Horse camping is the perfect way to enjoy Walden. If you're an equestrian lover who prefers nature-based adventure, yet still wants comfort, this is the perfect opportunity for you. It's easy to find Walden campgrounds for horse camping with The Dyrt. Find Colorado equestrian campgrounds with ease on The Dyrt.
$60 / night
$18 - $120 / night
So close, yet feels so far away from the hustle and bustle of Estes Park. This very popular campground is located at an elevation of 8,300 feet at the end of a beautiful road just west of town. There are wonderful views of the snow covered peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park and access to the East Portal Reservoir which has ample opportunities for fishing. This double loop campground offers shady sites suitable for tenters and campers with small RVs and trailers shorter than 22 feet in length. It is especially well-suited for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nearby nature and trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sites at this campground open up to views of Rocky Mountain National Park and starry nighttime skies. A mature blend of ponderosa and lodgepole pines interspersed with groves of aspens makes it a wonderful home away from home. It is an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation. The camping season runs from mid-May to late September.
The Estes Park Campground at East Portal has 66 sites suitable for tents and small trailers and RVs. There is a maximum length of 22 feet for RVs. All sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings, some with ADA accessibility. Guests also have access to drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers, water & electric hookups, dump station, firewood and ice sales, and a playground for the kids. Cell phone service is spotty and there is no wi-fi, so please plan accordingly.
$35 - $50 / night
Walden Reservoir is a picturesque lake full of wildlife outside of Walden, Colorado. The Walden Reservoir is an easily accessible destination in a seldom seen portion of northern Colorado for birders, hunters, and those looking for a free, isolated place to rest.
Located on the southern end of the Medicine Bow Mountain Range in north central Colorado, Rawah Wilderness was designated by the Wilderness Act of 1964 and now contains 73,868 acres. "Rawah" is a Native American term meaning "wild place."
Elevations in the Rawah Wilderness range from 8,400 to 13,000 feet. The high peaks were carved by glaciers, resulting in spectacular cirque lakes and moraines. There are twenty-five named lakes, ranging in size from five to 39 acres. This high alpine area contains the headwaters of the McIntyre, Rawah, and Fall Creeks, as well as the Laramie River.
The Rawahs are host to mammals such as elk, moose, mule deer, black bear, bighorn sheep, marmot and beaver. There are many species of birds including the red-tailed hawk, white-tailed ptarmigan, golden eagle, raven, Steller's Jay and a variety of warblers. Lakes and streams are inhabited with lake, cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout. Graylings are also found in this area.
The Rawah Wilderness is very popular with summer backpackers, hikers and anglers. It is also popular with hunters in the fall. To encounter the fewest people, plan your trip for mid-week and use less popular trails.
Always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep this area wild, clean and pristine.
Motorized equipment, or mechanized transportation is prohibited, including motorcycles, chain saws, bicycles or carts. Wheelchairs are exempt. Group size is limited to 12 people and/or livestock combined. Camping and campfires are prohibited within 200’ feet of all lakes, streams and trails to protect water quality, sensitive vegetation and to help assure solitude. Thin soils and mountain vegetation are easily damaged by fire and fires scar rocks and soil. Use a stove, a fire pan or an existing fire ring when and where fires are allowed. Campfires are prohibited in the alpine areas above 10,800 feet. Campfires consume scarce vegetation and leave permanent scars on the fragile soils of the area. Pets must be on a handheld leash at all times if hiking. Equestrian riders can have dogs under voice control.
This campground offers 31 electric sites and is directly accessible from Highway 14 and within a short walk of Ranger Lakes fishing areas.
Features:
The fishing area includes a fishing pier for people with disabilities. Water and vault toilet facilities are available nearby, but please fill large tanks at the water station at the maintenance shop. A nature trail and the Gould Loop Trail are accessible from the campground. Interpretive programs are offered on some weekend nights in the campground amphitheater. Restrictions: Boating and swimming are not permitted in the Ranger Lakes.
$18 - $120 / night
$40 - $60 / night
This campground is located one mile north of the North Michigan Reservoir within view of the Medicine Bow mountain range. It hosts 52 sites. There are 13 pull-through sites and one group area with six sites.
Features: The Bockman horse corral is located near the pull-through sites. Campground accommodations include vault toilet facilities and water spigots.
