Indian Creek Equestrian Campground accommodates riders seeking wilderness access in Pike National Forest. Located 40 miles south of Denver, this specialized facility provides direct trail connections with water access and basic amenities for both horses and riders. The campground maintains designated areas for both tent and RV camping, operating seasonally from May through early September. Trail accessibility ranks as a key feature, with paths designed for equestrian traffic throughout the surrounding forest terrain. The campground's location provides a strategic base for exploring the broader Indian Creek trail system.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Indian Creek offers well-maintained paths suitable for riders of various experience levels. As Mikaela R. notes, "Love this area!!! Lots of beautiful trails, close to Denver and very peaceful. Bring your ponies, its an equestrian campground!" The trail system connects to extensive networks including portions of the Colorado Trail.
Explore family-friendly paths: Golden Gate Canyon State Park features diverse terrain for hiking and mountain biking. A visitor mentioned, "There are facilities, ideal for car camping or families. The park feels like it's far from the city, but the drive is easy for a weekend camping trip!" Some trails include family attractions, as one camper discovered at Indian Creek: "The trail heading North out of the parking lot is great, well maintained and also has hidden 7 dwarfs along the trail to try and find."
Water recreation: Cherry Creek State Park Campground provides water-based activities just minutes from Denver. "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 Kay S. The park has a reservoir for fishing and boating, though summer weekends can get crowded.
What campers like
Equestrian-specific facilities: Indian Creek campground receives praise for its horse-friendly design. Mary C. called it "an absolutely beautiful spot. Quiet, clean, great camp host and a really nice/clean vault toilet." The campground's organization separates equestrian and tent camping areas while maintaining shared access to trails.
Mountain views: Reverend's Ridge Campground offers scenic vistas that campers consistently mention. According to Henry K., the campground is "a favorite of ours. Plenty of space between sites, electricity. Wooded and scenic." Sites are arranged to maximize privacy while still providing amenities like electric hookups.
Proximity to Denver: Horse owners appreciate how accessible these campgrounds are from the city. At Indian Creek Equestrian Campground, Natalie B. noted, "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." This accessibility makes Indian Creek popular for weekend trips when longer travel isn't practical.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most horse campgrounds near Denver require advance bookings, particularly during peak season (May-September). Equestrian sites fill quickly at Indian Creek Equestrian Campground, where dedicated spaces for horses are limited.
Variable amenities: Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir offers more primitive camping options. Amanda R. notes: "There are no bathrooms, so we definitely had to rough it. If you're up for the full backcountry experience, it's totally worth it. Just make sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out everything—yes, even that."
Trail conditions: Indian Creek trail maintenance varies seasonally. One recent visitor reported: "Trail #800 is pretty sketchy these days due to excessive water erosion. 3' deep and 8" wide troughs to walk along with so much overgrowth it's hard to navigate." Check with rangers about current conditions before planning longer rides.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: Family-friendly horse campgrounds offer varying levels of facilities. At Staunton State Park Campground, K R. advises: "Sites are a quick walk from the parking lot and vault toilets. Make sure you bring a heater or good sleeping bag because it can get pretty cool at night here in the summer time."
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain elevations near Denver create significant day-to-night temperature changes, even in summer. For Indian Creek Equestrian Campground, packing layers is essential as temperatures can drop below 50°F overnight, even when daytime highs reach 80°F.
Look for shaded campsites: When camping with children and horses, shade becomes important. At Indian Creek, one visitor noted, "Sites 1-4 have shade, sites 5-8 do not." This makes a significant difference during hot summer days when both children and horses need relief from direct sun.
Tips from RVers
Confirm trailer access: Before booking equestrian sites, verify trailer dimensions and turning radius requirements. RVers report tight turns at some horse campgrounds near Denver. At Indian Creek Equestrian Campground, the approach road has several sharp turns that can challenge larger horse trailers, especially those over 30 feet.
Electric hookups available: Several equestrian facilities provide electric connections. Dennis G. from Reverend's Ridge Campground reported: "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."
Watch for access restrictions: Some roads leading to horse campgrounds have seasonal weight limits. During spring thaw, heavy rigs may face temporary restrictions at Indian Creek Equestrian Campground, so always check current conditions before traveling with loaded horse trailers.
