Best Equestrian Camping near Arcola, IN

Limited horse camping opportunities exist near Arcola, Indiana. Based on current data, none of the campgrounds in the region feature dedicated horse corrals or specialized equestrian facilities. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground offers the most developed camping experience with multiple accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins, though without specific horse amenities. The park encompasses nine connected lakes with extensive trails that could potentially accommodate day rides, but visitors should contact park management regarding equestrian policies before planning a trip with horses.

The surrounding state parks and recreation areas like Ouabache State Park, Pokagon State Park, and Lost Bridge State Recreation Area similarly lack designated equestrian camping facilities. Salamonie River State Forest provides more primitive camping experiences with access to natural areas but does not list horse corrals or equestrian campsites among its features. Campers frequently mention the extensive trail systems throughout these parks, with Chain O' Lakes offering ten miles of connected waterways and multiple hiking trails that wind through wooded areas and around lakes. The campground can get busy during summer weekends and major holidays, affecting the overall experience.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Arcola, Indiana (8)

    1. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground

    54 Reviews
    Albion, IN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 636-2654

    $14 - $80 / night

    "Met up with 18 other skoolies our first Indiana meet. Met great people had a fantastic time. Great park kids swam, showers are clean. Electric at sites but water isn’t but very close by."

    "Chain is perfect for kayaking and canoeing with 9 connected lakes and 11 total. A couple lakes are perfect for boat fishing as long as you have an electric motor only."

    2. Ouabache State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bluffton, IN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 824-0926

    $20 - $33 / night

    "The paved bike trail in the park starts near the campground, and connects with a bike trail along the Wabash River that goes into nearby Bluffton, and is an easy ride. "

    "Plenty of trails to hike and a nice little lake to enjoy. Will definitely come back here"

    3. Pokagon State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Angola, IN
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 833-2012

    $16 - $480 / night

    "Sites are in a well wooded area situated on 5 different loops (1 non-electric, 4 electric)."

    "This site was fairly level but very close to other sites…wouldn’t recommend it."

    4. Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area Campgrounds — Salamonie Lake

    11 Reviews
    Andrews, IN
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 468-2125

    $14 - $29 / night

    "We camped in a tent had a fire went hiking found little waterfalls and there is another part that allows horses!!"

    "This is one of the best parks we have been to in Indiana. We Volunteer all over our the USA at State Parks and National Forest. So we know what to look for."

    5. Lost Bridge West

    4 Reviews
    Andrews, IN
    29 miles
    Website

    "If you can get a lake view site enjoy. Some spot are far away from the shower houses but you can drive to them. Nice marina with a great store and boat rentals"

    "Nice level lots, beach, playgrounds, 15 miles of hiking/walking. Gorgeous lake sunrise/sunsets. Lots of eagle sightings! Plenty of deer. Leaves are beautiful in fall"

    6. Salamonie River State Forest

    4 Reviews
    Lagro, IN
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 246-5421

    $13 - $15 / night

    "As far as Indiana parks goes, this is a hidden gem. We have camped here many times. Even the trails we frequent always seem new because each season offers a different kind of beauty."

    7. Elkhart County Fairgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Goshen, IN
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 533-3247

    "Overall Rating: 4 for access to the area, very clean facilities, and not too many campers thus time of year.
    Price 2024: $35 for water/electric only."

    "A little close to your neighbors but the way the sites are angled you had plenty of room. Very friendly people. Easy in and out."

    8. Kosciusko County Fairgrounds

    1 Review
    Warsaw, IN
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 269-1823

    $5 - $10 / night

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Arcola, IN

1 Photos of 8 Arcola Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Arcola, IN

143 Reviews of 8 Arcola Campgrounds


  • Whitley K.
    Mar. 29, 2022

    Pokagon State Park Campground

    Visit in Winter for Tobagganing

    Equestrian trails and campgrounds are popular here. Horse rides sold on site. There is a nice hotel that sometimes hosts events actually located in the park. Come tobagginging and ice fishing in the winter and then pamper yourself in the hotel, or visit in the summer and have a beach day or easy hike with the family. Great spot for Pokémon Go because of the available cell service.

