Summit Lake State Park Campground
Enjoyable
Enjoyed having people around. Campsite has plenty of room and a short walk to the fishing/boat dock
3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area near Salamonie Lake permits equestrian activities within designated areas. The park includes trails suitable for horseback riding, providing access to scenic woodland terrain. Trail riders can utilize primitive camping options across the street from the main recreation area. Facilities include toilets and trash disposal, though the campground does not feature dedicated horse corrals. The nearby three falls trail offers additional riding opportunities, with routes that showcase natural water features and diverse terrain.
Located approximately 35 miles from Greentown, Salamonie River State Forest offers primitive camping at $13 per night with no reservation requirements. Sites remain available even during summer weekends. The forest features multiple trail systems suitable for equestrian use, with varying terrain and seasonal changes that enhance the riding experience. Water crossings and small waterfalls provide natural features along the trails. The primitive campground includes bathroom facilities but no electric hookups or showers. Self-pay stations are available for campers, and the secluded nature of the sites provides a quiet experience for horse owners camping with their animals. Firewood is available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 3 pm for campfires.
"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."
Available next weekend
from $14 - $32 / night
"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
"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."
"Very large camping spots with huge lawns away from lake; This spot was #53. lakeside camping a little more packed in but more shade. Reserve early!"
"Many of the campsites are right near the water with lake view. Fishing is fun too with a dock within short walking distance of most campsites."
Available next weekend
from $20 - $28 / 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"
Available next weekend
from $20 - $33 / night
"This was really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children’s museum. The lake is fabulous, but there didn’t seem to be too many fish available for catching!!"
"It’s a small campground with around 33-38 camp sites and it’s first come first serve. No reservations. The lake is nice. Lots of small bass. If you have a boat, trolling motors only."
"The lake doesn't allow gas motors so its one of the clearest lakes in central Indiana"
Enjoyed having people around. Campsite has plenty of room and a short walk to the fishing/boat dock
I 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.
Overall, it was a great time. I stayed 3 days. Lots of raccoons, one tore into the mesh of my tent lol. Plenty of freshwater available, multiple water stations. Lots of people here starting during the middle of the week. Lots of RVs use the primitive sites. 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. Seven dollar entry fee $15 a day. They do have somewhat secluded spots, but you have to look for them.
This 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.
Its an ok park. The water is shared with your neighbor, so be sure to have a lo g hose. The showers were sketchy. I wouldn't use them personally. Wecsaw a couple of unattended fires smoldering in empty campsites. And we paid for an overnight reservation. Came in around 5pm. They charged us $7 for day use. I dont think you should have to pay for day use ANYWHERE that you've paid an overnight reservation. We are through travelers and its just plain irritating to me.
Although we only spent one night here during the week, the campground seemed very peaceful and quiet, even though there were quite a few campers. Sites 1 through 74 seem to be a lot more level and larger, but they were in a sort of an open area with very little shade. The rest of the sites were fairly unlevel, but were in shaded areas. I would think a rig more than 31 or 32 feet long would have difficulty maneuvering around the curve at the end of the second loop. We are a 30ft. Fifth wheel and it was pretty tight for us. Lots of trees. The showers were your typical camp showers not great but not horrible. There was a large lake that one could enjoy fishing on. Also some great hiking trails in the area.
I hammock camp so I'm always looking for places that have trees and are pretty. When I arrived I was a little worried because the first loop was flat, grassy and open with very few trees in the camp spots good for hammocks. The second loop had what I was looking for. Stayed in 76, beautiful spot with lots of tree cover. Campground hosts were very nice. Only downside is that sites are very close together and it's a popular campground (though I easily found a spot without a reservation on a Wednesday) so there isn't much privacy.
Nice spots, fairly flat overall, definitely aim for spots by lake for most spacious and views. Fishing and kayaking is it. Hosts were great. Site did have decent slope front to back. Facilities super clean.
Small campground. 13$. No reservations, but sites seem readily available, even on weekends in the summer. Spacious sites. Fairly wooded. Firewood only available Mon - Friday 8-3.
Equestrian camping near Greentown, Indiana offers access to woodland trails and lakeside recreation across several state-managed properties. The area features a mix of primitive and developed sites within a 35-mile radius of Greentown, with elevations averaging 800-850 feet above sea level. Most equestrian camping areas remain open year-round with trail conditions varying seasonally due to central Indiana's humid continental climate.
Trail riding around Salamonie Lake: The Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area provides several trail options for equestrians. "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," notes Caitlin W.
Wildlife observation: Watch for eagles and deer during rides at Lost Bridge West. "Lots of eagle sightings! Plenty of deer. Leaves are beautiful in fall," says Kim K. in her review of the recreation area.
Kayaking between rides: Take breaks from horseback riding to enjoy water activities. At Westwood Park, "the lake is nice. Lots of small bass. If you have a boat, trolling motors only," explains Stephen H. The no-gas-motor policy makes for a peaceful paddling experience.
Affordable primitive options: Salamonie River State Forest offers budget-friendly options for horse campers. "Cheap, 13$ self pay. No electric or showers but do have bathroom. Very secluded luv it here," shares Amber P.
Seasonal trail changes: The forest trail system provides variety throughout the year. Whitley K. notes, "Even the trails we frequent always seem new because each season offers a different kind of beauty."
Secluded camping: Horse campers appreciate the quiet primitive sites at Salamonie River State Forest. "Small campground. 13$. No reservations, but sites seem readily available, even on weekends in the summer. Spacious sites. Fairly wooded," according to Fern B.
Weather considerations: The area experiences occasional flooding that affects trails and campsites. At Lost Bridge West, Shasta K. observed, "A lot of the campsites were closed due to flooding but we managed to have a site that was untouched. During a walk, we stumbled down to the reservoir. The view was incredible and eye opening to my daughter who has never seen the effects of flooding."
Firewood availability: Plan ahead for campfires when horseback camping. At Salamonie River State Forest, "Firewood only available Mon - Friday 8-3," reports Fern B.
Facility limitations: Most equestrian camping areas have basic amenities only. "Primitive exactly what a person needs," says Ray J. about Salamonie River State Forest.
Interactive nature experiences: Summit Lake State Park offers activities beyond horseback riding. "We had great experiences each time. Beautiful lake for kayaking! If you don't owe a kayak or canoe, they offer rentals," Rich K. shares.
Site selection strategy: Choose your campsite based on shade needs and proximity to water. "All sites are gravel with mature trees if you want shade or full sun. Pet friendly. Nice playgrounds for the kids or grandkids," adds Rich K.
Educational opportunities: Nearby parks offer learning experiences for children alongside equestrian activities. At Ouabache State Park, "The bison exhibit and ranger programs are great too," according to Emily P.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require equipment for proper leveling. Marshall P. notes about Summit Lake State Park, "Our site was a pull through and, while level left to right, required a good bit of leveling front to back."
Water access planning: Water availability varies by season and location. At Ouabache State Park, Emily P. advises, "The potable water is brown and smelly.. be sure to bring your water filter!"
Campsite selection for RVs with horses: Sites vary significantly in size and privacy. "The campsites are variable, size and privacy definitely depends on the site you book," Emily P. reports about Ouabache State Park, making advance research important for those traveling with horse trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Greentown, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Greentown, IN is Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area Campgrounds — Salamonie Lake with a 4.8-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Greentown, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Greentown, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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