Youngs Creek Horse Camp offers equestrian-focused camping in the Hoosier National Forest. The primitive campsites include water access through a fresh water pump and basic vault toilets for sanitation needs. Located on forest service land approximately five miles from Paoli, Indiana, this camp primarily serves as a base for riders exploring the surrounding trail system. The camp typically remains uncrowded on weekdays but fills quickly during organized trail ride events.
What to do
Explore water recreation opportunities: At Spring Mill State Park Campground, visitors can rent paddle boats to explore the lake. "We were able to rent a paddle boat for $8/hr and saw tons of turtles!" notes Jessie W. The park also offers guided cave tours by boat.
Visit historic sites: Spring Mill State Park contains a pioneer village for history enthusiasts. According to Rachel W., "There is even an amazing pioneer village to explore where an original corn mill stands and you can buy freshly ground corm mill!"
Hike technical forest trails: The Two Rivers Trail near Hoosier National Forest North Face Loop Campground offers approximately 15 miles of hiking. Shelly S. describes: "We hiked extensively and though this is definitely not mountainous terrain it will give you a work out. A lot of cool rock formations and wild life to be seen."
Observe wildlife: The forests surrounding equestrian trails harbor diverse wildlife. Elizabeth W. from Youngs Creek notes, "The chorus frog do roar through the night. 100% worth it, make sure to bring bug spray, and travel carefully up the roads. Lots of wildlife, and kind people."
What campers like
Privacy and spacing between sites: Many horse campgrounds near Loogootee provide well-spaced camping areas. At Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping, Jeremy F. mentions, "Multiple campsites in the area, I've stayed at two both of which were away from others, clean, fairly flat and had plenty of dead wood around to burn."
Free camping options: Several dispersed camping areas provide no-cost options. According to Ax H. at Berry Ridge Road, "Bunch of little spots along this road to pull into. Set up with rent and vehicle. Just trees knocking, bugs curling and frogs croaking."
Reliable weekday availability: Equestrian camping areas often remain uncrowded during weekdays. Doc S. from Youngs Creek Horse Camp observes, "YC horse camp is well laid out and fairly spacious, apparently only for the random hikers and hunters. I stayed at here for a couple of days, planning on a longer visit, and wasn't dissatisfied."
Clean facilities: Despite being primitive, many campgrounds maintain their facilities well. Susan A. notes about Youngs Creek Horse Camp: "The sites are large, and there are fire rings available. There are vault toilets and a fresh water pump not far from them."
What you should know
Tick precautions required: The wooded areas around equestrian camping sites harbor ticks. According to Shelly S. at North Face Loop, "I thought LBL, Ky was bad, the tick's here seem like the Infantry, swarming the objective from all side's. Bring your bug stuff!"
Seasonal differences: Camping conditions vary throughout the year. At Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest, Kelly G. reports, "Can't believe this place was free. It was nearly empty (although it was the end of November)."
Limited cell service: Communication can be restricted in forest areas. Betsy W. notes at Blackwell Campground, "Cell service by various providers is 1-2 bars."
Access road challenges: Forest roads require careful navigation. Mark D. mentions about Youngs Creek Horse Camp: "A quiet, peaceful spot in the forest. A few horses on the trail on weekends."
Tips for camping with families
Check park programming: Some parks offer educational activities. At Spring Mill State Park, Jessie W. shares, "They had a Smokey the Bear program for the kids and some really fun activities at the nature center while we were there."
Consider proximity to amenities: Families may need access to supplies. David M. notes about Youngs Creek Horse Camp, "If you head into the town of Paoli be sure to hit up the farmers co-op for supplies."
Look for playgrounds: O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground provides play areas for children. Kelsey R. suggests, "It was nice to be right by the playground and bathrooms (which is what we wanted). Some spots near the back would be nice and secluded like the 180s and 190s and they're still not too far from the bathrooms and playground."
Consider noise levels: Campground atmosphere varies by location. Rica Z. advises about Hoosier National Forest's Indian-Celina campground, "If you're the kind who wanna socialize or in a large group who needs a campground within eyeshot, south loop is more for your taste."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness matters: At Yellowwood State Forest, Ron H. observes, "There is a few RV sites (9 or 10) mostly tent camping sites. There is water available and outhouses, there is a dump station for RVs. I would have given 5 stars, but need some more sites for RVs (some of the sites are not real level)."
Size limitations at horse camps: Most equestrian campgrounds accommodate modest rigs. The Wandering Shores at Blackwell Campground notes, "Great boondocking spot, plenty of flat land making leveling easy. Wide open so solar charging was easy."
Electric options vary: Horse campgrounds near Loogootee have different hookup availability. According to Justin T. from Youngs Creek, "Pretty quiet place, with fire rings and vault toilet," highlighting the primitive nature of some equestrian sites.
Traveler