  • D
    Jul. 5, 2016

    Pokagon State Park Campground

    Pokagon State Park

    Pokagon State Park has an excellent state park campground. Sites are in a well wooded area situated on 5 different loops (1 non-electric, 4 electric). Many sites are flat (good for tent camping) while others are slightly rolling hills (helps breakup the sites a bit). There is a lot to do in the park including many trails, horse riding (horse stable on site), and lake swimming on a nicely improved beach. Only cons are no full hook up and the fire rings/grills could be improved.

  • T S.
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Pokagon State Park Campground

    Extensive Campground

    This is an extremely large campground. About seventy-five percent of the sites are electric. We stayed in Site 255, which was not electric (booked last minute). This site was fairly level but very close to other sites…wouldn’t recommend it. However, Site 269 (next to Site 277) afforded great privacy and was large; among the non-electric sites this was the best I saw. I did not survey the electric sites, but I’m sure the site matters a lot. Non-electric sites are $20.00, plus a $9.00 park entrance fee.

    There are numerous walking trails, along with horse and bike trails. Additionally, there are boat rentals, horseback rides, pony rentals, swimming, nature center, and a restaurant at the inn.

    This is a family oriented park. Extended family groupings are very common. Nevertheless, people and their children are well behaved.

    I would recommend this campground for two days or more. A one day stay will mean you probably won’t see much of this wonderful park. The only reason I gave it a four was that even in mid-September it was packed.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2017

    Elkhart County Fairgrounds

    Typical Fairgrounds Camping Experience

    I have camped here a couple of times while visiting northern Indiana to have repairs done on my RV. Overall, I like this campground where for $30/night you can get a 50 amp full hook-up site or $23/night a 30 amp and water site. If you plan on staying longer weekly and monthly rates are really good. The campground sits in the middle of the county fairgrounds so there is usually something going on – either a fair, concert, horse event, or an RV rally. Depending on what time of year you are here and part of the week, the campground could be very crowded or very empty. The nice thing is the people in the office let you pick whatever site you want and don’t assign one to you. There are 275 full hook-up sites with 50 amp full hook-up and 30 amp water & electric only. There are no fires allowed and some sites don’t have picnic tables but you can request one and they will bring it to your site.

    There is very little shade and during my last visit the late September fall temperatures climbed to nearly 90 degrees and was brutal. This campground is better suited for RVs than tents but you are permitted to tent camp. Bathrooms and showers are scattered about and I was amazed at always how clean they (and the grounds as a whole) are. They do offer WiFi which worked pretty well in non-peak hours like early morning but was not reliable and sometimes frustrating. Since many sites have a clear view of the sky, you most likely will get satellite television reception and a dozen or so antenna channels.

    One of the things I like about this park is the vast expanse of grounds to wander about walking my dog. There is a trail system just outside of the park that allows you miles and miles of walking and biking trails. Downtown Goshen is less than two miles away and has some great restaurants (including Venturi Pizza, Maple Indian Cuisine – which has an awesome buffet, and Goshen Brewing Company). The Saturday farmers market is great with lots of produce, breads, meats, cheeses, and crafts.

    The last time I visited coincided with the Mennonite Relief Fund which was a big fund raiser for their charity that packed the grounds with stuff for sale, food, and activities. It was fun to be there during the event but it meant the campground and grounds were packed.

    Now for the bad about this campground. It is located right next to very busy train tracks that operate 24/7 and blow their horns quite often. They were really annoying in the middle of the night. Sites are close together so if it is crowded and you have a neighbor, you will be right on top of them. There is no shade which can be very miserable.

