Best Equestrian Camping near Steamboat Springs, CO
Trappers Lake Horse Thief Equestrian Campground provides dedicated facilities for horses near Meeker, Colorado, approximately 60 miles south of Steamboat Springs. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with specific sites designed for equestrians. Buffalo Pass road conditions get extremely rough and require high-clearance 4WD vehicles, making access challenging for horse trailers. The buffalo pass area features multiple dispersed camping options along forest roads with adequate space for horses and trailers at some sites, though no formal corrals or horse-specific amenities are available.
State Forest State Park offers the North Michigan and Ranger Lakes campgrounds with full hookup sites that can accommodate horses and trailers, though specific equestrian facilities are limited. Located approximately 45 minutes east of Steamboat Springs, these campgrounds provide access to extensive trail systems suitable for horseback riding. The mosquitoes can be particularly intense during summer months, especially in the Buffalo Pass area where swarms have been reported by campers.
Trail access from these campgrounds connects riders to numerous routes through Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Most of the dispersed camping areas require planning ahead for horse water needs as natural water sources are seasonal and limited. During summer months, Dry Lake Campground serves as an accessible basecamp for day rides, though the small size (7-8 sites) means arriving early is essential to secure space for horse trailers. Seasonal closures affect access to higher elevation areas, with gates on Buffalo Pass typically closed until mid-June on the Steamboat side and mid-July on the eastern approach from Walden.
