Equestrian Camping near Gateway, CO

Indian Creek Equestrian Campground provides specialized facilities for horse enthusiasts in Pike National Forest. Located at 7,800 feet elevation, the campground experiences cool temperatures even during summer months. The campground consists of two distinct areas - an equestrian section with dedicated horse facilities and a tent camping section with two loops containing approximately four sites each.

What to do

Trail exploration from camp: The Indian Creek trail system offers extensive riding, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities directly accessible from the campground. As one visitor notes, "Such a beautiful spot. Trail access directly from the campground connects to extensive riding routes throughout Pike National Forest."

Mountain biking at nearby parks: Just a short drive from Indian Creek, Golden Gate Canyon State Park provides excellent mountain biking trails. A camper shares, "Golden Gate Canyon State Park is enormous. The options for trails are endless. Great for mountain biking or hiking enthusiasts."

Wildlife viewing: The area around Indian Creek supports diverse wildlife. One camper at Bear Creek Lake Park mentioned, "We saw deer all over the place, and heard reports of bear and/or lion sightings in previous years."

Family scavenger hunt: The northern trail from Indian Creek has hidden features for children. A visitor reports, "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."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the natural separation between sites. One Indian Creek visitor notes, "Campsite #2 is our favourite and we can't wait to go back! What an absolutely beautiful spot. Quiet, clean, great camp host and a really nice/clean vault toilet."

Multiple water access points: Though facilities are basic, the grounds maintain usable water sources. A camper at Indian Creek reports, "Water available and clean latrines. Only downside was, since it is so close, all the open sites fill w/overnighters and it was a bit noisy, but everyone settled down by 930-1000."

Uncrowded trails: Even on busy weekends, the trail system remains manageable. A visitor states, "Very pretty! We camped on the last weekend of the season (Sept 27th). It was $22 a night at that time. You pay via a drop box with cash and there's no change available."

Bear-aware facilities: The campground provides proper storage options for food. One camper at Idylease Campground notes, "Bear boxes sit between each campsite. The Park Ranger lives at the base of the trailhead and replenishes regularly."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: While the equestrian sites require advance booking, the regular tent sites operate differently. As noted in one review, "You pay via a drop box with cash and there's no change available. You're definitely in bear country and they do a good job of warning you."

Seasonal considerations: The campground operates from May 23 to September 7, with variable conditions. A visitor at Colorado Campground advises, "Situated at 7800 feet elevation, even summer nights get cool."

Access instructions: The drive to the campground follows clear routes. One camper states, "Very accessible with tons of trails. Very nice pull in campsite near a ton of trails. The roads in are nice gravel roads."

Wildlife precautions: The area has active wildlife requiring proper food storage. A visitor reports, "You're definitely in bear country and they do a good job of warning you."

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites strategically: Some sites provide better family accommodations. At Indian Creek, sites 1-4 have shade while 5-8 do not. One camper notes, "Site 3 has the very best flat pad with the table, ring and still room for a 10x10 tent or shade tent area."

Local activities for children: The surrounding area offers family-friendly options. A visitor to Chatfield State Park Campground shares, "Great views of mountains. Just minutes south of Denver. With decent facilities and a playground for kiddos."

Pack for temperature changes: Due to elevation, prepare for temperature fluctuations. A camper cautions, "Got below freezing so be ready for the cold."

Trail difficulty planning: Assess trail challenges before heading out with children. One visitor advises, "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."

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: The campground accommodates smaller RVs and trailers, though with restrictions. One visitor reports, "I was able to fit a 20 ft travel trailer, but there's only a handful of trailer sites. No hookups."

Connectivity concerns: Cell service is limited or nonexistent. A camper notes, "Cell service was zero with ATT and Verizon."

Alternate options nearby: For RVs needing more amenities, consider nearby alternatives. A visitor to Reverend's Ridge Campground states, "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."