Jonathan M.
Scout
ScoutChain O' Lakes State Park Campground
Nice Fall Weekend
For our first fall, chilly camping weekend, it was a nice getaway. We got to enjoy the Halloween decorations and the quiet chilly mornings.
Equestrian Camping near Huntington, IN
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Salamonie River State Forest offers primitive equestrian camping with direct trail access 15 miles northwest of Huntington, Indiana. The forest provides 13 spacious, wooded campsites for $13 per night on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required. While basic in amenities, the sites accommodate both tent camping and smaller RVs with picnic tables and fire rings at each site. The campground provides drinking water, electric hookups, and vault toilets but no showers or dump stations. Firewood is available for purchase Monday through Friday from 8am to 3pm. The forest features several trails that connect to the larger Salamonie Lake recreation area, known for small waterfalls and water features.
Horse enthusiasts can access multiple riding trails directly from the camping area with ample space for horse trailer parking. The trail system connects to the larger Salamonie Lake region which includes additional equestrian routes. Trails vary in difficulty and offer seasonal beauty with spring wildflowers and fall colors particularly noted by regular visitors. Trails wind through diverse terrain including forests, meadows, and along water features. Some routes offer good fishing access points. The park remains relatively uncrowded even on summer weekends, making it ideal for trail riders seeking quieter experiences. Riders should be prepared for primitive conditions as the focus is on natural surroundings rather than developed facilities. The forest camping area is particularly appealing to those seeking a more secluded, traditional camping experience with their horses.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Huntington (6)
1. Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area Campgrounds — Salamonie Lake
"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 - $42 / night
Check Availability2. Lost Bridge West
"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."
3. Salamonie River State Forest
"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 Availability4. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground
"Chain O Lakes State Park, Albion Indiana. Northwest of Fort Wayne. 416 electric, nonelectric & primitive campsites. Water is available & 3 dumps.
This was our 3rd time camping here."
"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."
from $14 - $90 / night
Check Availability5. Ouabache State Park Campground
"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 - $40 / night
Check Availability6. Kosciusko County Fairgrounds
from $5 - $10 / night
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Drive Time
- 29 min from Fort Wayne, IN
- 1 hr 1 min from Kokomo, IN
- 1 hr 1 min from Muncie, IN
- 1 hr 33 min from Elkhart, IN
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Huntington, IN
92 Reviews of 6 Huntington Campgrounds
- Frank B.Scout
Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground
Relaxing September Evening at Chain O' Lakes State Park
I stayed one evening last Wednesday here, a first time for me. Just tent camping / sleeping in the car. There were other campers around enjoying the pleasant evening, mainly in RVs. Everyone was very quiet and respectful. The shower buildings are old fashioned with a common area to place clothes and a towel, and only a shower curtain for each individual shower. However, I was the only one showering at the time anyway. The shower area was state park clean, I guess. Before leaving, I viewed the one room schoolhouse on the grounds, just from the windows as it wasn't open at the time. Quaint and old school. Overall, I recommend camping at the park if you can live with the shower building or have an RV for added convenience.
Cynthia K.
LegendChain O' Lakes State Park Campground
Nice State Park!
Chain O Lakes State Park, Albion Indiana. Northwest of Fort Wayne.
416 electric, nonelectric & primitive campsites. Water is available & 3 dumps.
This was our 3rd time camping here. We were in handicapped site 325 which was a pretty good site. We had good neighbors which helps. The campground is well established & shaded. Read the site descriptions carefully for inclines & site dimensions.
What is really interesting is they have 7 canoe campsites. They have their own pit toilets & a little dock. Site 3 is behind the pit toilet, but the rest looked ok. They're just off trail 4 as well.
Cabins are also available.
Hot showers& bathrooms. They were state park clean, but definitely need some upgrading.
This is a boating/fishing/hiking park.
There's 29 miles of fairly easy trails- all can be looped.
9 connecting glacial kettle lakes make for great kayaking & canoeing. Electric motor only makes for a peaceful lake experience. Fishing was pretty good according to my fisherguy.
There's a 1915 schoolhouse that's open on the weekends.
There's a small swimming beach with food for sale. There's also boat rental with canoes, kayaks & small boats.
Nice campground for a summer weekend!
Susan W.
TravelerSalamonie River State Forest
Small Gem, Big Shine!
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.
Geoffrey F.
GuideLost Bridge West
Great time!
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.
- Geoffrey F.Guide
Salamonie River State Forest
Amazing place
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.
MikeScoutChain O' Lakes State Park Campground
Sites are not level.
Been camping here for years. The sites have not changed. They make a fortune every week and dont invest in the leveling of the sites. We are looking elsewhere. By the way, the rates are going up...👎
Kimberly T.ScoutChain O' Lakes State Park Campground
A campground with a little bit of everything for everyone ...
