South Fork Rustic Campground provides equestrian-focused camping in the Arapaho National Forest at elevations around 9,000 feet. Multiple trails branch from the site, suitable for both day rides and extended backcountry horse trips. Autumn brings cooler temperatures, often dropping below freezing at night, making proper preparation essential for horse campers visiting this remote area.
What to do
Trail riding from camp: Guanella Pass connects with numerous backcountry routes suitable for horses. "Guanella Pass is a great place to pull over and set up your tent if you're hiking off of the pass (Mt. Bierstadt, etc.) or are heading through Georgetown," notes Madison G., making it convenient for horse camping day trips.
Fly fishing opportunities: The Williams Fork at Sugarloaf Campground offers "fair to good Brook Trout with the occasional Brown Trout being caught," according to David B. He adds that "pressure is generally light upstream from Sugarloaf and a bit more congested downstream where the stream is slightly larger."
Hot spring soaking: After a day of riding, relax at Radium Recreation Site where Isabelle K. describes "a beautiful natural hot spring located at the bottom of a cliff along the banks of the Colorado River... staying around 80-90 degrees." She recommends visiting "late at night during the week, when you are most likely to have the pool to yourself."
What campers like
Old-fashioned camping experience: Many equestrian campers appreciate that South Fork has maintained its traditional feel. At nearby Sugarloaf Campground, David B. notes the atmosphere recalls "what campgrounds were like 50 years ago" with "no reservations... a first come, first served campground."
River access from campsites: Horse campers value spots where animals can drink and cool off. At Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping, Brielle E. found "amazing spots" and stayed "right on the end of Lily Ponds," noting it was "a bit buggy, but absolutely beautiful and very private."
Reasonable site spacing: Daniel S. observes that South Fork provides "assigned sites and vault toilets" in a "canyon with high cliffs" where "several hiking and backpacking trails branch off from the campground." The natural terrain creates separation between sites, unlike more developed campgrounds.
What you should know
Limited amenities: South Fork maintains bare-bones facilities typical of forest service equestrian sites. At Lakeview Campground, Natasha H. was "surprised that the water was out for the season," noting "I didn't see anything during my reservation or confirmation emails," highlighting the importance of bringing your own supplies.
Road conditions matter: Access to horse camping areas can be challenging with trailers. Daniel S. warns that while standard vehicles can reach South Fork, "the gravel road is rutted in places as you get close to the campground and can become dicey in heavy rain or snow for the last mile or two."
Elevation challenges: Most horse camps sit at high elevations with variable weather. At Kenosha Pass Campground, Amanda M. found it "is a forest wonderland," but cautions it gets "busy until late and early in the morning," suggesting it makes "a great one night stop" but may not be ideal for longer stays with horses.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with water features: Children enjoy creek access at horse camps. At Kirby Gulch, JT S. reports "across the road is the creek where the dogs (and humans) lived it up!" This provides entertainment when not riding.
Consider wind exposure: When camping with children and horses, site selection matters. Lily N. explains at Kirby Gulch, "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."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Families appreciate spotting animals beyond their own horses. Alison C. reports that at Kirby Gulch they "had great views of the leaves starting to change and even saw 3 moose in the morning!" She considered it "a gem of a spot."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: RVers with horse trailers need ample parking. At Kenosha Pass Campground, Jackie E. warns that while "several spots are large enough for a big camper," the "tight curves on the loop and thick trees make it a little questionable for maneuvering."
Water access: RVers with horses should note water availability. David B. reports at Sugarloaf Campground "there is a pit toilet and water well though the well has not been functional for some time. Trash dumpsters are on site, and water is available at South Fork campground a short distance away."
Timing considerations: Horse camping areas fill quickly during peak seasons. At Twin Lakes, Lyds F. found "we arrived 4pm on a Friday and all the spots with the best views were taken. Plenty further into the woods though we had multiple options still."
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