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Indian Creek Equestrian Campground, located within Pike National Forest, provides specialized campsites designed for horse owners. The campground's equine facilities include hitching posts, mounting blocks, and dedicated space for horse trailer parking. Tent and RV spots accommodate horses with sufficient room for portable corrals or picket lines. The grounds maintain excellent trail connectivity with direct access to multiple riding paths within the national forest. Facilities are kept exceptionally clean, earning perfect ratings from equestrian campers. Water sources are available for horses, though visitors should verify seasonal availability.
The extensive trail network surrounding Indian Creek connects riders to various parts of Pike National Forest with routes suitable for different experience levels. Trails range from gentle paths appropriate for inexperienced riders to challenging terrain for seasoned equestrians. Highlines and tie systems are permitted at designated camping areas for overnight horse stays. Most trails remain open from May through September, with weather conditions determining exact accessibility. Riders appreciate the well-maintained paths with minimal rocky sections that can be hard on horses' hooves. During peak summer months, reservations are strongly recommended as the limited number of equestrian-friendly sites fill quickly. Trail maps are available at the ranger station, showing designated horse routes, water crossings, and approximate riding times between landmarks.
"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 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"The tent only sites are walk-in and $18…and by walk-in…between 10-100ft from the parking area depending on the site."
"Cheyenne Mountan State Park is remarkably close to Colorado Springs, which makes it perfect for a quick getaway…. if you can score reservations. This park fills up fast!"
from $28 - $120 / night
Check Availability"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"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"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"Only downfall is that it was a bit of a drive to many main attractions in Colorado, but it was worth the drive."
"Convenient location to Cripple Creek CO. Mountain views. Situated on meadow hillside. Hiking trails, full hookups, fire rings with grills, picnic tables. Level sites with many pull thrus."
"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."
"* Most sites appeared to be just off the road so you will see others driving by, and some sites have close by neighbors so keep that in mind if you're looking for something more private.
- Livestock"
"Rock fire pits, wood around. No water, garbage, nor toilets. Cool temps, road in is rough go slow. Nice shady trees. First few spots you encounter left, then right seem ok."
"Just outside woodland park. The drive in has incredible views of pikes peak. The ranch is close to a mile down a dirt road just off the highway it feels private and secluded."
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.
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!
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.
LegendCheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado Springs, CO.
http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/cheyennemountain
Made our way to Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado Springs. The tent only sites are walk-in and $18…and by walk-in…between 10-100ft from the parking area depending on the site. By midday most were taken and we landed in the available #45 (which was handicap accessible). Pluses and minuses: close to the restroom. Convenience comes at a cost, a motion sensor light constantly tripping on and a tad noisy. Tent pads only…comprised of a small pea gravel base, but elevated two railroad ties high…you will not get standing water, that's for certain. #45 is a handicap site so it is all paved…walkway, picnic table, animal-proof food container and fire pit area…no dust or dirt. Could be a positive or negative depending on your expectations. In April the trees were just budding so there wasn't a ton of concealment or cover from your neighbors provided by the leafless shrubbery and mountain scrub. A water pump is ten feet away. Another site was handicap accessible like this one but the others were situated further back in the scrub in dirt trails offering greater privacy. Hammock hanging was limited on site #45 but could be creatively managed. Restrooms were very clean and well-stocked. The visitor center is beautiful, large, interesting and offers local trinkets to purchase. Camp registration office is located by the campground and also houses restrooms and the coin operated showers and laundry. Water appeared to be at a premium as the water fountains were not operating. Depending on the wind direction, and with no leaves on the trees yet…highway noise could be heard in the distance from interstate 25…but not loud enough to be an irritation… Not to mention the sound breaking the early morning air…revelee from the nearby Air Force base. Signage leaves little doubt where you are or where to go throughout the park. The trails are superb and offer a variety of high plains and mountain views. Trail markings are remarkable, offering both self-guided tutorial placards and strategically located gps coordinates, in case of injury. Runners and mountain bikers frequent the trails. Wildlife aplenty. Mule deer sauntered by throughout the park and tom turkeys strutted their stuff for all to see. Colorful songbirds dotted the trail (my favorite…bright blue mountain bluebird). Keep the elevation in mind when choosing activities. Being a "flatlander," it takes about 7-10 days for your body to adjust to high elevations, so allocate more time on the trails for recovery breaks and hydration. Definite plus or minus…dogs are allowed in the park, but not on the trails and must be leashed at all times. Even on a Monday night in mid April, the park was filled so reservations would be advised. You can choose electric/water sites but there is no privacy from your RV neighbor.