    Pros:

    · Price - $30/night for a 50 amp full hook-up site

    · Nearby downtown stores and restaurants

    · Sites are not assigned so you can pick where you want to camp

    · Grassy patios

    · Large grounds to meander around

    · Nearby biking/walking trail

    Cons:

    · Very noisy from nearby trains operated at all hours

    · Few trees for shade or privacy

    · Some sites are very tight and close to your neighbor

    · Can be very crowded

    · WiFi provided but not reliable

  • N
    Aug. 2, 2019

    Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground

    Great time with skoolies

    Met up with 18 other skoolies our first Indiana meet. Met great people had a fantastic time. Great park kids swam, showers are clean. Electric at sites but water isn’t but very close by.

  • R
    Jul. 19, 2023

    Ouabache State Park Campground

    Camp sites are tiny

    Camp sites are tiny. We had site 88 and it was supposed to be full shade. It was full sun and they have it set up so the camp side of the trailer faces the road. The fire pit is also three feet from the road. Who wants to have a fire next to the road?

  • Eric L.
    Sep. 5, 2021

    Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground

    Labor Day at Chain

    We stayed at site #99 which is fairly easy to find and somewhat secluded from the main camper section of the campground. The site and neighboring sites are non-electric which makes you have to be creative if you need an air mattress. The site is partial sun midafternoon. The campground can get busy and loud but for the most part everyone was was respectful of others.

    Chain is perfect for kayaking and canoeing with 9 connected lakes and 11 total. A couple lakes are perfect for boat fishing as long as you have an electric motor only. Overall, in my opinion, this is one of the more underrated state parks in Indiana. Worth the trip up north away from the more popular parks in the southern part of the state.

  • Cynthia K.
    Jul. 21, 2023

    Pokagon State Park Campground

    Old campground

       This state park was established in 1925, so almost 100 years old. The campground must be the original layout. There's a maze like quality to it. The roads are narrow & you may be driving off the road for a big rig. 

       Some sites are level, some aren't. Some can accommodate larger rigs, most can't. Check the site descriptions carefully & to be doubly sure, call the office & ask.

       There's water stations that look very old. They have wooden, shingled roofs. There's 2 dump stations located in loops 3 & 4. IN THE CAMPGROUND! NEXT TO CAMPSITES!!!!

     There's 5 loops to the main campground.

     100 loop is small & closer to the lake than the other loops. It's the loop we chose this time.

        The sites are on the small side. There's 3 campsites that are close to the lake. 115, which is a larger site. 117 & 119 which have clear views of the lake. 117 is more a tent or popup site & is small. 119 is the best of the bunch. A large pad & a large site. There's no privacy bushes. These sites have a view of the lake with trees & brush & are on a ridge overlooking the lake. They aren't ON the lake. 

    On either side of 117 & 119 are 2 trails that lead to the lake. There's benches & a dock to tie up your boat. 

       The rest of the sites are a mixed bag. Some are level, some have an incline. If you have a big rig, be aware that the road to the 100 campsites branches into one way. Leading into the campsites, the road is narrow & has a ravine on one side!

        200 Loop is non electric

        300 Loop is the biggest loop & seems like the best bet for larger rigs. As stated above, some sites are better than others. There's a uniformity here that's missing from the other loops.

      Stay away from sites 393& 395!!! These sites are literally right on top of the dump station! As always watch for pit toilets near the sites. 

       400 loop is a smaller loop next to the 200 loop. There's only one shower house for both loops. Avoid site 444 & probably site 454. These sites are VERY close to the dump station. 

      500 loop is also smaller& has some nice sites tucked by themselves in the trees. There seems to be more privacy brush on this loop with SOME sites.

       512 is close to the shower house. 511 & 513 were somewhat secluded.

        If you have a boat you want to tie up at the dock, go for the 100 loop. If you can't get it, be aware there's no parking near the trails to the lake. You can park by the bathhouse & walk. 

       The shower & restrooms are atrocious!!! Worst looking buildings since Spring Mill SP! Dirty & need an entire overhaul. In fact, raze the buildings & build new ones! They're "cleaned" once a day. Suuuuuure they are. There was actual poop on the door of one of the women's toilet stalls the whole time I was there. Mold & spiders& dirt in the corners. Looks like the last upgrade was in the 50s.


