Places to stay near Denver in RV

Question

Hi,

We are travelling in an RV, making our way back to Cruise America Frederick (having been to mount rushmore, yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Dinosaur by we do so) and looking for somewhere to stay between Steamboat springs and Frederick before we return the Rv (we kept the last night flexible). Travelling with 2 kids (10 & 5). One thing we have not managed to fit into schedule is horse/pony trails so a ranch or close to one offering this would be great.

Thanks in advance

Answer

Great question! Finding a place to park your RV for a night or two *and* give your kids a chance at some horseback riding is totally doable between Steamboat Springs and Frederick (or near Denver) — especially if you’re okay with a little bit of a detour. Here are some good options plus things to think about:

M Lazy C Ranch (Lake George, CO) — This is probably one of your best bets for an RV-friendly ranch stay. They have true RV sites, “equine RV” sites, and corrals / horse pens.
- Horseback riding: they offer guided trail rides for all experience levels.
- Facilities: showers and a dump station are available on site.
- Location considerations: it sits somewhat south in the mountains (Lake George area), which means a little more driving as you head back “toward” Denver / Frederick — but it’s a beautiful, quiet, western-ranch experience.
Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch (near Loveland / foothills of the Rockies) — While primarily a “dude ranch” with cabins, it’s worth checking whether they can accommodate large RVs or trailer setups (they are very horse-friendly).
- Horseback riding: they have trail rides, horsemanship lessons, and you even get your own horse in some packages.
- Kid-friendly: their youth program includes horsemanship, trail rides, and other ranch activities for children (ages ~3–12 in some offerings).
- Location benefits: being near Loveland / the Front Range means you're much closer to Denver and Frederick, which could save you some drive time on your last night.
Winding River Resort (Grand Lake, CO) — This is a bit further off your direct path back to Frederick / Denver, but it's a true “horse camping” resort, with RV sites and corral access.
- Horse camping: they have dedicated sites with corrals so you can keep your horses near your campsite.
- Riding options: trail rides for guests — one- and two-hour rides, and pony / hay rides too.
- Vibe: peaceful, scenic mountain location — ideal if you want a slower, nature-focused stop rather than just “park and leave.”

Things to keep in mind as a family with kids:

Because you have kids (10 & 5), make sure the ranch’s trail rides are age-appropriate or offer led rides / short rides — many ranches set minimum age limits for full trail rides.
Reserve in advance. Ranches that allow RV + horses often have limited corral + hook-up capacity, especially in summer.
Check your RV size + trailer setup — not all “RV sites” are made equal; some ranch roads / campsites may be narrow or gravel.
Bring or plan for horse gear, if you’re bringing your own horse(s): feed, tack, etc. (if using corral sites) — or confirm with the ranch what they provide.

My recommendation: If you want a true western ranch feel and don’t mind a little detour, M Lazy C Ranch is probably your best bet for RV + horseback riding. If you’d rather be closer to Denver / Frederick for your final night, contact Sylvan Dale Ranch to see if they can host your RV + horses (or at least help with nearby trailer parking) — it would significantly cut down your driving on the last day.

Hope that helps — you and the kids are going to love a ranch night after a huge road trip! Let me know if you want help dialing in costs, availability, or alternate spots.

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