Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland offers primitive equestrian camping opportunities throughout the region. While none of the campgrounds in the data feature dedicated horse corrals, several sites accommodate horses with sufficient space for portable corrals or highlines. At Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch, horseback riders have direct access to numerous trails and can arrange guided trail rides from the stables located across the road. The resort accommodates tent, RV, and cabin campers, with some sites providing ample room for horse trailers. Riders at Beaver Meadows can access the "river walk" trail system, which offers scenic paths through tall foliage and connects to more extensive riding routes. Most campgrounds in the area maintain pit toilets but limited amenities for horses.
Trail access varies seasonally throughout Medicine Bow-Routt NFs, with snow potentially persisting into July at higher elevations above 9,000 feet. Dispersed camping along Laramie River Road allows horse owners to camp with their animals in more remote settings, though riders must bring all necessary equipment for securing their horses overnight. These free dispersed sites accommodate various camping styles including tents, RVs, cabins, and yurts. Many trails in the Medicine Bow area require high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles to access the trailheads. The surrounding national forests offer extensive riding opportunities with trails connecting to scenic mountain viewpoints, alpine lakes, and meadows. Water access for horses is available at creeks and ponds throughout the region, though seasonal availability varies considerably. Riders planning horse camping trips should confirm trail conditions and access road status before arrival, particularly in early summer when snowmelt can affect both grazing areas and route availability.
"Big Creek Lakes Campground, Colorado (close to Wyoming border): camping here is only open for 3 months out of the year: June, July & August."
"Worst part—> *You will have to travel down a gravel/dirt road for ~30 miles to get to the lake and campground. Sections of it are TERRIBLY washboarded."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 / night
"Need high clearance and a good off roading car to get all the way through. Also side note, turns out the road goes all the way through! Both ends go straight to a high way which is sweet."
"It has official signs at the entrance showing you where the sites are. The site has pull ins for each user and they are spread out. Each site has a lot of space."
"We ended up driving too far and just parking next to the lake for the night to camp. Lots of dirt trails near the lake, maybe not for camping but we showed up after driving 6 hours."
"Sandy beach but does have a bit of a “lake” smell that you’ll get used to quick. Arrived on a Thursday evening towards the end of July. No one else here."
"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."
"There is a camp ground near by with a porta-potty and there is a small market about 10-20 miles away."
"The beautiful Kilpecker Creek runs through the camp and most of the campsites are situated right along the creek. All of the campsites have a good tent pad, fire pit and picnic table."
"It gets very cold at night if you’re near the river!"
"The stable horses came up next to the site every morning. It is a massive site that accommodated our trailer, a 2-person tent, 2 vehicles and still had room to spare."
"Staff was friendly except for at the horse back riding. They don't let you ride if you look like you weigh more than 200lbs. RV parking is a little tight for bigger rigs but great tent spots."
"There is a sign at the beginning of the dirt road for high clearance and 4 wheel drive. This is not a suggestion. This spot was beautiful, peaceful and primitive."
"Beautiful Aspen groves surround you as you roll on endlessly down well maintained dirt roads."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $150 / night
ScoutBeautiful area, lots of rock formations. Just brought the family out for the day to explore but we loved it so we will definitely be back to camp. Pretty crowded in August. Lost a singular truck key attached to a singular home key on Hermosa Rd on 08/01/26 so if you may happen to find it I would be very grateful if you reached out to me! I live in the area. Thanks!
TravelerGreat spot for a quick one nighter for my car-camp setup. Parked literally 5’ from the water! Sandy beach but does have a bit of a “lake” smell that you’ll get used to quick. Arrived on a Thursday evening towards the end of July. No one else here. Of course next to water the bugs are fierce, but that’s what car window screens are for! 52° tonight, Clear skys, great after gazing after the moon sets!
TravelerBeautiful spot lots of flat spots. Make sure to go in early to get a spot! Winds can be extreme so be careful if you have a awning
Guide40°44'21.2"N 106°19'03.7"W
This is where we parked
Slow trek in (lots of big dips in the road) but we made it with our 22’ camper.
ScoutWe pulled in around 5 PM. There were a few sites available. We took the second one on left. It was level spacious and perfect views of the snowy mountains and the reservoir.
TravelerWe ended up driving too far and just parking next to the lake for the night to camp. Lots of dirt trails near the lake, maybe not for camping but we showed up after driving 6 hours. The gps takes you past the 2 visible pulloffs that would be great for campers
TravelerWe arrived at night in a Ram Pro master campervan. It has official signs at the entrance showing you where the sites are. The site has pull ins for each user and they are spread out. Each site has a lot of space. We arrived late so had to drive a way down to reach a free one. It is quite a bumpy road so it was a bit unnerving in our rented vehicle but it was fine in the end. We woke up to a lovely site surrounding by interesting rocks. There are vault toilets near the entrance but you cannot camp here. It was sunny and windy for our visit in September.
ScoutI went on Labor Day weekend, it was quite busy BUT I was still able to find a spot. Need high clearance and a good off roading car to get all the way through. Also side note, turns out the road goes all the way through! Both ends go straight to a high way which is sweet. There are many animals so make sure everything is bear proof and prepared for one to come by!
The road winds through and there are many different roads that brand off and have a bunch of sites at too
TravelerGrandparents lived in Laramie, brought us here a Happy Jack road for picnics and rock hounding. Over 50 years ago! The area still looks the same, but much more crowded. We stayed a week and enjoyed watching the climbers throughout the day. Our 27' TT fit easily into the site. It is one of my favorite places and would recommend it to all!
Horse camping near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG in Wyoming offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With several well-reviewed campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG is Big Creek Lakes Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
