How much does camping cost at Palisades Horse Camp?

Camping fees at Palisades Horse Camp are $32 - $64/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Palisades Horse Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Palisades Horse Camp accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Palisades Horse Camp before I book?

Yes! Palisades Horse Camp has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Palisades Horse Camp?

Palisades Horse Camp is open May 29 to September 25. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Palisades Horse Camp?

Palisades Horse Camp does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Palisades Horse Camp?

Fire policies at Palisades Horse Camp: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Palisades Horse Camp have?

Palisades Horse Camp has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Palisades Horse Camp?

Pets are not allowed at Palisades Horse Camp. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Palisades Horse Camp?

Palisades Horse Camp offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Palisades Horse Camp?

Popular activities at Palisades Horse Camp include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Palisades Horse Camp

4.32

38 reviews

Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, USA

Featured in:Forest Camping Colorado

Quick Facts

8,300 ft

Price

$32 - $64/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

The summer season he...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,300 ft

Price

$32 - $64/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

The summer season he...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Palisades Horse Camp

$32.00 - $64.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC- DOUBLE SITE: $64.00; EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $32.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone /...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

(661) 702-1420rlynd@goexplorus.com

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Campground Map

Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, USA

Palisades Horse Camp

Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, USA

Nearby places

Pagosa Springs (30 miles, ~50 minutes drive time)

Weather at Palisades Horse Camp

Current alerts(8)

Campers are responsible for keeping their corrals clean throughout their stay and when they depart
Campground allows Horses and Mules Only; no exceptions. No llamas or other livestock. Campground is for equestrian campers only
Click here for more information on the San Juan National Forest
Double sites have a divided corral for a maximum of 4 to 6 horses; single sites not sharing a corral can accommodate a maximum of 4 to 6 horses; single sites sharing a corral can accommodate a maximum of 2 to 3 horses

Best Time to Camp at Palisades Horse Camp

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of open access, reliable weather, and peak backcountry riding — expect warm, sunny mornings and comfortable trail conditions for exploring the Weminuche Wilderness. Typical daytime highs are in the mid-50s to mid-70s °F with chilly nights often dropping into the low 30s–40s at 8,300 ft; afternoon thunderstorm chances increase, so plan early rides and be prepared for quick storms. Wildflowers and full mountain meadows, abundant trail access, and active horse-cam Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best season: warm mornings, peak backcountry riding access; thunderstorms common afternoons.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 29 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The summer season here closes on 9/27/2026. This campground is open from 9/28/2026 for its Fall/Winter Season until 11/15/2025 or until the weather changes, whichever comes first. On 9/28/2026 the camping fee is half-price at $16.00/night. The restroom will remain open and the campground will become a "Pack it in -Pack it Out" with no trash dumpster available for your use. There will be no water available during this time. It will become First Come First Served, no reservations accepted.

About Palisades Horse Camp

Palisades Horse Camp sits at 8,300 feet in San Juan National Forest near Pagosa Springs, serving as a staging area for equestrian access to the Weminuche Wilderness. Operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation, the small campground offers vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Summer brings warm mornings and comfortable trail conditions, though afternoon thunderstorms are common and nights drop into the 30s and 40s.

Palisades Horse Camp caters exclusively to equestrian campers, offering single- and double-family sites with corrals.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of open access, reliable weather, and peak backcountry riding — expect warm, sunny mornings and comfortable trail conditions for exploring the Weminuche Wilderness. Typical daytime highs are in the mid-50s to mid-70s °F with chilly nights often dropping into the low 30s–40s at 8,300 ft; afternoon thunderstorm chances increase, so plan early rides and be prepared for quick storms. Wildflowers and full mountain meadows, abundant trail access, and active horse-cam Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8300 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPine, spruce, and fir surround the sites, offering shade and varying levels of privacy. Mountain meadows stretch beyond the treeline, and views open toward the peaks that mark the Weminuche Wilderness boundary. Williams Creek runs nearby. The elevation puts you in habitat where elk, mule deer, black bears, and moose move through. Wildflowers fill the meadows in summer. The forest floor is rocky, which carries over to the trails.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at Palisades Horse Camp, as it caters exclusively to equestrian campers.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are described.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights per visit and a maximum of 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.

