7 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Limited equestrian camping options exist near Ward, Colorado. Most nearby campgrounds do not feature dedicated horse corrals based on available facility data. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir permits camping with pets but lacks specific horse accommodations, with primitive facilities and no designated equine areas. The terrain requires high-clearance vehicles for access, making horse trailer navigation challenging. Peaceful Valley Campground allows pets and provides reasonable space between sites, though no specific horse facilities are mentioned in campground data. The campground is adjacent to several trail systems including the Buchanan Trail, which could potentially accommodate riders.
Forest Service roads surrounding Ward offer potential for dispersed camping with horses where permitted. Farewell Gulch provides dispersed camping options with rough access roads requiring vehicles with adequate clearance. While no specific horse facilities exist, the area has multiple camping spots with sufficient space for horse trailers and portable corrals. The terrain features walking trails suitable for day rides. Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site offers free dispersed camping with toilet facilities and picnic tables. This area provides access to surrounding trails that may accommodate horseback riding, though specific bridle trails are not designated in the data.
"This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to."
"Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado. We couldn’t believe it…so close but you feel incredibly removed once you get there."
Available next weekend
from $28 - $90 / night
"area was plowed open to exactly the width of our trailer, so with more than three feet of snow on the ground we needed to get some exercise and do a bit of shoveling so we could back in and be able to walk"
"Late October is very unpredictable in Colorado for a camper who is primarily a tent camper."
Available next weekend
from $18 / night
"It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great."
"The Gross Resevoir outside Boulder is a great place for people to go for some recreation just outside the city. People commonly drop in a paddleboard or kayak."
"Our space was large enough to accommodate our 20 ft travel trailer with our truck next to it, still leaving plenty of room for the picnic table and a chair circle around the fire."
"The bathrooms were clean, and close to almost every site. They had a very nice playground for the kids with a climbing wall."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 - $80 / night
"Stayed here overnight for some hiking in the nearby foothills."
"Stumbled upon this small, nice campground simple because we liked the name :) It is very convenient from the main highway (which happens to be part of the Peak to Peak scenic byway- a FANTASTIC drive!"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $29 - $58 / night
"This campground has all the privacy you would expect yet provides easy access to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountian National Forest. The Laramie County Staff that were on site were kind and helpful."
"It would be nice if the county could put water in, there are two places to fill containers/rvs-one right by the entrance and another at the entrance to Bobcat Gulch."
from $35 / night
"Beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, with ample space, and easy access to the sugarloaf mountain trail. The road is in poor shape but a 2wd suv with decent clearance should be fine."
"You definitely need to know where you’re going with this one, as the location on here isn’t really even close."
"Close to the Columbine Lake trail and so many other awesome hiking trails. It's far enough away from the National Park to not have a ton of foot traffic through. No reservations."
"It was pretty busy when we arrived on a Saturday afternoon in July (non-holiday weekend), lots of groups camping and day use but was able to find a spot next to another group next to a path that lead straight"
"Busy campground, however views from some spaces were epic as well as the easy access to the walking trail and all the day use areas."
"The place is beautiful, tucked right beneath the mountain side. There are many trails nearby with many options for those seeking adventure, the campsite staff was very kind and helpful also"
"Walking distance to vault toilets. Some nice foresty hikes between Aspen Meadows and Reverend's Ridge. We could see some other campsites but didn't feel too squished."
"This site is surrounded by pine trees, aspens and boulders. Parking is a bit tight and the some of the sites pretty steep. Dude's Fishing Hole is within walking distance."
from $28 / night
RangerBathrooms were very nice and clean. Lots of sites with minimal privacy. Pretty packed and noisy in October. Our site had electrical hookups and its own water. Picnic tables and fire rings available as well. Looks like a very family friendly campground. Stayed one night.
TravelerFrom a Sprinters point of view.
Sites are $45.00 a day plus parking
Sites were sloped, we took the flattest one we could find and it took 6” to block our van level.
Pit toilets were very clean.
Sites had trees and boulders, spaced roughly 50’ apart, but there visible traffic on the main road below.
It was a nice campground but we liked the Bobcat Campground a couple miles farther up the road.
See separate review.
TravelerWe took our Sprinter for its maiden voyage, this camp ground was beautiful, private and secluded.
Camping was $45.00 a day plus a parking fee.
