Best Equestrian Camping near Westcliffe, CO

Horse camping opportunities in the Westcliffe area consist primarily of dispersed camping sites rather than dedicated equestrian facilities. Cotton Creek Trailhead offers free dispersed camping suitable for tent and RV campers with horses, featuring large spots with fire rings. The rocky access road requires slower travel speeds but does not necessarily require high clearance vehicles. Alvarado Campground, while popular for general camping, lacks dedicated horse corrals but provides access to trails that accommodate riders. Sites vary significantly in size and terrain, with some locations unable to accommodate larger horse trailers or camping setups.

The trail systems surrounding Westcliffe connect riders to spectacular mountain views and wilderness experiences. Hermit Pass OHV area provides free dispersed camping with trail access, though the extremely rough road conditions make it challenging for vehicles pulling horse trailers. Willow Creek Trail offers approximately 15 dispersed camping sites along the forest road leading to the trailhead parking lot, providing convenient trail access for riders. The night sky viewing is exceptional throughout the area, with campers reporting more stars than they've ever seen in their lives. Trailhead facilities typically include vault toilets but minimal additional amenities, requiring equestrians to bring their own water and supplies for their horses.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Westcliffe, Colorado (14)

    1. Alvarado Campground

    16 Reviews
    Westcliffe, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $30 - $60 / night

    "It was just a quick trip into Westcliffe to pick up any forgotten supplies. Cell service was good here. No water or electrical hookups."

    "I absolutely love this area of Colorado. It's breathtaking no matter which direction you look. Decent campground that was a bit too big for my taste."

    2. Hermit Pass OHV

    1 Review
    Westcliffe, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    3. Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA

    18 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 275-6116

    "Beautiful views and a great walking path for my dog. I could have gone for miles. People are super friendly and it’s clean! Close to hiking. Well worth the visit"

    "The site we got had our door facing another camper's door and our picnic tables were next to eachother, so we didn't spend much time hanging out outside."

    4. Willow Creek Trail

    1 Review
    Crestone, SC
    14 miles
    Website

    "Approx 15 or so dispersed camp sites along the forest road up to the parking lot for Willow Lake trail. Easy access to sites, easy access to trail head. Restrooms also available at trailhead."

    5. Cotton Creek Trailhead

    3 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 657-3321

    "Don’t follow the “major trail” signs, just find the side road this spot is on and drive up and you’ll find it. You will have to travel like 5-10mph for the last like mile. High clearance not required"

    6. Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park

    4 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 704-6743

    7. Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    3 Reviews
    Moffat, CO
    26 miles
    Website

    "The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts."

    "The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts."

    8. Haggards RV Campground

    8 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 547-2101

    "The sites were large and plenty of room for my slideout and not too close to next site."

    "There's a seasonal pool, walking trails and a HUGE fenced dog park. Most spots are pull thru, and it's worth the short, easy drive from I-25."

    9. Cripple Creek KOA

    17 Reviews
    Cripple Creek, CO
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 689-5647

    "Only downfall is that it was a bit of a drive to many main attractions in Colorado, but it was worth the drive."

    "Convenient location to Cripple Creek CO. Mountain views. Situated on meadow hillside. Hiking trails, full hookups, fire rings with grills, picnic tables. Level sites with many pull thrus."

    10. Huerfano State Wildlife Area

    1 Review
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    30 miles
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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Westcliffe, CO

1 Photos of 14 Westcliffe Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Westcliffe, CO

76 Reviews of 14 Westcliffe Campgrounds


  • Tj H.
    Aug. 9, 2019

    Haggards RV Campground

    Easy access and quiet

    My grandson and I stayed there in June for 4 days in a 34ft travel trailer in a pull thru long enough not to have to unhook. The sites were large and plenty of room for my slideout and not too close to next site. About 30 min from Pueblo and 30 from Canon City on Hwy 50 just east of Hwy 115 Full hookup and good WiFi Also had 30 OTA channels. Beautiful sunsets of the mountains Hwy 50 close by but traffic was not loud enough to disturb us Horses on the property as well as a swimming pool and very friendly staff Very nice experience and only 40 min from Colorado Springs or Royal Gorge.

  • S
    Aug. 1, 2022

    Alvarado Campground

    Great place to stay

    This was a gorgeous place to stay. The sites were widely spaced on the lower level. There were plenty of sites. Make sure you check your vehicle length because some of the spots were pretty small. It was just a quick trip into Westcliffe to pick up any forgotten supplies. Cell service was good here. No water or electrical hookups.

