5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Bear Creek Lake Park offers horseback riding trails and an active equestrian program through its on-site stables. The park combines camping accommodations with direct access to riding opportunities, making it a popular destination for equestrians visiting the Wheat Ridge area. Trails wind through the 2,600-acre park, providing scenic rides with views of the foothills and Denver skyline. Many visitors specifically mention the quality of the sunset trail rides as a highlight of their stay at the Indian Paintbrush Campground within the park.
Located minutes from both Denver and the mountains, Bear Creek Lake Park provides convenient access to regional equestrian trails while offering camping options including tent sites, RV spaces, yurts, and cabins. Horse owners appreciate the park's comprehensive facilities that include stables, riding rings, and multiple trail options for different skill levels. The trail system connects to broader networks in the surrounding foothills, allowing for varied riding experiences from short loops to longer backcountry excursions. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby equestrian areas including Golden Gate Canyon State Park, which offers additional horse-friendly trails. Daily trail rides connect campers to the natural environment regardless of whether they bring their own horses, as rental options are available through the park's stable operation.
"The easy access to the trail around the lake, the spread out sites, the clean bathhouse and laundry room, the sunset over the mountains, the location close to town, and they don’t have any breed restrictions"
"Stay here a couple times a year, great amenities and lots to do with a swim beach, shore line, horses, boat ramp and model planes."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 - $200 / night
"Close proximity to the highway. Clean level spots. Geared more towards RV camping. Pros: great views of the foothills."
"So much to do in this little area-lakes, trails, horses. Very close to red rocks. This is still in town so great for beginners"
"area was plowed open to exactly the width of our trailer, so with more than three feet of snow on the ground we needed to get some exercise and do a bit of shoveling so we could back in and be able to walk"
"Late October is very unpredictable in Colorado for a camper who is primarily a tent camper."
Available this weekend
from $18 / night
"It’s we’ll thought out with lots of activity areas like, mountain bike trail, shooting area, off leash dog area, model airfield, equestrian trails, lake and hiking trails!"
"I only gave it 4 stars because on the outskirts of the state park we have a lot of homeless camps popping up oblong Parker road and 225."
Available this weekend
from $28 - $432 / night
"This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to."
"Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado. We couldn’t believe it…so close but you feel incredibly removed once you get there."
Available this weekend
from $28 - $90 / night
"It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great."
"The Gross Resevoir outside Boulder is a great place for people to go for some recreation just outside the city. People commonly drop in a paddleboard or kayak."
"Walking distance to vault toilets. Some nice foresty hikes between Aspen Meadows and Reverend's Ridge. We could see some other campsites but didn't feel too squished."
"This site is surrounded by pine trees, aspens and boulders. Parking is a bit tight and the some of the sites pretty steep. Dude's Fishing Hole is within walking distance."
from $28 / night
"Take the exit onto Fall River Road from the highway, a short road. You are then soon connected with forest service road of sorts York gultch."
"Might ROAD: Dirt, but not "off road trail"- again people live off of this road so its somewhat maintained. BEWARE OF RAIN WASHOUT AREAS, DIPS, AND WASHBOARD."
"Each of them have a parking area right along the road with a fire ring a short distance away surrounded by awesome rock outcroppings."
"A large number of established roadside dispersed camping spots to choose from. All spots have metal fire rings, so campfires are allowed even with Stage 1 fire restrictions in place."
"The pit, very clean are at base, and there is a porta-potty by site 14, far enough away from 14 to not be a problem."
"We brought out the bike and did some trails to find the perfect spot and since we went in the middle of the week we had our choice of spot."
Available this weekend
from $28 / night
RangerBathrooms were very nice and clean. Lots of sites with minimal privacy. Pretty packed and noisy in October. Our site had electrical hookups and its own water. Picnic tables and fire rings available as well. Looks like a very family friendly campground. Stayed one night.
TravelerFrom a Sprinters point of view.
Sites are $45.00 a day plus parking
Sites were sloped, we took the flattest one we could find and it took 6” to block our van level.
Pit toilets were very clean.
Sites had trees and boulders, spaced roughly 50’ apart, but there visible traffic on the main road below.
It was a nice campground but we liked the Bobcat Campground a couple miles farther up the road.
See separate review.
TravelerWe took our Sprinter for its maiden voyage, this camp ground was beautiful, private and secluded.
Camping was $45.00 a day plus a parking fee.