The popular Big Creek Lakes Campground offers a peaceful, scenic setting in the heart of the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado. The campground is located in Routt National Forest at an elevation of 9,000-ft., and is adjacent to Big Creek Lake, where fishing, boating and hiking are available.
This campground offers boating and fishing on Colorado's second largest natural lake, hiking in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness and ATV trails nearby. There are also ample opportunities for viewing wildlife, including moose. Fishing for trout, muskie, grayling and Kokanee salmon is available in the lake. Anglers also have access to a creek. Non-motorized boats are allowed on the upper section of the lake and motorized boats are permitted on the lower section.
Big Creek lies among Lodgepole pine and fir trees. Some previously forested areas of the campground have been thinned due to pests and now provide more sun. The campground offers beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness. The wetlands around the lake are prime moose territory. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, encompass nearly 3 million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado.
The closest town is Walden, Colorado, about 35 miles from the campsite. Many more outdoor recreation opportunities exist in the surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, OHV riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.
$20 / night
Scout
We showed up at night and it was very quiet, no problem finding a spot to camp. However, during the day the gnats, bugs, and ants were everywhere. Literally crawled up our boots and bodies. Great place to over night, but terrible place to hang out during the day unless you have a bug net.
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!
Scoutsimple, and easy place to get to… flat awesome sunset
Guide
This was our first stop on a week long road trip from Colorado Springs to the Oregon Coast and, honestly, we could have just hung out there and saved all the miles.
It was a such a beautiful area mid September. All the leaves were changing, it was cool and misty, the view was spectacular, yes it was rough as hell to get there, but totally worth it if you’ve got the rig for it.
My only note for the area was that there were a lot hunters walking through and around our camp, but everyone was polite and respectful.
Scout
I had an awesome site but I guess it was too good to be true. Not one but two other cars came, one pulling a horse trailer crashed on my site. It’s a campsite not a campground. Then, the day I was leaving, someone else came and dumped a trailer on the site. I packed up and left. That would never happen in Montana or Idaho where people actually have manners!
TravelerJust to update this since the last review had it closed. The road leading up to the summit is back open, but it is ROUGH. I had just done Rock Creek's drive up to dispersed near Dillon and thought that was bad, but this was worse.
You will not be able to get anything low clearance or anything you're towing that does not have independent suspension + high clearance (I dropped my 18' TT at Walmart and went to scout - glad I did) While I was 1/4 up into the climb, a Sprinter Van was stopped at what is probably the worst portion of the road. If you can make it past that first choke point, you'll pass a park then walk-in camp site on the left and then shortly after another camp spot on the right that is more van friendly. Both are not good for trailers. It is after those two sites the road goes from bad to worse.
If you have a Camper on a F350 or high clearance + tent, it has some of the best views I've seen at a park spot. It's worth the drive up there for pictures if you're curious, but I would unhook anything you're carrying before doing so.
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!
Ranger
This is a really well run campground. They have tons and tons of activities on site and you could honestly spend your entire trip just at the campsite. They have horseback rides, ATV rentals, an animal farm, social events, pickle ball court, volleyball court, a nice general store, clean showers, bathrooms, laundry rooms, really everything you could ever want. The only downside is that it’s quite pricey, basically double what I would normally expect. But given the amount of amenities they have, it’s not surprising.
A cool fact is that you’ll be right next to the Colorado River. This is not far from where the river begins so its journey starts around here as a fairly unassuming creek.
Guide
Family friendly campground at the end of a quiet road near RMNP. Quiet, no generators heard as big rigs won’t fit! Tents, vans, car camping and camper trailers fit well. Clean bathrooms, hot showers, friendly hosts, ice and fire wood for sale. Big playground and not crazy expensive.
Guide
Loads of options going down 103. Found a solid spot by the river that even had a few primitive structures built. Great fishing and pondering spot until neighbors rolled in on both sides. Guessing you can generally count on neighbors in summer months even in seemingly nestled spots quite a ways down 103 and it was a a random Monday. I still had plenty of space and privacy. But I could hear a group of RVers playing music through the trees (and they were in view, too) at night which led me to seek a new spot after night one.
ScoutRoad closed right by buffalo Pass campground. No way of getting through to spots and no sign of when the road will open
LegendOnline reservation was easy as was the check in. The staff were helpful and friendly. Some reviews balked at the price and the tight spaces. Expected in this sort of prime location. Live with it! That being said, we were there at the tail end of the season, with the other campgrounds around us literally closing. The result for us was that we had few neighbors. This made navigating the narrow roads and tight campsite much easier. All in all a very pleasant couple of days.
