Are you planning a trip to Vail with your horse? We've got you covered. It's easy to find Vail equestrian campgrounds with the Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect site for your Colorado horse camping excursion.
Guanella Pass Campground is located about 7 miles south of Georgetown on the South Fork of Clear Creek on the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. Located at an elevation of 10,900 feet on the Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest, visitors to the campground can also enjoy hiking and fishing in the area. The Guanella Pass Scenic and Historic Byway follows an old wagon route that linked the mining towns of Georgetown and Grant, Colorado.
Visitors can go trout fishing on the South Fork of Clear Creek. Silver Dollar Lake is nearby, but cannot be reached by car. Instead, the Silver Dollar Lake Trail leads hikers above treeline to the scenic lake.
The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland sit along the foothills and Rockies of Colorado. The forests and grassland cover 1.5 million acres and extend north to the Wyoming border, south to Mount Evans and west across the Continental Divide. The area includes mountains, lakes and five scenic byways, designated by Congress for their scenery, wildlife or history, including the highest road in North America. Mount Evans Road, also known as Colorado Highway 5, allows visitors to drive from 10,500' to 14,130' above sea level in just 14 miles.
Visitors enjoy touring historic Georgetown, a former mining town of about 1,000 residents. Additional ghost towns dot the region.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578.
$23 / night
Lakeview Campground, with wonderful views of the Twin Lakes Reservoir, is located about 20 miles south of Leadville, Colorado. The campground attracts many hikers looking to explore nature and the hiking trails in the surrounding area. Boaters can launch their craft at the nearby boat dock and fishing enthusiasts can find numerous locations at Twin Lakes Reservoir for fishing.
The Continental Divide Trail, which runs from Canada to Mexico, is a non-motorized trail that passes Lakeview Campground. Mountain bikes are allowed in the section from Halfmoon Road south to Twin Lakes. Approximately 300 miles of the trail goes through Colorado. South of the campground lies Twin Lakes, Colorado's largest natural glacier lakes. Sailing and water skiing are among the popular activities here. Fishing includes lake, rainbow and mackinaw trout.
Lakeview is situated in a ponderosa pine and sage habitat at an elevation of 9,500 feet. The site is between Mt. Elbert Forebay and Twin Lakes. The Twin Lakes Reservoir spans 2,805 acres and Mount Elbert stands tall at 14,433 feet. To the north is the Mount Massive Wilderness area, 30,540 acres encompassing Mount Massive, Colorados second highest peak at 14,421 feet. To the south is the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness with 8 peaks over 14,000 ft high. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.
The Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway leads to Independence Pass, one of the highest paved passes in Colorado. The historic mining town, Leadville, is a half hour away.
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.
$26 / night
Sugarloaf camping is a first-come, first-served campground is located in the Williams Fork Valley next to the Williams Fork River. There are 11 non-electric sites that will accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Each site contains a tent pad, fire grate and picnic table. Additional facilities provided include restrooms and trash service. Drinking water is available at South Fork Campground ½ mile away. Due to the recent mountain pine beetle epidemic, campsites have no shade. Popular activities include hiking in the Arapaho National Forest and nearby Byers Peak Wilderness area, scenic driving and wildlife viewing.
$19 / night
Kenosha Pass Campground is a small, conveniently-located campground heralded by backpackers on the Colorado Trail and by those looking for a scenic, mountain family getaway. Across the road from the campground entrance is the Kenosha Pass Interpretive Area, with an accessible interpretive trail showcasing wetlands and remnants of the South Park and Pacific Railroad. Kenosha Pass, the campground's namesake, is one of the nation's highest mountain passes, weaving over the spine of the Front Range from Jefferson to Grant. The route provides one of the primary access points to South Park, and boasts tremendous views of Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt.
Excellent hiking, biking and horseback riding are available on the lengthy Colorado Trail, a 471-mile trail that extends from Denver to Durango. For a scenic drive, take in the views of the Kenosha Mountain Pass, then head to Guanella Pass for even more picture-perfect scenery.
At a 10,000 foot elevation, the region is commonly referred to as the High Country. Campsites are situated among lodgepole pine and aspen trees. Summer temperature are generally mild and cool, but the high elevation may cause very chilly nights.