Creative mountainscape photos are necessary to avoid the mountaintop antenna towers from NORAD.
It was a pleasant camping experience and would visit again.
There is so much to do nearby that you need to stay in the area at least a week.
Here are a few of my favorite nearby hikes: -Mt Cutler trail, Mt Muscoco trail, Helen Hunt Falls, Seven Bridges Trail, Red Rock Canyon, The Manitou Incline (parking fee), The Barr Trail (to Pikes Peak summit), Garden of the gods, Palmer Park, and Stanley Canyon Reservoir (on the Air Force Academy grounds)…all are must do's! Only Red Rock Canyon and Garden of the gods are flatter and easy strolling. Countless other trails exist and would take a lifetime to explore…worthy reason to return again and again!
LegendThis Pike National Forest campground is run by Rocky Mountain Recreation which means you'll pay a $10 transaction fee if you make a reservation on recreation.gov. It looks like some sites are strictly walk-up. Check recreation.gov to see what's available, but you can just show up if there are available sites, pay at the self-pay station, and avoid the $10 transaction fee on recreation.gov.
Every site has a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets (rather fragrant as you walk by because of the vent pipes) and trash dumpsters are conveniently located throughout the campground as is potable water. There are no bear-proof lockers but locking up your food is a prudent move.
There are mostly back in sites but some pull through sites. Most of the pull through sites are partially protected from the road by a few tall pines and large rocks, but the pull through curve may be tight for some RVs. There are a few double sites (with double charge) if you need more space.
Manitou Lake on the edge of the campground is a popular fishing spot, and there's a trail around the lake.
Our site (#45) was rather close to the road, but the road noise was not bad throughout the park. Sites 40 through 44 are on a small loop and are probably the nicest sites even with a bit of road noise; these sites are near the trail to the lake.
In my opinion, there are two things that make this campground stand out: 1) The sites are large and not on top of each other. This campground could have twice as many sites, but it's nice that it doesn't. 2) It's a great location because you're close to Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, US Air Force Academy, Cripple Creek (only if you're into gambling), lots of hiking trails...and on and on. It's close to Colorado Springs and even closer to Woodland Park. If you want craft breweries and restaurants, you'll find plenty. We enjoyed being close to a larger city after being in lots of small towns. We loved the inexpensive food at Uchenna (Ethiopian and Mediterranean), Taste of Jerusalem, and Azada Mexican as well as craft beer (Fossil Craft Beer Company and Phantom Canyon Brewing Company with ginger wheat ale, Belgian ale aged on cherries, hazelnut coffee stout, coconut/chocolate porter, and on and on) in Colorado Springs. Beer is $3 during a 3 to 6 pm happy hour at Phantom Canyon....yes!
This campground is only open between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.
Indian Creek Equestrian Campground isn't the only option for horse owners in the Peyton area. Located at elevations averaging 6,800 feet, this region offers several equestrian-friendly camping options within Pike National Forest's 1.1 million acres. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during the day, with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 40s even in July and August.
Trail riding for all levels: Several campgrounds connect directly to Pike National Forest's extensive trail network. At Mueller State Park Campground, "Nice large site with level gravel tent pad, large table, and nice fire pit. Nearby sites seemed to be a good distance away" notes Amber J. The park features "awesome hiking trails with views of the mountains" according to Kenneth F., many of which are also suitable for horseback riding.
