboat side as posted at gate. We drove to the east side from Walden to find out you can't even make it to the gate as the road has way too much snow cover yet even with a 4 wheel drive."
Water availability: Natural water sources for horses become limited by August, requiring supplemental water. "We were able to paddle board and fish right from our campsite, and had a wonderful fresh trout dinner."
Reservation requirements: Horse-friendly sites fill quickly during peak summer weekends, particularly at established campgrounds. "The sites are primitive - each site had picnic benches and a firepit, but at the time we visited there was a Stage 2 fire ban in place, so we couldn't have a campfire. The fire ban included the burning of wood and charcoal - using a propane stove was OK."
Tips for camping with families
Insect protection: The mosquito season can be intense from late June through July, especially in areas near streams or wetlands. A camper at Walden Reservoir shared: "Better for campers/cans as there isn't much privacy for tent campers. Not enough trees for bathrooms so you may want to bring a hide-able set up. SO many mosquitoes and biting ants but the sunsets are gorgeous and make it worth it."
Day rides: Several established campgrounds offer shorter trail loops suitable for younger riders. "This is a wonderful campground on Michigan Reservoir. It's busy for sure, but never in a way that deters me from visiting. There are cabins to rent, which are fun too. Fishing, hiking, off-roading, kayaking or canoeing, or simply sightseeing - there are big mountain vistas to enjoy."
Educational opportunities: The State Forest State Park visitor center provides wildlife information and junior ranger programs focused on conservation. "The visitor center was educational and interesting, and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. After studying some maps of the area with the rangers, we decided to try our luck driving along Highway 14 towards Fort Collins."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds near Steamboat Springs have length limitations for combined truck and trailer setups. At Trappers Lake Horse Thief Equestrian Campground, users report: "There are 4 small US Forest Service campgrounds here. The access road is in great shape and while it is gravel, it is passable with any vehicle and trailer combination. We have a short 5th wheel (26') and we found only a couple of sites we could fit in. I would say that 32' is about it."
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites for horse trailers are limited to specific campgrounds. "This is the official CG for the horse crowd, however if it is empty anyone can camp there. FCFS, about 10 sites some with powder river corrals. One water spigot up at top by the single toilet one issue is NO shade."
Seasonal access: Spring conditions often make trailer access impossible until roads dry completely, usually by mid-June. "Buff pass gate is open and you can mob over it if you have high clearance, 4wd, and definitely winter tires. It gets sketchy at some points, but you have your pick of camp sites."
