Indian Creek Equestrian Campground is the primary dedicated horse-friendly campground near Commerce City, Colorado, located within Pike National Forest. The campground features corrals for horses, picnic tables, and toilet facilities. Open from May 23 to September 7, this established campground requires reservations and maintains a no-pets policy to reduce stress on horses. Horse trailers are accommodated with appropriate parking areas, and drinking water is available on site for both campers and horses. The campground maintains excellent cleanliness standards, with users consistently rating the facilities 5 out of 5 for their equestrian amenities.
Trails connecting to Indian Creek Equestrian Campground provide direct access to Pike National Forest's extensive riding network. Riders can access multiple difficulty levels of trails through forested terrain with minimal elevation changes suitable for beginning riders. The campground permits tent and RV camping, though no electric hookups, sewer connections, or shower facilities are available. Due to the campground's popularity during summer months, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays. Forest Service roads leading to the campground accommodate large horse trailers, though drivers should exercise caution on the final approach. While fires are not permitted at campsites, the campground does provide firewood for purchase.
$28 - $432 / night
"It’s we’ll thought out with lots of activity areas like, mountain bike trail, shooting area, off leash dog area, model airfield, equestrian trails, lake and hiking trails!"
"I only gave it 4 stars because on the outskirts of the state park we have a lot of homeless camps popping up oblong Parker road and 225."
$36 - $200 / night
"Stay here a couple times a year, great amenities and lots to do with a swim beach, shore line, horses, boat ramp and model planes."
"Chatfield State Park is a great mixture of access to the outdoors with availability of many of the benefits of a metro area close by."
"Close proximity to the highway. Clean level spots. Geared more towards RV camping. Pros: great views of the foothills."
"So much to do in this little area-lakes, trails, horses. Very close to red rocks. This is still in town so great for beginners"
$18 / night
"area was plowed open to exactly the width of our trailer, so with more than three feet of snow on the ground we needed to get some exercise and do a bit of shoveling so we could back in and be able to walk"
"Late October is very unpredictable in Colorado for a camper who is primarily a tent camper."
"It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great."
"The Gross Resevoir outside Boulder is a great place for people to go for some recreation just outside the city. People commonly drop in a paddleboard or kayak."
$28 - $90 / night
"This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to."
"Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado. We couldn’t believe it…so close but you feel incredibly removed once you get there."
$28 / night
"Walking distance to vault toilets. Some nice foresty hikes between Aspen Meadows and Reverend's Ridge. We could see some other campsites but didn't feel too squished."
"This site is surrounded by pine trees, aspens and boulders. Parking is a bit tight and the some of the sites pretty steep. Dude's Fishing Hole is within walking distance."
$45 / night
"This campground has all the privacy you would expect yet provides easy access to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountian National Forest. The Laramie County Staff that were on site were kind and helpful."
"It would be nice if the county could put water in, there are two places to fill containers/rvs-one right by the entrance and another at the entrance to Bobcat Gulch."
$30 / night
"This campground has a equestrian area and a tent camping area. The tent camping is to the right after you enter, there are two tent loops with bathrooms. Water spigots next to the bathroom."
"Lots of beautiful trails, close to Denver and very peaceful. Bring your ponies, its an equestrian campground!"
"You definitely need to know where you’re going with this one, as the location on here isn’t really even close."
"Thought we could get in farther but a quick walk showed us that it’s little too washed out and steep for our pickup camper. Super nice area, lots of walking trails you can do."
LegendThis campground has a equestrian area and a tent camping area. The tent camping is to the right after you enter, there are two tent loops with bathrooms. Water spigots next to the bathroom. There are a few trails here, some are horse trails. Overall a beautiful spot with some shade!
GuideMy folks bought property you can ride to Indian Creek from. Love this area!!! Lots of beautiful trails, close to Denver and very peaceful. Bring your ponies, its an equestrian campground!
TravelerSite 5 was a great spot for a bigger group. It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great. We didn’t make it to the gross reservoir but it was nice to have the option of a good hike near by. It is very important that you have a high clearance car to drive on the road. It’s a lot like off roading on some parts. I would go back!
GuideThis is a great park. I camped in late July. With the exception of a few rain showers, the weather was great. This campground has all the privacy you would expect yet provides easy access to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountian National Forest. The Laramie County Staff that were on site were kind and helpful. I even had the chance to see some elk walk through while picking up firewood at the office. There are miles of trails within the park if you choose not to venture out to the National Forest. I will 100% be staying at this park again! Group sites and equestrian sites are available too.
GuideClose proximity to the highway. Clean level spots. Geared more towards RV camping. Pros: great views of the foothills. Lots of park amenities like horse stables, archery range, swim beach, boat rentals, hiking trails, picnic areas. Con: Orange glow of Home Depot sign at night and no shade during the day. Your camping reservation (strongly recommended) includes park admission.
