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Indian Creek Equestrian Campground accommodates horses with specialized sites for equestrian use. Located in Pike National Forest, the campground features designated areas for horse trailers and provides access to numerous trails suitable for horseback riding. Sites accommodate tents and RVs, though hookups are not available. The campground maintains toilets and drinking water facilities during its operational season from May 23 to September 7. Most riders report excellent trail conditions with minimal crowding even during peak summer weekends.
Trail access directly from the campground connects to extensive riding routes throughout Pike National Forest. Horse owners should note that reservations are required for equestrian sites, which typically fill quickly during summer months. Water for horses is available at several points throughout the grounds, though visitors should confirm current water conditions when making reservations. The campground enforces standard horse camping etiquette including proper manure management and restricted grazing areas. Trailer parking accommodates various sizes with adequate turning space for larger rigs. Proximity to trailheads makes this location particularly valuable for riders planning multi-day excursions or those wanting to access higher elevation trails without trailering between rides.
"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"
"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"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"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."
"Easy drive and a half-mile hike with moderate increase in elevation from parking to tent pads, numbered 1-5."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $28 - $90 / night
Check Availability"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
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!
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gateway, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gateway, CO is Chatfield State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 79 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Gateway, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 equestrian camping locations near Gateway, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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