Best Equestrian Camping near Dugger, IN

Blackwell Campground in Hoosier National Forest accommodates equestrians with an expansive open field layout that provides ample room for horse trailers. The free camping area features vault toilets and drinking water access, with most visitors noting the campground remains uncrowded even during peak seasons. While officially designated as a horse camp, the area welcomes all campers, though equestrians receive priority consideration. The campground offers drive-in and walk-in access for both tent and RV camping. The vault toilets remain exceptionally clean and well-maintained, and the open field configuration makes leveling RVs straightforward. Despite the horse camp designation, visitors rarely encounter horse trailer congestion at the facility.

The campground connects directly to several horseback riding trails within Hoosier National Forest, providing riders with immediate access to the trail system. Most camping spots lack shade coverage, making the location better suited for spring and fall equestrian visits rather than summer trips. Horse owners should bring portable corrals or highlines as permanent horse facilities are not available on-site. The campground's proximity to the Charles C. Deam Wilderness provides additional riding opportunities on well-maintained trails. While primarily serving as an equestrian base camp, the location's flat terrain and spacious layout accommodate large horse trailers with living quarters. Water for horses must be brought in, as the drinking water facilities are limited to human consumption. Dumpsters are available for waste disposal, though no manure bins are specifically designated.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Dugger, Indiana (8)

    1. Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    22 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    47 miles
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "We arrived near dusk on a Friday. The entrance is clearly marked and road is gravel but well maintained. The site is open space with soft, well maintained grass and no muddy areas."

    "Close to town but also right off some amazing trails! Sometimes the horse trailers get loud with generators but it is a horse camp ground!"

    2. Red Hills Lake State Park — Red Hills State Park

    9 Reviews
    Sumner, IL
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 936-2469

    "Water is near by to fill up. It is quite place. Beautiful views. Lake is near by to fish. If you have kids they have play ground to play on. Host are very nice and welcoming."

    "Lots of trails it seems. Lake is nice sized but not too big. Wish the restaurant was open, but told it may be next Spring."

    3. Oblong Park and Lake

    4 Reviews
    Newton, IL
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 592-3431

    "Very humble rural park with a quiet atmosphere and Great Lake for fishing. The people of oblong are also the friendliest around!"

    "There's lots of playgrounds for kids and a big lake to fish or stroll around as well. Big thumbs up👍"

    4. Yellowwood State Forest

    15 Reviews
    Unionville, IN
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-7945

    $225 / night

    "Drive up, select your site, and then go to the park office to pay using a self-pay envelope. Bring exact change(cash). Current prices are listed on the Indiana DNR website."

    "Peaceful little place but unfortunately it rained but we made the best of it, there’s some secluded spots where you can stay away from others or stay in the more general areas, nice lake to fish and we"

    5. Charles C. Deam Wilderness

    9 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    47 miles

    "A staple of our state here in Indiana. Unfortunately due to some storm damage, trails were rerouted or straight up inaccessible.

    Great places to find and set up camp."

    "I had the awesome experience to hammock camp on the Patton cave trail, along the creek that winds the length of that trail. It was a strenuous hike to pack in/out of, but was beautiful scenery."

    6. Ransburg Scout Reservation

    4 Reviews
    Harrodsburg, IN
    45 miles
    Website

    "Located on Monroe lake, they have canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing.
    Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails. Their mess hall is top notch."

    "Our Boy Scout troop enjoyed visiting this location. It was well maintained and the staff was helpful."

    7. Mill Creek Park

    1 Review
    Marshall, IL
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 889-3901

    "Incredible people who will gladly be your new best friend, super clean, Great Lake to be on, tons of trails to hike."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Dugger, IN

3 Photos of 8 Dugger Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Dugger, IN

65 Reviews of 8 Dugger Campgrounds


  • Stephen & Theresa B.
    May. 3, 2021

    Yellowwood State Forest

    This is a real Hidden Gem

    Yellowwood State Forest, named for the environmentally unique Yellowwood tree, is 23, 326 acres located 7 miles West of the artist community of Nashville, Indiana. Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Indiana famous for it's fall leaf color displays and gorgeous vistas. Yellowwood offers 79 primitive class c sites in four campground areas adjacent to the 133 acre Yellowwood Lake; Red Pine, White-Oak Hickory, Redbud and Black Gum;$13 per night. There are several potable water stations and pit toilets throughout the campgrounds and one dump station located in Red Bud. The Red Bud area also has a small camp store(not open during our visit, so not sure of their offerings). We did note some ADA accessible sites. Horse camping is also available in 12 class c sites in the Horseman Camp with miles of horse trails. Several picnic areas and shelters in the area; one beautiful location overlooking the lake with stunning brown county stone fireplaces. This park is perfect for tent camping or smaller units; we would not recommend for larger units as most sites are small and unlevel and may challenge your maneuvering skills! The park has 5 hiking trails ranging from easy to rugged and access to the Tecumesh Trail(43 miles) originally proposed to span from Florida to Canada. The park office facility offers boat(lake is known for good fishing) and kayak rental, ice and firewood. If you need facilities to accommodate your larger rig or feel a need for more amenities; Brown County State Park is just a few miles to the East...but don't pass up planning at least a day trip to enjoy this incredibly beautiful State Forest property. 772 Yellowwood Lake Rd, Nashville, IN 47448 GPS- 39.183995,-86.337878

  • Cynthia K.
    Jun. 27, 2024

    Yellowwood State Forest

    Just did a drive thru

     This is a State Forest campground near Nashville, Indiana. Primitive camping. Pit toilets only. This is by Yellowwood Lake, so boating & fishing opportunities. 

    All these sites are first come, first serve. No reservations. 

    There's a Forest Office with area information & a small display. 

