Are you an equestrian lover who prefers a more rustic experience when you visit Centennial? Finding a place to stay in Wyoming while traveling with your horse is easy. These scenic and easy-to-reach Wyoming campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.
Curt Gowdy State Park is nestled conveniently between Laramie and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Here you will discover three reservoirs, endless recreation and unforgettable experiences! The Park is a well known destination for mountain bikers, hikers, archery enthusiasts and those just looking for a relaxing getaway. Named after the well-known sportscaster Curt Gowdy, the park was established in 1971.
$19 - $33 / night
The popular Big Creek Lakes Campground offers a peaceful, scenic setting in the heart of the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado. The campground is located in Routt National Forest at an elevation of 9,000-ft., and is adjacent to Big Creek Lake, where fishing, boating and hiking are available.
This campground offers boating and fishing on Colorado's second largest natural lake, hiking in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness and ATV trails nearby. There are also ample opportunities for viewing wildlife, including moose. Fishing for trout, muskie, grayling and Kokanee salmon is available in the lake. Anglers also have access to a creek. Non-motorized boats are allowed on the upper section of the lake and motorized boats are permitted on the lower section.
Big Creek lies among Lodgepole pine and fir trees. Some previously forested areas of the campground have been thinned due to pests and now provide more sun. The campground offers beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness. The wetlands around the lake are prime moose territory. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, encompass nearly 3 million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado.
The closest town is Walden, Colorado, about 35 miles from the campsite. Many more outdoor recreation opportunities exist in the surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, OHV riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.
$20 / night
$60 / night
Located on the southern end of the Medicine Bow Mountain Range in north central Colorado, Rawah Wilderness was designated by the Wilderness Act of 1964 and now contains 73,868 acres. "Rawah" is a Native American term meaning "wild place."
Elevations in the Rawah Wilderness range from 8,400 to 13,000 feet. The high peaks were carved by glaciers, resulting in spectacular cirque lakes and moraines. There are twenty-five named lakes, ranging in size from five to 39 acres. This high alpine area contains the headwaters of the McIntyre, Rawah, and Fall Creeks, as well as the Laramie River.
The Rawahs are host to mammals such as elk, moose, mule deer, black bear, bighorn sheep, marmot and beaver. There are many species of birds including the red-tailed hawk, white-tailed ptarmigan, golden eagle, raven, Steller's Jay and a variety of warblers. Lakes and streams are inhabited with lake, cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout. Graylings are also found in this area.
The Rawah Wilderness is very popular with summer backpackers, hikers and anglers. It is also popular with hunters in the fall. To encounter the fewest people, plan your trip for mid-week and use less popular trails.
Always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep this area wild, clean and pristine.
Motorized equipment, or mechanized transportation is prohibited, including motorcycles, chain saws, bicycles or carts. Wheelchairs are exempt. Group size is limited to 12 people and/or livestock combined. Camping and campfires are prohibited within 200’ feet of all lakes, streams and trails to protect water quality, sensitive vegetation and to help assure solitude. Thin soils and mountain vegetation are easily damaged by fire and fires scar rocks and soil. Use a stove, a fire pan or an existing fire ring when and where fires are allowed. Campfires are prohibited in the alpine areas above 10,800 feet. Campfires consume scarce vegetation and leave permanent scars on the fragile soils of the area. Pets must be on a handheld leash at all times if hiking. Equestrian riders can have dogs under voice control.
Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch is a unique mountain getaway destination, situated on 480 scenic acres along the North Fork of the Cache la Poudre River, with around 50 tent and RV sites, as well as rustic camper cabins. Lodging, condos, and stand-alone cabins are also available, as well as fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, and much more!
The North Fork Poudre Campground is located along the Deadman Road west of Red Feather Lakes, near the banks of the North Fork Cache la Poudre River in a dense lodgepole pine forest. This is an older facility with short parking spurs that will not accommodate larger RVs. Each of the nine sites have a picnic table, tent pad and fire grate. Recreational activities in the area include hiking, stream fishing and four-wheel driving.
Walden Reservoir is a picturesque lake full of wildlife outside of Walden, Colorado. The Walden Reservoir is an easily accessible destination in a seldom seen portion of northern Colorado for birders, hunters, and those looking for a free, isolated place to rest.
Seedhouse Group Site provides a private setting for group gatherings of up to 100 guests. Located near the Elk River, just miles from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Seedhouse is a retreat for fishing, hiking, biking, off highway vehicles, and horseback riding in the mountains of the Park Range. At an elevation of 8,000 feet, the area is set near the Mount Zirkel Wilderness, which provides for excellent backcountry hiking and camping. The facility provides eight primitive tent sites with campfire rings and picnic tables, as well as a large picnic shelter that can accommodate 20 guests. Water is available via a hand pump well system. Bear-proof food storage lockers and trash receptacles are provided for visitor safety. Campers can access the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail via a connector trail within a short drive from the campground.
