German Ridge Campground in Hoosier National Forest is where you will find the horse “tribe”.

I wrongfully assumed the horses would be at Saddle Lake across IN37, but then I rolled into German Ridge. 

The Campsites are set up nicely for the horse people with tie out areas and plenty of parking for horse trailers. The very first site is large enough for a group complete with fire ring for after a long day in the trails. A centrallyish located showerhouse, water points, picnic tables and fire rings finish off the area. There is some distance between the sites and a few nicely secluded sites for more privacy. A nice quiet shaded camping area.

There are two trailheads in the campground and a day use area further down the road which has plenty of parking for horse trailers. The trails are shared with hikers and bike riders. Total miles of multi-use trails was 24.

There is another trailhead further north on IN37 Mogan Trailhead that has room for horse trailer parking also. 

German Ridge Day use area has a nice swimming area, no dogs( or horses) allowed. Which to me is sorta wrong. There are plenty of beaches for the humans why not make this one an animal friendly area?! This is a small lake that looks like beavers may have occupied it at one time, we didn’t see any while we were there just lots of chewed trees. 

We hiked the 1.5 mile trail which ties in with one of the other longer trails in the area so watch your signage ;) very cool rock formations and a few low cliff areas. 

The beach has a smaller parking area, pavilion, historical markers and restroom facility. It was full when we visited but still not really crowded. 

The planners for Hoosier NF took some time and thought laying out these different areas. Each has something unique about it and is fashioned for a specific “group”. Worth the visit if you like the woods, dark nights and quiet.