    There's several trails of varying length. 

    Believe it or not- gold panning is a thing here! You need a permit.

    They rent boats at the Forest Office. Electric motor only.

     There's several camping loops. There's a horse camp also. 

    The boat ramp is near the horse camp loop.

     We didn't go down the Red Pine Loop, but did check out White Oak/Redbud& Black Gum.

     Hickory loop is right off the road & the sites are visible from the road. They looked nicely spaced.

    White oak loop had several nice sites. Redbud is close to a building they call a camp store. It may have been many years ago, but not open now.

     Several picnic spots by the lake. The best site in Redbud would be 39. Large site with some shade. I would also say 38, but site 37 is directly behind it. This is the camp host spot, so occupied. These sites are near the pit toilets.

    The best spot in Black Gum would be site 75. Large site at the end of the loop & right by the lake.

     If you go back to Hwy 46 where the road split on your way in, follow the sign to the dam. Just a large earthen dam, but there's trail heads here. There's the Scarce O' Fat Trail which has been mentioned on the Facebook Indiana Hiking page.

    $13 per night regular camping.$16 per night for horseman's.

  • Noah Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Charles C. Deam Wilderness

    Great for casual/experienced camping and hiking

    A staple of our state here in Indiana. Unfortunately due to some storm damage, trails were rerouted or straight up inaccessible.

    Great places to find and set up camp. We even discovered a few extra hidden sites just by being forced off trails due to the damage.

    Every dispersed camper should add the hikes to the lake to their checklist.

  • Gary J.
    May. 23, 2022

    Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    Perfect

    We arrived near dusk on a Friday. The entrance is clearly marked and road is gravel but well maintained. The site is open space with soft, well maintained grass and no muddy areas. There are no marked sites but there is plenty of room for all types of campers. And there all types of campers there. Of 20 or so campers I saw horse trailers, couple of large RVs, teardrops, tent camping and vehicle camping. There are plenty of fire circles. The vault toilets are super clean and you don’t have to waste time flushing. Bonus - Cell phone reception was good! This is a horse camp where you’re welcome to stay without horses… so for etiquette’s sake please leave the spots with corrals and hitch rails for the horse campers! All in all this was a perfect location, extremely well maintained, not crowded with all types of campers peacefully coexisting.

  • Emily H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2018

    Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    A field with pit toilets. Free but often loud generators from horse trailer

    No set camp spots but great to set up and have no light pollution! Close to town but also right off some amazing trails! Sometimes the horse trailers get loud with generators but it is a horse camp ground!

  • Daisy C.
    Jun. 5, 2020

    Yellowwood State Forest

    Quiet, Peaceful, and Primitive

    Yellowwood state forest campground does not accept reservations. It is first come, first served. Drive up, select your site, and then go to the park office to pay using a self-pay envelope. Bring exact change(cash). Current prices are listed on the Indiana DNR website. The park office does have firewood for sale, but only during open hours, which are limited. There is no camp store, no playgrounds, and no pool. Swimming is not allowed in Yellowwood lake. Each site has a fire ring with grill grate and picnic table. There are four campground loops and a horseman’s campground. Campgrounds have vault toilets and drinking water access. I do not know if water is turned on year-round. There are no modern restrooms. Sites are wooded and fairly level. All sites are primitive. We have only tent camped at Yellowwood, so I can’t say what size travel trailers would fit in the sites. Yellowwood road changes over to gravel once you enter the state forest. It is well maintained. You can also access the forest by Jackson Creek road, but you’re on gravel for longer, and I seem to remember it being a bit rougher. We have camped at Yellowwood several times between 2011-2018. The only time we have ever seen the campground busy is over big holiday weekends like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and 4th of July. Otherwise use is light. We have several times been one of two or three campers in the loop. Several trails are nearby in the state forest, including the Tecumseh Trail. Horse trails are also available. Yellowwood lake is adjacent to the campground and there is a boat ramp, but there are limitations on boating(motor size). Check with the DNR website. Camp here if you like quiet, peaceful camping. You won’t run into a bunch of loud partiers.

  • William S.
    Sep. 20, 2021

    Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    Nice, open site in off-season

    Ended up staying on the horse site post-labor day when there were only other tent campers. Site is a wide open and well-groomed, with trails just a short walk (or ride) away.

    Toilets and covered picnic tables nearby.

  • Nikayla C.
    Nov. 6, 2021

    Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    Good place!!

    The area is nice and is taken care off. The camp is free and has a 14 day limit. the campground is loop with male and female outhouses and they are kept up nicely. there is also a dumpster at near the entrance of the camp. this is also a horse camp so there are some horse feces around so you have to watch for that. you do not have to have a reservation, i believe it’s just first come first serve. some areas have fire pits, some don’t; you can make one though from rocks. the nearest city is Bloomington which is about 15 miles from camp.

  • Ry M.
    Oct. 21, 2020

    Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    Keep driving past the horse camp...

    If you come from the East you will pass horsecamp that only has paid for sites. Continue down the road you will see a sign for a second horse camp skip that as well! If you go to the end and take a right there will be spots at the beggining of the trail heads secluded with fire rings. They are drive in. Much more private as well as no smell of horse poop. lol


Guide to Dugger

Horse camping in Indiana offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds that cater to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

Activities for horse campers

Tips for equestrian camping near Dugger, Indiana

  • When visiting Mill Creek Park, be sure to explore the extensive trails that cater to both horses and hikers, providing a diverse experience for all.
  • Red Hills Lake State Park — Red Hills State Park is a well-reviewed option with amenities like electric hookups and picnic tables, making it convenient for horse campers.
  • Always check for local regulations regarding horses at Charles C. Deam Wilderness to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your horse.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dugger, IN is Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Dugger, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.