Horse camping options near Navajo Dam, New Mexico are limited, with no dedicated equestrian facilities found in the immediate area. Nearby campgrounds like Cherry Creek Gravel Lot provide dispersed camping that can accommodate horses, though no specific horse corrals or stalls are available. The gravel lot offers free camping with adequate space for horse trailers on relatively flat terrain. Some visitors note the area has bumpy access roads and highway noise but provides enough room for horses and trailers without size restrictions.
Riders seeking trail access can find better options by traveling to nearby areas in Colorado. Target Tree Campground, located about an hour from Navajo Dam, provides camping with room for horse trailers though it lacks dedicated equestrian facilities. The campground connects to multiple trail systems in San Juan National Forest where horses are permitted. Mountain Meadow Camp offers drinking water and trash facilities that benefit equestrian campers planning longer stays. Travelers with horses should bring their own portable corrals or highlines, as none of the campgrounds in the area provide permanent horse containment systems. The terrain features varied elevation and forest roads suitable for day rides.
"You do get a lot of traffic at all times with the County yard right behind you, also horse stables and stadium, baseball fields, Rec centers, fair grounds, so quite a busy area (and the town really uses"
"Not a spectacular view, but 6 large spots close to the free shuttle, bike path and rec center (totally worth the day pass) ."
from $28 / 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 / 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."
from $20 / night
"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."
"Right off the highway, multiple spots available. Ground is a bit tough to stake in. Can hear highway noise but it’s not excessive"
"A hidden gem with close accessability to trails, lake and rivers. Supplies are nearby. Spectacular views of the Vallecito Valley carved by glacer actions."
from $15 - $60 / night
ScoutThe campgrounds themselves are very nice and the camp host is fabulous. I was in a tent. Fire ring with dousing water provided. Lots of spigots. Hwy 160 runs just south of the grounds. Trucks engine breaking, etc. heavy until 1100 at night and starts up again at 0500 AM. I think this would be best for people in RVs. Try to stick to the back furthest away from the highway.
GuideRight off the highway, multiple spots available. Ground is a bit tough to stake in. Can hear highway noise but it’s not excessive
LegendSo is it full hookup, nope. You get power and share a water connection between two sites, you'll need to dump at a gas station a few miles away (free). For $28 you are right in the middle of town and this place will fit any size rig you got.
You do get a lot of traffic at all times with the County yard right behind you, also horse stables and stadium, baseball fields, Rec centers, fair grounds, so quite a busy area (and the town really uses them). So if you looking for quiet and posh this would not be a 5 star for you.
You can't beat this price!
TravelerTuff to get in, but made it. Big rocks. Steep.
GuideTarget Tree has awesome campsites. It sits between Mesa Verde and Durango and is a perfect launch for this area. All kinds of activities are nearby. Spectacular Colorado mountains and scenery. Silverton and the Million Dollar Highway are nearby if you dare. Fishing everywhere, hiking trails, wildlife, and cool weather.
Durango has a lot of campgrounds nearby, but they aren't really RV oriented. Target Tree is an excellent RV campground with large sites and plenty of room. The camp host is great, friendly, and helpful.
Scoutgood:
Only 20 minutes from Mesa Verde NP gate.
It is developed camping, but not right on top of each-other.
Pit toilets were clean, potable water spigots everywhere, whole camp is clean and well kept by the camp host.
not great:
Road noise is not awesome. Try to get the sites furthest back.
IF you are tent camping, the tent pads are chipped rock, not round gravel. Bring an extra tarp or two to protect your tent footprint.
TravelerThis is a very simple campground but just what we wanted. Pack in pack out, clean and well maintained sites, the only sound birdsong. Helpful camp host.