Paid at the entry point to an extremely friendly attendant. Reservations can be made on line ahead of time and highly recommended in peak season, especially on weekends.
Site were 50’ to 100’ apart.
Sites were wooded and tucked into granite boulders.
In the 24 hours we were there we saw one car and two people walking their dogs.
Sites were pretty level, each with fire pits and picnic tables.
The pit toilets were very clean and with in 100’ of most sites.
Road in had signs stating you had to be in four wheel drive to avoid damaging the roads but they were very well graded.
GuideSuper easy drive into town, 10min from beaver meadows entrance to RMNP. Hiking trails right off the campground. Sites a little close together but could definitely be a lot worse. Super friendly hosts. The clean bathrooms, hot showers, and dish washing station were amazing after days of dispersed camping.
ScoutPull thru site easy to maneuver, lots of space between sites. Hookups easy to use. Maintained nice, lake was beautiful. Seemed like bikers heaven.
GuideWe loved staying here! It was quiet and peaceful, even when it fully booked over Labor Day Weekend. The easy access to the trail around the lake, the spread out sites, the clean bathhouse and laundry room, the sunset over the mountains, the location close to town, and they don’t have any breed restrictions for dogs. I don’t have any complaints about the campground itself.
The only issue we had was that the $17 per vehicle day use fee wasn’t included in the camping cost. We were there for 8 nights and ended up buying the annual Colorado State Parks pass for $80 at the registration office because it was cheaper.
TravelerIt’s very nice except for when the conveyor belt is running from the Henderson mine And there is no water available
GuideHas a nice sandy beach inside the park that's conveniently walkable or drivable with ample of parking spots.
Paddleboard and kayak rentals available but should be done with reservation beforehand.
While there are public bathhouses, the showers is not free - it is pay-per-use metered.
GuideWhile there aren't many amenities (no comfort station), it is a great value place to stay if you're just needing a place to camp. Spacious and decent night sky view.
Automated secure gate where you get an unique digital code for access.
Quiet, good for value place (especially if you do weekly rates).
Equestrian camping opportunities near Ward, Colorado provide access to several forest trails suitable for riders throughout the Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests. At elevations between 8,500-10,000 feet, temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common even in summer months. Forest Service roads around Ward often require high-clearance vehicles, with many sites accessible only via rough dirt roads that become muddy and difficult to navigate after rainfall.
Panoramic hiking trails: Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers extensive trail networks suitable for day hikes from camp. "Golden Gate Canyon SP is absolutely gorgeous! We loved the experience at the park, the trails are great and the views are wonderful. The drive up can be a bit breathtaking, but it can be done!" notes Minette and Ron G. about Deer Creek Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple reservoirs near Ward provide fishing access within a short drive. "We could hear anyone else, saw a couple moose and got to fish right off our campsite!" reports Connor T. about Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site, where free dispersed camping is available with toilet facilities.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide optimal viewing times for elk, moose and deer. "Every morning a little fawn would come up out of and sniff around. 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," describes Jennifer G. about her experience at East Portal.
Quiet campsites: Many campers value the peaceful locations available near Ward. "Had a great time here with hardly anyone there so very peaceful," reports Jasmine G. about her experience at Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir, which requires high-clearance vehicles for access.
Stream access: Sites alongside creeks provide natural white noise and fishing opportunities. "There is a site right next to the stream that I would recommend- great to fall asleep listening to the water flowing!" suggests Sara S. about Peaceful Valley Campground, which features multiple walking paths connecting to local trail systems.
Spacing between sites: Many campsites offer reasonable buffer zones from neighbors. "Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs. Mostly level, fire rings, and very large metal picnic tables. Enormous amount of room," reports Dennis G. about his experience at Reverend's Ridge Campground.
Weather fluctuations: High-elevation camping brings extreme temperature variations and unpredictable storms. "We got snowed on in July! But the views made it all worth it," notes Steph A. about camping near Meadow Creek Reservoir, emphasizing the need for proper cold-weather gear even in summer.
Road conditions: Forest Service roads near Ward present challenges for many vehicles. "The drive in was no joke (prepare for a bit of an adventure), and there was some construction going on across the lake that echoed over to our site," explains Amanda R. regarding Farewell Gulch, where dispersed camping requires navigating rough terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ward, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ward, CO is Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon with a 4.5-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ward, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 43 equestrian camping locations near Ward, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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