Indian Creek Equestrian Campground in Pike National Forest provides specific facilities for riders and their horses. The campground features drinking water, toilet facilities, and reservable sites suitable for tent and RV camping. Trails connect directly from the campsites to surrounding riding areas in the national forest. The campground operates seasonally from May 23 to September 7, allowing equestrians to take advantage of summer riding conditions. Bear Creek Lake Park also accommodates equestrians with trail riding opportunities at their on-site stables. The park earned high marks from visitors for its convenient horse facilities and sunset trail rides through the foothills.
Located approximately 10 minutes from Indian Hills, these horse-friendly campgrounds offer access to multiple trail systems through the Front Range. Bear Creek Lake Park maintains a network of trails suitable for day rides without leaving the park boundaries. Trail connections from Indian Creek lead to longer backcountry routes through Pike National Forest. The park includes additional amenities such as archery ranges, fishing areas, and picnic facilities for when riders aren't on horseback. Most equestrian campers recommend making reservations well in advance, especially during summer months when the stables and campgrounds regularly reach capacity. Water access points for horses are available throughout the trail system, though riders should confirm seasonal availability.
$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."
$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."
$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
"The pit, very clean are at base, and there is a porta-potty by site 14, far enough away from 14 to not be a problem."
"We brought out the bike and did some trails to find the perfect spot and since we went in the middle of the week we had our choice of spot."
"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."
$12 / night
"Easy drive and a half-mile hike with moderate increase in elevation from parking to tent pads, numbered 1-5."
$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!"
$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."
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!
TravelerThis is a bare bones remote campground with assigned sites and vault toilets. There is no potable water on site, so bring plenty of water for your stay. The 18 sites are on a first come basis and can't be reserved.
I don't own horses, but have seen some in the area so it is equestrian friendly. The campground is located in a canyon with high cliffs and there are several hiking and backpacking trails that branch off from the campground. The south fork of the white river runs through the campground affording good fly fishing.
While you can get to the campground in a standard automobile the gravel road is rutted in places as you get close to the campground and can become dicey in heavy rain or snow for the last mile or two.
I have been there numerous times as early as July and as late as September when snow can be expected.
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.
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
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!
Equestrian camping near Indian Hills, Colorado offers access to extensive trail systems across Pike National Forest. Located in the Front Range at elevations between 7,500-8,000 feet, this region experiences cooler summer nights with temperatures dropping into the 40s even during July and August. Campgrounds in the area range from primitive facilities to those with dedicated horse corrals and water stations.
Trail riding access points: Indian Creek Equestrian Campground serves as a hub for horseback trail systems. "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," notes camper Steph A., who found "the Indian Creek trail system is ideal for mountain biking or running, with access to the Colorado Trail running through it as well."
Archery practice: Bear Creek Lake Park includes archery facilities alongside horse amenities. "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding," reports Joshua H. Other campers appreciate the variety: "Lots of park amenities like horse stables, archery range, swim beach, boat rentals, hiking trails, picnic areas."
Wildlife observation: Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers wildlife viewing opportunities along trails accessible from horse camping areas. "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," explains Mike M., while another visitor mentioned, "We caught a great view of a moose" while exploring the park's road system early in the morning.
Privacy between sites: Indian Paintbrush Campground receives high marks for site separation. "While this campground is minutes from the city and seconds from a highway, at night you feel like you are in a quiet, mountain campsite with stars to gaze for days," writes Kandisa S., who found the "proximity to Red Rocks amphitheater, Bear Creek Lake, Big Soda Lake, and a genuine braying donkey were a huge plus."
Accessible horse facilities: Staunton State Park Campground offers walk-in sites with nearby equestrian access. "The park was incredible for just getting away with my pup for a night. We brought out the bike and did some trails to find the perfect spot," says Hayley K., who recommends weekday visits when "we had our choice of spot." Sites require a short hike, so equestrians should "expect to carry your gear for a little while or bring a wagon."
Mountain views from campsites: Reverend's Ridge Campground provides elevated views for equestrians. "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," notes Dennis G., who found the "enormous amount of room" ideal for horse trailers and camping gear.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian sites require advance booking. "Make reservations in person at Jeffco Open Space in Golden - those ladies are the best!" advises Maria M. about specialized equestrian sites, where the "half-mile hike with moderate increase in elevation from parking to tent pads" leads to "pre-cut firewood and non-potable water for campers' exclusive use."
Water access limitations: Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir illustrates water restrictions common in the area. "Gross Reservoir is not gross! It is an awesome SUPing, kayaking, or canoeing option close to Denver and Boulder," reports Karl G., but notes "there are a lot of rules that are strictly enforced. There is no swimming in the reservoir" and you can "only launch your boat at the boat launch on the southeast side."
Trail conditions vary: Seasonal changes affect riding conditions. "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," warns a recent visitor to Indian Creek Equestrian Campground, suggesting riders check current trail conditions before planning route difficulty.
Kid-friendly trail options: Aspen Meadows Campground offers family-accessible hiking from horse-friendly campsites. "Our family loves this spot, the privacy and natural beauty all easily accessible for a 1 night trip for a family breaking in some unruly toddlers to the camping experience," shares Andrew B., who recommends "Frazer Meadows is also a fun hike that you can easily accomplish with a kid carrier."
Interactive trail features: Some trails include special elements for children. A visitor at Indian Creek Equestrian Campground mentions, "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." These elements keep children engaged between riding sessions.
Evening planning: Temperature drops affect camping comfort for families. At Golden Gate Canyon, a visitor noted that "we had very cold weather in both June and July, weather hit the low 30's," making proper sleeping bags essential even during summer months. Most equestrian sites lack electricity for heaters, requiring additional clothing layers for nighttime comfort.
Hookup variations: Chatfield State Park Campground offers options for different RV needs. "There are 3 different areas - each has multiple bathhouses, which have coin-laundry available. Showers are coin-operated as well," notes Sarah S., adding that "there are no 'tent only' sites. The minimum has electric ($26)," which matters for RVers planning their power needs.
Site leveling requirements: Reverend's Ridge Campground requires preparation for uneven terrain. "The sites are not very level so be prepared to use your blocks," advises Rich M., though the campground compensates with "plenty of hiking trails in the park some easy some difficult."
Parking constraints: Equestrian campers with larger rigs should note parking limitations. A camper at Bear Creek Lake Park observed the area is "geared more towards RV camping" but cautioned about "no shade during the day," which affects comfort for horses and humans during summer months when temperatures can reach the upper 80s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Indian Hills, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Indian Hills, CO is Chatfield State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 79 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 28 equestrian camping locations near Indian Hills, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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