Guide to Arcola

Camping opportunities near Arcola, Indiana include several state parks within a 45-mile radius. The area features a mix of deciduous forests and lake environments, with campground elevations generally between 800-1000 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds.

What to do

Boating and paddling opportunities: Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground features ten connected lakes perfect for kayaking and canoeing. "There is so much to do. Between the hiking trails, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and biking. You won't ever get bored," notes Amanda J. Rental canoes are available at the park, though availability can be limited during peak season.

Bison viewing: Ouabache State Park Campground maintains a bison enclosure that visitors can observe. "The bison exhibit and ranger programs are great too," reports emily P. The park also features a 200-foot fire tower visitors can climb for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Trail exploration: Multiple hiking options exist throughout the region, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. "This is one of my first trails I went on that started my love for hiking. It's so short and simple but we loved it. There was so much to see," writes Caitlin W. about the 3 Falls Trail at Salamonie Lake. Most trails range from 1-5 miles in length and are well-marked.

What campers like

Lake views and water access: Campers appreciate waterfront sites, particularly at Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area. "If you can get a lake view site enjoy. Some spot are far away from the shower houses but you can drive to them. Nice marina with a great store and boat rentals," suggests Darrell B. Lake view sites typically book 3-6 months in advance.

Privacy between sites: Salamonie River State Forest offers more secluded camping experiences. "Cheap, 13$ self pay. No electric or showers but do have bathroom. Very secluded luv it here," reports amber P. The campground features primitive sites that provide more space and privacy than most developed campgrounds in the region.

Year-round camping options: Some area campgrounds remain open through winter. "Love this place for winter camping. The campground comfort stations are heated all winter long," notes Lisa N. about Ouabache State Park. Winter camping provides solitude and different recreational opportunities compared to peak season.

What you should know

Limited water and hookup access: Many campgrounds in the area have restrictions on services. "Only draw back is no water and sewer hook up at the campsite," mentions Steve C. about Ouabache State Park. Campers should arrive with filled water tanks or containers, especially at primitive sites.

Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Facility quality differs between campgrounds and even within the same park. "The RV sites have better bathrooms I believe," notes Truly W. about Chain O' Lakes State Park, adding that "the pit toilets did not have doors" in the tent camping area during their stay.

Seasonal weather impacts: Salamonie River State Forest and other local campgrounds experience seasonal flooding that can affect site availability. "Each season offers a different kind of beauty," observes Whitley K. Spring camping especially may encounter muddy conditions after rain.

Tips for camping with families

Multiple playground options: Family-friendly amenities make some parks more suitable for children. "There are 3 playgrounds. Visit Pirate's Cove Marina for supplies, wood, and boat rentals," recommends J C. about Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area. Playgrounds are typically located near comfort stations.

Beach access for swimming: Several parks offer swimming opportunities during summer months. "Kayaking and the beach was a huge hit with the kids," shares Jeremy C. about Chain O' Lakes State Park. Most beaches have designated swimming areas but no lifeguards on duty.

Nature programming: Pokagon State Park Campground offers educational opportunities through its nature center. "We spoke with the naturalist and volunteered our time she was absolutely fantastic," shares Julie B. Programs typically run weekends during summer and select weekends in spring and fall.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven sites that require preparation. "Sites are shorter and sometimes uneven," notes J C. about Pokagon State Park. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended, particularly for larger RVs.

Campsite selection strategy: Experienced campers recommend researching specific sites before booking. "Some sites are very close together, while some offer a little more room. Sites 221- 243, 202-204 offer lake views," advises Cynthia K. about Lost Bridge State Recreation Area. Most campgrounds post site maps online that show relative size and location.

Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have water quality issues that RVers should prepare for. "The potable water is brown and smelly. Be sure to bring your water filter!" warns emily P. about Ouabache State Park. Filling tanks before arrival or bringing bottled water for drinking is advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Arcola, IN is Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 54 reviews.

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

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