Sugarite Canyon State Park contains several campgrounds offering equestrian-friendly accommodations approximately 25 miles northeast of Weston, Colorado. The park sits at elevations between 6,600 and 9,000 feet, creating diverse terrain for horseback riding and camping. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing while summer daytime temperatures average 75-85°F with occasional afternoon thunderstorms common from July through September.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Lake Maloya offers 120 acres of fishing compared to the smaller 3-acre Lake Alice within Sugarite Canyon State Park. "The lake is really nice, specially if you get out on it in a canoe. The facilities have showers and the bathrooms are pretty good," notes Ricky B. from Lake Alice Campground.
Hiking historic coal mining areas: Explore remnants of 1920s mining operations on self-guided trails near the Ranger Headquarters. "Hiking trails from the Ranger Headquarters offer a history lesson with the remnants of the 1920's coal mining town that prospered in this canyon. Purpose to spend some time in the Ranger headquarters perusing the small dioramas depicting life in Sugarite Canyon during the turn of the 1900's," explains Dave V.
Mountain elevation trails: Little Horse Mesa Trail offers significant elevation gain with panoramic views. "A really beautiful hike is the Little Horse Mesa Trail which takes you to the top of the mesa you can see to the north of Soda Pocket Campground... the last 50 yards are pretty much straight uphill. When you get to the top though it's like another world," reports Matt B. from Soda Pocket Campground.
What campers like
Horse-friendly corrals and facilities: Multiple areas throughout the region accommodate equestrian camping with dedicated spaces for horses. "The campground has sites with horse corrals installed. The campground was quiet and mostly clean. There are pit toilets on site and well maintained. Level spots with good separation," reports Ken M. from McCrystal Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings provide excellent opportunities for elk sightings in valley areas. "Early one morning we saw a herd of elk down in a valley near a turn out off the road. Bears frequent the area trying to raid the garbage bins during the night," notes Ken M., highlighting both the appeal and caution needed when camping in this wildlife-rich area.
Well-maintained vault toilets: Campers consistently note clean facilities across the region's campgrounds. "The vault toilets are well kept and within good proximity to most sites," mentions Jade T. from Cimarron Campground. Another camper adds, "Vault toilets were super clean and not smelly. Very dark at night so great for star viewing."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads that can become challenging. "Road to camp is rough. Beautiful scenery. Short drive to Chucara and Stonewall," explains Keri F. while a different camper notes: "It takes an hour to get to the campsite on a graveled road off the highway out of Cimerron. 25mph was best speed to go to handle the washboard road."
Water availability is limited: Not all horse campgrounds near Weston provide potable water. "No access to electric or water. Road to camp is rough," states Keri F. At Rio Costilla Park, "There is no running water at this campground, so bring plenty. They have port-o-potties by every camping site and they keep them clean."
Bear safety requirements: Food storage precautions are necessary throughout the region. "Bears frequent the area trying to raid the garbage bins during the night. Makes tent camping a bit unnerving," warns one camper. Many campgrounds provide bear boxes for secure food storage.
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate fishing spots: Some lakes have sections specifically designated for younger anglers. "There's a nice easy/moderate half mile hike down to the Shuree Ponds which were stocked with trout...The smaller was reserved for kids's fishing," notes Stephen K.
Covered picnic tables: Several campgrounds offer sheltered eating areas, providing protection during afternoon thunderstorms. At Mallette Creek North, campers find "a beautiful place to camp during a thunderstorm!" At Rio Costilla Park, "Some come with nice picnic tables under roofs by the clear river."
Stream activities: Small children enjoy accessible water play in safe stream areas. "Took inner tubes and rode them down the stream!" reports anthony Z. from Rio Costilla Park. Another camper adds: "The kids had a few streams to keep them busy."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges in mountain terrain: Sloped sites can complicate RV setup in several campgrounds. "It made leveling our rig a little tricky as the levelling blocks kept sinking in the soft Dyrt under the weight of our wheels, but we eventually figured it out," explains Jeff T. from Purgatoire Campground.
Limited cell service: Communication limitations affect most campgrounds in the region. "Verizon coverage had 1 bar at the south end," notes Greg K. While another camper reports: "No cell phone reception. There are no water available and porta potties were not ready yet."
Late-season weather preparation: Higher elevation campgrounds experience early cold temperatures. "We were there the week of the 4th of July 2016. The weather was great we had a short shower just about every evening but nothing bad," reports Terry R., while another camper warns: "It will also be cold at night, so be prepared."
