Best Equestrian Camping near Fremont, IN

Pokagon State Park Campground offers equestrian trails and facilities for horse enthusiasts near Fremont, Indiana. The park maintains dedicated horse stables on site where visitors can arrange guided trail rides. Extensive trail systems accommodate riders of all experience levels, with separate paths designated for horses, hikers, and mountain bikes. The campground features five loops with varying site sizes and amenities, including both electric and non-electric options. Most campsites include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to modern restrooms and shower facilities. The campground layout provides wooded privacy between many sites, though some loops offer more seclusion than others. Sites in the 300 loop generally accommodate larger rigs and horse trailers better than other areas.

Fort Custer Recreation Area and Chain O' Lakes State Park also provide horse-friendly camping options within driving distance. Fort Custer features designated equestrian trails that circle the outer perimeter of the recreation area, separate from hiking and mountain biking paths. The park's large, private campsites accommodate horse trailers with ample parking space. Chain O' Lakes offers a more intimate horse camping experience with access to nine connected lakes ideal for scenic trail rides. Both parks maintain well-marked trail systems with occasional maps posted at junctions to help riders navigate. Water access points throughout the parks allow horses to drink and cool off during summer months. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season when equestrian sites fill quickly.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Fremont, Indiana (4)

    1. Pokagon State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Angola, IN
    5 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."

    2. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground

    54 Reviews
    Albion, IN
    36 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."

    3. Fort Custer Recreation Area

    44 Reviews
    Augusta, MI
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 731-4200

    "The trails are great for hikers, bikers, & equestrians. We’ve had family camp outs there, as well my husband & I alone. It’s all dog friendly too! 🐕🐶"

    "Several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. One lake with swimming beach. Lots of trails for hiking,  horses and mountain bikes."

    4. Elkhart County Fairgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Goshen, IN
    46 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."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Fremont, IN

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Fremont, IN

155 Reviews of 4 Fremont 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.

  • Diana M.
    Jun. 13, 2018

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Perfect for families

    The trails are great for hikers, bikers, & equestrians. We’ve had family camp outs there, as well my husband & I alone. It’s all dog friendly too! 🐕🐶

  • 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

  • Janet N.
    May. 20, 2019

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Something for everyone

    MMichigan State park with large sites and lots of privacy.  $25per night with electric.  Several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. One lake with swimming beach. Lots of trails for hiking,  horses and mountain bikes. Roads quiet and could easily ride your road bike to nearby bike paths. I loved the lack of lights in the park at night making for a beautiful night sky.

  • 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.

  • 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 Fremont

Pokagon State Park Campground provides a base for equestrian activities near Fremont, Indiana, with elevation ranges between 950-1,050 feet throughout the region. The area experiences four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold winters that can bring significant snowfall. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing from December through February, affecting trail conditions and campground accessibility.

What to do

Trail riding opportunities: Pokagon State Park Campground offers multiple trail options for riders of varying experience levels. "There are trail, beaches, boats, horses... so many things to do," notes camper Becky N., highlighting the diversity of activities available.

Lake activities: Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground features nine connected lakes ideal for fishing and boating alongside trail riding. "Between the hiking trails, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and biking. You won't ever get bored," shares Amanda J., who has visited the park many times.

Mountain biking: Beyond horseback riding, visitors can explore dedicated mountain bike paths at Fort Custer Recreation Area. "There are quite a few mountain bike trails on the other side of the recreation area," reports Art S., noting that these trails remain separate from equestrian paths.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the secluded nature of many equestrian camping areas near Fremont. "We just stayed at 51 and it is extremely secluded! We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet!" writes Hannah about Fort Custer Recreation Area.

Staff presence: The park management receives positive attention from visitors. "At Pokagon the staff was right there doing their thing, registering, guiding, informing, mowing and maintaining," mentions Shelly S., noting how this differs from other parks where staff visibility is minimal.

Family-friendly amenities: "Tons of picnic areas and pavilions; would be a great spot for a family reunion," says Amy K. about Pokagon State Park, pointing to the abundant gathering spaces available for larger groups.

What you should know

Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal changes affecting trail conditions. "Visited April 4, more people than I thought, but found a spot to be by myself," notes Rachel N., suggesting spring can be unexpectedly busy for equestrian activities.

Bathroom facilities: Comfort station quality varies between parks and camping areas. "The RV sites have better bathrooms I believe," reports Truly W. about Chain O' Lakes, indicating that primitive tent areas may have more basic facilities.

Reservation importance: During peak seasons, securing sites early becomes essential. "We found a campsite that was large with vegetation separating us from neighbors. I didn't expect to find something this interesting as an alternate to original plans but it worked out nicely," shares Art S., highlighting how alternative sites can sometimes provide unexpected benefits.

Tips for camping with families

Multiple activity options: Families appreciate parks offering diverse recreation beyond horseback riding. "The kayaking and the beach was a huge hit with the kids," reports Jeremy C. about Chain O' Lakes, suggesting water activities complement equestrian experiences well.

Nature programs: Engage with park-led educational opportunities. "We spoke with the naturalist and volunteered our time she was absolutely fantastic," mentions Julie B., indicating organized nature activities enhance family camping experiences.

Site selection for shade: Consider sun exposure when selecting campsites with children. "We soon found out that there was enough clearing in the treetops to give our camp full sun for most of the day. If you camp here, I suggest one of the other sites that would give you a break from the sunny heat," advises Art S. about Fort Custer.

Tips from RVers

Hookup limitations: Many equestrian camping areas offer electric-only sites. "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station," notes VB S., explaining the importance of arriving with fresh water and empty holding tanks.

Site sizing: RV campers should research site dimensions before booking. "Sites are shorter and sometimes uneven," warns J C. about Pokagon State Park, suggesting larger rigs may find certain loops challenging to navigate.

Dump station timing: Plan dumping schedules strategically to avoid lines. "Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long," cautions Bob B., recommending off-peak usage times for more efficient departures.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Fremont, IN is Pokagon State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 49 reviews.

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

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