7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground near Grabill, Indiana provides options for horse campers with several accommodations for equestrians, though it lacks dedicated horse corrals. The campground features electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary dump stations appropriate for campers bringing horses. Trails within the park system connect to bridle paths that wind around the nine interconnected lakes. The tent and RV sites are spacious enough to accommodate horse trailers with adequate parking available. Bathroom facilities include showers and toilets, while fire rings and picnic tables are standard at each site. The campground maintains several trails rated from easy to rugged with distances ranging from 1 to 4 miles that can be combined for longer rides.
Trail riders accessing Chain O' Lakes can explore approximately seven connected waterways via horseback on designated bridle paths. The park's trail system offers varied terrain through wooded areas and around the chain of lakes, providing natural water access for horses at certain points. Reservations are recommended, particularly during summer months when the campground experiences higher occupancy. The park is typically quieter during weekdays, offering more solitude for equestrians. Many trails cross each other, allowing riders to customize routes based on skill level and time constraints. Horse owners should bring their own feed and portable containment systems as no permanent equine facilities are provided. Bathrooms are generally clean but can become busy during peak weekend periods.
"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."
from $14 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $480 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $20 - $33 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $14 - $35 / night
Check Availability"I return to Salamonie River State Forest year after year because it truly feels like Northeast Indiana’s best-kept secret."
"The trails can get extreme.. if you’re really into hiking this is a great place. Three waterfalls and lots of trails with horses walking around."
from $13 - $15 / night
Check Availability"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"
"There’s also an entire beach close by, the parking lot needs to be maintained at the beach. I saw DNR once a day. The boat launch is close if you have a boat. The restrooms are clean but primitive."
from $5 - $10 / night
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GuideEquestrian 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.
TravelerI return to Salamonie River State Forest year after year because it truly feels like Northeast Indiana’s best-kept secret. This 21‑site primitive campground offers peaceful seclusion, 4 pit toilets, and two water sources—including a spring‑fed spigot with crisp, cold, delicious drinking water. I’ve stayed at several sites, with Site 18 and Site 20 as favorites. Tent‑friendly, small camper-friendly, pet‑friendly, and just $15/night, it sits beside horse trails, hiking routes, and great fishing. A small campground with big shine—highly recommended.
TravelerPokagon 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.
TravelerThis 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.
TravelerMet 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.
TravelerThere are trail, beaches, boats, horses... so many things to do
GuideThis place is really nice, especially on Sundays because everyone is gone. Mostly local people camping. I stayed two days. It was originally supposed to be one. People here are very friendly. I was even given a whole brand new tent in the package plus dinner and breakfast the next day🤯 It’s a smaller campground. The trails can get extreme.. if you’re really into hiking this is a great place. Three waterfalls and lots of trails with horses walking around. :Update the water source in the picture I posted is the only one available, I would not recommend drinking it. Go to the Army Corps of Engineers Dam location 3 min away and they have fresh water constantly running out of stainless steel stations that’s pure.
TravelerCamp 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?
LegendThis 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.
Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground provides family-oriented camping experiences with multiple water activities beyond the standard bridle paths. Located in northeastern Indiana approximately 10 miles from Grabill, the park spans over 2,700 acres with nine connecting lakes and over 23 miles of trails. The campground sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with a mix of forested and open sites that experience moderate humidity during summer months.
Beach activities: Chain O' Lakes State Park features a swimming beach where families can cool off during hot summer days. "Nice quiet campground with lots of wildlife. Tent lots are flat and a good size. RR and showers nearby," notes Karson G. about the Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground.
Boating options: Explore the interconnected waterways by canoe or kayak at Salamonie Lake. "We camped in our teardrop on the primitive tent loop. Sites were nice and secluded where we were," reports Anand about Pokagon State Park Campground, which offers similar water recreation options as many parks in the area.
Wildlife viewing: Ouabache State Park houses a bison enclosure where visitors can observe these magnificent animals. "The bison exhibit and ranger programs are great too. The campsites are variable, size and privacy definitely depends on the site you book," shares emily P. about her experience at the park.
Tower climbing: Multiple parks near Grabill offer observation points with panoramic views. "The last time we stayed I actually walked to the top of the restored fire tower to take in the view," explains Jacob A. about Ouabache State Park, providing a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds in the Grabill area cater specifically to families with children. "I have stayed at this state park many times since I was little. There is so much to do. Between the hiking trails, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and biking. You won't ever get bored," shares Amanda J. about Chain O' Lakes State Park.
Multiple lake access: The region's water features provide numerous recreational opportunities. "The beach was clean and fun. Not very busy when we were there, which was nice. We stayed on Campsite 208. Nice size campsite, which good shade," notes Burns G. about Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area.
Trail variety: Hikers and equestrian campers appreciate the diverse trail systems. "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," says Caitlin W. about the 3 Falls Trail at Lost Bridge State Recreation Area.
Quiet weekday camping: Most campgrounds near Grabill experience lower occupancy during weekdays. "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," shares Whitley K. about Salamonie River State Forest.
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds report issues with water supply. "The potable water is brown and smelly... be sure to bring your water filter! But we did enjoy our weekend here," warns emily P. about Ouabache State Park Campground.
Bathroom facilities: Comfort stations can become crowded during peak periods. "Modern restrooms that look like they've been updated in the last 10 years. The showers were great! No push button for the water. You can adjust the temp as well, which you often don't get," explains Cynthia K. about Lost Bridge West.
Campsite variations: Site conditions and features differ significantly even within the same campground. "Some sites are very close together, while some offer a little more room. Sites 221-243, 202-204 offer lake views. I say VIEWS, not access," notes Cynthia K. about Lost Bridge West Recreation Area.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for potential animal visitors at your campsite. "The raccoons were pretty annoying though," warns John F. about Ouabache State Park, suggesting proper food storage is important.
Kayaking opportunities: Multiple lakes provide safe environments for children to learn water sports. "Kayaking and the beach was a huge hit with the kids," reports Jeremy C. about Salamonie River State Forest, highlighting water-based recreation options for families.
Beach considerations: Public beaches can become crowded during peak seasons. "The beach is often overcrowded with local partiers, drinking and smoking, and leaving trash everywhere. After peak hours these people clear out and usually aren't actually camping there," advises Whitley K. about Chain O' Lakes.
Playground access: Several parks feature play areas for children. "There's 500+ sites, but all nicely separated and shaded. There's an inn, restaurant, cabins, boat rentals, horseback riding, bike trails, beach, toboggan run, etc. Tons of picnic areas and pavilions; would be a great spot for a family reunion," suggests Amy K. about Pokagon State Park.
Nature programs: Check for ranger-led activities that engage children. "We spoke with the naturalist and volunteered our time she was absolutely fantastic," shares Julie B. about Chain O' Lakes, indicating educational opportunities available at equestrian camping areas near Grabill.
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds offer electric-only connections. "Only electric hookups, but good for a short weekend. Best bike orbs, horseback riding, and quiet," notes Kristen S. about Pokagon State Park.
Site unevenness: Prepare leveling equipment for your rig. "Some spot are far away from the shower houses but you can drive to them. Nice marina with a great store and boat rentals," shares Darrell B. about Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area.
Dump station access: Plan accordingly for sanitation needs. "Double dump station. Stay away from campsites 101 & 102- these are right by the dump station," advises Cynthia K., providing important information for RVers seeking equestrian camping options near Grabill, Indiana.
Winter accommodations: Some parks remain open year-round with heated facilities. "Love this place for winter camping. The campground comfort stations are heated all winter long," shares Lisa N. about Ouabache State Park, offering options for off-season equestrian camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Grabill, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Grabill, 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 Grabill, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Grabill, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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