Although direct equestrian camping facilities are limited near Lebanon, Indiana, several nearby campgrounds offer alternative outdoor recreation opportunities. Turkey Run State Park, located about 50 miles west of Lebanon, features over 200 campsites within a mature forest setting. The campground has electric hookups at all sites, though terrain varies with some areas presenting challenges for leveling equipment.
What to do
Hiking adventures: Turkey Run State Park provides numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. One visitor noted, "There are multiple trails and some quite challenging ones. No water hookups at the site but all except the 'youth sites' had 110, 30, and 50 amp power." The park's unique landscape includes box canyons and stream beds for exploration.
Water recreation: Turkey Run Canoe & Camping offers canoe, kayak, and tubing opportunities on Sugar Creek. A camper mentioned, "Did a nice kayaking loop using their service. Had everything you needed, very chill experience." This provides a cooling alternative during hot summer months.
Fishing opportunities: Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort provides lakefront access for anglers. One reviewer observed, "The lake is fabulous, but there didn't seem to be too many fish available for catching!! Pretty place and fun for a laid back place to stay."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Johnson County Park maintains well-kept amenities according to visitors. One camper stated, "Clean bathrooms/showers!!! Park is nice and clean too!! Very reasonable!!" This attention to cleanliness extends to most campgrounds in the region.
Diverse recreation options: Johnson County Park spans 622 acres featuring multiple activities. A visitor explained, "The park is 622 acres that include two campgrounds, approximately 5 miles of hiking trails, equestrian school, 18 hole disc golf course, shelter houses, amphitheater, lakes, fishing and more."
Shaded campsites: Turkey Run State Park Campground offers wooded sites for privacy. A camper advised, "We were in a wooded section and it was pretty private however our site was pretty sloped. Next time I would probably pick the site on either side of 167."
What you should know
Limited equestrian camping: While searching for horse campgrounds near Lebanon, Indiana, visitors should note that traditional equestrian facilities with horse corrals are scarce. Johnson County Park houses the Hoosier Horse Park with "three arenas, 384 stalls and its own 70 site campground," though direct horse camping opportunities remain limited.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate seasonally. Turkey Run Canoe & Camping runs from "April 15 to November 1," limiting winter camping options. Plan accordingly when seeking year-round facilities.
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds feature uneven terrain. One Turkey Run camper noted, "The site was very uneven. It definitely sloops to the back corner. It's was difficult to level our camper but we got it in the end."
Tips for camping with families
Early arrival strategy: To avoid crowds, especially at popular sites like Turkey Run, timing matters. A visitor recommended, "In order to avoid crowds on the trails, we got there Thursday night so we could hike Friday morning / early afternoon."
Trail selection for kids: Turkey Run State Park Campground offers varied hiking options. A reviewer shared their experience: "We hiked Trail 3 with our dog, but we cut off early before the ladders using Trail 10. Our dog did pretty well in the section of Trail 3 before the ladders, and be prepared to get wet."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife behaviors. A camper warned, "As some other reviews stated, watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything."
Tips from RVers
Hookup information: Electric service varies by location. At Turkey Run Canoe & Camping, "The electric is shared with another site which could be a problem if you have the same type of service since there is only one 50 amp, one 30 amp, and one 20 amp service per hook up."
Site selection strategies: For privacy, choose sites strategically. At Turkey Run State Park, "The open, grassy area sites don't offer any privacy. If that's what you're looking for, try to get a wooded site on the outsides that back up to woods."
EV charging option: Some campgrounds accommodate modern needs. One camper at Turkey Run noted, "I was able to charge my ev without issue."
