Horseshoe Campground

Star4.11
151 reviews
P.O. Box 74, Lake George, CO, 80827

Quick Facts

10,600 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open May 16, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Horseshoe Campground
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates during peak season for both standard nonelectric and tent-only nonelectric sites are $24. Additional fees include $11 for a third...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
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
661-702-1420tbolton@goexplorus.com
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What Campers Say

4.11

Satisfactory

Based on 151 reviews

67 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacyquietclean

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Horseshoe Campground are diverse, ranging from highly positive to critical. Positive themes include the secluded, scenic setting, the friendliness of hosts, and the enjoyable hiking trails. Complaints focus on mosquitoes, poorly maintained vault toilets, and the rough road leading to the site. Overall sentiment for campground-specific experiences averages at 3.95."

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 74, Lake George, CO, 80827

Horseshoe Campground

P.O. Box 74, Lake George, CO, 80827

Driving directionsFrom Fairplay travel south on US-285 for about one mile. Turn right onto County Road 18. Continue for approximately 6 miles to the campground on the left.
County Road 18 is described as a rough unpaved road, with some reviews noting it was rocky, washboard, and challenging to navigate. Quoted reviews state 'County Road 18 from FairPlay to the campground itself was the roughest road I’ve ever been on' and 'The last 6 miles are on bumpy dirt road... takes about 45 minutes to drive.'
Nearby places
Fairplay, CO: Approximately 7 miles (15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Fairplay, CO. Distance approximately 7 miles.

Best Time to Camp at Horseshoe Campground

The high-altitude climate brings its own rhythm to the camping experience, with crisp mountain air and dramatic temperature swings that remind you you're truly in the wilderness. Summer days warm pleasantly under the intense mountain sun, while nights require cozy layers even in July. Spring's snowmelt awakens the forest but also brings enthusiastic mosquito populations, so come prepared. Winter transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland, though only the hardiest souls venture here when snow blankets the ground.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open in summer with warm days and wildflowers, but 'relentless' mosquitoes are a common complaint.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 16% in CO

Fall is especially praised for colorful aspen foliage and a quieter atmosphere.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from mid-May; late-spring wildflowers and trails available but weather is variable at 10,600 ft.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site is closed mid-Oct to mid-May; winter camping/conditions are not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16, 2025, to October 12, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 16, 2025, to October 12, 2025. Reservations start June 25, 2025.

About Horseshoe Campground

Nestled along the babbling waters of Horseshoe Creek in the San Isabel National Forest, Horseshoe Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's high country. Each campsite is thoughtfully tucked among dense stands of trees, creating private retreats beneath the towering presence of Sheep Mountain. At 10,600 feet, this alpine sanctuary invites adventurers to wake up above the clouds and experience camping at its most pristine.
Horseshoe Campground is a primitive camping facility with options for tent and RV camping. Sites are available for individual use, but no group camping, cabin lodging, or glamping options are offered.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Horseshoe Campground offers a range of outdoor activities suited to its mountainous and wooded location. Official sources highlight the Limber Grove Trail, a scenic 3-mile path showcasing 1,000-year-old twisted limber pines. Fishing and wading in Horseshoe Creek are popular, with wildlife viewing as an added bonus. User reviews frequently mention the beauty of hikes in the area, with Sheep Mountain and Mount Sherman nearby as memorable spots for hiking and climbing. Reviews also note the abundance of wildflowers and bugs, especially mosquitoes, during wetter seasons.
HikingHiking options include the Limber Grove Trail and access to nearby Mount Sherman and other peaks. Official sources confirm the Limber Grove Trail is 3 miles long and features ancient limber pines. User reviews highlight Sheep Mountain as an additional hiking destination accessible directly from the campground.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing is allowed in Horseshoe Creek, though specific details regarding fish species or quality are not provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include deer, as evidenced by user reviews. One camper recounted a visit from a doe and her twin fawns, describing them as friendly but cautioning against interaction.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquito infestations noted in user reviews as 'atrocious,' with warnings about yellow jackets during certain times. Road hazards on County Road 18 noted as severe.

Weather at Horseshoe Campground

Reviews

4.1
151 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Horseshoe Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Horseshoe Campground are diverse, ranging from highly positive to critical. Positive themes include the secluded, scenic setting, the friendliness of hosts, and the enjoyable hiking trails. Complaints focus on mosquitoes, poorly maintained vault toilets, and the rough road leading to the site. Overall sentiment for campground-specific experiences averages at 3.95.
Review Summaries
Based on 151 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects highlighted in user reviews include the privacy between campsites, scenic hiking trails, and the general cleanliness of the campground. Several users appreciated the 'beautiful' and...
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Based on 151 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquito infestations during summer months are a recurring complaint, described as 'relentless' and 'atrocious.' Vault toilets are another source of dissatisfaction, with several reviews mentioning...
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Based on 151 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers advise bringing strong mosquito repellents, bug nets, and vehicles capable of handling rough terrain. Suggestions also include planning trips outside the wet season to minimize bug issues.
Based on 151 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months feature heavy mosquito presence and challenges with vault toilet maintenance, while fall is appreciated for its colorful foliage and quieter atmosphere. Seasonal rains contribute to...
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Based on 151 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful spot with some easily accessible hiking. Mt. Sherman seems to be close." - Taryn G "Great campsite and the host was really friendly! The only downside was the amount of bees/yellow...
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Based on 151 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight varying experiences: site S-08 is noted for spaciousness and ease of parking larger trailers; sites closer to dumpsters and bathrooms have reported unpleasant smells....
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Based on 151 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are sparse. General feedback suggests the terrain and layout are manageable for most visitors.
Based on 151 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and reviews mention that dogs must be kept on a leash or tethered at all times. Mosquitoes are noted as a concern for pets as well as humans.
Based on 151 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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