Trappers Lake / Horse Thief Campground
01 reviewHorse Thief Campground, Trappers Lake, White River National Forest, CO
Trappers Lake / Horse Thief Campground
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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
User review indicates that fees for the campground are $25, but details about fee structure or any additional costs are not provided.
About this campground
Saddle up for an authentic wilderness experience at Horse Thief Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern adventure. This intimate equestrian paradise offers just five specially-designed campsites, each equipped with sturdy corrals for your four-legged companions. Tucked within the pristine Flat Tops Wilderness near the crystalline waters of Trappers Lake, this unique destination invites riders to explore one of Colorado's most spectacular backcountry areas while adhering to carefully crafted wilderness preservation guidelines.
Horse Thief Campground is specifically designed for equestrian campers. It is strongly emphasized that non-stock campers should refrain from using the campground.
Historical SignificanceHorse Thief Campground sits within the storied Flat Tops Wilderness, a landscape that holds deep cultural significance as one of America's protected wild spaces. This designation represents decades of conservation efforts to preserve the untamed character of the Colorado high country. The wilderness tradition here connects modern visitors to generations of horsemen, trappers, and outdoor enthusiasts who have traversed these ancient trails, maintaining a living link to the heritage of the American West.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of high-altitude Colorado at Horse Thief Campground. Summer brings refreshingly cool days perfect for trail riding, with crisp mountain air and comfortable temperatures that offer sweet relief from lowland heat. As autumn approaches, golden aspens paint the landscape in brilliant hues. Winter transforms the area into a snow-laden wonderland, with temperatures plunging into frigid ranges that create a pristine, if challenging, backcountry environment. Visitors should note the complete absence of cell service—a blessing for those seeking true disconnection from the digital world, though proper preparation for weather emergencies becomes essential.
ElevationPerched in the rarified air of Colorado's high country, Horse Thief Campground offers the authentic high-altitude experience that defines the Flat Tops region. While specific elevation markers await your GPS discovery, visitors will immediately sense the thin mountain air and expansive views that characterize this lofty wilderness terrain. The campground's position provides natural acclimatization for those planning to explore the surrounding peaks and plateaus on horseback.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape that seems painted by nature's finest brush at Horse Thief Campground. Dense evergreen forests give way to sun-drenched meadows where wildflowers dance in alpine breezes. The dramatic plateaus that give the Flat Tops their name create a unique topography of flat-topped mountains and deep valleys. Nearby Trappers Lake sparkles like a sapphire jewel, while the surrounding wilderness unfolds in layers of rugged beauty—from intimate forest glades to sweeping vistas that stretch to the horizon.
Geological RegionHorse Thief Campground claims its place within the remarkable Flat Tops Wilderness, a geological wonder nestled in the White River National Forest. This unique landscape showcases ancient volcanic plateaus that have been sculpted by millions of years of erosion, creating the distinctive flat-topped mountains that define the region. Alpine lakes dot the terrain like mirrors reflecting the sky, while the underlying geology tells a story of fire and ice—volcanic origins shaped by glacial forces into today's breathtaking wilderness playground.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific details on accessibility features for Horse Thief Campground are present in the authoritative or user-provided content.
Sites SizeAll sites are described as having long spurs to accommodate large trailers.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy information is not provided in the source materials.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo recommendations for particular sites are provided.
Best CampsitesNo specific sites are highlighted as the best.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Information on check-in times is not provided.
Check-out
Information on check-out times is not provided.
Stay Limit
Information on stay limits is not provided.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information on guest limits per site is not specified.
Groups
No group camping information is provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of five sites designed for equestrian use, with corrals and long spurs to accommodate large trailers.
Open and Closed SeasonSpecific dates for campground opening and closing are not mentioned.
Reservation PlatformsDetails about reservation platforms or websites are not mentioned.
Walk-in AvailabilityUser review indicates the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyInformation on cancellation rules and penalties is not provided.
Amenities available
Dump station
Activities you can enjoy
The primary recreational activity centered around the Horse Thief Campground is horse camping. This aligns with the infrastructure provided for equestrian campers, such as corrals.
Boating
Wheeled carts for boat transport are prohibited in the adjacent Flat Tops Wilderness, as per regulations.Winter Activities
The weather data indicates periods of heavy snow, making the campground potentially suitable for winter activities like snowshoeing, although this is not explicitly stated.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not mentioned explicitly in the materials.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies are mentioned.
- Quiet hours are Information about quiet hours is not provided.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife typical of wilderness areas and rugged terrain. No potable water is available, and visitors are advised to pack in water.
Active alertsNo current warnings or advisories are mentioned.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services such as hospitals or police stations are not specified in the source materials. Null.
Good to know
Peak season datesSpecific dates for peak season pricing are not mentioned.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling details are not mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is close to Trappers Lake, which is a prominent feature in the area.
Common complaintsA user review highlights lack of cell signal as a drawback.
HostNo information about campground hosts is given.
Campground Map
Horse Thief Campground, Trappers Lake, White River National Forest, CO
Driving directionsFrom Meeker, take Colorado Highway 13 east for 1 mile, then turn right on Rio Blanco County Road 8 and follow this for 39 miles to Trappers Lake Road #205. Turn south on Trappers Lake Road #205, and continue for 10 miles turn right at the bridge near Trappers Lake Lodge. Horse Thief Campground is approximately 1 mile further on the right.
Road access to the campground is via Trappers Lake Road #205, which is paved for most of the journey but may include unpaved sections closer to the campground. Seasonal closures and challenging terrain are not mentioned explicitly.Nearby places
Meeker - 50 miles, approximately 90 minutes drive.
Nearby supplies
Closest locations for supplies including groceries and camping essentials are not specified in the source materials. Null.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Trappers Lake / Horse Thief Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's specialization for equestrian campers, the availability of corrals, and the water spigot near site 2. They emphasize the lack of cell signal.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
"Corrals available, water spigot at top by site 2." Equestrian-friendly facilities are the most praised feature.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
"NO CELL SIGNAL" is noted as a drawback by user Greg D. Lind.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should be aware of the lack of cell phone signal and potable water. Bring weed-free pellets or cubes as hay is prohibited in Flat Tops Wilderness.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter weather paints a frigid picture for the campground, with heavy snowfall documented in weather data. No reviews provide explicit seasonal context.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. Greg D. Lind: "Nice equestrian CG. Corrals available, water spigot at top by site 2. FCFS, 25$. NO CELL SIGNAL."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific mention of site 2 having a water spigot, but no further details on individual campsites are provided.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features were not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not mentioned in the materials.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025