The group campsite is a great central location for wilderness hiking and mountain biking, trout fishing in the nearby Elk River and picnicking amidst beautiful mountain scenery. Campers can access the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail via a connector trail within a short drive from the campground.
Seedhouse lies in the Rocky Mountains in the heart of the Routt National Forest near the Elk River. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland encompass nearly three million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands.
Visitors might also enjoy stopping by Steamboat Lake State Park, only a short drive from the campground. Many more outdoor opportunities exist in the surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.
$150 / night
Traveler
Stayed here 2024/09/11. Easy access, well marked and well separated dispersed campsites. Good views. Only downside was distant traffic noise from I-80. Would stay here again.
Scout
We showed up at night and it was very quiet, no problem finding a spot to camp. However, during the day the gnats, bugs, and ants were everywhere. Literally crawled up our boots and bodies. Great place to over night, but terrible place to hang out during the day unless you have a bug net.
Scoutsimple, and easy place to get to… flat awesome sunset
Guide
Semi-dispersed. My site GP153 is not level. Need level blocks! Entrance right to the lake for water sports. Easy hiking trial to loop the lake at your campsite. Fire ring was allowed even with high fire warning and fire bans south in CO.
LegendAs you enter Cheyenne there are plenty of signs directing you to Curt Gowdy State Park. Our GPS agreed with the park instructions to take us out of Cheyenne on I-25 then onto Happy Jack Rd, which leads you up the mountain to the State Park. The signage was less plentiful as we turned left and passed under the big Curt Gowdy State Park sign over the road. We followed the road up to the visitors’ center and registered then proceeded as told down to Tumbleweed pull-through site 24, which was water and electric. As we got into the Tumbleweed area, we realized our door would be facing the road and the utilities by pulling in that direction. So we decided to pull in the opposite direction, which we had to go back up and make a tighter right turn to get us back on the road to put us into the pull-through with utilities on the driver’s side. We were then able to pull into site T24 with no issues. This gravel site is at a bit of a downhill angle, but we were able to auto-level. The pad was plenty long enough for our 40’ 5th wheel and F450. The water and electric(50 and 30 AMP) were more toward the back of this pad, but we had no problem reaching to hookups. The water pressure was around 40 psi. We got 1 bar on Verizon, but there was a clear shot either north or south for satellite. In our case, north for Starlink. We had a cement pad with a concrete picnic table plus a nice-sized fire pit off to the side. We were not too far from the reservoir with a nice lake view from the right/door side of the site. We were here in the middle of the week and the park and campground were about 3/4 full, but by Thursday the CG was filling up and the reservoir much busier with boats and jet skis. We enjoyed our stay here to include some pretty good shore fishing for trout.
GuideWe stayed at site 7, big enough for our caravan of 3 campers. Very spacious! Great views and nice center fire pit!
GuideWe were driving through the area and needed a quick/easy place to camp for the night. Even in mid-July, we were the only people there. Spots are labeled well, with great fire pits at every sight. Rock formations were awesome. We nestled behind a rock and couldn’t even hear the traffic by nearby road. Definitely planning another trip soon
RangerSpent a night here with my dog. Very cool rock formations along the road , very big spots, very peaceful and secluded from neighbors, open and beautiful. Will be staying again on my way through.
Guide
Loads of options going down 103. Found a solid spot by the river that even had a few primitive structures built. Great fishing and pondering spot until neighbors rolled in on both sides. Guessing you can generally count on neighbors in summer months even in seemingly nestled spots quite a ways down 103 and it was a a random Monday. I still had plenty of space and privacy. But I could hear a group of RVers playing music through the trees (and they were in view, too) at night which led me to seek a new spot after night one.
GuideAbsolutely awesome campground. Beautiful stars at night. Be careful of your ways or GPS sending you in a different direction
GuideWe stayed in two different spots. The first one was nice but the second one was so spacious and had so many trees and was far from the road so traffic didn’t sound too bad. Had many fires in the available fire rings. The place is busy during the weekend but dead during the week, especially when it started to cool down. The pictures will speak for the amazing views!
GuideUnfortunately we only got to stay one night here and I only got a few pictures. We got lucky and we’re able to book one of the last spot available for weeks. This place is always booked and I see why!Very quiet. A beautiful lake view. Ice and fire wood available nearby. Would definitely stay again
TravelerFabulous rock formations and peaceful. It's well worth the ridged dirt roads and the drive to find the perfect spot.
TravelerDespersed camping with easy access and great trails nearby. Rock climbing also.
TravelerWe only got to stay one night but we enjoyed our stay! We were right next to the lake and watched the super blue moon come up over the lake. The showers are in the downstairs of the visitor center and you have to pay with quarters, there is a change machine $1.25 for the first 7.5 minutes and then you can add more as needed.
GuideA nice lake and lots of private was a beautiful location though I happened across an area with lots of private land making it a challenge to explore for me no cell service. Very quiet from planes and light or any other noise pollution caught some epic views of does bucks a moose and a family of black bears bring bug juice the deer flys and mosquitos mean business.
