Equestrian camping options near Clarksville, Indiana extend beyond Deam Lake State Recreation Area, with several alternatives for riders seeking varied terrain and facilities. The area sits in southern Indiana's knobby terrain, with elevations between 400-900 feet and a moderate climate that supports year-round horse camping. Most horse campsites in the region require advance booking during peak summer months when temperatures average 85°F and humidity can reach 80%.
What to do
Trail riding at O'Bannon Woods State Park: Located about 40 miles west of Clarksville, this park offers diverse horseback riding terrain with varied difficulty levels. "Several trails in walking, horse or bike riding distance. Some direct access from the campground. You can set up here and have plenty to do without ever leaving the park," notes Shelly S.
Boat tours and swimming: Clifty Falls State Park Campground provides water activities alongside horse camping opportunities. "Great campground with a nice layout. Hardly any cellular or wifi service so that could be good or bad. Bathrooms and camp stores are well stocked/maintained and convenient," reports Kyle, who visited in 2022.
Explore pioneer villages: Spring Mill State Park features historical attractions alongside its equestrian facilities. "There is even an amazing pioneer village to explore where an original corn mill stands and you can buy freshly ground corn mill!" shares Rachel W., highlighting educational opportunities beyond riding.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground offers quieter alternatives to busier horse camps. "Once you get to the top of the hill you are far removed from the noise, hustle and bustle of city/suburb living. The camp sites are all wooded and primative, preserving the peaceful serenity," writes Mike G.
Affordable horse camping options: Youngs Creek Horse Camp provides budget-friendly accommodations for equestrians. "The sites are large, and there are fire rings available. There are vault toilets and a fresh water pump not far from them. The only time this camp is full is when a trail ride is going on," explains Susan A.
Clean facilities: Many riders appreciate the maintained facilities at Hoosier National Forest North Face Loop Campground. "This camp ground is delightful. All of the sites are spaced far enough away that you'll have your privacy. The sites are clean and spacious as well as very flat for tents," notes Chelsi S. after staying there.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds near Clarksville require advance bookings, especially during weekends and summer months. Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground accommodates both riders and non-riders. "The camping area was recently mowed. Plenty of parking for guests and tents. We were on the group campsite #7. Playground was close and perfect for everyone to go run and play," mentions Heather K.
Seasonal considerations: Many horse trails become muddy after rain, particularly in spring. Accessibility varies throughout the year.
Ticks and insects: Equestrian campers should prepare for ticks, especially when trail riding. "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!" warns Shelly S. from North Face Loop Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options for non-tent campers: Some equestrian campgrounds offer cabin rentals for families with younger children. "We stayed last night in the Cardinal Cabin. Tons of privacy and the best bathrooms I have ever seen. Not a single bug and they even had antibacterial hand soap at every sink," shares Angela F. about her experience at Deam Lake.
Swimming opportunities: Look for horse camps with swimming access for children. "This campground is very family-friendly and fun. There are horse trails, a beach, and great water for swimming/kayaking/canoeing. It is pet friendly as well," Lauren M. explains.
Evening activities: Many equestrian campgrounds host seasonal events. "We go every fall with our entire family to enjoy the Halloween activities. The campers all go all out and let the kids trick or treat. There is even a group who does a haunted house," reports Amber S. from Otter Creek Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large horse trailers: Choose campsites with adequate turning radius for truck and trailer combinations. "Very small campground and narrow roads. Many sites were not level and some sites were very short so make sure you review the site description," advises M&P M. from My Old Kentucky Home State Park.
Hookup availability: Not all equestrian campgrounds offer full hookups. Check in advance for water and electric connections if needed. "50,30,20 amp service in one box. There was no water at the site though. Throughout the campground are potable water spigots that you can hook up to and add water to your tank," Derek J. notes about O'Bannon Woods.
Leveling challenges: Many horse camps have uneven sites requiring extensive leveling equipment. "Site 22 was so sloped our red levelers barely made it work. Sore needed gravel, it was mostly sticky dirt that got tracked into our travel trailer immediately after sweeping," Beverly J. shares about Clifty Falls.
