Hermit Park Open Space provides several equestrian camping options near Drake, Colorado. The park sits at an elevation of 7,880-8,964 feet with pine forest terrain. Rangers enforce strict bear safety protocols throughout the three distinct camping areas, requiring all scented items to be stored in provided bear boxes.
What to do
Hiking at Kruger Rock: Take the Kruger Rock Trail from Bobcat Campground for panoramic views of the surrounding area. "We stayed in the Bobcat loop that was 2.5 miles up a dirt road from the entrance. Aside from the windy dirt road, no complaints from us... Kruger rock had phenomenal views but moderately strenuous," reports Austin C.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best opportunity to spot local wildlife. At East Portal Campground, campers often encounter deer. "Mule deer came through every evening right by our camper to eat grass. One morning 3 large Bull Elk and a young bull came through the valley and up through the campground," according to Jennifer G.
Equestrian activities: Horse enthusiasts can bring their own mounts to designated equestrian areas. Granite Gulch Campground specifically accommodates horse trailers with ample parking space. Nearby Winding River Resort offers additional riding options: "You may bring your own horses here too! They offer all sorts of activities such as horseback riding, ice cream social, chuckwagon breakfast, square dancing, cowboy church."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds near Drake offer well-spaced sites. "Sites are very hard to get your unit level. Close to Estes Park," notes Pat about Bobcat Campground. At Hermits Hollow Campground, "Sites spaced nicely apart, very well maintained, great fire pits with an attached grill grate. This is our 3rd stay here, and one of our favorites," says Wade R.
Proximity to Estes Park: Most campgrounds near Drake provide quick access to Estes Park amenities while maintaining a more secluded feel. "This campground is the ones that the locals go to when not in RMNP. It is in Estes but far enough away to not be inudated with tourists. It is quiet, it is roomy, it is beautiful. Truly one of my favorites," shares Chandler E.
Quality fire rings: Many campsites feature well-designed fire pits. "Fire pits are 1 of the best I've seen," says Pedro L. about Bobcat Campground. The fire rings at many sites include cooking grates, allowing for convenient meal preparation.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: All camping areas enforce strict bear safety protocols. "The bear box is for more than just food. If you have anything that smells good, the animals (not just bears) WILL try to get into your vehicle to steal it. Sprays, lotions, deodorants… etc," warns Daisee Mae S. at Hermits Hollow.
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds can be challenging. "We took our car and tent camped. We didn't take our camper as the switchbacks are very tight and the road is very steep," explains a Hermits Hollow reviewer. For Jacks Gulch Campground, "The road a little scary af times when driving to camp but worth it," reports Sabrina S.
Ranger presence: Expect regular ranger patrols throughout most campgrounds. "The rangers walked by LITERALLY every 30 minutes to an hour max. They will get on to you about EVERY SINGLE THING," reports Megan H. about Hermits Hollow. However, others note that "Staff and Rangers are very friendly and helpful, very knowledgeable about the area."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some camping areas include playground facilities for children. At Peaceful Valley Campground, families appreciate the convenient amenities: "We drove through camp, everything was booked way out... So I suggest getting here early or making a reservation in advance. Campsites looked nice and clean. Scenery was great."
Nature exploration: Many campsites offer natural features kids can safely explore. "My kids enjoyed playing with sticks and rocks in this little field-something every kid should get to do!" shares Jennifer G. about East Portal Campground, which also has "a geocache very near to the campground right by a hiking trail—my boys enjoyed marking it off their list."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule early morning and evening hours for wildlife observation. "Moose have a tendency to wander through the campground toward the evening and the local elk herds like to eat with the horses," reports Tanner S. about Winding River Resort, which also features "a wonderful petting zoo area, playground, basketball courts and much more."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for level parking: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Sites are very hard to get your unit level," notes Pat about Bobcat Campground. At Hermits Hollow, a reviewer advises, "Our site was a nice size and felt private enough despite somewhat close neighbors. Our site was easy to get level on but some others looked difficult."
Size restrictions: Large RVs face challenges on narrow access roads. For Hermit Park areas, "The road in is a bit narrow so if you have a trailer/RV over 30-35 feet, it'll be tight. With that being said, I pulled my 30 foot trailer with no problems... just go slow," advises Nathan P.
Services available: Most campgrounds offer limited hookups. "Water and dump available at the entrance to the campground," notes a Bobcat Campground reviewer. At many sites, campers must pay an additional fee to use the dump station.