GuideOnly 6 sites Water and electric but my need 50 ‘ hose as water shared with other sites Gravel lot near stadium for Rodri events Can be mucky if it rains Hard to get a site as lots of events happening here
TravelerRig was running a bit rough over the last pass, so I took the advice of the lady at the forest service office in Durango and stopped at this Campground right off highway 160. When I learned there were plenty of vacancies, I decided to stick here through the holiday weekend. The views are phenomenal. Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Starry nights when I stay awake long enough. Decent easy hiking. Toilet clean and close. Some drinking water taps, especially in loop B, dispense very bleachy water. All-day highway noise in an acoustically perfect valley keeps this place's popularity limited.
Horse camping near Navajo Dam, New Mexico can be challenging due to limited dedicated equestrian facilities in the immediate area. Most camping options lie within an hour's drive, primarily in Colorado. The region sits at elevations between 6,000-8,000 feet with pine forests dominating the landscape and summer temperatures typically ranging from 50-85°F.
Trail riding near San Juan National Forest: Riders staying at Target Tree Campground can access multiple trail systems suitable for horses. "It sits between Mesa Verde and Durango and is a perfect launch for this area. All kinds of activities are nearby. Spectacular Colorado mountains and scenery," notes reviewer Dave.
Fishing access with horse trailer parking: Several areas permit horse trailer parking near fishing spots. "Beautiful well kept campground. Nearby highway is a little noisy. Friendly campground host," mentions David R. about Target Tree, which provides access to nearby fishing opportunities.
Day riding from base camps: Lower Hermosa Campground offers trails directly from camp. "Right next to Hermosa Creek trail. Such a beautiful place," writes Thanh H., making it convenient for riders wanting immediate trail access without trailering.
Spacious sites for trailers: Cherry Creek Gravel Lot provides ample space for horse trailers on relatively flat ground. "Beautiful place! It's pretty easy to get into, there are more secluded places up the hill a ways but it gets kinda rough," reports taren C., noting the accessible terrain.
Natural water sources: Camps near water features help with horse care. "We had access to the trails by the river," shares marine J. about La Plata County Fairgrounds, which offers riverside trail access convenient for both horses and riders.
Clean facilities: Maintaining sanitation matters for extended stays with horses. "Sparkling clean bathrooms. Great camp host. Firewood and water. Lots of hiking nearby," writes Lauren about Target Tree Campground, providing amenities that benefit both riders and their animals.
Limited dedicated corrals: Bring portable containment systems as permanent stalls are rare. "Sites have picnic table and fire pit with grill. Access to camp ground 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," notes David A. about Lower Hermosa Campground.
Terrain challenges: Some access roads require careful navigation with trailers. "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.
Water availability varies: Mountain Meadow Camp offers drinking water for horses. "A hidden gem with close accessability to trails, lake and rivers. Supplies are nearby. Spectacular views of the Vallecito Valley," notes Rudi W., highlighting the water access points.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some camps. "Handy, pretty, clean, loud. All-day highway noise in an acoustically perfect valley keeps this place's popularity limited," mentions Ben F. about Target Tree, suggesting families select sites furthest from roads.
Shade availability: Look for camps with natural cooling. "I got a spot with shade all day, so that was awesome," shares taren C. about Cherry Creek Gravel Lot, important when camping with children and horses during summer months.
Activity options: Camps with varied recreation suit families. "It's a very simple campground but just what we wanted. Pack in pack out, clean and well maintained sites, the only sound birdsong. Helpful camp host," writes Sarah about Lower Hermosa.
Hookup limitations: Most horse-friendly areas have minimal services. "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!!" notes Goldnbullet about La Plata County Fairgrounds.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain when parking horse trailers. "Gravel lot near stadium for Rodri events. Can be mucky if it rains. Hard to get a site as lots of events happening here," warns Dallas W. about La Plata County Fairgrounds.
Space requirements: Plan for adequate room between rigs. "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," recommends mark F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Navajo Dam, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Navajo Dam, NM is La Plata County Fairgrounds with a 3.9-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Navajo Dam, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Navajo Dam, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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