M
Marcus M.
Scout
ScoutPicketwire Canyon
Great view there’s just kind of a ton of cactus everywhere. If you want to see the dinosaur footprints, they’re still a seven or 8 mile walk from here.
Best Equestrian Camping in Colorado
Colorado state parks and recreation areas accommodate equestrians with limited dedicated facilities. Most horse-friendly campgrounds are developed sites with standard amenities rather than specialized horse infrastructure. Mueller State Park Campground in Divide permits horses on certain trails but does not offer dedicated equestrian camping facilities such as corrals or stables. Chatfield State Park and Cherry Creek State Park allow horses on select trails while providing electric hookups, sanitary dump stations, and picnic tables at their campsites. Large vehicles and trailers can access many sites as most are big-rig friendly.
Horses require additional planning when camping in Colorado's public lands. Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers two campgrounds with trail access suitable for day rides but no specialized horse infrastructure. East Portal Campground at Estes Park and Reverend's Ridge Campground provide water hookups beneficial for equestrian campers needing to hydrate their animals. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir permits pets and has picnic tables but lacks dedicated equestrian amenities. Browns Creek campground offers free camping with vault toilets accessible to vehicles with horse trailers. Campgrounds near established trail systems typically fill quickly during peak season, requiring advance reservations for those traveling with horses.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds in Colorado (154)
1. Chatfield State Park Campground
84 ReviewsLittleton, COWebsite+1 (303) 791-7275$36 - $200 / night
"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."
2. Mueller State Park Campground
68 ReviewsDivide, COWebsite+1 (719) 687-2366$18 - $270 / night
"This Colorado state park brings visitors year-round for all types of recreation. We have traveled here several times, both tent camping and in our camper."
"By far my favorite campground in Colorado. Sites all have great views and are paved. The park is clean and rangers are always around checking in. Close to town and great hikes. Can’t wait to go back!"
3. Cherry Creek State Park Campground
56 ReviewsCentennial, COWebsite+1 (303) 690-1166$28 - $432 / 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."
4. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
48 ReviewsEldorado Springs, COWebsite+1 (303) 582-3707$18 / night
"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."
5. East Portal Campground at Estes Park
41 ReviewsEstes Park, COWebsite+1 (800) 964-7806$45 - $80 / night
"Our space was large enough to accommodate our 20 ft travel trailer with our truck next to it, still leaving plenty of room for the picnic table and a chair circle around the fire."
"The bathrooms were clean, and close to almost every site. They had a very nice playground for the kids with a climbing wall."
6. Arkansas Point Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park
39 ReviewsPueblo, COWebsite+1 (719) 561-9320$36 / night
"This was first camping trip staying in a Colorado State park and it was great! We had an electric only back-in site next to the bathhouse which was clean and had 4 separate bathrooms with showers."
"We were visiting a friend in Pueblo and this place was close by. (Downtown Pueblo has a really nice riverwalk. Found a free museum that honored Medal of Honor recipients.)"
7. Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
37 ReviewsRollinsville, COWebsite+1 (303) 582-3707$28 - $90 / night
"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."
"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."
8. Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park
33 ReviewsMorrison, COWebsite"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"
9. Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park
30 ReviewsEstes Park, COWebsite+1 (970) 577-2090$35 / night
"This campground has all the privacy you would expect yet provides easy access to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountian National Forest. The Laramie County Staff that were on site were kind and helpful."
"It would be nice if the county could put water in, there are two places to fill containers/rvs-one right by the entrance and another at the entrance to Bobcat Gulch."
10. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
26 ReviewsEldorado Springs, COWebsite+1 (303) 541-2500"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."
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos in Colorado
33 Photos of 154 Colorado Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Camp Dick
Laramie River Road Dispersed
Fort Collins North-Wellington KOA
Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch
Musician's CampS
Winding River Resort
Haggards RV Campground
Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park
Mueller State Park Campground
Dark Canyon Trailhead (Dispersed)
Cherry Creek State Park CampgroundC
Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake ParkC
Equestrian Camping Reviews in Colorado
1430 Reviews of 154 Colorado Campgrounds
Ernie J.
GuidePurgatoire Campground
This campground offers fire pits, picnic tables, bear food storage at each campsite, pit toilet (not well maintained), a water pump spout (was turned off). There was nobody at this campground. There are approximately 14+ campsites. There is also a trailhead with a registration box at the start of the trailhead (there was no paperwork in the box to add your information). The road to get to the campground is very bumpy but low clearance vehicles can get to it (go slow). There are also about (4) dispersed areas on the dirt road heading to the campground (look for the camping allowed signs). There are more dispersed campsites off the main dirt road but require 4x4 access. There are dear, elk, and other wildlife in the area. This campground is about 48 miles from Trinidad, CO. (I-25).
Landon C.
