We're here to help you find where to go horse camping in White River National Forest. Finding a place to stay in Colorado while traveling with your horse has never been easier. You're sure to find the perfect site for your Colorado horse camping excursion.
Lakeview Campground, with wonderful views of the Twin Lakes Reservoir, is located about 20 miles south of Leadville, Colorado. The campground attracts many hikers looking to explore nature and the hiking trails in the surrounding area. Boaters can launch their craft at the nearby boat dock and fishing enthusiasts can find numerous locations at Twin Lakes Reservoir for fishing.
The Continental Divide Trail, which runs from Canada to Mexico, is a non-motorized trail that passes Lakeview Campground. Mountain bikes are allowed in the section from Halfmoon Road south to Twin Lakes. Approximately 300 miles of the trail goes through Colorado. South of the campground lies Twin Lakes, Colorado's largest natural glacier lakes. Sailing and water skiing are among the popular activities here. Fishing includes lake, rainbow and mackinaw trout.
Lakeview is situated in a ponderosa pine and sage habitat at an elevation of 9,500 feet. The site is between Mt. Elbert Forebay and Twin Lakes. The Twin Lakes Reservoir spans 2,805 acres and Mount Elbert stands tall at 14,433 feet. To the north is the Mount Massive Wilderness area, 30,540 acres encompassing Mount Massive, Colorados second highest peak at 14,421 feet. To the south is the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness with 8 peaks over 14,000 ft high. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.
The Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway leads to Independence Pass, one of the highest paved passes in Colorado. The historic mining town, Leadville, is a half hour away.
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.
$26 / night
Avalanche Campground has 6 first-come first-serve campsites. It is located adjacent to Avalanche Creek. Fishing is available in Avalanche Creek and in the Crystal River, which is 3 miles downstream. One of the major trailheads into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is located adjacent to the campground.
Managed by the Yampa Ranger District. This campground is located in the Bear River area of the Flat Tops Wilderness, 14 miles southwest of Yampa on Forest Development Road 900. This campground is in a large wooded area that makes a small loop with 43 sites + 4 double sites and 1 triple site making it a popular place for RV’s and families with children.
$5 / night
Sugarloaf camping is a first-come, first-served campground is located in the Williams Fork Valley next to the Williams Fork River. There are 11 non-electric sites that will accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Each site contains a tent pad, fire grate and picnic table. Additional facilities provided include restrooms and trash service. Drinking water is available at South Fork Campground ½ mile away. Due to the recent mountain pine beetle epidemic, campsites have no shade. Popular activities include hiking in the Arapaho National Forest and nearby Byers Peak Wilderness area, scenic driving and wildlife viewing.
$19 / night
Kenosha Pass Campground is a small, conveniently-located campground heralded by backpackers on the Colorado Trail and by those looking for a scenic, mountain family getaway. Across the road from the campground entrance is the Kenosha Pass Interpretive Area, with an accessible interpretive trail showcasing wetlands and remnants of the South Park and Pacific Railroad. Kenosha Pass, the campground's namesake, is one of the nation's highest mountain passes, weaving over the spine of the Front Range from Jefferson to Grant. The route provides one of the primary access points to South Park, and boasts tremendous views of Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt.
Excellent hiking, biking and horseback riding are available on the lengthy Colorado Trail, a 471-mile trail that extends from Denver to Durango. For a scenic drive, take in the views of the Kenosha Mountain Pass, then head to Guanella Pass for even more picture-perfect scenery.
At a 10,000 foot elevation, the region is commonly referred to as the High Country. Campsites are situated among lodgepole pine and aspen trees. Summer temperature are generally mild and cool, but the high elevation may cause very chilly nights.
For facility specific information, please call (303) 647-2366.
Jefferson Lake, known for its great fishing, is 10 miles north.
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.
