Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Westcliffe? Finding a place to camp in Colorado with your horse is easier than ever. Search horse campsites and discover top-rated spots, as reviewed by other campers.
Alvarado Campground, located at an elevation of 9,000 ft., is a prime location for accessing easy to challenging hikes in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. The variety of trails lead to high elevation lakes, picturesque waterfalls, and a number of stunning scenic overlooks. Alvarado is designed for a range of campers, with facilities for tent, RV and equestrian campers. Pike-San Isabel National Forests include over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado's mountain peaks that reach above 14,000 feet.
Near the campground are several trailheads that provide visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities. All trails are open for horseback riding and hiking. The Rainbow Trail is a premier ATV and motorcycle trail. The non-motorized Comanche and Venable Trails lead into the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness where waterfalls and alpine lakes may be enjoyed.
Alvarado is perched on the side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains among sweet smelling ponderosa pine, aspen, lodgepole and gambel oak trees. Some sites offer views of the Wet Mountain Valley below while others sit beside Alvarado Creek. The campground is within reach of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, which spans 226,455 acres with 60 alpine lakes, 400 miles of streams and over 400 miles of trails to explore. Large aspen stands visible in the area today are a result of fires set in the early 1900's to clear pasture land, expose minerals and produce charcoal.
Explore the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway that takes drivers through the Wet Mountains and provides spectacular views of 22 peaks, all within the San Isabel National Forest.
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
$27 / night
The Cotton Creek Trail is 13.1 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 962 and ends at Forest Trail #745. Trail is well marked and maintained. It follow the creek through a rugged, steep canyon and diverse scenery, with views of high peaks and many beautiful wildflowers in season. Some stream crossings can be tricky if water level is high. Attractions are fishing in creeks and lakes, and many good campsites. Teacup Lake presents an opportunity for primitive route finding.
The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding, Dispersed Camping, and Wildflower Viewing
Located adjacent to the Temple Canyon trail that takes you to delightful Grape Creek and beyond The Temple. Operated by the City of Cañon City. Vault toilets, fire rings, some picnic tables, no water. Four different campsites spread apart to allow you to enjoy the solitude of this area located 8 miles southwest of Cañon City. Open year-round. (Free)
Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".
Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.
Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:
In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.
Each campsite is 5-10 acres. Miles of running trails and an outdoor gym are available to guests. Each campground is equipped with a fire pit, log benches, charcoal grill, and hammock posts. Tents, sleeping bags, hammocks, And more are available to rent by reservation. Spectacular 7600 ft 360-degree high desert views.
Scout
The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts. With its expansive facilities, it perfectly complements Sportzfy TV's mission to promote active lifestyles and engage audiences in diverse sporting events. Whether you’re looking to train or unwind, this destination provides an excellent backdrop for fitness and recreation. For More: https://www.sportzfytvapks.com/
ScoutThe Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts. With its expansive facilities, it perfectly complements Sportzfy TV's mission to promote active lifestyles and engage audiences in diverse sporting events. Whether you’re looking to train or unwind, this destination provides an excellent backdrop for fitness and recreation. For More: https://www.sportzfytvapks.com/
Traveler
The sky is GORGEOUS. The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow. I've never seen so many stars!
Traveler
Your vehicle will prob need new brakes after this trip. Super beautiful but the road never eases up.
Guide
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.
Guide
Pleasantly surprised. Top notch campground.
Guide
Attention to detail here! Great owners.
LegendThey say this is the world’s highest KoA. It’s in the side of a mountain, css as moving loops stretch up the hill, bathroom and shower are at the bottom of the hill! But they do have pizza and will deliver to your site. It was pretty dusty when we were there. Sites are not jammed together, and the hillside does allow for views over other campsites. Hummingbirds buzzed around all day. Close to Cripple Creek and Pikes Peak
ScoutEverything from friendly faces to taking care of the missing needs of the outdoors. My in-laws and kids absolutly love this place. Not to mention perfect for our disabled daughter.
