Horseshoe Campground

For Colorado adventurers yearning for an authentic mountain escape, Horseshoe Campground in Fairplay presents an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies. Tucked away in the San Isabel National Forest, this campground offers a harmonious blend of rustic charm and essential comforts, providing an ideal base for exploring some of Colorado’s most iconic peaks and pristine wilderness. It's a place where the air is crisp, wildlife roams freely, and the serene sounds of nature replace the everyday hustle.

Horseshoe Campground is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a gateway to high-altitude exploration and tranquil relaxation. Praised for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and the welcoming presence of abundant wildlife, it offers a truly immersive outdoor experience. Whether you're an avid hiker aiming for a 14er, a family seeking a peaceful retreat, or a wildlife enthusiast eager to spot local fauna, Horseshoe Campground provides a memorable backdrop for your Colorado mountain adventure.

Horseshoe Campground is ideally situated on Co Rd 18, Fairplay, CO 80440, USA. This location places it along Horseshoe Creek at the base of Sheep Mountain, within the scenic San Isabel National Forest. At an elevation of approximately 10,600 feet, campers are treated to cooler temperatures and fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

Accessing the campground from Fairplay, a historic gold mining settlement, is straightforward: travel south on US-285 for about a mile, then turn right onto County Road 18 and continue for approximately 6 miles. While the road into the campground might be a bit rough, it is generally manageable if approached without hurry, as noted by visitors. For Colorado locals, this means a reasonable drive into a truly wild and high-alpine environment, offering a distinct change of scenery and climate. The proximity to Fairplay ensures that essential supplies and a glimpse into Colorado's rich history are always within reach.

Horseshoe Campground, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, provides a range of amenities designed to facilitate a comfortable and authentic camping experience in the national forest.

• Campsites: The campground features 19 campsites. While a recent review mentioned a "full hookup site," other sources describe it as a "Standard Nonelectric" campground and "primitive," with no electric hookups or sewage hookups, only drinking water and vault toilets. It's crucial for campers to verify hookup availability directly, as some information might be conflicting or refer to different types of sites within the broader area. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs (up to 20-25 feet). Each site includes a table, fire ring, and grate.
• Clean Restrooms (Vault Toilets): Public restrooms (vault toilets) are available and consistently praised by visitors for being clean and well-maintained with no unpleasant odors.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available via a hand pump, a valuable amenity for a rustic campground.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Campsites are described as large and wide, offering a good amount of space and privacy between them, often nestled among large trees like aspen, Engelmann spruce, and Bristlecone pines, which provide good shade.
• Camp Host: A friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable camp host is often on-site, providing assistance and information about the area.
• Dog-Friendly: The campground is pet-friendly, allowing dogs on a leash at all times, making it a great option for those traveling with their furry companions.
• Bear-Aware Regulations: Given the presence of bears, a bear closure order is in place. Campers are required to keep all food and bear attractants in bear-resistant containers or locked inside hard-sided vehicles. Tips for camping in bear country are available from camp hosts.
• Cell Service: Cell service is noted as fair in the area (with Verizon potentially being weak), offering some connectivity while still allowing for a feeling of escape.

Horseshoe Campground’s allure lies in its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and its prime location for outdoor activities.

• Abundant Wildlife Sightings: A major highlight is the frequent presence of wildlife, including friendly deer (even a mommy deer with twin babies!), black bears, elk, and moose. This offers incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially during quieter weekdays.
• Proximity to 14ers: For avid hikers and climbers, the campground serves as an excellent basecamp for tackling some of Colorado's famous 14,000-foot peaks, including Mount Sherman, Lincoln, Bross, and Democrat.
• Extensive Trails and Scenery: The area boasts tons of trails and breathtaking scenery. Visitors can enjoy the 3-mile Limber Grove Trail, which winds through 1,000-year-old limber pines with gigantic twisted trunks, or explore other Forest Service trails along the base of Sheep Mountain.
• Fishing and Wading: Horseshoe Creek, which runs alongside the campground, is popular for fishing or simply wading, providing a soothing soundtrack for your stay.
• Quiet and Peaceful Getaway: Reviewers consistently recommend it as a "nice quiet get away," emphasizing the serene and restful atmosphere.
• Beautiful Lake Nearby: While views of the "massive and absolutely beautiful" lake (likely Montgomery Reservoir or a nearby body of water) may be partially obscured by trees from some sites, the lake itself is nearby and accessible for exploration.
• Friendly and Knowledgeable Camp Host: The presence of an "incredibly friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable" camp host significantly enhances the camping experience, offering local insights and assistance.
• High-Altitude Charm: At 10,600 feet, the campground offers the unique appeal of high-altitude camping, complete with cooler temperatures and stunning mountain air.
• Historic Area Exploration: The nearby town of Fairplay offers an open-air museum ("South Park City") that recreates the 19th-century gold rush era, providing a historical complement to the natural adventures. County Route 18 also marks the Horseshoe/Fourmile Historic Auto Tour.

For reservations, specific inquiries about site availability, or the most current information regarding Horseshoe Campground, it is best to contact the South Park Ranger District of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests. Reservations for many Forest Service campgrounds are often made through Recreation.gov.

Address: Co Rd 18, Fairplay, CO 80440, USA

Phone: (719) 836-2031 (This number is for the South Park Ranger District, which manages the campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 719-836-2031

For Coloradans, Horseshoe Campground in Fairplay is an exceptional destination for experiencing the majestic Rocky Mountains right in their backyard. Its convenient location within the San Isabel National Forest, yet relatively accessible from the Front Range, makes it ideal for weekend getaways or longer trips. Locals who appreciate a truly natural and serene camping experience will find it highly appealing.

The campground's highlights—from the incredible wildlife sightings and spacious, private sites to the clean facilities and helpful camp host—all contribute to a top-tier outdoor adventure. Whether you're an avid hiker drawn to the nearby 14ers, a family seeking a peaceful place for children to connect with nature and spot deer, or simply someone looking for a quiet retreat to enjoy the cool mountain air, Horseshoe Campground delivers. It offers a genuine Colorado experience, allowing residents to reconnect with the state's unparalleled natural beauty in a well-managed and welcoming environment.

Horseshoe Campground

Co Rd 18, Fairplay, CO 80440, USA