$25 / night
Managed By Kremmling Field Office__ The Radium Recreation Area is part of the Upper Colorado River Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), providing opportunities for developed camping and river access. With over 100,000 annual visitors the sites facilities include 2 developed boat ramp sites, 9 vault toilets, day use and overnight parking, 16 single campsites and 2 Group Campsites and 3 day use shade structures. There is no potable water provided at this area. The area is used by visitors to access the river for floatboating and fishing opportunities.____
Recreation opportunities include river access for fishing and floatboating. On-site picnic shelters provide visitors with opportunities to a covered area for relaxing and picnicking. Note ___ Radium Warm Springs Access: There are no designated trails from this area and there is no designated access to the Radium Warm Springs. Parking is not permitted along the narrow Radium Road between the Radium Recreation Area and Trough Road to ensure safe passage of vehicles and ensure clear passage for Emergency Vehicles when needed. Please respect the social trail closures and restoration conducted on BLM managed lands along Radium Road that protect area wildlife habitat including area Big Horn Sheep. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Mugrage Site along Radium Road, including the restroom and social trail that accessed the Radium Warm Springs within the Radium State Wildlife Area, is closed for the protection of this important habitat. The BLM is looking at a potential future designated and developed trail from the Radium Recreation Area.__ Until a trail alignment along Radium Road is developed it is recommended that the easiest and safest way to access the Radium Warm Springs from Radium Recreation Area is to drive to Warm Springs Road 1.5 northeast along Trough Road. Follow the directional sign located at the intersection of Radium Road and Trough Road. A parking area and trailhead at the end of Warm Springs Road provides access to the Radium Warm Springs via the Warm Springs Trail open to foot travel only, or the Ol___ Warm Springs Trail which is open to Foot, Horse, Bicycle and eBike travel.__
Recreation opportunities include river access for fishing and floatboating. On-site picnic shelters provide visitors with opportunities to a covered area for relaxing and picnicking. Note ___ Radium Warm Springs Access: There are no designated trails from this area and there is no designated access to the Radium Warm Springs. Parking is not permitted along the narrow Radium Road between the Radium Recreation Area and Trough Road to ensure safe passage of vehicles and ensure clear passage for Emergency Vehicles when needed. Please respect the social trail closures and restoration conducted on BLM managed lands along Radium Road that protect area wildlife habitat including area Big Horn Sheep. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Mugrage Site along Radium Road, including the restroom and social trail that accessed the Radium Warm Springs within the Radium State Wildlife Area, is closed for the protection of this important habitat. The BLM is looking at a potential future designated and developed trail from the Radium Recreation Area.__ Until a trail alignment along Radium Road is developed it is recommended that the easiest and safest way to access the Radium Warm Springs from Radium Recreation Area is to drive to Warm Springs Road 1.5 northeast along Trough Road. Follow the directional sign located at the intersection of Radium Road and Trough Road. A parking area and trailhead at the end of Warm Springs Road provides access to the Radium Warm Springs via the Warm Springs Trail open to foot travel only, or the Ol___ Warm Springs Trail which is open to Foot, Horse, Bicycle and eBike travel.__
The Radium Recreation Area is adjacent to the Colorado River next to the small town of Radium. The scenery within the area is a major component to the adjacent Colorado Headwaters National Scenic and Historic Byway and are important features that make this stretch of river Wild and Scenic Eligible.
The town of Kremmling, CO is approximately 20 miles east from Radium Recreation Area where visitors can get supplies. Rancho Del Rio ___ a private resort along the Colorado river, has a small store with supplies and is a river access point for those recreating on the river. Rancho Del Rio is located approximately 6 miles west along Trough Road. Trough Road, which accesses the BLM Recreation Areas and Rancho Del Rio (private river access ___ fee site) is the Colorado Headwaters National Scenic and Historic Byway. Originating just east of Grand Lake on Highway 34, the byway ends at State Bridge.__
$30 / night
This site provides four campsites with picnic tables and BBQ stands or fire rings. No restroom provided and all cat holes must be at least 100 yards (75 Steps) from the river. Access by boat or narrow dirt road (trailers not recommended) south of State Bridge Landing. For more information, please contact the Colorado River Field Office. ADA Access: ADA Accessible Restrooms
Scout
Went here on a Saturday in Sept after reading all the great reviews. Drove for miles and every site taken. There aren't many sites like people would make you think. Have these people been to the San Jaun Mountains - so much better. Had to drive home because just nothing available.
