18 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Indian Creek Equestrian Campground serves as the primary horse-friendly destination near Franktown, Colorado. Located in Pike National Forest, this campground provides dedicated horse facilities with individual corrals and trailer parking spaces at select campsites. The equestrian area is designed specifically for campers with horses, offering level sites suitable for horse trailers and RVs. While the campground operates seasonally from May 23 through September 7, its facilities remain well-maintained throughout the season with toilets and drinking water available. The campground features trails accessible directly from the camping area, allowing riders to explore the forest without trailering horses to separate trailheads. Sites must be reserved in advance and typically fill quickly during summer months and holiday weekends.
Riders at Indian Creek have immediate access to an extensive network of forest trails suitable for day trips or longer excursions. The trail system connects to wider Pike National Forest routes, offering varied terrain from gentle meadows to more challenging mountain paths. Water crossings are available along several trails, providing natural water sources for horses during rides. Campground regulations require weed-free feed, and campers should pack out all manure or deposit it in designated areas. Parking for horse trailers requires advance planning as space can be limited during peak season. Most equestrian sites accommodate up to two horses per site, with additional horses requiring separate reservations. The location offers a balance of accessibility from Denver while still providing a genuine forest camping experience suitable for horses and riders.
"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."
from $36 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $28 - $432 / night
Check Availability"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"
"Campground Review Note: This is a military campground only, on the grounds of the US Air Force Academy just north of Colorado Springs, CO. "
"Downtown Colorado Springs is minutes away and close to attractions. Plus you can take advantage of on base shopping and more."
"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!"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Colorado campground is situated outside of Woodland Park (10 minute drive) and right next to Manitou lake. "
"CAMPGROUND REVIEW: COLORADO CAMPGROUND PIKE NATIONAL FOREST https://www.recreation.gov/camping/colorado-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?"
from $28 - $38 / night
Check Availability"Lots of hikers, mtn bikers, and horses. The camp host did check in and was very helpful and friendly. Good option close to Denver."
"There is a small trail you can hike. Pet friendly with a leash. I visited in off season for the trail, the picture is from the snow left on the drive into the sites."
from $7 - $22 / night
Check Availability"Each of them have a parking area right along the road with a fire ring a short distance away surrounded by awesome rock outcroppings."
"A large number of established roadside dispersed camping spots to choose from. All spots have metal fire rings, so campfires are allowed even with Stage 1 fire restrictions in place."
"This Colorado state park brings visitors year-round for all types of recreation. We have traveled here several times, both tent camping and in our camper."
"By far my favorite campground in Colorado. Sites all have great views and are paved. The park is clean and rangers are always around checking in. Close to town and great hikes. Can’t wait to go back!"
from $28 - $270 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availability
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!
GuideColorado campground is situated outside of Woodland Park (10 minute drive) and right next to Manitou lake. This is a great area central to the Pikes Peak wilderness area so many trails are nearby and activities while still being close to civilization if you forget something or choose to eat-out. The CG itself is large, but the sites are well spaced apart...it is a primitive CG with picnic table, fire-pit and gravel pull through or back-in spots. There are water spigots, vault toilets and garbage cans equally dispersed throughout. In the summer they have an educational series also on the weekends of various nature/wildlife "seminars" that are great for the kids in their small amphitheater, although i don't know how frequent they are scheduled. As others have stated its a short walk to the lake for fishing and canoeing if you choose. The CG is well maintained and hosts are friendly.
LegendCAMPGROUND REVIEW: COLORADO CAMPGROUND PIKE NATIONAL FOREST
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/colorado-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70684
Colorado Campground is one of several campgrounds less than 10 miles north of the city of Woodland Park off Route 67 in the Pike National Forest.
Situated at 7800 feet elevation, even summer nights get cool. Nearby 5 acre Manitou Lake is a trail walk away. You can toss your canoe or kayak in, but unless you are simply trout fishing, it’s tiny size doesn’t offer much variation.
Numerous foot trails lead into the National Forest, offering wonderfully quiet hikes and exploration.
There are 81 sites available, but some are adjacent to highway 67, so periodic road noise will be heard. The ponderosa pines assist in muffling highway noise.
Neighboring sites are visible across the entire campground, but they are situated in such a way that you are not directly on top of each other.
The back loop sites are larger and set deeper (Site 19, 20,21, 22, 23) which are my choice. Sites can be secured on www.recreation.gov. There are double sites which garner double fees. At the time of this review, sites are $23.00 nightly (a bit pricey for no showers or modern facilities). When there during the week, not including the host and groundskeeper, only four sites were filled. Most sites were reserved for weekends and upcoming Labor Day holiday.
