Best Equestrian Camping near Aztec, NM

Horse camping options near Aztec, New Mexico are limited, with most facilities requiring travel to surrounding areas. Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort in Mancos, Colorado offers RV and cabin accommodations approximately 40 miles from Aztec. The resort features water hookups, electric connections, and sewer facilities that accommodate recreational vehicles and horse trailers, though it lacks dedicated horse corrals. The campground permits fires and provides firewood on site, with picnic tables at each site. Sites remain level and well-maintained throughout the camping season.

Target Tree Campground, located in the San Juan National Forest, provides another option for horse owners camping in the region. The campground features reasonably spaced campsites with fire rings and level surfaces suitable for setting up temporary horse containment. Highway noise is minimal at night according to frequent campers. The campground maintains clean facilities including potable water access points throughout the camping area. While lacking permanent equestrian structures, the surrounding area offers access to multiple trail systems suitable for day rides. Many campers note the campground host is helpful with local riding information and sells firewood on site for evening comfort after trail riding.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Aztec, New Mexico (7)

    1. La Plata County Fairgrounds

    11 Reviews
    Durango, CO
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 382-6468

    $28 / night

    "Not a spectacular view, but 6 large spots close to the free shuttle, bike path and rec center (totally worth the day pass) ."

    "Yes it is dusty and really there is nothing cute about it but you can’t beat the location. We had access to the trails by the river. There are only 6 spots with water and 30 or 50 amp electric."

    2. Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort

    20 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 533-7000

    "Tucked away from the highway and far enough from any big city, you want nature and stars at night? This is the place! We backed up to a huge green field."

    "Well-maintained away from the highway RV camping with all the manatees that we ever needed."

    3. Target Tree Campground

    14 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    38 miles
    Website

    $24 / night

    "Pros: Really nice big camping spots, pit toilets not too far of a walk, firewood available from hosts, convenient location Cons: first come first served (I think some people missed out even this late"

    "All kinds of activities are nearby. Spectacular Colorado mountains and scenery. Silverton and the Million Dollar Highway are nearby if you dare."

    4. Lower Hermosa Campground

    12 Reviews
    San Juan National Forest, CO
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 247-4874

    $20 / night

    "There is horse/cattle stalls if you need. High elevation and lots of shade. Was a little chilly at night in early may. Close to nice climbing off the 550. Also close to above ground hot spring."

    "Right next to Hermosa Creek trail. Such a beautiful place. The bathrooms are clean, the camp host is an awesome guy. Would definitely stay again."

    5. Cherry Creek Gravel Lot

    5 Reviews
    Hesperus, CO
    37 miles

    "You can hear the highway, but it's not much. Just ambient background noise. I got a spot with shade all day, so that was awesome."

    6. Transfer Campground

    2 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 882-7296

    $24 - $75 / night

    7. Mountain Meadow Camp

    1 Review
    Bayfield, CO
    50 miles
    +1 (970) 799-7058

    $15 - $60 / night

    "A hidden gem with close accessability to trails, lake and rivers. Supplies are nearby. Spectacular views of the Vallecito Valley carved by glacer actions."

Show More
Showing results 1-7 of 7 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Aztec, NM

60 Reviews of 7 Aztec Campgrounds


  • Toni  K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 9, 2021

    Lower Hermosa Campground

    Nice shady camp ground

    Very sweet camp hosts that provided water. Clean bathrooms and large camp spots. There is horse/cattle stalls if you need. High elevation and lots of shade. Was a little chilly at night in early may. Close to nice climbing off the 550. Also close to above ground hot spring.

  • M
    Jul. 9, 2022

    Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort

    GORGEOUS Campground!

    Loved loved loved our stay here! Tucked away from the highway and far enough from any big city, you want nature and stars at night? This is the place! We backed up to a huge green field. The gentleman that helped us back our 42 foot rig into our site gave PERFECT directions, telling my husband which was to turn our wheel which make this a first try back in. The owner was the kindest man we enjoyed getting to know. No dog park, but a large open field we're allowed to utilize, letting the pups off leash. They LOVED it! Mesa Verde NP with the cliff dwellings are a short drive away, perfect day trip. We should have stayed here a whole week!

  • S
    May. 16, 2021

    La Plata County Fairgrounds

    Bare minimums but good location

    This is a small area at the fairgrounds that has space for 6 RVs. All of the sites are back in with 30 amp power and a shared water connection. There are no sewer connections but there are several dump stations in town. There are no showers or restrooms. The sites are gravel and pretty level. Our Verizon and AT&T hotspots both worked well and cell service was good. There is what looks like a maintenance area behind the campground so there was traffic back and forth most of the day that kicked up some dust. It was also a bit noisy. The Durango to Silverton train runs right next to the fairgrounds and that can be a bit noisy too. The Animas River trail is within walking distance. There is also a town trolley service that will take you into the main part of town. The weekends can have events going on which could make it a bit tight to get in and out with your RV. Overall, this was an ok place for a few days but it is certainly nothing fancy. It was very affordable though.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort

    Tranquil Beauty

    Peaceful with mountain views. Well-maintained away from the highway RV camping with all the manatees that we ever needed.

  • A
    Sep. 18, 2023

    Target Tree Campground

    Nice Spot on the Way to MVNP

    Pros: Really nice big camping spots, pit toilets not too far of a walk, firewood available from hosts, convenient location

    Cons: first come first served (I think some people missed out even this late in the season), quite a bit of road noise at times due to being next to a big hill on the motorway

  • Rudi W.
    Dec. 28, 2021

    Mountain Meadow Camp

    Great hidden gem

    A hidden gem with close accessability to trails, lake and rivers. Supplies are nearby. Spectacular views of the Vallecito Valley carved by glacer actions.

