Woods Lake Campground

Woods Lake Campground sits in the Uncompahgre National Forest near Placerville and offers a scenic but slightly challenging destination for horse campers.

The campground is set in a beautiful aspen grove at elevation, giving it a quiet, tucked-away feel. It’s a great place to disconnect, with a mix of shaded forest riding and occasional open views.

One of the biggest advantages here is the ability to ride directly from camp. Trails leave right from the equestrian loop and connect into a larger network, including routes toward Lizard Head Wilderness, making it a rewarding area to explore on horseback.

Getting there is part of the experience. After turning off Highway 145, you’ll travel about 10 miles on a forest service road that transitions from pavement to gravel and dirt.

Expect washboard sections, loose rock, and dust in dry conditions. It’s manageable with a horse trailer, but not something you want to rush. Larger rigs will feel the bumps, and taking it slow is the best approach.

The equestrian loop is set in a beautiful aspen grove, but site layout matters. There are only five horse-friendly sites, and only a couple are truly ideal for larger rigs.

While a few sites offer pull-through-style access, others require more careful maneuvering, especially with longer trailers. Arriving early can make a big difference in getting one of the easier sites.

Each equestrian site includes corrals or paddocks, but be prepared for some cleanup. Not all campers leave them in great condition, so you may need to spend a little time getting things ready for your horses.

Trails can be accessed directly from camp, which makes this a strong option for riders who want to unload and ride without additional hauling.

Amenities are basic. This is dry camping with vault toilets, trash service, and typically a camp host on-site. Water spigots are sometimes available but can be unreliable, so bringing enough water for both you and your horses is strongly recommended.

Woods Lake is entirely first-come, first-served, and with only a handful of equestrian sites, they can fill quickly—especially on weekends or during peak seasons.

If you’re hauling horses, it’s a good idea to arrive early or have a backup riding destination in mind in case the equestrian loop is full.