Traveler
When our boondocking plans went south, Nancy accommodated us on a late Sunday night without a reservation. She was kind and pleasant even though I’m sure she was tired and didn’t feel like showing us to our site. The place was super clean, very charming, and with much attention to detail. Would definitely stay here again!
TravelerThere are at least ten dispersed spots off the road, CC64. They are large spots with fire rings. Three of them are on the creek. Once the wind settled, there were more stars than I've ever seen in my life. Endless views and endless stars - can't beat it!
Also - it's only 5 miles from Valley View if you can't get a reservation there but can get a day pass.
Traveler
My husband and I stayed here for a night just passing through. This is only about 12 miles from the Great Sand Dunes National Park and also on the way the Crater Lake. There are several dispersed campsites. We had a UHaul trailer we were pulling and it was easy to get to a campsite. All campsites seems you would be able to get to with a RV or a 2 wheel car. We did not do any exploring but I'm sure hiking is great.
ScoutThis is a wonderfully isolated, dispersed camping area. There are group sites and individual ones, scattered bathrooms, and a few picnic tables. Not much to do nearby, but the campsite is beautiful.
ScoutWe stayed in a tent utilities site for two days. Shortly after setup we order pizza from their on-site hunts brothers and it was delicious. After eating we noticed that the electric wasn't working luckily for us no one else was by us we plugged in next to us and let the staff know, they had it fixed by morning. If you ever need something you call instead of going to the main office and they come to you (pizza, firewood). Overall a great stay.
ScoutAbout 3 hours south of Denver. Solid trails nearby, sites are large and spread out enough, and bathrooms are close and clean
ScoutHad to get off the road due to wind! They got us right in to their well run campground. Great dog path and running area, showers and laundry. Nancy is super friendly!
GuideReally 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
ScoutWe’ll accommodated
GuideWe don't usually stay at RV parks, but we really enjoyed our over night stay at Haggard's RV Park. My wife called it an unexpected gem. Nancy, the owner, was very welcoming and set the tone for the visit. She suggested some sites and we found one that was perfect for us with beautiful views across the prairie to the mountains and a spectacular sunset to boot. Nancy came around offering ice at one point and, later, watermellon. There is a nice dog park on-site. In fact, the best we've seen while traveling. Our older greyhound, who usually just follows us, actually did a few laps. Nancy's attention to detail was evident in the way she decorated the bathhouse to create a more personal, at-home feel. Haggard's is on our list of campgrounds to return to in the future.
GuideThis 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.
TravelerBeautiful camping sites. They’re small though. Our 12 person tent (18’x10’) did not fit on site. We ended up placing it in the parking spot and parked next to the tent so it worked out. We stayed July 1st-5th and it rained every day we were there. Very windy as well… make sure you stake everything down and add some weight to it too.
TravelerLarge KOA. Always great bathrooms and showers. 1st campsite was full of fire ants but we were able to move to 109 with electric for our tent. Lots of great stuff for kids. Slide, playground, mini golf. Just a few miles from RG Bridge. The camp store is fully stocked!
GuideWe've been staying at this campground for several years as we travel between Arizona and Wyoming. The owners are so helpful, and the park is immaculate. Fantastic views, country feel, and safe. 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.
ScoutNice area with lots of activities to keep the family busy. The spots are little close together and you don’t get to choose your spot.
TravelerA majority of the camp sites need a refresh… trees, patios, landscaping. Restrooms were clean and somewhat updated, but the showers need a total reno. Place appears to be maintained, but could use a total refresh.
ScoutThe campground is great for any size rig. Quiet. So neat to see pronghorn in nearby fields as we sat drinking coffee. Nancy is so accommodating. She is a pleasure. Would highly recommend.
Scout
Enjoyed the beautiful views and the ability to get offline and out in serenity’s. Only down fall staying at the temple view camp site is that there is a jeep tour that comes by a few time in the am and afternoon. So you feel like your on exhibit but they go by fast. Not much shade, and there isn’t a real access to the trails. Had to hike over to temple ridge about a mile away to find two beautiful intermittent trails. Would definitely stay at ridge when we go back. Oh and for sure need 4x4 drive or not a low car. Roads are windy but the view after are amazing.
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 15 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.
