Youngs Creek Horse Camp serves as a principal hub for equestrian camping near Birdseye, Indiana, positioned within the Hoosier National Forest. The camping area sits at approximately 600 feet elevation in the region's rolling terrain. Seasonal wildlife activity varies throughout the year, with higher concentrations of horses on trails during organized weekend rides compared to weekdays.
What to do
Trail riding access: The nearby Hoosier National Forest North Face Loop Campground provides additional riding options with "Two Rivers Trail, a nice 15ish mile technical trail that goes around both lakes, with dispersed camping $5 a night, 300 ft off the trail and your good." The interpretive trail offers historical perspective as "The Rickenbaugh's once lived on this secluded lake and their home still sits on the shore."
Hiking options: Otter Creek Park Campground offers "beautiful trails for hiking, great creek for swimming, close to Louisville." One visitor noted, "Even if you're not camping the hiking is pretty incredible and none of the trails are really to strenuous for an experienced hiker compared to other trails in the region."
Water activities: Multiple small lakes throughout the area permit electric motors only. At Tipsaw Lake, "the boat ramp is adjacent the beach area, with parking area and dock, not much shoreline to speak of." The nearby recreation area includes "a nice beach facility with small picnic pavilions on cement walkways."
What campers like
Secluded camping: When seeking private sites, consider Come Again Horse Camp, which provides horse corrals, drinking water and toilet facilities. This smaller option can accommodate both tent camping and RVs with fewer crowds than larger established campgrounds.
Wildlife viewing: The natural chorus frogs create ambient sounds throughout several campgrounds. At O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground, "the nature center was so cool" with ranger-led tours and educational programs. One camper noted it has "just about everything in one little nook, from fishing swimming and kayaking on blue River, a beach at the park."
Affordable options: Primitive camping opportunities exist throughout the forest. A camper at Youngs Creek Horse Camp reported: "Free camping. Limited spots. Secluded camping area with horse hitch. 5 - 6 primitive spots with fire rings and tables. Very little privacy. Tents and vans only."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings increased insect activity. At North Face Loop, one camper warned: "I thought LBL, Ky was bad, the tick's here seem like the Infantry, swarming the objective from all side's. Bring your bug stuff!"
Facility access: Most primitive campgrounds have basic amenities only. At Deam Lake State Recreation Area Campground, "Being the first weekend in April, the water wasn't turned on so there were no modern restrooms/shower houses available." Always check seasonal facility status before arrival.
Reservation requirements: While some sites operate first-come first-served, others require advance booking. One camper noted: "We researched and though a fair bit of the forest was first come first serve. After stopping at many along the way we wound up at Jackpine snagging up the last site electric site available."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Hoosier National Forest Jackpine Loop Campground "features a nice beach facility with small picnic pavilions on cement walkways." One visitor noted, "The beach has a play area for children right on the beach which makes it ideal for parents."
Educational opportunities: Pioneer villages provide historical learning experiences. At Spring Mill State Park, "There is a cave tour also on offer in which you ride thru the cave system in a boat. Yes there are even lifevests for customer to wear! There is even an amazing pioneer village to explore where an original corn mill stands."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites with natural barriers. At Otter Creek Park, "There isn't too much privacy, so you really have to choose your site well. Our site was on the road leading up to the loop and those sites seem best since a few don't have campers across from them."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Many equestrian sites accommodate both tent campers and smaller RVs. A regular visitor to Spring Mill State Park Campground noted that "not all pads are level or very wide" and "being the first weekend in April, the water wasn't turned on."
Supply access: Proximity to towns varies by campground. Near Youngs Creek, "It is only five miles from Paoli, and there is a Walmart there if you need supplies." Another camper suggested "be sure to hit up the farmers co-op for supplies" when visiting Paoli.
Electric options: Most equestrian-focused campgrounds have limited or no hookups. At Deam Lake, sites had "30 amp plus 20 amp hookups" while others reported that primitive sites throughout the forest typically include just a fire ring and picnic table.
