Horseshoe Campground
4.1762 reviewsP.O. Box 74, Lake George, CO, 80827
Horseshoe Campground
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Facility rates during peak season for both standard nonelectric and tent-only nonelectric sites are $24. Additional fees include $11 for a third vehicle and $11 for day use if not camping overnight.
About this 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.
Historical SignificanceJust down the mountain lies Fairplay, a living testament to Colorado's gold rush glory days. This authentic frontier town preserves the spirit of the Pikes Peak Gold Rush through its remarkable open-air museum, where visitors can walk through meticulously recreated 19th-century buildings and imagine the dreams and determination of prospectors who once scoured these mountains for fortune. The area's mining heritage adds layers of human history to your wilderness experience.
Weather and SeasonsThe 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.
ElevationPerched at 10,600 feet above sea level, Horseshoe Campground offers a true high-altitude adventure. The thin air creates a unique camping experience where stars seem close enough to touch and morning coffee takes a bit longer to brew. While the elevation presents some challenges—trailer appliances may need coaxing, and lowlanders might feel winded on short walks—the payoff is spectacular: cooler summer temperatures, crystalline air, and the exhilarating feeling of camping among the clouds.
Natural Features and SceneryA living gallery of Colorado's most stunning flora awaits, where groves of quaking aspen shimmer gold in autumn, stately Engelmann spruce provide year-round green backdrops, and ancient Bristlecone pines stand as gnarled sentinels of time. Summer transforms the forest floor into a painter's palette of wildflowers—columbines, Indian paintbrush, and alpine forget-me-nots carpet the meadows. The surrounding peaks create an amphitheater of stone and sky, with verdant forests giving way to alpine tundra and raw granite summits.
Geological RegionThe campground sits in the heart of Colorado's legendary fourteener country, with Mount Sherman, Mount Lincoln, Mount Bross, and Mount Democrat forming a spectacular crown of 14,000-foot peaks on the horizon. Part of the expansive San Isabel National Forest, this geological wonderland showcases the raw power of the Rocky Mountains. Sheep Mountain serves as your immediate backdrop, while the famous fourteeners beckon ambitious hikers to test their mettle on some of Colorado's most accessible high peaks.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features include picnic tables and pathways considered suitable for general accessibility. No specific information is available on wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Sites SizeCampsites range from standard to larger sizes. Site S-08 was particularly noted for its spacious dimensions, accommodating a 33-foot trailer easily.
Sites PrivacyTrees such as aspen and Engelmann spruce provide good privacy between sites. User reviews indicate that most sites are relatively secluded, though some sites are closer together (e.g., sites 9-11).
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites 6 and 7 are recommended for groups due to close proximity. Sites 12 and 13 praised for layout and privacy.
Best CampsitesPopular sites mentioned include 6, 7, and 12 with positive reviews about spaciousness, privacy, and proximity to trails.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Two vehicles or one RV included in camping fee, $11 for a third vehicle.
Groups
No facilities for group camping are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are described as spacious with good privacy between them. Loops feature wooded surroundings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 16, 2025, to October 12, 2025. Reservations start June 25, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites not reserved 5 days in advance become walk-up available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before reservation start date incur $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit first night’s fee and incur $10 service fee. No-show visitors are charged $20 and lose the first night’s fee.
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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.Climbing
Climbing 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.Fishing
Fishing is allowed in Horseshoe Creek, though specific details regarding fish species or quality are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife 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
No specific winter activities are described. However, high elevation and proximity to mountains may provide opportunities for snow-related activities.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Firewood sales available on-site for $10, though restricted during bans. Campfires may depend on bans.
- Quiet hours are Unspecified; user reviews noted host generator use after 9 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquito 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 forecast
59
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
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
Emergency services in Fairplay, CO, including medical and police facilities.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16, 2025, to October 12, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities include clean and regularly maintained dumpsters. Recycling services are not mentioned explicitly.
Proximity to water featuresCampground sits along Horseshoe Creek. Users highlight its beauty but note mosquitoes and flies near the water.
Common complaintsMosquito infestations, rough road access, and issues with campground hosts including noise and maintenance problems. Vault toilets often described as smelly or poorly maintained.
HostMixed reviews about hosts. Some praised for friendliness and helpfulness, others criticized for poor maintenance and loud generator use.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.2
62 reviews
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 62 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...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
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 62 reviewsSeasonal 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...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
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....
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are sparse. General feedback suggests the terrain and layout are manageable for most visitors.
Based on 62 reviewsPet-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 62 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025