RangerHorse Ranch Park (dispersed)-paonia Rd
Lots of open space where you can set up camp. This spot is mostly for elk hunters, although normal folks are of course welcome. Just don’t set up camp next to one of the horse hitching rails unless you actually have a horse. Note that you can only camp here for 7 days within a 30 day window, which is unlike the normal 14 day limit. This area gets extremely crowded in the summer and fall peeping seasons. I was here in mid October and the crowd was mostly gone.
Kylee R.RangerCherry Creek State Park Campground
Cherry Creek State Park
Bathrooms 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.
Brian T.
TravelerHermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park
Hermits Hollow
From 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.
- Brian T.Traveler
Bobcat Campground — Hermit Park
Bobcat Campground
We 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.
Joe L.ScoutComanche National Grassland Withers Canyon Trailhead Campground
Great Camp Spot
Great spot. Accessible for my 2WD sedan. Slight washboarding in some spots, but other than that very well maintained dirt roads. Juniper trees provide a nice wind break compared to other spots. Metal fire rings provided in the campsites. Spots do fill up quickly though.
- LLori M.Guide
Mueller State Park Campground
Nice and well kept
Our Campsite was nice, very clean and well kept. It did seems like the sites were a bit to close together and every spot filled. Pads were level, area around the picnic table spacious. Pit toilets were clean. The dump station was very nice and easy to use. We were driving down through Colorado to view the Fall Aspen leaves. I wish we would have stayed longer at this campsite. We stayed at the Conifer Ridge loop site 46 ...
- SSamantha D.Scout
Kebler Corner
Excellent camping spot!
All the amenities you could ask for and right on the river! Very clean, very friendly staff. A camp store like I’ve never seen before- literally anything you can think of they have in stock from ice cream to full meals, fishing poles, sweat shirts you name it. Oh and as we pulled in we spotted not one but two bear cubs !!!
Guide to Colorado
Horse camping in Colorado offers a unique way to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.
Campers appreciate these amenities for horses
- Chatfield State Park Campground provides ample space for horse camping, allowing for easy maneuvering of trailers and rigs.
- Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon features horse-friendly accommodations, making it a great choice for those looking to ride in the scenic canyon.
- East Portal Campground at Estes Park offers facilities that cater to horse campers, ensuring a comfortable stay for both riders and their horses.
Equestrian campgrounds include scenic trails
- Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park is surrounded by beautiful trails perfect for horseback riding, providing a picturesque backdrop for your adventures.
- Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon boasts access to numerous equestrian trails that wind through the lush forest, ideal for exploring with your horse.
- Peregrine Pines FamCamp is located near trails that are suitable for horseback riding, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like water access
- Colorado Campground features water access for horses, ensuring they stay hydrated during your stay.
- Lakeview Campground provides essential amenities for horse campers, including nearby water sources and spacious sites.
- Guanella Pass offers well-maintained facilities that cater to horse camping, making it a convenient choice for equestrians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best horse campgrounds in Colorado?
Where are the best horse campgrounds in Colorado?
Colorado offers several excellent equestrian campgrounds for horse enthusiasts. Indian Creek Equestrian Campground is a standout choice with dedicated equestrian areas separate from tent camping loops. The campground features horse trails, water spigots, and bathroom facilities in a beautiful setting with shade. Another top option is Gunnison National Forest Soap Creek Campground, which includes horse corrals at the Soap Creek Corral/Coal Mesa Horse Camp area. For those seeking more amenities, Chatfield State Park near Denver and Cherry Creek State Park provide equestrian facilities with access to extensive trail systems. Mueller State Park also offers horse-friendly camping with trail access to explore Colorado's stunning mountain terrain.
When is the best season for horse camping in Colorado?
When is the best season for horse camping in Colorado?
The optimal season for horse camping in Colorado is late spring through early fall, with summer being ideal in most locations. At high elevations like Big Creek Lakes Campground, the camping season is limited to June through August due to its 9,000+ foot elevation. Even summer months can experience snow at higher elevations, so come prepared. Freeman Reservoir Campground is excellent during summer months with access to hiking, biking, and fishing. Lower elevation sites have longer seasons, typically from May through September or October. For fishing enthusiasts, early summer offers better conditions than late season (August). Be aware that mountain weather can change rapidly in any season, so always pack accordingly with extra layers and rain gear.
What amenities should I expect at equestrian camping sites in Colorado?
What amenities should I expect at equestrian camping sites in Colorado?
Equestrian camping sites in Colorado typically offer horse-specific amenities alongside standard camping facilities. At Winding River Resort, you'll find family-friendly activities with direct access to the Colorado River headwaters. Most equestrian sites provide corrals or hitching posts, water access for horses, and designated horse trails. Colorado Campground near Woodland Park offers proximity to numerous trails while staying close to civilization for supplies. Basic amenities typically include vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. More developed equestrian campgrounds may feature potable water, showers, and electrical hookups. Many sites also provide ample parking for horse trailers and separate camping areas to minimize disturbance between horse and non-horse campers.
Keep Exploring