Traveler
My sister drove up from Denver Saturday morning. My daughter and I drove from Paonia and met her there. Road was bumpy but manageable in my Outback. Drove down the road and took a hike with the dogs. Great trail. Rained a little but it was not a big deal. Decent amount of traffic on the road throughout the day and into the evening. Really cool to be able to snag a spot around lunchtime on a Saturday.
Scout
Spaces are large and well maintained. Views vary with the spots but all are peaceful. There
Guide
Pretty good spot with ok views. Used starlink with no issues. Driver further up the road and found a good spot on the side of the road with a fire pit.
Guide
Not an actual site. Pin took me to a feild with horse/cows (pics attached for cuteness). The actual site is in the campground on Google Maps, but IT ISNT ALLOWED!!!
VERY CLEARLY SIGNED CAMPING IN CAMPGROUND SITES ONLY!!!
There is a small fire ring by the trailhead, as description says, but the signs on the road are VERY clear. Also lots of rangers patrolling, so don't risk it!!
So, unless you wanna pay a RIDICULOUS fee for a night, not worth it at all. Would've given it one mark, but figured someone later might find a touch of value.
Guide
Not too far outside Crested Butt CO. (About 25 mins) The road is ok , but not great getting there. Campsites and view of the mountain range is great. Peaceful area but some traffic on the road coming in and it free range area for cows. Always a few walking around. Some sites are in open area and some sites are under the trees. Would stay there again. A few disbursed campgrounds in the area.
Legend
This is the official CG for the horse crowd, however if it is empty anyone can camp there. FCFS, about 10 sites some with powder river corrals. One water spigot up at top by the single toilet one issue is NO shade.
TravelerEasy to find the site, ours was near the river. Lots of bugs so bring bug spray. Very calming and felt safe. Would recommend!
TravelerRoad was very easy to find and was very smooth. The first couple sites on the water were already taken so we headed up further. Found a steep, secluded pull-off just past marker #6 that looked like an old off road trailhead or access road that didn't seem to be in use anymore.
The site was a good size but there wasn't a great flat option for the tent but it would be great for a van or small trailer and could easily fit 2-3.
The views were absolutely amazing which is why I'm giving 3 stars. The mosquitos and thunderstorms were insane. Shout out to the REI base camp tent holding dry and not too many bugs in the tent.
We also had the pleasure of a bunch of night riders on the first night traversing up and down the road all night which was incredibly loud. 2nd night was much quieter. I also moved the car to block the entrance to the site so people could see it was taken instead of driving up right next to us just to turn around the first night.
Overall, easy access to the site, views were stunning, easy to get to Glenwood Springs.
Edited to add that this site did have cell service
GuideI came late around 8pm Tuesday night and all the sites along the river were booked.
I drove up and up and up along the road to an amazing epic view of the mountains. Even if you get access early on the road along the river you have to drive up the mountain on the INCREDIBLY SMOOTH ROAD but it’s dangerous so please be cautions around corners.
I turned around at a pull off and settled for a pull off campsite on a corner. It was alright but not as good as river campsite. I’m surprised usually the feds don’t let you park 100 ft near. A source of water.
Did I mention the quality of that road? Dam.. so smooth
TravelerBeautiful spots but we didn’t get there early enough! Long road, some parts were pretty bumpy. We ended up at a campsite next to an electricity pole but there were plenty of other spots if you come early.
ScoutDrive to the camp ground and you can keep driving to find campsites. There are sites along the creek and along the road. There is a pit toilet and it's a long road with lots of sites.
