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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