For facility specific information, please call (303) 647-2366.
Jefferson Lake, known for its great fishing, is 10 miles north.
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.
$25 / night
$22 / night
Lodgepole Campground is a creekside destination with incredible Colorado mountain views. The campground is located 3 miles south of Jefferson Lake, one of the highest elevation lakes around, capping 10,685 feet elevation and bordered by steep 12,000 foot peaks. Fishing in both the creek and lake offer promising catches of trout. Another noteworthy aspect of the campground is its access to the Colorado Trail.
The best hiking, biking and horseback riding experience is on the epic Colorado Trail, a 471-mile trail that extends from Denver to Durango. Also accessible from the campground is the West Jefferson Loop Trail, a foot path that extends for 11 miles and reaches the Continental Divide. Rainbow, brown, mackinaw and brook trout can be found swimming in the creek. For those who prefer fishing by boat, Jefferson Lake has a boat ramp. It is a no-wake lake.
Lodgepole sits in a valley along Jefferson Creek facing Jefferson Hill at the high elevation of 9,900 feet. The single-loop campground is surrounded by groves of aspen and mixed conifer trees. Jefferson Lake, spanning about 182 acres, has deep, cold waters and freezes over in winter.
Visitors enjoy Fairplay, Colorado, a ghost town that was once a frontier boom town. The South Park City Museum contains 34 authentic buildings with 60,000 artifacts.
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
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.
$22 / night
18 sites with vault toilets - no potable water
$19 / night
Managed By Kremmling Field Office__ The Radium Recreation Area is part of the Upper Colorado River Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), providing opportunities for developed camping and river access. With over 100,000 annual visitors the sites facilities include 2 developed boat ramp sites, 9 vault toilets, day use and overnight parking, 16 single campsites and 2 Group Campsites and 3 day use shade structures. There is no potable water provided at this area. The area is used by visitors to access the river for floatboating and fishing opportunities.____
Recreation opportunities include river access for fishing and floatboating. On-site picnic shelters provide visitors with opportunities to a covered area for relaxing and picnicking. Note ___ Radium Warm Springs Access: There are no designated trails from this area and there is no designated access to the Radium Warm Springs. Parking is not permitted along the narrow Radium Road between the Radium Recreation Area and Trough Road to ensure safe passage of vehicles and ensure clear passage for Emergency Vehicles when needed. Please respect the social trail closures and restoration conducted on BLM managed lands along Radium Road that protect area wildlife habitat including area Big Horn Sheep. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Mugrage Site along Radium Road, including the restroom and social trail that accessed the Radium Warm Springs within the Radium State Wildlife Area, is closed for the protection of this important habitat. The BLM is looking at a potential future designated and developed trail from the Radium Recreation Area.__ Until a trail alignment along Radium Road is developed it is recommended that the easiest and safest way to access the Radium Warm Springs from Radium Recreation Area is to drive to Warm Springs Road 1.5 northeast along Trough Road. Follow the directional sign located at the intersection of Radium Road and Trough Road. A parking area and trailhead at the end of Warm Springs Road provides access to the Radium Warm Springs via the Warm Springs Trail open to foot travel only, or the Ol___ Warm Springs Trail which is open to Foot, Horse, Bicycle and eBike travel.__
Recreation opportunities include river access for fishing and floatboating. On-site picnic shelters provide visitors with opportunities to a covered area for relaxing and picnicking. Note ___ Radium Warm Springs Access: There are no designated trails from this area and there is no designated access to the Radium Warm Springs. Parking is not permitted along the narrow Radium Road between the Radium Recreation Area and Trough Road to ensure safe passage of vehicles and ensure clear passage for Emergency Vehicles when needed. Please respect the social trail closures and restoration conducted on BLM managed lands along Radium Road that protect area wildlife habitat including area Big Horn Sheep. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Mugrage Site along Radium Road, including the restroom and social trail that accessed the Radium Warm Springs within the Radium State Wildlife Area, is closed for the protection of this important habitat. The BLM is looking at a potential future designated and developed trail from the Radium Recreation Area.__ Until a trail alignment along Radium Road is developed it is recommended that the easiest and safest way to access the Radium Warm Springs from Radium Recreation Area is to drive to Warm Springs Road 1.5 northeast along Trough Road. Follow the directional sign located at the intersection of Radium Road and Trough Road. A parking area and trailhead at the end of Warm Springs Road provides access to the Radium Warm Springs via the Warm Springs Trail open to foot travel only, or the Ol___ Warm Springs Trail which is open to Foot, Horse, Bicycle and eBike travel.__
The Radium Recreation Area is adjacent to the Colorado River next to the small town of Radium. The scenery within the area is a major component to the adjacent Colorado Headwaters National Scenic and Historic Byway and are important features that make this stretch of river Wild and Scenic Eligible.