No service
Legend
This place is very windy. You can book lakeside or fireside. Lake has composting toilets and a large pavilion. The fire side has vault toilets and a nice group fire pit. This place has to be booked well in advance unless you are looking for a week day stay. It is $232 a night.
Traveler
Spent 3 nights here for memorial Day weekend. Was able to get up there early enough to get a good spot, but the spots went quickly! Designated dispersed with great views. 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. Lots of wildlife sightings! The road early on isn't too bad but having a car with some clearance would be helpful, especially the farther up the road you go. Great trip
ScoutEasy drive in my sprinter van and beautiful in the fall! Highly recommend. I didn’t have cell service so just prepare for that
GuideModerate shade, not a lot of bugs, dusty, sites seem more for RV camper set up based on layout but we were able to find spots with this site specifically to set up 3 tents (other sites seemed like this would have been difficult), trial right by site where mountain bikers, hikers & backpackers may go by but wasn’t a whole lot of traffic, privacy is minimal, about 10 min drive roughly from site to twin lakes, separate pit and grill, picnic table but no bear locker, bathrooms were nice & well kept
GuideWe camped here for two nights. It’s location was perfect for our next day Hanging Lake hike followed by a soak at Iron Mountain hot springs as both are less than an hour away from here. We found a spot that was easy enough to pull into in our Nissan Rogue. Near a small meadow but also in the woods. There was a fire pit and some trash from other campers that we cleaned up before leaving but nothing too bad.
Scout
The sites are large and the campground heavily wooded. It’s close enough to hear the road traffic from 285 and there’s a lot of people hustling and bustling between campers and Colorado trail traffic.
ScoutThere are many sites all over the place up there. Some are big enough for groups of RV's some are small, private tent spots. Some offer magicians views others are in dense vegetation along water. We found no cell reception for miles. There are easy sites next to the main gravel roads and more secluded sites off of many various "Jeep trails". No services, no running water, no electric, no cable TV, no bathrooms, no showers, no dump stations, no picnic tables, etc. It's the forest.
GuideDefinitely best of all worlds. If you want more trees, stay further in or closer to the road. If you want to stay close to the edge of the mountain, there's that too. Little more off-road in this area but lots of spots. It's just north up the pay Lakeview campground.
Guide
We followed the directions and this place doesn’t exist. At first we thought it was just below the road we were driving on; but when we turned down a side road; the only turn; encountered a fence; Gate and s bunch of signs stating private property and no trespassing
Traveler
Awesome valley with access to the creek. There is also a nice trail up the mountain that forks into two other trails.
ScoutWe got to the start of camp spots early on a Friday and it was already like Disney land. We thought we could drive up a ways to escape people but after and hour of driving there was not a single spot available. This place is pretty but it’s basically a camp ground and sooooo busy.
TravelerGorgeous views and great campsite
Legend
Many nice sites ,all first come, first serve. There are quite a few sites that are pretty private. Also , there are some Lakeside sites. Fantastic scenery and beautiful sites. Short drive to tails which can be accessed from campground via feeder trail. The Grand Mesa is pretty. Wild flowers and mosquitoes this time of year. Mosquitoes will be gone sometime in August they say .
GuideThis has to be in one of the most beautiful areas I have ever been to. Campground is dry at the moment (working on replacing plumbing). So we brought water. Vault toilets are very clean and fresh smelling. Host was super nice and helpful. Campground was quiet and dark. A perfect spot!
TravelerUsed the reviews from this site to select this area for camping. Arrived later the day on a holiday weekend, fingers crossed a spot would be open. Last spot on the road in near the trailhead was still pretty wide open and a few cars lingered. By morning woke up to our campsite in a parking lot! This trailhead is the start to mt. Harvard 14er! Moved spots to an open spot back towards the beginning of the road in, was a great choice, quiet, remote, on the river. Don’t make the mistake we made, camp in a spot much nearer the start of the road into this area!
Horse camping near White River National Forest in Colorado offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With various campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the scenic trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near White River National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near White River National Forest is Lakeview Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near White River National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 equestrian camping locations near White River National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
