Indian Creek Equestrian Campground
4.3958 reviewsPIKE NATIONAL FOREST, S.PLATTE RANGER DIST, CO, USA
Indian Creek Equestrian Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly fee for equestrian nonelectric sites is $30 during peak and first-come, first-served seasons. Reservation fees are $8 online, $9 through the contact center, and $3 in-person.
About this campground
Saddle up for an unforgettable camping experience at Indian Creek Equestrian Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern outdoor adventure. This horse-friendly haven welcomes riders and their four-legged companions with thoughtfully designed amenities including sturdy hitching rails, spacious corrals, and direct access to miles of scenic bridle paths winding through Colorado's stunning backcountry. Note: To preserve the authentic equestrian atmosphere and ensure adequate facilities for all guests, campers must be accompanied by horses to reserve sites at this specialized campground.
The campground is exclusively reserved for equestrian camping and prohibits non-equestrian visitors during peak seasons. "Must be in possession of a horse in order to camp in the equestrian campground," as stated in the authoritative content.
Historical SignificanceNestled within the storied Pike National Forest, Indian Creek connects modern adventurers to centuries of Colorado heritage. Just a short ride away, the ancient red sandstone sentinels of Roxborough State Park stand as natural monuments, their 300-million-year-old formations telling the geological story of the American West. These dramatic rock sculptures have witnessed the passage of Native American tribes, early settlers, and generations of horseback explorers who've traveled these historic trails.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of Colorado's mountain seasons, where warm, sun-drenched summer days invite long trail rides through golden meadows, occasionally refreshed by afternoon mountain showers. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to comfortable afternoons with temperatures hovering around a pleasant 35°F. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, dusted with very light snowfall that creates picture-perfect riding conditions without the heavy accumulation found at higher elevations.
ElevationPositioned at a gentler elevation than Colorado's high-altitude campgrounds, Indian Creek offers a sweet spot for equestrian enthusiasts. This lower altitude creates a more temperate microclimate, providing relief from the intense summer heat of the plains below while avoiding the harsh conditions of the alpine zones above. The result is an extended riding season with comfortable temperatures that both horses and riders appreciate, making it an ideal basecamp for exploring varied terrain without the challenges of extreme elevation.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living tapestry of Colorado's diverse ecosystems, where towering Ponderosa pines create cathedral-like groves alongside stately Douglas firs. The landscape shifts between sun-dappled stands of quaking aspen that shimmer gold in autumn, hardy Gamble oak providing shelter for wildlife, and aromatic spruce forests that fill the air with their distinctive mountain perfume. Keep your eyes peeled for the campground's wild residents – majestic mule deer grazing in meadow clearings, bugling elk during autumn's rut, wild turkeys strutting through the underbrush, and the occasional black bear foraging for berries. This corner of the Pike-San Isabel National Forest showcases nature's artistry at every turn of the trail.
Geological RegionIndian Creek Campground serves as your gateway to the magnificent Pike-San Isabel National Forests, an expansive wilderness playground spanning over one million acres of pristine Colorado landscape. This geological wonderland encompasses everything from gentle foothills cloaked in aromatic ponderosa pine forests to dramatic peaks soaring above 14,000 feet into crystalline skies. The nearby Roxborough State Park adds another dimension to the region's geological diversity, where ancient red-rock formations rise like natural skyscrapers from the earth, their tilted layers revealing millions of years of planetary history. This unique positioning offers riders access to varied terrain that ranges from rolling meadows perfect for leisurely rides to challenging mountain trails that test both horse and rider.
Campsite details
AccessibilityCampsites include shaded and sunny spots among Ponderosa pine, Gamble oak, Douglas fir, aspen, and spruce trees, which provide a mix of environments suitable for various accessibility needs.
Sites SizeThe campground features spacious sites such as Site 5 and Site 7, which are noted as the largest sites and suitable for group camping (maximum of 8 people).
Sites PrivacySites are generally well-spaced, offering privacy, although some complaints mention noisy neighbors and unruly campers not abiding by rules.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 7 has more open paddocks and is better for sunny weather. Sites 5 and 7 are good for small group camping, allowing tents to be set away from dining areas.
Best CampsitesSites 1-4 recommended for shade and proximity to facilities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay allowed is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Single campsites allow up to 8 guests.
