Best Equestrian Camping near Carmel, IN

Johnson County Park encompasses 622 acres near Carmel, Indiana with equestrian facilities at the Hoosier Horse Park. The park features three riding arenas, 384 horse stalls, and a dedicated 70-site campground for equestrian visitors. The main campground area contains 58 sites with 30/50 amp electric and water hookups, level gravel pads, and a dump station. Equestrians can access approximately 5 miles of trails through the park grounds. The equestrian-specific camping area accommodates riders with direct access to stabling and riding areas. The facility attracts numerous horse events throughout the season, making advance reservations advisable during competitions.

Located within driving distance of Carmel, Westwood Park provides horse trail access with multiple riding paths through wooded terrain. The campground is first-come, first-served with no reservation system, making midweek arrival recommended for weekend stays. The park maintains well-manicured grounds with clean facilities and offers both horse trails and a 10-mile hiking/biking path around the lake. Trailer parking is available for day riders, though space may be limited during busy periods. Most equestrian campsites feature level gravel pads suitable for vehicles with horse trailers. The surrounding trails are well-maintained with varied terrain appropriate for different riding experience levels. No gas-powered boats are permitted on the lake, ensuring a quiet environment for horses and riders.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Carmel, Indiana (4)

    1. Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort

    2 Reviews
    Pendleton, IN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 778-2697

    "This was really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children’s museum. The lake is fabulous, but there didn’t seem to be too many fish available for catching!!"

    2. Summit Lake State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Mooreland, IN
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 766-5873

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Very large camping spots with huge lawns away from lake; This spot was #53. lakeside camping a little more packed in but more shade. Reserve early!"

    "Many of the campsites are right near the water with lake view. Fishing is fun too with a dock within short walking distance of most campsites."

    3. Westwood Park

    5 Reviews
    New Castle, IN
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 987-1232

    "It’s a small campground with around 33-38 camp sites and it’s first come first serve. No reservations. The lake is nice. Lots of small bass. If you have a boat, trolling motors only."

    "The lake doesn't allow gas motors so its one of the clearest lakes in central Indiana"

    4. Johnson County Park

    8 Reviews
    Nineveh, IN
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 526-6809

    "The park is 622 acres that include two campgrounds, approximately 5 miles of hiking trails, equestrian school, 18 hole disc golf course, shelter houses, amphitheater, lakes, fishing and more."

    "We have camped here twice, we needed to be as close to Trafalgar Indiana as possible, not many camping options in the local area."

Show More
Showing results 1-4 of 4 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Carmel, IN

39 Reviews of 4 Carmel Campgrounds


  • Stephen & Theresa B.
    Jun. 30, 2020

    Johnson County Park

    Johnson County Park is an interesting conglomeration of activity.

    Johnson County Park is an interesting conglomeration of activity. The park is 622 acres that include two campgrounds, approximately 5 miles of hiking trails, equestrian school, 18 hole disc golf course, shelter houses, amphitheater, lakes, fishing and more. The park is home to the Hoosier Horse Park with three arenas, 384 stalls and its own 70 site campground plus it is also home to the Antique Machinery Club, Columbus Model Railroad Club, Radio Controlled Flyer Club and Indiana Live Steamers. The RV campground consists of 58 sites with 30amp/50amp electric and water hook ups, level gravel pads(4 sites are paved) and a dump station. Other amenities include a restroom and shower facility, playground for children and community campfire ring. The campground is an easy detour off I-65, Exit#76, for the RVer looking for an overnight or two. Plenty of shopping and restaurants in the area; grocery, outlet mall, name brand dining. The campground is large rig friendly; family oriented and has a camp host on site for any assistance. Just to make you aware…the park is located in close proximity to an active reserve military base that from time to time has exercises with air traffic and the sounds of shells and artillery fire. The fee for camping is$25 per night with a limit of 14 nights. For reservations call 812-526-6809 or register at the park office. 39°22'48.7"N 86°02'33.4"W

  • Stephen  H.
    Jun. 18, 2022

    Westwood Park

    Beautiful park

    Westwood is a beautiful well manicured park. The restrooms are very clean. The campsites are, I would say, normal size maybe a little cramped. Enough to park two cars in each site. It’s a small campground with around 33-38 camp sites and it’s first come first serve. No reservations. The lake is nice. Lots of small bass. If you have a boat, trolling motors only. Bank fishing is limited from what I walked but plenty of places you can fish. There is a 10 mile hiking / biking trail all the way around the lake. There are horse riding trails too. I will visit again.

  • J
    Oct. 28, 2019

    Johnson County Park

    Nice campground

    Nice but bare bones former military campground.

    We have camped here twice, we needed to be as close to Trafalgar Indiana as possible, not many camping options in the local area.

  • J
    Jun. 29, 2020

    Summit Lake State Park Campground

    Great Atmosphere, nice terrain!

    Very large camping spots with huge lawns away from lake; This spot was #53. lakeside camping a little more packed in but more shade. Reserve early! Cute beach was easy to get to, allowed dogs (not on sand). Park program happened while we were there - very educational. Highly professionally run, tight security and ample parking. No sparklers. Water lines close to campsites. Wal-Mart close, large Cabelas 45 mins away. Would stay again!