  • Cindy R.
    Jun. 28, 2021

    Alvarado Campground

    Loved with a few exceptions

    I absolutely love this area of Colorado. It's breathtaking no matter which direction you look. Decent campground that was a bit too big for my taste. I agree with another reviewer: choose your site wisely! Dirty vault toilets. Water spigots that were almost all dripping (some almost running). I believe it should be posted at time of reservation if there are STEPS involved to set up camp. This site had maybe 10 steps, some in desperate need of repair. As a senior solo camper, this was challenging.  This site was not my choice but the only one available for my time-frame (right next door to the camp host and on the main/incoming road). When we were there, no availability of firewood from camp host, but a load did arrive while we were there. Really noisy campground (plenty of barking dogs), PLUS,a helicopter was doing a training mission two of the days we were there and flew directly over the campground, low-level, 3-5 times each day. 

    No bear boxes. (there was a hiker/bear interaction on the Venable trail on June 17th.)

    Positives were wildlife, scenery, wildflowers, awesome hiking both directions out of the campground, nice fellow campers (those we met).

    In hindsight, I would have been really upset if I'd paid full price.

  • P
    May. 18, 2021

    Alvarado Campground

    Beautiful Spot, Would Return

    We stayed at Alvarado for one night on 5/15/2021. We had sites 34 and 35 right across the road from each other. Steve the host was really friendly and stopped by to say hello a couple of times. There are several hiking trails nearby. The vault toilets were right by us and we didn’t have any issues with smell, and they were the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen. The water was closed when we were there because they were waiting on test results before they could open, they did end up opening the water on Sunday so I’m assuming it’s good to go for the season now. Town is really close by (maybe 15 min) so we just went into town and filled up water jugs. Site 34 was a bit close to the campsite next to us. We ended up going to sleep when our neighbors did just because we thought even low voices would be a disturbance to them in their tents. Other than the close proximity, the sites were great and nicely maintained. The sites higher than 35 seem to be spaced a bit further apart so would probably go to the upper sites next time. Great campsite, would return again!

    Nice picnic tables and permanent fire pits/grates (which means you can typically use even during stage one fire bans) at every site. A lot of dumpsters and water spots, as well as toilets.

  • Sherry C.
    Jan. 4, 2019

    Pueblo West Campground

    Not worth it.

    The Cabins are for locals or people working in the local area and are only available for monthly rent, The tent areas are in direct sunlight with no shaded area and overpriced at $25 a night regardless of what time you check in checkouts at 11:00 am, The Bathrooms are reasonably clean, however scary hag lady comes in as if on crack running around looking like a mad woman, somewhat scary, the horse stalls are disgusting.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Alvarado Campground

    One of those gems

    The campground won't accommodate fifth wheels only horse and rv up to 30 or so. Many of the sites in the 30,s up are useless other than a van. Tent sites are not good. Very uneven pads. The 40,s are much better and all mostly tents. The sites below 30 to 1 are pretty nice. Must say the hosts for the new concession explorUS were doing a bang up job.

  • J
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Cripple Creek KOA

    Worth the distance

    One of the nicest camp spots I’ve been to. Very accommodating and clean! Only downfall is that it was a bit of a drive to many main attractions in Colorado, but it was worth the drive.

  • Rowan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2022

    Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA

    A pleasant surprise

    Really nice. Beautiful views and a great walking path for my dog. I could have gone for miles. People are super friendly and it’s clean! Close to hiking. Well worth the visit

  • Glenna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Alvarado Campground

    Great campground!

    We arrived around 830am on a July Saturday morning and found a handful of spots available to select from. We were a party of five with one large tent, one medium size tent and 2 vehicles. Luckily spot 43 at the top of the loop was available and able to accommodate our group. It was located close to water and a pit toilet as well. The host was attentive and cleaned and stocked the toilet. The campground was beautiful and had access to several wonderful trails. The night sky was amazing after the rain passed through and the clouds cleared. There was a group at a lower loop that was playing really loud music until well after quiet time. I do wish the host had put an end to that. Firewood was available for purchase at the host, but we were allowed to gather our own as well. All in all, a wonderful location and we were glad to find a spot and would love to return.


Guide to Westcliffe

Horse camping in Colorado offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventure, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy the scenic trails at Alvarado Campground, where you can ride through beautiful forested areas and take in the fresh mountain air.
  • Experience the thrill of fishing and hiking at Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park, which is known for its picturesque views and serene environment.
  • Explore the rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas at Hermit Pass OHV, a great spot for those who enjoy off-road adventures with their horses.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge provides ample space for horse camping, making it an ideal choice for those looking to combine relaxation with equestrian activities.
  • At Haggards RV Campground, you'll find well-maintained facilities that cater to both horses and their owners, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • Cotton Creek Trailhead offers a peaceful setting with access to trails suitable for horseback riding, making it a favorite among equestrian campers.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites

  • Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA features spacious sites that accommodate horse trailers, allowing for easy access to nearby trails.
  • Huerfano State Wildlife Area offers a secluded environment with picnic tables and scattered bathrooms, perfect for those who want to camp with their horses in a natural setting.
  • BLM Rec. Trail Dispersed provides a free camping experience with plenty of room for horses, making it a great option for adventurous equestrians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Westcliffe, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Westcliffe, CO is Alvarado Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Westcliffe, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Westcliffe, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.