TravelerAmazing views but lacks tree coverage. Tons of ants but I nothin bit me. Smells like sage and fresh air. Quiet as can be. Relatively flat land.
GuideSecond time staying here. Tent camping and a rooftop tent. We stayed on the north causeway. We had the peninsula spot which was the best spot in that area. Beautiful lake and wildlife. Wish I had fishing gear with me. The staff keep this park clean. Thank you to them! Will be back.
Legend
If you drive about 9 miles or so down the road you’ll come to a sign that points you towards the University (Poudre Park Road).
More of a dirt road than anything but wide for large vehicles. Semis and trucks with large trailers and campers up and down the mountain all day and night.
It’s a road that dead ends at the University, so a lot of student traffic all day.
We seen maybe one ranger patrol the whole 3 weeks we were there. You can camp here all year long. No stay limit.
No bathrooms, water or trash disposal. Nearest town besides Fort Collins is about 13 miles away.
Not quiet at all. Most camp spots are entirely too close together, so close it’s like a huge party spot. The day we left was because there was a fire ban and somewhere around 10 people showed up with chainsaws and were going to have a fire. They weren’t the nicest people and had a lot of dogs as well. No privacy.
The road was so steep that our transmission overflowed and left us stranded for a few days past what we wanted to be there for (when we took a trip into town and back).
Nowhere near water. We walked 3 miles to get to the closest creek (they call them rivers there).
Wildlife was there but not abundant because of the traffic.
Very beautiful and i would definitely give it another go if we had a more updated camper.
Absolutely zero cell service!
TravelerOK, to be fair I've aged into travel trailer camping. My expectations may be skewed by my prior camping experiences. First and foremost, Curt Gowdy is amazing! Drove by Happy Jack road at least 100 times without realizing the gem of Curt Gowdy. Being new to the travel trailer community but an experienced pack camper, I book stays with our trailer that gives a hint of the views you can acquire when pack camping. I choose my site poorly. Nothing wrong with JH-09. In fact, after exploring Gowdy, few sites offer level parking, so be prepared to level up! This being said, look for sites in the North or South causeway loops or sites at Crystal Reservoir, as long as you don't mind dry camping. The lake and the hikes appear to be incredible. I did the Hidden Falls hike via Crow at 7:30 am on a Tuesday in September and was unaccompanied the entire hike, with the exception being a ranger maintaining a pristine trail near the end of the hike. This is rated as moderate, but if you hike at all, it is easy. Four miles total from the site, moderate grades, and incredible scenery. Gowdy is a gem, and it is up to you to make it fit your adventure because the opportunities are boundless.
ScoutRoads are gravel & dirt. A little bumpy. We paid $45/night with electric. Overall, it was really nice (and quiet). A lot of sites around us.
Traveler
The area is beautiful, we had the greatest time hiking and fishing. There were many other campers, everyone was mostly respectful. Spot 23 is where we stayed and the pull through drive way is on a wicked hill. Made it tricky getting the camper level. I was surprised to see so much litter down at the lake. Lots of cigarette butts at the day use areas. Really sad to see in such a perfect example of nature.
ScoutBetter for campers/cans as there isn’t much privacy for tent campers. Not enough trees for bathrooms so you may want to bring a hide-able set up. SO many mosquitoes and biting ants but the sunsets are gorgeous and make it worth it. Sites aren’t really marked/but are right next to the reservoir. No fires/water pumps.
GuideWe had an enjoyable one night stay at Curt Gowdy State Park. Sites are fairly spread out and are nice with electrical and water. The website said prices from $27.00 but at checkout it actually cost $50.00 for a one night stay. There is no dump station at the park which is kind of a pain. There are a few pay dump station within 10-15 miles. Overall nice place if you don’t mind the $50.00 a night fee.
TravelerPlenty of camping sites even though some were destroyed in the fires. Options for camping in campgrounds, close to others, or more alone. Options to camp near the lake, river, or on dry land.options for large or small camping areas. Peaceful and beautiful. We will go back again for sure.
LegendCurt Gowdy State Park is a peaceful spot situated between Cheyenne and Laramie. The park features a number of amenities for those looking to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and water sports. Trails are abundant as is the wildlife that surrounds much of the park.
Sites are mostly dirt / gravel with a few concrete pads depending on which loop you choose for you stay. We camped on Silver Crown which has no hookups, but was a great spot for capturing plenty of sunlight on our solar panels.
To put it plainly, this is a great spot to boondock. We will be back.
TravelerSuper busy, their reservation system is all messed up, camp host can't even tell you if any spot is open so you'll have to drive around using their map. Book ahead if you want to stay here. Looked like a nice lake, posted all over that there is no swimming at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Centennial, WY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Centennial, WY is Curt Gowdy State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 53 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Centennial, WY?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Centennial, WY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