  • M
    Feb. 27, 2019

    Westwood Park

    Favorite place for quick outing

    Small campground with nice campsites.Clean shower house.

    The lake doesn't allow gas motors so its one of the clearest lakes in central Indiana

  • K
    Jun. 24, 2020

    Westwood Park

    Clean and maintained

    This campground sits on a really good fishing lake. The lake is not swimable, beware of snakes, and does not allow gas motors.  There are a few nice trails, some horse trails, and nice picnic areas. The entire day ark and campground are clean and well maintained. The bathhouse at the campground is pretty nice, and there is a small playground area for the kids. Sites are a little small, but do provide shade. One drawback is the no reservation policy. While that can be a good thing at times, if you want to weekend camp, you better plan on setting up your site on Wednesday or Thursday. Always call ahead before heading that way to see if they have sites available.

  • Nomon K.
    Jun. 19, 2020

    Johnson County Park

    Largest County Park I've ever stayed at.

    Great Attitude an Service by the staff.  I was warmly welcomed and escorted to my site.  The only amenity not available is Sewage Hookup but they offer a dump instead.  Very open wide spaced sites. Shade is hard to come by.

    The Park came about because the Property was Part of huge Military Camp developed for WWII.  There were 10 Army Divisions that trained here over the years. The Camp was downsized and Johnson County was given Control over many and I do mean Many Acres.  Activities include 18 Hole Golf Course, Horse Show Barn and Arena, Seniors Center, Hiking Trails, Gun Ranges & on and on. 

    I'm here two weeks. I will return

  • Renee R.
    May. 20, 2019

    Summit Lake State Park Campground

    Great lakeside camping

    We really enjoy this park. Many of the campsites are right near the water with lake view. Fishing is fun too with a dock within short walking distance of most campsites.

  • Michelle M.
    Apr. 16, 2021

    Summit Lake State Park Campground

    A nice way to get out of the city.

    Summit Lake is a very nice place to get away for a weekend from Indy but not so much a destination spot. Friendly staff and well maintained. Wooded spots that are water adjacent are beautiful. Since it’s a no wake lake, the noisiest thing is usually the geese

    You can rent a small boat by the day and keep it at your camp site.

    It’s a great place to watch the water or take walks. Not a lot to do otherwise. The beach is not worth the trouble.


Guide to Carmel

Equestrian facilities near Carmel, Indiana provide access to trails through wooded terrain with varying difficulty levels. The region offers multiple options for horseback riders seeking overnight accommodations within reasonable driving distance of the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds operate seasonally from mid-spring through mid-fall with limited availability during peak competition periods.

What to do

Trail riding options: Summit Lake State Park Campground offers several hiking trails around the water that provide scenic opportunities. "Trails around the lake were nice with many opportunities for scenic photographs," notes Marshall P., who adds that while local attractions are limited, visitors can reach the Wilbur Wright Birthplace within a 20-minute drive.

Fishing excursions: Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort provides lakefront access near Carmel. "The lake is fabulous, but there didn't seem to be too many fish available for catching," reports Debbie S., who found it convenient for families visiting Indianapolis attractions like the children's museum.

Kayaking on quiet waters: Westwood Park prohibits gas-powered motors, creating ideal conditions for paddling. "The lake is nice. Lots of small bass. If you have a boat, trolling motors only," writes Stephen H., who also mentions the 10-mile hiking/biking trail that circumnavigates the entire lake.

What campers like

Quiet environment: The no-motor policy at Westwood Park creates a peaceful atmosphere. Greg C. describes it as an "easy access but somewhat hidden, nice lake for kayaking" location with a first-come, first-served policy for campsites.

Well-maintained facilities: Johnson County Park receives praise for its upkeep. "Very quiet and peaceful! Clean bathrooms/showers! Park is nice and clean too!" reports Janet F., while another camper notes the "great attitude and service by the staff" who personally escort visitors to their sites.

Multiple activity options: The range of recreational possibilities extends beyond equestrian facilities. Stephen & Theresa B. explain that Johnson County Park spans 622 acres containing "approximately 5 miles of hiking trails, equestrian school, 18 hole disc golf course, shelter houses, amphitheater, lakes, fishing and more."

What you should know

Reservation policies vary: While some parks take advance bookings, others operate differently. At Westwood Park, Kelly H. cautions that "if you want to weekend camp, you better plan on setting up your site on Wednesday or Thursday. Always call ahead before heading that way to see if they have sites available."

Site characteristics: Summit Lake has diverse camping environments. Stephanie B. explains: "When I arrived I was a little worried because the first loop was flat, grassy and open with very few trees in the camp spots good for hammocks. The second loop had what I was looking for."

Military proximity: Some campgrounds have unusual neighbors. One visitor to Johnson County Park notes that "the park is located in close proximity to an active reserve military base that from time to time has exercises with air traffic and the sounds of shells and artillery fire."

Tips for camping with families

Lake activities: Summit Lake State Park offers various water-based recreation. Davina B. describes it as "small but diverse. You can camp in the woods with a lake view or out in the open with your camper, tent or rent a cottage. It has clean restrooms, a beach, hiking trails and tends to be quiet."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Carmel, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Carmel, IN is Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Carmel, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Carmel, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.