Horse Riding and Camping
Enjoy the grasslands and forests with a view "between the ears".
Horseback Riding
Like hikers, riders are free to explore the grasslands at will. There are few developed, designated trails to follow but the spaces are wide open. Leave gates as you found them.
Horse Camping
- Certified weed-free hay is required when camping on National Forest System lands with your mule or horse.
- Horses are not allowed in developed campgrounds and picnic areas unless specifically stated.
- Clean up after your equine friend leaves the corral or where standing to be saddled.
Search for Horse Riding and Camping Opportunities
Cliffs Trailhead
Site Open
The Cliffs is named for the large cliff face above Bordeaux Creek along the east side of the recreation site and trailhead. It’s a popular access point for both motorized and non-motorized trail…
Coffee Mill Trailhead
Site Open
Coffee Mill trailhead is located along Forest Service Road 702 off of Dead Horse Road. It is named after nearby Coffee Mill Butte. This is one of the primary access points for the Pine Ridge Trail.…
East Ash Trailhead
Site Open
East Ash Trailhead is located along the East Ash Road. East Ash Creek is located nearby. The trailhead provides non-motorized access to the Pine Ridge Trail, the Pine Ridge National Recreation…
French Creek Campground
Site Open
This small, developed campground is located in a quiet area with picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet.  The campground provides access to the nearby Fairburn Agate Beds, which is a popular…
Limestone Butte
Site Open
A scenic area for wildlife viewing, dispersed camping, hiking and rockhounding. Limestone Butte Reservoir is popular with hunters and gets many waterfowl visitors. No fishing available. Please…
Natick Campground
Site Open
The Natick Campground is quieter than the Bessey Recreation Complex, and it has 20 corrals for riding stock. This 17-unit campground has a hand pump for water, picnic tables, fire rings, modern…
Outrider Trailhead
Site Open
Outrider Trailhead located north of Chadron State Park just off of Highway 385 provides access to the Pine Ridge Trail system which is open to non-motorized travel for mountain biking, hiking, and…
Pine Ridge Trailhead
Site Open
The Pine Ridge Trail is a 40-mile long trail open to hiking, mountain biking and equestrians. The trail spans most of the Pine Ridge area of the Ranger District. The east end of the trail begins at…
Roberts Tract Camping Area/Trailhead
Site Open
Roberts Tract Campground and Trailhead provides horse corrals, rider ramp and stock water. There are 3 tent sites with tables and fire rings. The parking area has one site with a table and fire…
Saddle Pass Horse Trail
Site Open
This is one of only two designated non-motorized trails on Buffalo Gap National Grassland. The Saddle Pass Trail is intended as a horse-riding trail, but is also open to hiking. Enjoy views along the…