The town of Kremmling, CO is approximately 20 miles east from Radium Recreation Area where visitors can get supplies. Rancho Del Rio ___ a private resort along the Colorado river, has a small store with supplies and is a river access point for those recreating on the river. Rancho Del Rio is located approximately 6 miles west along Trough Road. Trough Road, which accesses the BLM Recreation Areas and Rancho Del Rio (private river access ___ fee site) is the Colorado Headwaters National Scenic and Historic Byway. Originating just east of Grand Lake on Highway 34, the byway ends at State Bridge.__
$30 / night
Managed by the Yampa Ranger District. This campground is located in the Bear River area of the Flat Tops Wilderness, 14 miles southwest of Yampa on Forest Development Road 900. This campground is in a large wooded area that makes a small loop with 43 sites + 4 double sites and 1 triple site making it a popular place for RV’s and families with children.
$5 / night
Scout
Sites weren’t marked like other places I’ve been but I expected it being dispersed. Had a wonderful time the sky was pretty it was secluded and lots of space for dogs to run!
Scout
Spaces are large and well maintained. Views vary with the spots but all are peaceful. There
Guide
Pretty good spot with ok views. Used starlink with no issues. Driver further up the road and found a good spot on the side of the road with a fire pit.
Scout
Love all the room in the big sites! Area can be busy but keep going down the road and you’re bound to find a spot! Great area with lots of spots!
GuideI’m currently here and it’s pretty great. Nice campgrounds. Not close to anyone. Road up is 2wd. Keep heading up the small road to get to all the secluded camp grounds.
TravelerEasy to find the site, ours was near the river. Lots of bugs so bring bug spray. Very calming and felt safe. Would recommend!
GuideThis area is huge on Stillwater road so keep going for a spot! We are here in July and found a spot completely secluded and some of the large lots have vault toilets! Which is a real treat when you spent two weeks on dispersed areas all over the west with no bathrooms. Mosquitoes are a little heavy so bring spray. No wildlife spotted but this area did suffer a wild fire so a lot of the trees are burnt. A lot of the spots have fire pits made by rocks but bring wood! The first stops have more Mountain View’s and the farther you drive is next to the water!
TravelerRoad was very easy to find and was very smooth. The first couple sites on the water were already taken so we headed up further. Found a steep, secluded pull-off just past marker #6 that looked like an old off road trailhead or access road that didn't seem to be in use anymore.
The site was a good size but there wasn't a great flat option for the tent but it would be great for a van or small trailer and could easily fit 2-3.
The views were absolutely amazing which is why I'm giving 3 stars. The mosquitos and thunderstorms were insane. Shout out to the REI base camp tent holding dry and not too many bugs in the tent.
We also had the pleasure of a bunch of night riders on the first night traversing up and down the road all night which was incredibly loud. 2nd night was much quieter. I also moved the car to block the entrance to the site so people could see it was taken instead of driving up right next to us just to turn around the first night.
Overall, easy access to the site, views were stunning, easy to get to Glenwood Springs.
Edited to add that this site did have cell service
GuideRoad leading to spots is dirt but not bad. Once you turn onto where the spots are the road does get Rocky. We stopped at the first site. Quiet. Off roaders showed up in the morning!
GuideI came late around 8pm Tuesday night and all the sites along the river were booked.
I drove up and up and up along the road to an amazing epic view of the mountains. Even if you get access early on the road along the river you have to drive up the mountain on the INCREDIBLY SMOOTH ROAD but it’s dangerous so please be cautions around corners.
I turned around at a pull off and settled for a pull off campsite on a corner. It was alright but not as good as river campsite. I’m surprised usually the feds don’t let you park 100 ft near. A source of water.
Did I mention the quality of that road? Dam.. so smooth
ScoutDrive to the camp ground and you can keep driving to find campsites. There are sites along the creek and along the road. There is a pit toilet and it's a long road with lots of sites.
No service
Legend
This place is very windy. You can book lakeside or fireside. Lake has composting toilets and a large pavilion. The fire side has vault toilets and a nice group fire pit. This place has to be booked well in advance unless you are looking for a week day stay. It is $232 a night.
Guide
We have a 38ft travel trailer and we were able to go only about 3 miles up but found a great off the road spot by a creek.
GuideI drove here December 16th on a sunny day. 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. This connects a lot of off grid housing to the highway. well maintained crushed dirt.
At the GPS coordinates there are 3-4 drive in campsites and then a road that might lead to more. Idk I hiked around 1 mile and didn’t see other spots, you might have do drive in a couple more mirles
I spent the night here while I partied in Idaho springs for a mini vacation
Traveler
Spent 3 nights here for memorial Day weekend. Was able to get up there early enough to get a good spot, but the spots went quickly! Designated dispersed with great views. On the west side of the road they are close to the creek but not protected from wind, on the east side the sites have more protection from wind. Lots of wildlife sightings! The road early on isn't too bad but having a car with some clearance would be helpful, especially the farther up the road you go. Great trip
Traveler
About 45 minutes from Grand Lake entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. 9 mile dirt road to get to the campground. Nice level sites each with picnic/tent area. Vault toilets were clean. No water fill, dump stations, showers or flush toilets. Hosts said the camp was packed from 4th July until Aug 20th
GuideModerate shade, not a lot of bugs, dusty, sites seem more for RV camper set up based on layout but we were able to find spots with this site specifically to set up 3 tents (other sites seemed like this would have been difficult), trial right by site where mountain bikers, hikers & backpackers may go by but wasn’t a whole lot of traffic, privacy is minimal, about 10 min drive roughly from site to twin lakes, separate pit and grill, picnic table but no bear locker, bathrooms were nice & well kept
Scout
The sites are large and the campground heavily wooded. It’s close enough to hear the road traffic from 285 and there’s a lot of people hustling and bustling between campers and Colorado trail traffic.
GuideDefinitely best of all worlds. If you want more trees, stay further in or closer to the road. If you want to stay close to the edge of the mountain, there's that too. Little more off-road in this area but lots of spots. It's just north up the pay Lakeview campground.
Guide
We followed the directions and this place doesn’t exist. At first we thought it was just below the road we were driving on; but when we turned down a side road; the only turn; encountered a fence; Gate and s bunch of signs stating private property and no trespassing
ScoutSpots do fill up, like other reviews best to get a spot early. Vault toilets about 500 yds from stream. Burn area so no a whole lot of shade in the back portion. Road is closed just before creek crossing. Beautiful Views.
ScoutI didn't actually camp there for the night I went up there and you have to drive through a residential area you there's camping spots prior to a couple of them but they are still really close to where people live and the people that live don't particularly like the campers it seems.
ScoutWe got to the start of camp spots early on a Friday and it was already like Disney land. We thought we could drive up a ways to escape people but after and hour of driving there was not a single spot available. This place is pretty but it’s basically a camp ground and sooooo busy.
TravelerGorgeous views and great campsite
ScoutClose to town, and had no issues getting our travel trailer into a site. There where some deep ruts getting into our site. Most of the sites are shouldn’t have issues with trees falling.
Legend
Many nice sites ,all first come, first serve. There are quite a few sites that are pretty private. Also , there are some Lakeside sites. Fantastic scenery and beautiful sites. Short drive to tails which can be accessed from campground via feeder trail. The Grand Mesa is pretty. Wild flowers and mosquitoes this time of year. Mosquitoes will be gone sometime in August they say .
GuideThis has to be in one of the most beautiful areas I have ever been to. Campground is dry at the moment (working on replacing plumbing). So we brought water. Vault toilets are very clean and fresh smelling. Host was super nice and helpful. Campground was quiet and dark. A perfect spot!
Horse camping in Colorado offers a unique way 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Vail, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Vail, CO is Guanella Pass with a 4.3-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Vail, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Vail, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
