Established Camping

Shirley Creek Horsecamp

About

National Forest

Shirley Creek Horsecamp is a primitive campground with pit toilets, hitching racks, and water for livestock. The campground is designed for horse camping, however, any National Forest visitor is welcome to camp. There is no use fee at this site. Day use parking is also available free at the campground. Click here to download a flier with information on the trail and some facts about the horsecamp.

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Location

Shirley Creek Horsecamp is located in Indiana

Directions

From Bloomington: Take State Road 37 south approximately 25 miles to US 50 just south of Bedford. Take US Highway 50 west 9.6 miles to the intersection of Highways 50 and 60. Continue going west on Highway 50, 0.1 miles to the first county road on the left. Turn left on this county road and immediately cross some railroad tracks. Drive 0.9 to County Road 825 West; turn right. Drive 3.4 miles to the split in the road. Take the left split (CR 810 north) and pass Bonds Chapel and a cemetery on the right. Drive 1.3 miles to CR 775. Turn right on CR 775 and drive 1.2 miles to the "Shirley Creek Trailhead" sign on the left. Turn left into the property and follow the road to the campgrounds.

Coordinates

38.64905301 N
86.60277818 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Poor
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Picnic Table
Toilets
Alcohol

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

For information regarding reservations, contact this campground directly.

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Contact

General Info

Andy M.

Scout

Reviewed Dec. 1, 2021

Hidden gem that needs some polish.

Shirley Creek Horse Camp is a underutilized camp well suited for a day or two of horse rides and camping. Generous campspots throughout perfectly suited for horses and humans alike. Most spots have picnic tables and fire rings, though some are missing. There is no fresh water (for human consumption unless you treat or boil) on the site. During my three day stay, only one horse was seen throughout the camp, but quite a few hunters. There is a vault toilet on site though it isn't maintained, bring your own toiletries. I would like to see this camp in the spring especially if the cleaning is a little more often

SiteNot Marked

Month of VisitDecember

Hannah F.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 15, 2021

Serene After a Long Drive

This is a stunning free campground but it’s got some cons. The first being that of course because it is free people abuse it. Don’t be surprised if you show up to ring pits full off all kinds of garbage. I’ll be surprised if it stays free for long due to this issue. Otherwise it’s a peaceful area with spaced out campsites. Each has a very nice fire ring. There is only a gravity toilet but it’s clean. No water during colder months so pack it in if you need it. Definitely recommend hunting for morel mushrooms come April/May! There is also a nice loop trail if you feel like hiking. Be aware that it’s a pretty long drive in with lots of hill and some areas that are strictly gravel. Shouldn’t need 4WD unless it’s wet, at which point I wouldn’t go as it’s in a lower level area and prone to flooding.

Clifford W.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 17, 2020

An oasis in the woods

This place was perfect for primitive camping. There were people with horses and horse carriers but no issue with space or any smell. Great trails that our kids (ages 2-9) loved. Only reason for 4 stars is no drinking water or fire pit.

Month of VisitNovember