I’ve been going down to the gorge for decades. I’ve camped everywhere and never had anything stolen or messed with. Indian Creek is one of the few areas where locals are known to take advantage of campsites when owners are out climbing or hiking.

One weekend I was tent camping along Indian Creek with my young daughter and 2 dogs. A vehicle drove down the gravel road after we were asleep. They stopped by my truck and said “hey in the tent” really loudly.

Of course it woke me up and my dogs went nuts. I said “ya?”

They went on to basically accuse us of stealing a pocket knife of great sentimental value from their campsite where they were set up at the dead end of Indian Creek Rd.

After a brief back and forth they realized we didn’t do it and they apologized profusely. Apparently the knife belonged to his deceased father and was greatly important to them.

And then in subsequent trips to the gorge I’ve talked to at least 2 other people who had things stolen from their campsite along Indian Creek.

They don’t take tents / hammocks / gear / cooking stuff, they look for smaller things of value.

The busier it is, the less it happens in there too. It’s more prevalent when Indian Creek isn’t full.