No RV/Campers over 36 ft permitted. Parking pads are gravel, a few are pull-through. Sites are non-electric with no hookups…no showers Water spigots, metal trash containers and pit latrines are spaced out through the campground. Each site has one stationary picnic table and a fire pit. Most sites appeared fairly level. No specific tent pad locations.
With the towering ponderosa pines, there is ample shade.
Plenty of trails permit mountain biking as well as the paved centennial bike path that runs along highway 67 from Woodland Park 15 miles north…that you can walk, in-line, cycle and even ebike.
You have plenty of local activities to keep you busy, including the Red Rocks a couple miles south…or drive east on Rt 24 to Pikes Peak, or further into Manitou Springs for the Incline, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Garden of the gods and more!
Just six miles south into Woodland Park offers every food or shopping option.
All in all, a nice, clean campground in a great location.
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!
GuideGreat location within Colorado's Mueller State Park. Easy access to trails, visitor center, and scenic drives. Nice large site with level gravel tent pad, large table, and nice fire pit. Nearby sites seemed to be a good distance away.
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
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 offers horseback camping facilities near Franktown, Colorado at an elevation of approximately 6,400 feet in the Pike National Forest. The area features ponderosa pine forests and rolling terrain with direct access to a network of trails. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F, with cooler nights even during peak season.
Hiking from campgrounds: Indian Creek has extensive trail systems connecting to the Colorado Trail. "Indian 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," notes Steph A. from Indian Creek Equestrian Campground.
Mountain biking opportunities: Trails near the Franktown area accommodate riders of various skill levels. At Bear Creek Lake Park, "Super clean campground. Close to Red Rocks and Denver. You have to drive a bit to get to the lake. Some nice hiking and biking trails off the campground. Beautiful views of the mountains," according to Stacy M. from Indian Paintbrush Campground.
Water activities: Several reservoirs within driving distance provide fishing and water sports. At Chatfield State Park, "Great for biking and all kinds of water sports. Laundry facility on each loop sites are spread out giving plenty of room between sites," says Rick.
Privacy between sites: Campgrounds in the Franktown area vary in site spacing. At Colorado Campground, "The sites are pretty well spread out and its a nice, quiet campground. Close to Woodland Park," according to Kelly Z.
Wildlife encounters: The forest setting brings opportunities to see native animals. At Mueller State Park, "We saw some deer that came through our site. Just a real nice relaxing place!" reports Brian F. from Mueller State Park Campground.
Quality facilities: Campgrounds maintain clean amenities. "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!" says mary C. about Indian Creek Equestrian Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. At Matukat Road Dispersed Camping, "We drove a couple of miles up the decently maintained dirt road and found the second dispersed camping spot and decided to set up our roof top tent for the night," notes Charles G., offering a free alternative to established campgrounds.
Weather considerations: Mountain weather can change rapidly. "We stayed here for one night before heading out on the road. This place is huge and has many amenities. It's very well maintained. The bathrooms were very clean and the showers were pay only and only with a bank card. $1.50 for a five minute shower," reports Stephanie S. about Cherry Creek State Park.
Trail conditions: Check trail status before rides as conditions vary seasonally. "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," notes D. from Indian Creek Equestrian Campground.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. "The campground has many pine trees and the campsites are large. We had 7 people, 3 cars and two large tents and plenty of space. Initially, I was afraid it would be too noisy due to the large number of people camping, but it was actually pretty quiet," Mary D. says about Colorado Campground.
Kid-friendly trails: Look for shorter, less challenging routes for young riders. "Hosts are friendly and helpful, bathrooms cleanish, stalls in good shape. 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. We did it four times just to make sure we found all 7," mentions D. from Indian Creek.
Educational opportunities: Some trails feature interpretive elements. "This is a great campground for introducing little ones to car camping. The campground is clean and well-maintained, the sites are good-sized and it's a short hike to decent fishing at Manitou Lake. Woodland Park is also a short drive away," explains Cody R.
Site dimensions: Check campground specifications for rig limitations. At Peregrine Pines FamCamp, "Each site is manicured with some pull-thru and back in. Small chat rock is used for each site with large railroad ties marking the parking site for your RV or tent. Water pressure here is really strong so make sure you have a water pressure regulator handy," advises Anthony B.
Electric hookup availability: Some campgrounds offer limited services. "Clean bathrooms. Very friendly attendant. Level primative spots. $26 for primative," notes Christa C. about Chatfield State Park Campground.
Access road conditions: Forest service roads may present challenges for larger rigs. "The only thing I would advise is you need some reasonable clearance to get all the way back in here," mentions Chris P. about dispersed camping options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Franktown, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Franktown, CO is Chatfield State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 80 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Franktown, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 equestrian camping locations near Franktown, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