Paid at the entry point to an extremely friendly attendant. Reservations can be made on line ahead of time and highly recommended in peak season, especially on weekends.
Site were 50’ to 100’ apart.
Sites were wooded and tucked into granite boulders.
In the 24 hours we were there we saw one car and two people walking their dogs.
Sites were pretty level, each with fire pits and picnic tables.
The pit toilets were very clean and with in 100’ of most sites.
Road in had signs stating you had to be in four wheel drive to avoid damaging the roads but they were very well graded.
GuideSuper easy drive into town, 10min from beaver meadows entrance to RMNP. Hiking trails right off the campground. Sites a little close together but could definitely be a lot worse. Super friendly hosts. The clean bathrooms, hot showers, and dish washing station were amazing after days of dispersed camping.
ScoutPull thru site easy to maneuver, lots of space between sites. Hookups easy to use. Maintained nice, lake was beautiful. Seemed like bikers heaven.
GuideWe loved staying here! It was quiet and peaceful, even when it fully booked over Labor Day Weekend. The easy access to the trail around the lake, the spread out sites, the clean bathhouse and laundry room, the sunset over the mountains, the location close to town, and they don’t have any breed restrictions for dogs. I don’t have any complaints about the campground itself.
The only issue we had was that the $17 per vehicle day use fee wasn’t included in the camping cost. We were there for 8 nights and ended up buying the annual Colorado State Parks pass for $80 at the registration office because it was cheaper.
TravelerIt’s very nice except for when the conveyor belt is running from the Henderson mine And there is no water available
GuideHas a nice sandy beach inside the park that's conveniently walkable or drivable with ample of parking spots.
Paddleboard and kayak rentals available but should be done with reservation beforehand.
While there are public bathhouses, the showers is not free - it is pay-per-use metered.
GuideWhile there aren't many amenities (no comfort station), it is a great value place to stay if you're just needing a place to camp. Spacious and decent night sky view.
Automated secure gate where you get an unique digital code for access.
Quiet, good for value place (especially if you do weekly rates).
Bear Creek Lake Park equestrian facilities include an on-site stable and direct trail access from the Indian Paintbrush Campground. Riders can explore approximately 15 miles of multi-use trails across the 2,600-acre park, which sits at an elevation of 5,600 feet. The stable offers guided trail rides and riding lessons for campers without their own horses, plus seasonal sunset trail rides from April through October.
Trail riding with horses: Golden Gate Canyon State Park features over 35 miles of trails suitable for riders of all experience levels. "This park has great trails for hiking and mountain biking. There is also a high elevation lake as well as fantastic views of the continental divide," notes Mike M. from Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon.
Archery practice: Bear Creek Lake Park maintains a dedicated archery range where campers can practice their skills. "Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding," says Joshua H. from Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park, who appreciated the diversity of activities available.
Mountain biking: The trail systems connecting the horse campgrounds near Wheat Ridge offer excellent mountain biking opportunities. "So much to do in this little area-lakes, trails, horses. Very close to red rocks. This is still in town so great for beginners," explains Christina A. about Bear Creek Lake Park.
Water activities: Reservoirs and lakes near equestrian camping areas provide additional recreation. "Chatfield is such a great park; I've spent so much time biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, spending time with family," shares Jenny P. from Chatfield State Park Campground.
Convenient location: Equestrian-friendly campgrounds near Wheat Ridge provide quick mountain access while remaining close to urban amenities. "While this campground is minutes from the city and seconds from a highway, at night you feel like you are in a quiet, mountain campsite with stars to gaze for days," explains Kandisa S. about Bear Creek Lake Park.
Private campsites: Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon offers spacious sites for campers with horses. "Loop E (electric hookups) is very spacious and well laid out. 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.
Scenic views: The foothills setting of these equestrian campgrounds creates dramatic vistas. "Best of City Camping. Pros: great views of the foothills. Lots of park amenities like horse stables, archery range, swim beach, boat rentals, hiking trails, picnic areas," describes Jennifer L. from Bear Creek Lake Park.
Year-round accessibility: Some horse camping facilities in the Wheat Ridge area operate throughout the year. "This is one of our favorite spots to stay when visiting Denver area. Great for biking and all kinds of water sports. Laundry facility on each loop sites are spread out giving plenty of room between sites," notes Rick from Chatfield State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Wheat Ridge, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Wheat Ridge, CO is Chatfield State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 84 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Wheat Ridge, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 35 equestrian camping locations near Wheat Ridge, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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