D
Dixie G.
Scout
ScoutSummit Lake State Park Campground
Enjoyable
Enjoyed having people around. Campsite has plenty of room and a short walk to the fishing/boat dock
Equestrian Camping near Marion, IN
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
Salamonie River State Forest provides primitive camping options for equestrians near Marion, Indiana. The $13 self-pay sites are spacious and wooded with ample parking for horse trailers. While the forest does not have dedicated horse corrals, riders can use their own portable corrals or highline setups. The primitive campsites accommodate both tent and RV camping, though no hookups are available. The camping area includes vault toilets but no showers. Firewood is available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 3 PM. The secluded nature of the campgrounds appeals to horse owners seeking privacy while camping with their animals.
Trail access makes Salamonie River State Forest particularly valuable for equestrian campers. The forest connects to miles of bridle trails that wind through varied terrain, offering opportunities for day rides directly from the campground. Trails feature different seasonal beauty as noted by regular visitors. The interconnected trail system provides access to small waterfalls and good fishing spots within the forest boundaries. Horse owners should bring water containers for their animals as natural water sources may be seasonal. No reservations are accepted at the forest campground, but sites remain readily available even on summer weekends. The proximity to Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area provides additional riding opportunities for those wanting to explore more of the Salamonie Lake region during their stay.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Marion (8)
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."
206 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $14 - $42 / night
2. 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."
Check Availabilityfrom $13 - $15 / night
4. 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"
22 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $40 / night
5. Summit Lake State Park Campground
"This was the third time we had camped at Summit Lake State Park. It has always been a good experience."
"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!"
7 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $42 / night
6. Westwood Park
"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"
7. Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort
"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!!"
8. Kosciusko County Fairgrounds
Check Availabilityfrom $5 - $10 / night
Drive Time
- 39 min from Kokomo, IN
- 39 min from Muncie, IN
- 45 min from Fort Wayne, IN
- 1 hr 11 min from Indianapolis, IN
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Marion, IN
67 Reviews of 8 Marion Campgrounds
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.
Laura W.GuideSummit Lake State Park Campground
Summit lake state park
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 $7 for day use. I dont think you should have to pay for day use ANYWHERE that you've paid an overnight reservation. We are through travelers and its just plain irritating to me.
Lisa M.
LegendSummit Lake State Park Campground
Peaceful park and great hiking trails
Although we only spent one night here during the week, the campground seemed very peaceful and quiet, even though there were quite a few campers. Sites 1 through 74 seem to be a lot more level and larger, but they were in a sort of an open area with very little shade. The rest of the sites were fairly unlevel, but were in shaded areas. I would think a rig more than 31 or 32 feet long would have difficulty maneuvering around the curve at the end of the second loop. We are a 30ft. Fifth wheel and it was pretty tight for us. Lots of trees. The showers were your typical camp showers not great but not horrible. There was a large lake that one could enjoy fishing on. Also some great hiking trails in the area.
Stephanie B.ScoutSummit Lake State Park Campground
Good for hammocks
I hammock camp so I'm always looking for places that have trees and are pretty. When I arrived I was a little worried because the first loop was flat, grassy and open with very few trees in the camp spots good for hammocks. The second loop had what I was looking for. Stayed in 76, beautiful spot with lots of tree cover. Campground hosts were very nice. Only downside is that sites are very close together and it's a popular campground (though I easily found a spot without a reservation on a Wednesday) so there isn't much privacy.
Dirty E.TravelerSummit Lake State Park Campground
Fishing Camp
Nice spots, fairly flat overall, definitely aim for spots by lake for most spacious and views. Fishing and kayaking is it. Hosts were great. Site did have decent slope front to back. Facilities super clean.
- FFern B.Guide
Salamonie River State Forest
Primitive sites
Small campground. 13$. No reservations, but sites seem readily available, even on weekends in the summer. Spacious sites. Fairly wooded. Firewood only available Mon - Friday 8-3.
Guide to Marion
Salamonie River State Forest offers primitive camping for horseback riders 7 miles northwest of Marion, Indiana. The forest maintains spacious, wooded sites specifically designed to accommodate trailers and equipment needed for equestrian camping. The self-pay camping area sits at approximately 830 feet elevation within the Upper Wabash River Basin, where summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Trail riding access points: At Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area, riders can access multiple trail systems. "15 miles of hiking/walking. Gorgeous lake sunrise/sunsets. Lots of eagle sightings! Plenty of deer," notes kim K., making it ideal for both riding and wildlife viewing.
Fishing opportunities: Small lakes and streams throughout the region provide good fishing spots. At Salamonie River State Forest, Whitley K. mentions "Fun trails, small waterfalls, good fishing," with access directly from the camping areas.
Wildlife viewing: The forests and wetlands around Marion host diverse wildlife. Trails at Summit Lake State Park offer "nice trails with many opportunities for scenic photographs," according to Marshall P., with birds and small mammals commonly spotted.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: The equestrian camping areas offer significant separation between sites. Amber P. describes Salamonie River State Forest as "Very secluded luv it here," while Fern B. notes the "Spacious sites. Fairly wooded" nature of the camping area.
Year-round availability: Ouabache State Park keeps facilities open off-season. "Love this place for winter camping. The campground comfort stations are heated all winter long," reports Lisa N., offering horse owners cold-weather options.
Easy access camping: The self-pay system and non-reservation policy at horse camps means spontaneous trips are possible. Fern B. observes "No reservations, but sites seem readily available, even on weekends in the summer" at Salamonie River State Forest.
What you should know
Water access varies: Natural water sources for horses may be limited or seasonal. At Westwood Park, Mark G. notes it's "one of the clearest lakes in central Indiana," but campers should bring containers for horse water.
Limited amenities: Horse camping facilities are primitive by design. At Salamonie River State Forest, Amber P. points out there's "No electric or showers but do have bathroom," so plan accordingly.
Firewood restrictions: Wood is not available at all times. Fern B. mentions "Firewood only available Mon - Friday 8-3" at Salamonie River State Forest, requiring campers to bring their own for weekend stays.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly trails: Several parks offer less challenging terrain for young riders. Greg C. describes Westwood Park as having "Easy access but somewhat hidden, nice lake for kayaking," making it suitable for families with mixed experience levels.
Educational opportunities: Lost Bridge State Recreation Area offers nature programs. According to Caitlin W., "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," providing learning experiences for children.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play areas for non-riding activities. Kelly H. mentions Westwood Park has "a small playground area for the kids" near the campground.
Tips from RVers
Trailer parking considerations: Horse trailer configurations require specific site selection. Marshall P. at Summit Lake notes their "site was a pull through and, while level left to right, required a good bit of leveling front to back," relevant for horse trailers.
Electric hookup locations: For RV campers bringing horses, Cynthia K. advises "Scattered throughout the park are sites with 50amp service. Fill up on water at the water filling station before going to your site" at Lost Bridge West.
Campsite selection strategy: When equestrian camping with an RV near Marion, site selection matters. Burns G. says at Lost Bridge West, "Nice size campsite, which good shade. The campsite did have a bigger than expected slope," suggesting arriving early to select the most level sites for horse trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Marion, IN?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Marion, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Marion, 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
Marion, IN?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Marion, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Marion, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring