Blackwell Campground in Hoosier National Forest provides extensive facilities for horse camping with no reservation requirements and no camping fees. The large, open grassy field accommodates both horse trailers and camping setups with ample space between sites. Two vault toilets are maintained in clean condition, with potable water available onsite. Horse owners report having sufficient space for setting up portable corrals or using highlines for their horses. The campground connects directly to two trailheads accessing more than 15 miles of interconnected trails through the forest. Trash disposal is available through an onsite dumpster, eliminating the need to pack out waste.
Trail access from Blackwell connects riders to extensive routes throughout the Hoosier National Forest trail system. The horse-friendly paths feature varied terrain through hardwood forests with opportunities to find geodes in creek beds along certain routes. Equestrians should bring their own portable corrals or highline equipment as permanent corrals are not provided. The campground's layout accommodates various camping styles, from tent camping to large RVs and horse trailers with living quarters. Most areas are level with well-maintained grass, making for easy setup of both camping and horse containment systems. Some visitors note that firewood gathering options are limited, so bringing your own supply is recommended. The spacious layout allows for comfortable horse campsite use even when multiple horse owners are present during peak seasons.
"Close to town but also right off some amazing trails! Sometimes the horse trailers get loud with generators but it is a horse camp ground!"
"We arrived near dusk on a Friday. The entrance is clearly marked and road is gravel but well maintained. The site is open space with soft, well maintained grass and no muddy areas."
"A staple of our state here in Indiana. Unfortunately due to some storm damage, trails were rerouted or straight up inaccessible. Great places to find and set up camp."
"I had the awesome experience to hammock camp on the Patton cave trail, along the creek that winds the length of that trail. It was a strenuous hike to pack in/out of, but was beautiful scenery."
"If you are into boondocking at all defiantly check out berry ridge it’s just south of brown county Indiana beautiful country mostly hills tons of camp spots sometimes half mile or more apart haven’t seen"
"I have lived in Indiana for ever and have made many trips this way, but I never knew sites like this existed."
$225 / night
"Drive up, select your site, and then go to the park office to pay using a self-pay envelope. Bring exact change(cash). Current prices are listed on the Indiana DNR website."
"Peaceful little place but unfortunately it rained but we made the best of it, there’s some secluded spots where you can stay away from others or stay in the more general areas, nice lake to fish and we"
$20 - $60 / night
"Spring Mill State park is a little piece of history that is in the heart of southern Indiana. Here you will find a working frontier village."
"Open space, close to facilities and water pump, Ground was mostly flat, slightly shady in the afternoon, and very peaceful."
"Located on Monroe lake, they have canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing.
Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails. Their mess hall is top notch.""Our Boy Scout troop enjoyed visiting this location. It was well maintained and the staff was helpful."
$17 - $43 / night
"Brown County has always been the jewel of Indiana State Parks for Trail Riders. The campground is large, with spaces to accommodate larger rigs."
"We often take our horses trail riding there for a week every couple of summers of just go down for weekend trips to go hiking."
"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."
"We have camped here twice, we needed to be as close to Trafalgar Indiana as possible, not many camping options in the local area."
GuideLocated on Monroe lake, they have canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing.
Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails. Their mess hall is top notch. We have camped here in a cabin, and also tent camped.
Beautiful grounds and a great place to enjoy nature.
LegendJohnson County Park is an interesting conglomeration of activity. 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. The park is home to the Hoosier Horse Park with three arenas, 384 stalls and its own 70 site campground plus it is also home to the Antique Machinery Club, Columbus Model Railroad Club, Radio Controlled Flyer Club and Indiana Live Steamers. The RV campground consists of 58 sites with 30amp/50amp electric and water hook ups, level gravel pads(4 sites are paved) and a dump station. Other amenities include a restroom and shower facility, playground for children and community campfire ring. The campground is an easy detour off I-65, Exit#76, for the RVer looking for an overnight or two. Plenty of shopping and restaurants in the area; grocery, outlet mall, name brand dining. The campground is large rig friendly; family oriented and has a camp host on site for any assistance. Just to make you aware…the park is located in close proximity to an active reserve military base that from time to time has exercises with air traffic and the sounds of shells and artillery fire. The fee for camping is$25 per night with a limit of 14 nights. For reservations call 812-526-6809 or register at the park office. 39°22'48.7"N 86°02'33.4"W
TravelerI had been planning a trip to Youngs Creek for over a month and was happy to finally get there. 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. It sports a good-sized pavilion and well-maintained his and hers vault toilets. The camp sites were generous in size with gravel parking, fairly level pads, picnic tables, and a fire ring. The only downside, besides the lack of horses, was an access road to adjacent to the camping area that is well used through the evening.
I'll be making a return in the spring to watch for the return of the equestrians.
LegendYellowwood State Forest, named for the environmentally unique Yellowwood tree, is 23, 326 acres located 7 miles West of the artist community of Nashville, Indiana. Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Indiana famous for it's fall leaf color displays and gorgeous vistas. Yellowwood offers 79 primitive class c sites in four campground areas adjacent to the 133 acre Yellowwood Lake; Red Pine, White-Oak Hickory, Redbud and Black Gum;$13 per night. There are several potable water stations and pit toilets throughout the campgrounds and one dump station located in Red Bud. The Red Bud area also has a small camp store(not open during our visit, so not sure of their offerings). We did note some ADA accessible sites. Horse camping is also available in 12 class c sites in the Horseman Camp with miles of horse trails. Several picnic areas and shelters in the area; one beautiful location overlooking the lake with stunning brown county stone fireplaces. This park is perfect for tent camping or smaller units; we would not recommend for larger units as most sites are small and unlevel and may challenge your maneuvering skills! The park has 5 hiking trails ranging from easy to rugged and access to the Tecumesh Trail(43 miles) originally proposed to span from Florida to Canada. The park office facility offers boat(lake is known for good fishing) and kayak rental, ice and firewood. If you need facilities to accommodate your larger rig or feel a need for more amenities; Brown County State Park is just a few miles to the East...but don't pass up planning at least a day trip to enjoy this incredibly beautiful State Forest property. 772 Yellowwood Lake Rd, Nashville, IN 47448 GPS- 39.183995,-86.337878
LegendThis is a State Forest campground near Nashville, Indiana. Primitive camping. Pit toilets only. This is by Yellowwood Lake, so boating & fishing opportunities.
All these sites are first come, first serve. No reservations.
There's a Forest Office with area information & a small display.
There's several trails of varying length.
Believe it or not- gold panning is a thing here! You need a permit.
They rent boats at the Forest Office. Electric motor only.
There's several camping loops. There's a horse camp also.
The boat ramp is near the horse camp loop.
We didn't go down the Red Pine Loop, but did check out White Oak/Redbud& Black Gum.
Hickory loop is right off the road & the sites are visible from the road. They looked nicely spaced.
White oak loop had several nice sites. Redbud is close to a building they call a camp store. It may have been many years ago, but not open now.
Several picnic spots by the lake. The best site in Redbud would be 39. Large site with some shade. I would also say 38, but site 37 is directly behind it. This is the camp host spot, so occupied. These sites are near the pit toilets.
The best spot in Black Gum would be site 75. Large site at the end of the loop & right by the lake.
If you go back to Hwy 46 where the road split on your way in, follow the sign to the dam. Just a large earthen dam, but there's trail heads here. There's the Scarce O' Fat Trail which has been mentioned on the Facebook Indiana Hiking page.
$13 per night regular camping.$16 per night for horseman's.
TravelerA staple of our state here in Indiana. Unfortunately due to some storm damage, trails were rerouted or straight up inaccessible.
Great places to find and set up camp. We even discovered a few extra hidden sites just by being forced off trails due to the damage.
Every dispersed camper should add the hikes to the lake to their checklist.
ScoutBrown County has always been the jewel of Indiana State Parks for Trail Riders. The campground is large, with spaces to accommodate larger rigs. Most of the sites also have electric hook-up, although water spigots are few and far between. Arrangements for the horses are Hit or Miss depending on what site you stay on. Some of the sites are well shaded, but others are out in the open in full sun. The shower house is in good condition, except that it has no ventilation, so the floors remain wet. The campground is notorious for flooding in heavy rains. We have had as much as 4 in of water draining through our campsite. Some of the tie up areas for the horses are muddy holes that never get enough sunlight to dry out completely. Also be aware that the road leading to the Horseman's camp crosses a creek several times, and in rainy weather there may be water over the road. The camping area for regular campers is beautiful and well maintained, but it seems that Park management is not interested in attracting horse campers. Many of the wooden fences in the camp, as well as tie posts and picnic tables are in poor repair.
ScoutNo set camp spots but great to set up and have no light pollution! Close to town but also right off some amazing trails! Sometimes the horse trailers get loud with generators but it is a horse camp ground!
TravelerWe arrived near dusk on a Friday. The entrance is clearly marked and road is gravel but well maintained. The site is open space with soft, well maintained grass and no muddy areas. There are no marked sites but there is plenty of room for all types of campers. And there all types of campers there. Of 20 or so campers I saw horse trailers, couple of large RVs, teardrops, tent camping and vehicle camping. There are plenty of fire circles. The vault toilets are super clean and you don’t have to waste time flushing. Bonus - Cell phone reception was good! This is a horse camp where you’re welcome to stay without horses… so for etiquette’s sake please leave the spots with corrals and hitch rails for the horse campers! All in all this was a perfect location, extremely well maintained, not crowded with all types of campers peacefully coexisting.
Blackwell Campground in Hoosier National Forest sits at approximately 700 feet elevation in south-central Indiana, part of the Norman Upland physiographic region known for its rugged hills and narrow ravines. The campground connects to more than 200,000 acres of national forest with limestone outcroppings and sandstone formations that create distinctive terrain for horseback riding. Weather patterns typically include humid summers with temperatures averaging 85°F and mild winters with occasional snow.
Geocaching on trails: Hikers at Charles C. Deam Wilderness can participate in geocaching while exploring the extensive trail network. "This place is the gift that keeps in giving being so close to the city. Beautiful sites on the lake, and dozens of other spots scattered throughout the forest as well," notes Steven D.
Geode hunting in creek beds: Search creek beds along Patton Cave Trail for distinctive hollow rock formations. "I walked the creek for hours just looking at all the rocks on the sandbars. I have never encountered so many geodes in my life. Truly magnificent to encounter," shares Sarah R. from Charles C. Deam Wilderness.
Boating on Monroe Lake: Rent watercraft at Yellowwood State Forest and explore the 133-acre Yellowwood Lake. "We have also had lots of fun renting a rowboat, and being out on the water," mentions Margo B. The forest office offers boat rental with electric motors only allowed on the lake.
Free camping options: Berry Ridge Rd Dispersed Camping offers no-cost sites with basic amenities. "Can't believe this place was free. It was nearly empty (although it was the end of November). The hiking was fantastic and the few people camping there were very well dispersed and all respectful," writes Kelly G.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campsites at Berry Ridge provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. "Solo camped here with my dogs. First time I've ever been camping but this spot was really cool. Clean. Secluded and peaceful, though every night at around 5pm I would hear rustling in the leaves, I assumed it was a pack of cayotes," shares Reuben R.
Night sky viewing: Light pollution is minimal at most Monroe Lake area campgrounds. "No set camp spots but great to set up and have no light pollution! Close to town but also right off some amazing trails!" comments Emily H. about the camping experience at Blackwell Campground.
Road conditions: Access to some horse campgrounds requires navigating gravel roads. "The road was gravel and steep at times," notes Amber R. about Berry Ridge Rd Dispersed Camping. At Youngs Creek Horse Camp, "access roads adjacent to the camping area are well used through the evening."
Seasonal hazards: After rainfall, some areas become challenging. "The only negative was that we came after a lot of rain. So everything is permanently wet and mosquitos/ticks abounded," warns Sarah R. about Charles C. Deam Wilderness trails.
Site availability: Most horse campgrounds near Monroe Lake operate on a first-come basis. "It is free camping and first come first serve," explains Joe B. about Blackwell Campground. For weekend camping, arrive early as "come Friday you'll be fighting for a spot or face an $80 fine for parking on the roadway."
Pack insect protection: Prepare for diverse insects depending on season. "I would also bring bug spray and check for ticks!" recommends Jessica T. from Charles C. Deam Wilderness.
Water access planning: Don't assume water is easily accessible at all times. "Heads up! Refill your water when you come across it; the lake is harder to get to than you think," advises Jessica T. about trails in the wilderness areas.
Evening wildlife programs: Look for ranger-led activities at established campgrounds. "Screech owls and active birds made it an exciting evening," shares Josie W. about the wildlife observation opportunities at Blackwell Campground.
Level sites: Youngs Creek Horse Camp provides relatively flat areas for smaller RVs. "The sites are large, and there are fire rings available. We have camped there in a truck camper, and now we tent camp with our Jeep," explains Susan A.
Solar charging opportunities: Open field layouts at some horse campgrounds offer excellent solar charging potential. "Great boondocking spot, plenty of flat land making leveling easy. Wide open so solar charging was easy," reports The Wandering Shores about Blackwell Campground.
Water planning: RVers should note limited water hookups at horse campgrounds. "No water hook ups had to drive to Hardin 3 miles over and pay $5 for their shower and water for our horses," advises CJ H.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Monroe Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Monroe Lake is Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest with a 4.4-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Monroe Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Monroe Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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