Horseshoe Campground
02 reviewsForest Service Road 900, Yampa, CO
Horseshoe Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$20 per site. Payment must be made in exact cash or check; no credit cards accepted. Instructions for payment are found on the kiosk.
About this campground
Tucked away in a serene forest clearing, Horseshoe Campground offers an intimate escape with just 7 thoughtfully spaced campsites. This hidden gem forms a gentle loop off Forest Service Road 900 near Yampa, Colorado, where towering trees create natural privacy screens between sites. Each campsite comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire grate, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. As your gateway to the magnificent 235,000-acre Flat Tops Wilderness, this quiet retreat delivers postcard-perfect mountain views while maintaining the peaceful solitude that makes Colorado camping so special.
Horseshoe Campground offers basic camping options suitable for tents and small trailers. Dispersed camping is available nearby.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Horseshoe Campground into an alpine paradise, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 67°F under crystal-clear mountain skies. The ideal camping season stretches through the warmer months when moderate precipitation keeps the landscape lush and green. As autumn approaches, crisp mountain air signals the transition to winter, when temperatures can plunge to a bone-chilling 6°F and heavy snowfall blankets the wilderness. These dramatic seasonal shifts create a campground that's perfect for summer adventures but transforms into a snow-covered wonderland during the off-season months.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 10,100 feet above sea level, Horseshoe Campground sits in Colorado's high country where the air is crisp, clean, and noticeably thinner. This elevated position means cooler temperatures even during summer days, making it a refreshing retreat from lower elevation heat. Visitors should prepare for the altitude by staying hydrated and taking it easy during their first day as their bodies adjust to the mountain environment.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by a tapestry of evergreen and aspen trees, Horseshoe Campground immerses visitors in the raw beauty of the Flat Tops Wilderness. This vast 235,000-acre natural playground unfolds in every direction, offering endless opportunities for exploration. Water enthusiasts will discover a trio of pristine mountain waters nearby - Yamcolo Reservoir, Bear Lake, and Stillwater Reservoir - each offering its own unique character for fishing, peaceful floating, or refreshing wades on warm afternoons. The interplay of forest, water, and wilderness creates a photographer's dream and an outdoor lover's paradise.
Geological RegionHorseshoe Campground serves as your personal basecamp within the legendary Flat Tops Wilderness, a sprawling 235,000-acre tapestry of pristine mountain ecosystems. This remarkable geological region weaves together dense woodlands, sparkling alpine lakes, hidden ponds, and expansive reservoirs into a cohesive wilderness experience. The landscape tells the story of ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving, creating the unique flat-topped mountains that give this wilderness its name. Here, the combination of diverse water features and untouched forest creates an authentic backcountry experience that feels worlds away from civilization.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information about accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate trailers up to 25 feet in length.
Sites PrivacySites are nestled among trees, which provide a sense of privacy.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground forms a loop with 7 campsites situated among trees.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-June to late October/early November, depending on snowfall.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served basis for all sites. Dispersed camping options available outside the campground if full.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Campers at Horseshoe Campground can enjoy various recreational opportunities, including fishing, scenic hiking to nearby trails, and relaxing in the wooded, secluded environment.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include access to trails leading to Mandall Lakes, Smith Lake, and Stillwater Trailhead. These trailheads are clearly marked along Forest Service Road 900 and are a short drive from the campground.Fishing
Fishing is available in nearby lakes and ponds, including Yamcolo Reservoir, Bear Lake, and Stillwater Reservoir. Visitors are advised to avoid the dam area at Bear Lake due to spillway safety concerns.Boating
Boating activities are supported in the nearby reservoirs. Visitors are cautioned to avoid the dam area in Bear Lake due to the spillway.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, but the seasonal closure indicates the campground is inaccessible during heavy winter months.Water Sports
No specific non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire grates are available at each campsite.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews report wildlife hazards, including mountain lions, with one camper witnessing a lion stalking their friend. The spillway at Bear Lake dam is marked as dangerous for boaters and fishermen.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo specific details on trash and recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresNearby water features include Yamcolo Reservoir, Bear Lake, and Stillwater Reservoir, offering fishing, wading, and floating opportunities.
Common complaintsUser reviews mentioned wildlife hazards, including mountain lions, and limited payment options (exact cash or check only).
Hostnull
Campground Map
Forest Service Road 900, Yampa, CO
Driving directionsFrom HWY 131, get off at the town of Yampa on Moffat Street (next to Sinclair gas station). Proceed a few blocks through downtown Yampa. At Montgomery's General Store and Antlers Bar & Cafe, follow CTY Rd 7 and signs pointing towards Yamcolo Reservoir. Follow CTY Rd 7 for 7 miles, here the road turns to dirt which is the Forest Boundary and turns into Forest Service Road 900, proceed past Yamcolo Reservoir and Bear Lake, the campground is located on the right side of the road.
The dirt road leading to the campground (Forest Service Road 900) is described by user reviews as being in "great condition" and suitable for trailers. Seasonal access is dependent on snowfall conditions.Nearby places
Yampa, CO (approximately 7 miles away)
Nearby supplies
Montgomery's General Store in Yampa and Sinclair gas station provide supplies nearby.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Horseshoe Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is described as small, quiet, and scenic. It is particularly suitable for tent campers and small trailers. Some reviews note its proximity to popular hiking trails and excellent fishing spots. Wildlife presence is noted, including a mountain lion sighting.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciate the privacy offered by tree cover, the scenic surroundings, and proximity to recreational opportunities such as hiking trails and fishing spots. One reviewer described it as...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
One review mentions a mountain lion stalking incident, highlighting the wilderness nature of the area.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring exact cash or checks for payment as no credit card facilities are available, and no change is provided for cash payments. Visitors are advised to avoid the dam area in Bear Lake...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is open from mid-June to late October/early November, depending on snowfall. Reviews suggest it is well-suited for summer and early fall camping due to its higher elevation and scenic...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Tiny little campground! But conveniently located and priced well for the proximity Devil's Causeway trailhead.' - Linda Draw
2. 'My friend witnessed a very large mountain lion stalking me. He...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews are not available for Horseshoe Campground.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews addressed accessibility features.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025