Groups

Group camping sites are not mentioned
the campground primarily accommodates equestrian campers.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityEquestrian facilities include corrals and hitching racks. Corrals are divided for individual site use, accommodating up to 3 horses per side, depending on temperament.

Site SizeSites accommodate single- and double-family campers, with double sites allowing up to 4-6 horses. Corrals vary in size based on site type.

PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy, with some reviewers highlighting the scenic views and secluded settings amidst pine, spruce, and fir trees.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesSites 6 and 12 share a divided corral, suitable for 2-3 horses each. Site 007 offers scenic rock face views but may experience disturbances from loose cattle.

Best CampsitesSite 002 gets mentioned for cleanliness. Site 007 has particularly good views. Double sites handle 4-6 horses, while single sites accommodate smaller groups. Corral size varies by site type.

Need help booking Palisades Horse Camp?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The restroom will remain open and the campground will become a "Pack it in -Pack it Out" with no trash dumpster available for your use. There will be no water available during this time.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Palisades Horse Camp

The campground is ideal for equestrian-focused recreation. Popular activities include horseback riding and hiking, with direct access to Weminuche Wilderness trails such as Williams Creek Trail and Cimarrona Trail. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with sightings of bears, elk, moose, and deer. Some reviewers also mentioned paddleboarding at the nearby lake.

Hiking4.0/5

Staging area for access to Weminuche Wilderness; Williams Creek and Cimarrona trails lead into backcountry.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Frequent sightings reported of elk, mule deer, moose and bears in surrounding habitat.

Water Sports2.5/5

Winter Activities2.0/5

High elevation but no winter-sport facilities or trail grooming mentioned; limited winter season.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, high-elevation forest/meadow setting implies low light and good night skies (not explicitly stated).

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground uses vault toilets, which reviewers describe as clean and well-maintained.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

38 reviews

Recommended

Palisades Horse Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Palisades Horse Camp generally praise the scenic beauty, equestrian facilities, and helpful campground hosts. However, issues with loose cattle, muddy pens during rain, and limited trail options are recurring complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 38 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 38 reviews.

Site 012Loved
Site 012: Experienced hailstorms and wet corrals but praised overall scenery.
Site 005Mentioned
Site 005: Mixed reviews; scenic but muddy pens.
Site 007Issues noted
Site 007: Complaints about loose cattle and muddy conditions.

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities, helpful hosts, scenic surroundings, and enjoyable equestrian trails.

Based on 38 reviews

Common Concerns

Cattle intrusion, muddy horse pens, limited trail options, and rough road conditions leading to the campground.

Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring certified weed-free feed and be prepared to haul water for horses. Expect rocky terrain on trails and muddy pens during wet conditions. Screenshot weather forecasts before arriving.

Based on 38 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is noted for its pleasant weather but occasional daily showers. Fall reviews highlight cooler temperatures and clear skies, while user sentiments worsen during rainy periods due to muddy pens...

Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground was excellent! The campground host was absolutely incredible!!! One of the most well-maintained campgrounds we've ever been to.' 2. 'The corrals are nice but stay very wet because...

Based on 38 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are limited primarily to equestrian facilities, with reviews focusing on the pens and trail access.

Based on 38 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences with non-equestrian pets.

Based on 38 reviews

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Palisades Horse Camp

$32.00 - $64.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC- DOUBLE SITE: $64.00; EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $32.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone /...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(661) 702-1420rlynd@goexplorus.com

Go if

You're hauling horses into the backcountry and want a maintained staging camp near wilderness trails.

Skip if

You need all-weather corral conditions or extensive trail networks directly from camp.

Nearby Campgrounds

Cimarrona sits high in the San Juan National Forest, a small campground where early fall brings golden aspen groves and crisp mountain air. Vault toilets stay clean, potable water is on-site, and friendly hosts keep the place running smoothly. Tent and RV campers come for the quiet, the color, and the uncrowded trails after Labor Day.

Palisades Horse Camp

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Weather at Palisades Horse Camp

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Palisades Horse Camp

Planning Tips

About Palisades Horse Camp

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Palisades Horse Camp?

Amenities available

Things to do at Palisades Horse Camp

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Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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Skip if

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Best Time to Camp at Palisades Horse Camp

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

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Need help booking Palisades Horse Camp?

Amenities available

Things to do at Palisades Horse Camp

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Current alerts(8)

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns