Palisades Horse Camp

Star4.58
38 reviews
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, USA

Quick Facts

8,300 ft

Price

$32 - $64/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open June 1 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Palisades Horse Camp
$32.00 - $64.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees for equestrian non-electric sites range from $32.00 to $64.00 per night depending on whether the site is single or double. Rates do not include...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(661) 702-1420djblackstock@rockymountainrec.com
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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 38 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwell-maintained

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, USA

Palisades Horse Camp

Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, USA

Driving directionsFrom Pagosa Springs, at the intersection of Highway 160 and Piedra Road/County Road 600, turn north and drive approximately 23 miles to Williams Creek Road/Forest Road 640. Turn right and drive approximately 7 miles to the campground.
The access road to the campground includes 23 miles of gravel roads. User reviews mention that the road condition is rough, with one reviewer commenting, 'The 23 mile gravel road in is in terrible condition and you will have to drive about 10 mph unless you want your trailer to rattle apart! Worth it though!!!' Another reviewer noted that the road repair removed the cow grate, leading to issues with cattle entering the campground.
Nearby places
Pagosa Springs (30 miles, ~50 minutes drive time)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and other essentials are available in Pagosa Springs, 30 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Palisades Horse Camp

Summer days at Palisades Horse Camp unfold with golden morning sunshine that warms the meadows, perfect for early trail rides. As afternoon approaches, dramatic cloud formations often build over the peaks, bringing refreshing showers that water the wildflowers and fill the air with the scent of rain-washed pine. These mountain storms can occasionally surprise visitors with brief but memorable hailstorms—nature's reminder that you're camping in true high country. As evening falls, temperatures drop delightfully, making campfires and warm sleeping bags essential companions under the star-filled sky.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season June–Sep: pleasant mornings, scenic trail rides; occasional daily showers noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall noted for cooler temps and clear skies; good scenic viewing and wildlife activity.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Seasonal opening June 1 means spring use is not applicable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside summer season (open June 1–Sep 27).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 1 - September 27. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open June 1 to September 27 annually. The campground is first-come, first-served between June 21 to June 25 each year.

About Palisades Horse Camp

Saddle up for an unforgettable adventure at Palisades Horse Camp, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern equestrian camping. This specialized campground serves as your gateway to the legendary Weminuche Wilderness trails, offering riders and their four-legged companions a basecamp surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. Here, the sound of neighing horses mingles with birdsong as you prepare for days spent exploring pristine backcountry trails, while evenings bring the comfort of well-appointed facilities designed with equestrians in mind.
Palisades Horse Camp caters exclusively to equestrian campers, offering single- and double-family sites with corrals.
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Reserving a campsite

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

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingHiking trails such as Williams Creek Trail lead into the Weminuche Wilderness, offering scenic views, rocky terrain, and steep inclines. Cimarrona Trail is noted for its steady elevation gain over several miles.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with frequent sightings of bears, elk, moose, and deer. The surrounding forest serves as a prime wildlife habitat.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include wildlife such as bears, occasional hailstorms, and rough access roads. User reviews have highlighted issues with loose cattle entering the campground, causing disturbances.

Weather at Palisades Horse Camp

Reviews

4.6
38 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Palisades Horse Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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

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...
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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...
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Based on 38 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 007: Complaints about loose cattle and muddy conditions. Site 005: Mixed reviews; scenic but muddy pens. Site 012: Experienced hailstorms and wet corrals but praised overall scenery.
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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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