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Horse Camping in the Central Colorado Rockies

In Central Colorado, equestrians frequently camp with their horses. East of the Continental Divide, you’ll be able to go deeper into foothills and mountains for invigorating weekend vacations. South of Denver, own a parcel or a ranch in Elbert or Douglas County to get easy access to equine campgrounds throughout the summer.

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Several equestrian campgrounds make it easy to ride farther into the Rocky Mountains. For example, load up the horses and the family and head into the Platte Ranger District, San Carlos Ranger district, and the Cimmaron National Grasslands. From any of them, saddle up and explore backcountry trails.

Cimmaron Equestrian Campground

Cimmaron Campground adjoins the Cimmaron Recreational Area. Book a spot there if you’d like to visit the Santa Fe Companion Trail, the Santa Fe National Historic Trail, or Brown’s Canyon National Monument.

Alvarado Equestrian Campground

Alvarado Campground sits in the San Carlos Ranger District. It puts you close to the trailhead into the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness. You can also take the South Creek Trail. Then, you’ll go back again to ride the French Pass Trail and Wigwam Trail. Have more time? Explore the Platte River Trail and Nate Stultz Trail.

Indian Creek Equestrian Campground

In the South Platte Ranger District in the Indian Creek Equestrian Campground are in the Rampart Range Recreation Area – as well as the Pike National Forest. The South Platte District includes 450,000 acres (about half the area of Yosemite National Park). Elevations in this district range from 5,800 feet on the South Platte River to over 14,000 feet atop Mount Evans.

Sample Campground Details

The Indian Creek Equestrian Campground is open from the end of May through most of September. It’s 60-foot-long parking spaces accommodate horse trailers. For a modest overnight fee of $27, eight people and four horses can stay. There are few stipulations such as keep your dog on a leash and bring certified weed-free hay.

Check-in begins at 2 p.m. with check-out time at noon the next day. Amid a few subtle neighs, expect quiet time from 10 PM to 6 AM. Get more information at the visitor center on Highway 285 in Conifer and at www.recreation.gov.

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Horse Camping at Home

Alternatively, let’s say you’re one of the fortunate equestrians in Colorado living near the mountain trails. You’ll be able to camp in style at home—if you have horse stables. And Sapphire Construction in Castle Rock can help you and your horses design exactly what you need—all under one roof.

See examples like this at LesterBuildings.com. Our team custom designs each building using high-quality, engineer-tested materials from Lester Buildings. Project #617313 Illustrates a shop with living quarters, but you could ask for a stable and living quarters–and even a shop. Project #513996 Illustrates the barndominion style of living. Project #514664 (above) is a multi-building project. For information about horse barns and residential buildings, contact Sapphire Construction, Inc. at (303) 619-7213.