ScoutThe forest road was a bit washed out in some places and required decent clearance but outside of a few big bumps the road was a fun ride! Campsites were many but pretty full upon my late arrival. Would recommend daylight arrival if possible as many spots didn’t appear obvious in the night!
Ranger
Nice spot. Great views. Only a third full mid week September. Water near entrance. Vault toilets. Sites well separated but limited screening between. Very Sunny Trees are sparse and short. Hiking trails in camp. Moose along trail. Nice lakes. Large tent pads 15’x15’. Level sites. Limited T mobile
TravelerThe drive up Buffalo Pass is tricky, and definitely requires clearance the further up you go. We found an amazing spot over Labor Day weekend with wildflowers and great views. The spot was at a bit of an angle. The rain paid off with incredible rainbows!
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
Guide
Stayed for 3 nights w/ my dogs. Campground was about 40% occupid the entire time. Bathrooms were clean. Limited cell service. I have t-mobile and could pick up a few bars at the entrance but not at campsite. Grab groceries before bc you’re in the middle of no where. About 2-3 miles of gravel to get to sites but well maintained.
RangerYes, the road is rough, especially the higher up you go - take your time and have an appropriate vehicle. But it's worth it. So many options - spots with overlooks, tree-covered spots, open field spots. Something for everyone. It was hard to pick! I pulled off and found a place behind some rocks with nice grass and a fire ring, and several more grass/fire rings, but pitched my tent on some rocks. It was stunning. Didn't hear a single person or noise. I wish I had had more time. I will be back!!
GuideA nice lake and lots of private was a beautiful location though I happened across an area with lots of private land making it a challenge to explore for me no cell service. Very quiet from planes and light or any other noise pollution caught some epic views of does bucks a moose and a family of black bears bring bug juice the deer flys and mosquitos mean business.
TravelerAmazing views but lacks tree coverage. Tons of ants but I nothin bit me. Smells like sage and fresh air. Quiet as can be. Relatively flat land.
Scoutrough road up, in a sprinter 4x4, not a lot of great options. seems better for tent camping. did see one or two RVs up, shocked they made it.
TravelerThree pretty easily accessible spots on the right, about a half-mile from the highway. Sites 2 and 3 are fairly private, site 1 is in view of Long Draw road traffic. Some highway noise that quiets down during the night, otherwise quite peaceful. Sites each have an established metal fire ring. Not a bad spot to make homebase for exploring State Forest State Park.
TravelerWe loved this campground and it’s proximity to RMNP and Estes Park. The campground was clean, had a great playground and quiet hours were respected. The little store was nice and the camp hosts were friendly and helpful. We saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions. Would definitely stay again!
GuideStayed here for a night while hitting up some local hikes. It's reservation only and was fairly full on a Saturday night so made sure to book a spot in advance.
The campsite has two entrances - one from the west passing North Michigan Reservoir and one from the South East which is basically from Lake Agnes Trailhead. We took the latter and luckily have a truck with a lift and skid plate otherwise would have been a really tough drive. So just a warning for those who don't - really rough!
For the campsite - really nice and spacious! Amenities like restrooms were really spacious, each spot had a table and nice fire ring, and lastly the gravel patch for tents, etc were in excellent shape. A nice mix of shade and open areas which we liked. The one downside - tons of mosquitoes. Likely hard to get away from considering the amount of rain received but was pretty brutal and had to stave them off towards sundown.
Overall a really nice campsite and the North Michigan Reservoir is a blast if you have a SUP. If you want a really low key, not terribly crowded, well maintained campground in a beautiful spot of Colorado check this out. State Forest State Park is amazing!
Legend
You had better stock up before you head out to State Forest State park but WOW definitely a stop. There is no gas or groceries til Walden. Beautiful and sweeping vistas. Visit ranger lakes. Totally worth it. Lake Agnes was still closed when we were there. NO service.
ScoutGood size camping sites with water and electric hookup. Clean bathrooms with warm showers available. Plenty of onsite activities to do as well. Pancake breakfast requires reservations and totally worth it. The pancakes are huge and there are plenty of mix-ins to choose from. This campsite is only minutes from Grand Lake so you can go to town fairly easily. I would come back here again.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Walden, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Walden, CO is Site 459 - State Forest State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Walden, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 equestrian camping locations near Walden, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