PSA, this was my first time camping. EVER. I came here with a few family member to hike and get away from the rat race of life and that's exactly what I got. An awesome 1st time experience. My site was NOT fully shaded and was level, a plus because I slept in my vehicle. Our camp neighbors were friendly. So many people, kids and well behaved dogs. The quiet hours were quiet with exception of the couple loud drunk guys who ended up laying in the road near our sites. I thought it was funny, but my experienced camping family members not so much. Bathroom was clean and stocked. Didn't use the available free showers, next time. Water water everywhere and no mosquitos. Trails were well kept. They do have an enclosed fish cleaning station which looked nice. Everything is within walking distance from your campsite. Boat & kayak rentals are available, but closed after Labor Day. The camp store has everything and anything you would need or need including souvenirs. My late September weekend was cooler than normal, lows in the 40's and highs in the 60's. The campfire smoke that hung in the air like ground fog. Not a deal breaker. I will be back in April 2026. Going to give the cabins a try and do some fishing. I will come back here !
Truly W.GuideChain O' Lakes State Park Campground
Very busy/loud, toilets without stall doors
We were in the tent portion and it was very loud, the pit toilets did not have doors, and there were some mosquitoes. It was Memorial Day weekend which could explain the noise/busy-ness. The RV sites have better bathrooms I believe.
Guide to Huntington
Salamonie River State Forest provides primitive equestrian camping 15 miles northwest of Huntington, Indiana. This 950-acre forest area connects to multiple trail systems with seasonal water features. The first-come, first-served camping area maintains a quieter atmosphere even during peak seasons with temperatures averaging 85°F in summer and dropping to below freezing during winter months.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several trails at Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area connect to prime fishing spots. "Nice lake shower house kinda far away, very clean," notes camper Amber P., who frequently visits the recreation area.
Wildlife observation: The forests and wetlands harbor diverse wildlife throughout the year. At Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground, located 45 minutes northeast of Huntington, visitors report regular wildlife sightings. "Nice quiet campground with lots of wildlife. Tent lots are flat and a good size," according to Karson G.
Seasonal hiking: Trail conditions change dramatically between seasons at many horse campgrounds near Huntington, Indiana. "Even the trails we frequent always seem new because each season offers a different kind of beauty," writes Whitley K. about Salamonie River State Forest trails.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: The equestrian camping areas offer secluded camping options with natural screening. At Salamonie River State Forest, campers appreciate the isolation. "Cheap, $13 self pay. No electric or showers but do have bathroom. Very secluded luv it here," reports Amber P.
Water features: Small waterfalls and streams appear throughout the trail systems, particularly after rainfall. "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," writes Caitlin W. about the Lost Bridge State Recreation Area Three Falls Trail.
Fall foliage viewing: The hardwood forests transform with vibrant colors from late September through October. "Leaves are beautiful in fall," notes Kim K., who visited Lost Bridge West during autumn, also mentioning "Gorgeous lake sunrise/sunsets. Lots of eagle sightings!"
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most equestrian camping areas offer only basic amenities. "Primitive exactly what a person needs," explains Ray J. about his experience at Salamonie River State Forest, highlighting the intentionally basic accommodations.
Seasonal water levels: Spring often brings flooding while late summer can reduce water features. "A lot of the campsites were closed due to flooding but we managed to have a site that was untouched," reports Shasta K. about their experience at Salamonie Lake.
Firewood availability: Restricted hours for firewood purchase require planning. "Firewood only available Mon - Friday 8-3," notes Fern B. about Salamonie River State Forest, an important detail for weekend visitors.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly trails: Several shorter trails suit younger hikers and connect to interesting features. At Ouabache State Park Campground, "The kids loved the Bison. 200 ft fire tower you can climb. Beach is nice," shares Brad H., highlighting family-oriented activities.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include playground equipment for children. In Chain O' Lakes State Park, Jeremy C. notes the recreational options: "Very clean state park. Reasonable prices. Kayaking and the beach was a huge hit with the kids."
Wildlife education opportunities: Ranger programs often focus on local ecosystems and wildlife. "We spoke with the naturalist and volunteered our time she was absolutely fantastic," writes Julie B. about her Chain O' Lakes experience, emphasizing educational components.
Tips from RVers
Site drainage: Some campgrounds experience poor drainage during rain. "The campsites are mostly spaced out for room, but some can get very wet and flooded during a nice rain," warns Jacob A. about his stay at Ouabache State Park.
Electric-only hookups: Most equestrian campgrounds near Huntington provide electric hookups without water or sewer connections. "Only draw back is no water and sewer hook up at the campsite," notes Steve C. about his experience at Ouabache State Park.
Limited big rig access: Many forested campgrounds have size restrictions and challenging access roads. At smaller campgrounds like Salamonie River State Forest, sites accommodate smaller RVs but larger models may find maneuvering difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Huntington, IN?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Huntington, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Huntington, 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
Huntington, IN?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Huntington, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Huntington, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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