  • G
    Sep. 26, 2020

    La Plata County Fairgrounds

    Noisy but central and cheap

    You can't beat the central location and access to bike trail. Sites back up to the maintenance department and they are in and out on ATVs and bulldozers a lot!!

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2024

    La Plata County Fairgrounds

    Electric and water IN TOWN!

    Not a spectacular view, but 6 large spots close to the free shuttle, bike path and rec center (totally worth the day pass) . Great for the price to spend a few days in durango or take the scenic train. Angela at the office is great!

  • marine J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2024

    La Plata County Fairgrounds

    Convenient and cheap

    What a find in the middle of Durango. Yes it is dusty and really there is nothing cute about it but you can’t beat the location. We had access to the trails by the river. There are only 6 spots with water and 30 or 50 amp electric. It was $28 for a night. Angela at the front desk was super helpful. Must call in advance. On main street turn at 25th street, google will send you to 26th and that is not good. You could park a semi in there. You can’t beat being in Durango for that price.


Guide to Aztec

Equestrian camping near Aztec, New Mexico positions visitors within a high-desert region averaging 5,600 feet in elevation with dramatic temperature changes between day and night. Most dedicated horse camping facilities require travel to surrounding areas in Colorado, as local options are limited. Winter snow can affect access to higher-elevation camping areas from November through April.

What to do

Trail riding access: Target Tree Campground serves as a strategic base for riders exploring the San Juan National Forest trail systems. "There are lots of hiking trails nearby. Stars are fantastic at night," notes hannah, highlighting the natural attractions beyond horseback riding.

Swimming and cooling off: During summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, riders can enjoy post-ride swimming at Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort which offers a welcome respite. "There is a pool!" notes Amy S., making it an ideal stop after dusty trail rides when temperatures climb.

Off-site excursions: Day trips to Mesa Verde National Park offer archaeological explorations just 25 miles from some camping areas. "Target Tree is an excellent RV campground with large sites and plenty of room. It sits between Mesa Verde and Durango and is a perfect launch for this area," explains Dave, highlighting the strategic location for side trips.

What campers like

Spacious campsites: Transfer Campground provides well-spaced sites ideal for those traveling with horses and larger rigs. "Great campsite in the aspens. Access point for good hikes," says Donitza I., appreciating the natural setting and trail connections.

Clean facilities: Riders appreciate well-maintained facilities after long days on dusty trails. "The bathrooms are currently open and super clean!" reports Sydneu B. about Lower Hermosa Campground, adding "It's also a great spot to set up base and go straight to the trails for hiking and dirt biking."

Helpful hosts: Campground hosts often provide valuable local trail information and assistance. "Host B is in his 2nd yr here and is a peach of a guy. All campsites are carefully raked and put in good shape - no ashes left in rings," notes ED K. about Target Tree Campground, mentioning that "Host sells .75 sq ft of firewood for $7/bundle or 3 for $20."

What you should know

Weather considerations: Summer thunderstorms typically occur in afternoons from July through September. Winter camping requires preparation for below-freezing temperatures. "It was a little chilly at night in early May. High elevation and lots of shade," warns Toni K. about Lower Hermosa Campground.

Road conditions: Some horse-accessible camping areas require navigating unpaved roads. "Access to campground is on a rock dirt road that goes from single to double lane off and on. I drove a 21foot bus with a 16x7 tandem axle trailer," reports David A. about Lower Hermosa Campground.

Highway noise: Several campgrounds near Aztec experience traffic noise due to proximity to major roads. "Road noise is not awesome. Try to get the sites furthest back," advises J.B. about Target Tree Campground, while another camper notes: "All-day highway noise in an acoustically perfect valley keeps this place's popularity limited."

Tips for camping with families

Pet-friendly options: Most campgrounds welcome four-legged family members alongside horses. "We came on July 4th, and although many activities were going on, this place was quite like a mouse by Sunday. This place has everything: a massive field for dogs to play off-leash (they must be on in the park)," shares Soren B. about Cherry Creek Gravel Lot.

Activities beyond riding: Horse camping trips can include multiple recreation options. "There are lots of things to do and the sites are good sized with plenty of shade. The restraunt/bar has a great atmosphere!" says Sarah L. about Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort.

Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide optimal wildlife viewing times throughout the region. "Elk views," reports Chris S. simply about Cherry Creek Gravel Lot, indicating the presence of large mammals in the area.

Tips from RVers

Electric access options: Most equestrian camping areas have limited hookups. La Plata County Fairgrounds offers one of the few sites with electrical connections. "You can't beat the central location and access to bike trail. Sites back up to the maintenance department," notes Goldnbullet.

Leveling considerations: Some sites require additional leveling equipment. "The sites are gravel and pretty level. Our Verizon and AT&T hotspots both worked well and cell service was good," Steve W. shares about La Plata County Fairgrounds.

Accessibility challenges: Not all horse-friendly camping options accommodate larger rigs. "Getting up there was not possible in my Travato (in my opinion). I've got some Falken Wildpeaks so traction was not so much the issue as the uneven path up," warns Adam S. about Cherry Creek Gravel Lot's rugged access road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Aztec, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Aztec, NM is La Plata County Fairgrounds with a 3.7-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Aztec, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Aztec, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.