Groups
No specific mention of group camping arrangements.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutEquestrian-specific sites with hitching rails, corrals, and paddocks. Sites 1-4 best for shade.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 23 to August 31 (reservable); September 01 to September 20 (first-come, first-served); closed outside these dates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityDuring September 01 to September 20, sites are first-come, first-served. Fill patterns are not explicitly detailed.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival with a $10 cancellation fee. Additional fees apply for late cancellations, including forfeiting the first night's recreation-use fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers activities such as horseback riding, hiking, and camping, with trails that extend for up to 14 miles. "The Indian Creek Trail, also known as Bear Creek Trail, is a loop trail that is popular among horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers," according to authoritative content.
Hiking
The Indian Creek Trail spans 14 miles in a loop and offers scenic views. "Gorgeous views at the top, water crossings, and lots of foliage made it an amazing time," said one reviewer. Trails vary in difficulty, with some being steep, rocky, and exposed while others offer shaded, easier paths.Fishing
Fishing is available but not elaborated upon in the source materials.Biking
Mountain biking trails are accessible from the campground, and some trails are noted for their difficulty. "Trails can be rocky, and the connector trail between the West and East ends of the campground can be technical and hard to follow," according to a user review.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife commonly seen includes mule deer, turkey, elk, black bears, rabbits, snakes, and birds. "Bears, deer, elk, rabbits, snakes, and a plethora of birds live in the area," said one reviewer, with sightings often occurring in the early morning hours.Winter Activities
No winter activities are explicitly mentioned in the source materials.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are noted in the source materials.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Follow Leave No Trace principles; bring locally-sourced firewood to prevent the spread of pests.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated but guests have reported disturbances from noisy neighbors and dirt bike activity.
Hazards
General hazardsBe bear aware—black bears frequent the area. Keep food securely stored. Trails are rocky and steep, requiring experience.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 84%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services include Sedalia Police Department and nearby hospitals within 10 miles in Sedalia.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 to August 31 (reservable); June 05 to September 05 (for next year's season).
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are available, but there have been complaints about locked dumpsters and trash left behind by campers. "The dumpster is provided, and pit toilets were clean," noted a reviewer, but another lamented that "campers just leave garbage out."
Proximity to water featuresWater refill stations at the trailhead; no watering trough for horses available.
Common complaintsFrequent issues of non-horse campers occupying equestrian sites, lack of manure disposal facilities, and complaints about site leveling for trailers.
HostCamp hosts often praised—recent mentions include Ron and Beth for being helpful and maintaining cleanliness.
Campground Map
PIKE NATIONAL FOREST, S.PLATTE RANGER DIST, CO, USA
Driving directionsFrom Sedalia, drive about 10 miles west on Highway 67 and the entrance is about half a mile from the intersection of Highway 67 and Rampart Range Road.
Access is directly off Highway 67 via a paved road. The campground entrance is half a mile from the intersection of Highway 67 and Rampart Range Road.Nearby places
Sedalia, CO (approximately 10 miles, 15 minutes)
Roxborough State Park (approximately 15 miles, 25 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Sedalia, approximately 10 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.4
58 reviews
Indian Creek Equestrian Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews range from highly positive experiences highlighting the cleanliness of facilities and friendly camp hosts to complaints about non-equestrian visitors using equestrian-designated sites. "The campground was immaculate," said one reviewer, while another stated, "MAKE the EQUESTRIAN sites ONLY reservable for people with horses!"
Review Summaries
Based on 58 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews focus on the cleanliness of the campground and vault toilets, helpful camp hosts, and excellent access to horseback riding trails. "The campground was clean and well taken care of,"...
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Common Concerns
Complaints include non-equestrian visitors occupying equestrian-designated sites, locked dumpsters, poorly maintained vault toilets, and no manure disposal options for horses. "No camp host around...
Based on 58 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include bringing bear-proof containers, weed-free hay, and wasp repellent. "Bring warm clothes," suggested one user, while another advised that "boots or shoes for horses are recommended due to...
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Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that summer can be warm due to the lower altitude, while late fall and mid-spring are preferred for their cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. "We’ve gone every summer for 3...
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Camper Quotes
"Nice horse pens and access to trails right from the campground." "Beautiful spot, worth the detour off main roads." "Vault toilets were clean and did not smell awful." "Trails can be rocky and hard...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site 5 and Site 7 are noted as spacious and suitable for small groups. "Site 5 is the largest of the sites," said one reviewer. Another mentioned, "Sites 5 & 7 both allow for space to set your tents...
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Accessibility Features
Site 6 is ADA accessible, as noted by a reviewer who said, "Site 6 is ADA accessible." Other reviews do not elaborate on accessibility features.
Based on 58 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, and multiple reviews mention dogs at campsites, although some complaints arise when non-equestrian campers bring noisy pets to equestrian sites. "Pets are welcome on this trail,...
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Last updated August 10, 2025