Fishing opportunities: Within 20 minutes of most equestrian sites, you'll find stocked lakes and rivers. "Just a quick 10 min drive to Woodland Park and various amenities. Some of the sites have electric but no sewer or water" reports Amanda M. about Colorado Campground, which offers easy access to Manitou Lake where "we always get at least one fish on the line here!"
Rock formations exploration: The areas surrounding many equestrian sites feature unique geological formations. At Matukat Road Dispersed Camping, campers report "amazing" rock features: "Camped right underneath a few rocks and kid absolutely loved to climb rocks even with thin air in high altitude," writes Frank C. Another camper notes "The rocks behind us are absolutely outrageous."
Well-maintained facilities: Horse-friendly campgrounds in the area prioritize cleanliness. At The Meadows Campground, "Camp registration office is located by the campground and also houses restrooms and the coin operated showers and laundry," notes Dave V. Campers consistently mention clean facilities, with one reviewer stating "bathrooms were clean hot showers. Decent sized laundromat."
Privacy between sites: Most equestrian sites offer good separation between campers. Chris P. from Matukat Road describes their experience: "Each campsite feels personal and is gorgeous. Bathrooms are never far, but the well-kept shower house might be a bit of a walk." At Colorado Campground, "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," reports Mary D.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers report excellent wildlife sightings. Dave V. observed "Mule deer sauntered by throughout the park and tom turkeys strutted their stuff for all to see. Colorful songbirds dotted the trail (my favorite…bright blue mountain bluebird)." At Cheyenne Mountain, Kurt K. notes "Bear, large cats and lots of deer visit regularly (well at least the deer are regular."
Reservation requirements: During peak summer months (June-August), reservations are essential at most established sites. At Mueller State Park Campground, "each campsite feels personal and is gorgeous" according to Alexis B., but its popularity means sites fill quickly, especially those with horse accommodations.
Water availability: Water sources vary significantly between sites. Steve C. notes that Mueller State Park has "vaulted toilets and water pumps conveniently located throughout the campgrounds." However, at dispersed sites like Matukat Road, Brandon points out "The only thing missing here is a water feature."
Elevation considerations: The high elevation affects both humans and horses. At Cripple Creek KOA, Tasha M. notes it's "the WORLD'S HIGHEST KOA @ 10,000 ft." Frank C. mentions horses may need adjustment time: "kid absolutely loved to climb rocks even with thin air in high altitude."
Kid-friendly amenities: Several equestrian campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. At Cripple Creek KOA, "There is a new playground that is huge for the kids with a rubber floor in case kids fall. In addition to the park there is tetherballs and open fields for fun ball or frisbee activities," writes Anthony B. about a nearby site.
Educational opportunities: Many sites offer learning experiences about local history and ecology. Matthew J. notes that Colorado Campground has "Great hiking for little kids around the lake." Tasha M. shares that at some sites, "rangers are always around checking in."
Safety considerations: Be prepared for weather changes and wildlife. "Got below freezing so be ready for the cold," warns Bruce K. about Mueller State Park. Dave V. advises "Keep the elevation in mind when choosing activities. Being a 'flatlander,' it takes about 7-10 days for your body to adjust to high elevations."
Site selection for horses: RVers with horses should look for specific amenities. At Indian Creek Equestrian Campground, "Hosts are friendly and helpful, bathrooms cleanish, stalls in good shape" according to D. Another visitor notes "This campground has a equestrian area and a tent camping area."
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited at many equestrian sites. Mary C. found Indian Creek to be a "Quiet, clean, great camp host and a really nice/clean vault toilet." At Cheyenne Mountain, Lynn A. reports "all level spots here, full hook-up. Not much privacy or shade, but would still highly recommend."
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly. Charles G. notes about Matukat Road: "Up to the point where we camped, 2-wheel drive was more than enough to get us to our spot nestled in the rocks." However, Chelsie B. warns "Took my Nissan Altima back nice and slow and couldn't access certain paths back to site without 4wd."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Peyton, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Peyton, CO is Peregrine Pines FamCamp with a 4.6-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Peyton, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Peyton, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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