GuideAlthough it was a quick overnight trip for us, don’t let that be you! It’s we’ll thought out with lots of activity areas like, mountain bike trail, shooting area, off leash dog area, model airfield, equestrian trails, lake and hiking trails! It’s a 4200 acre park with 850 acre reservoir. It’s a destination, really!
GuideSo much to do in this little area-lakes, trails, horses. Very close to red rocks. This is still in town so great for beginners
TravelerYou must first stop at the base to check in this is where very friedly people checked us in explained the bear behavior and bear safty. The site have bear boxes. We then paid the 9 dollar a day use fee . When we reserved we had already paid 43 dollars a day for dry camp. This is my only reason for 4 stars instead of 5. There is a short drive over a tall hill to a valkey with 3 camp grounds. Hermits hollow, Bob cat and kruger equestrian . Hermits hollow is better for small rigs and tents. Some sites are not level but all are nice. Bob cat is better for your midsize rigs and seems a bit more managable. Kruger equestrian is for hourse trailers. There is a great hike up to the top of kruger rock thats not to hard. Your not far from Estes Park a tourist town that has shops food and fishing.
GuideIndian Creek is lush and wooded, while still being close to Denver. The drive in is easy, following a paved road most of the way. Great spot for car camping. The Indian Creek trail system is ideal for mountain biking or running, with access to the Colorado Trail running through it as well.
Indian Creek Equestrian Campground serves as the main horse-friendly destination for riders near Commerce City, Colorado. Located at an elevation of 7,400 feet within Pike National Forest, this established campground requires reservations during its May 23 to September 7 operating season. The campground connects directly to multiple forest trail systems with varying difficulty levels suitable for both beginner and experienced equestrians.
Trail riding access: Indian Creek offers direct connections to extensive trail networks. One visitor notes, "Lots of beautiful trails, close to Denver and very peaceful. Bring your ponies, its an equestrian campground!"
Mountain biking trails: Golden Gate Canyon State Park features numerous trails for cycling enthusiasts. A camper mentioned, "This park has great trails for hiking and mountain biking. There is also a high elevation lake as well as fantastic views of the continental divide."
Water activities: Cherry Creek State Park Campground provides multiple water-based recreation options. "Nice Swim Beach with brand new Bldg. Many covered Picnic sites, but again, you MUST arrive at the break of day to secure one," advises one regular visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many equestrian campers report seeing diverse wildlife while staying near Commerce City. The area around Hermits Hollow Campground often features wildlife sightings: "Moose and black bear apparently frequent but haven't caused any problems. This is our 3rd stay here, and one of our favorites."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained areas: "What an absolutely beautiful spot. Quiet, clean, great camp host and a really nice/clean vault toilet. Campsite #2 is our favourite and we can't wait to go back!"
Trail variety: The range of trail options receives frequent praise. A visitor to Reverend's Ridge Campground notes: "This was a phenomenal state park. Many multiuse trails. Get up early and drive mountain base road...we caught a great view of a moose. Panorama Point had a breath taking view."
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian camping areas near Commerce City require advance booking, especially during summer. For Bear Creek Lake Park, a camper advises: "Your camping reservation (strongly recommended) includes park admission."
Limited shade options: Some campgrounds have minimal tree cover. "Sites 1-4 have shade, sites 5-8 do not," reports one visitor about specific sites at Indian Creek.
Traffic congestion: During peak season, expect delays when entering popular parks. A regular at Cherry Creek State Park warns: "If you want to get into the Park, suggest you go EARLY, EARLY, EARLY in the day. Traffic backs up all the way from the Entrance on Parker Rd to the Entrance Booth on weekends and holidays. Plan on an hour OR MORE to just get to the booth."
Wildlife educational opportunities: Children often enjoy the animal encounters. One family at Chatfield State Park Campground shared: "The wild life was beautiful, the facilities were clean, and the staff was friendly and helpful! It was a pretty quiet stay and even the weekend groups of campers were tame and mild."
Beginner-friendly horse trails: Several areas cater to less experienced riders. A visitor noted about trails near Indian Creek: "This site got a little grungy for a couple of years, but it's been cleaned up and looking great!"
Activity planning: Families appreciate the diverse recreation options. "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding," reports a visitor to Bear Creek Lake Park.
Site selection for privacy: RVers recommend choosing sites carefully for maximum privacy when horse camping. A visitor to Reverend's Ridge noted: "Campground is very clean. Loop E (electric hookups) is very spacious and well laid out. Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs. Mostly level, fire rings, and very large metal picnic tables."
Utilities availability: Most equestrian campgrounds have limited hookups. A camper at Chatfield State Park shares: "Clean bathrooms. Very friendly attendant. Level primative spots. $26 for primative."
Parking considerations: Horse trailers require specific parking arrangements. "There were a few spots that would have been ideal but we're already taken. We looked a little further ahead and the road got rough. A lot of off road vehicles and the road is narrow in spots," warns an RVer who attempted to access dispersed camping areas with a larger rig.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Commerce City, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Commerce City, CO is Cherry Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 51 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Commerce City, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 equestrian camping locations near Commerce City, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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