About this campground
This 190,000-acre location is host to numerous activities on the public land from mining to oil drilling to livestock grazing. Of particular note is the herd of wild horses, which gives the area its special designation. Horses within the HMA are similar in size and temperament to quarter horses, and some resemble workhorses. Typical colors are bay, gray, sorrel and black. A few horses are also other colors like roan and buckskin. To ensure that future generations can enjoy these majestic animals, the herd’s size is kept between 135 and 235 animals following current best management practices. In addition to the wild horses, there are numerous opportunities to view other local wildlife including pronghorn, mule deer, elk, badger, snowshoe hare and various upland bird species.
Getting there
From Rifle CO, follow Highway 13 to Piceance Creek Rd (CR-5). Follow CR-5 until you reach Ryan Gulch Road (#24).
Activities
- WILDLIFE VIEWING
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Meeker AreaWhite River National Forest20 mi
- Meeker TrailsBureau of Land Management20 mi
- Deerlodge Park CampgroundDinosaur National Monument29 mi
- E. Cross Mountain River AccessBureau of Land Management30 mi
- Dispersed-White RiverBureau of Land Management31 mi
- Canyon Visitor Center - ColoradoDinosaur National Monument38 mi
Explore more Colorado camping
Piceance-East Douglas HMA doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Colorado campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse Colorado camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.