Top Horse Camping near Monroe Lake

Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in Monroe Lake is the way to go. Whether you own a horse or are joining a tour group, equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect equestrian sites that are scenic and easy to access.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Monroe Lake, IN (11)

    Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    1.

    Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    20 Reviews
    25 Photos
    Heltonville, Indiana

    Overview

    The camp is located along Tower Ridge Road in the center of the Charles Deam Wilderness area, approximately one mile from Highway 446. The camp also is a trailhead for the Charles C. Deam Wilderness trail system.____

    Recreation

    Blackwell is a campground for all types of users. It provides access to the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Trail system with approximately 35 miles of trails. The nearby Hickory Ridge Trail system is also available.

    Facilities

    Blackwell is a campground for all types of users. It provides access to the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Trail system with approximately 35 miles of trails. The nearby Hickory Ridge Trail system is also available.

    Natural Features

    The camp is a large grassy area with gravel parking areas on the east and west end. The trailheads are located on the east and west ends of the camp by the parking areas.__

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mill State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mill State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mill State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mill State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mill State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mill State Park Campground

    2.

    Spring Mill State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    90 Photos
    127 Saves
    Mitchell, Indiana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 - $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Charles C. Deam Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles C. Deam Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles C. Deam Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles C. Deam Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles C. Deam Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles C. Deam Wilderness

    5.

    Charles C. Deam Wilderness

    8 Reviews
    27 Photos
    124 Saves
    Heltonville, Indiana

    The Charles C. Deam Wilderness offers 36 miles of trails for hiking, backpacking, and horse riding through scenic hardwood forest and varied terrain with views of nearby Monroe Lake. The area was designated a wilderness in 1982 and encompasses nearly 12,953 acres of the Hoosier National Forest. Wilderness designation places this area in a special legal status (subject to the 1964 Wilderness Act). It is managed to preserve a natural condition and provide opportunities for solitude. Since its designation as a wilderness, visitor use in the area increased to a point that significant damage was occurring. Special restrictions are in place to protect the wilderness character. Visitors to this special place are asked to follow these restrictions to lessen your impact and share responsibility in preserving this unique natural resource.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Ransburg Scout Reservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Ransburg Scout Reservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Ransburg Scout Reservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Ransburg Scout Reservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Ransburg Scout Reservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Ransburg Scout Reservation

    6.

    Ransburg Scout Reservation

    4 Reviews
    13 Photos
    8 Saves
    Harrodsburg, Indiana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoosier National Forest Southern Point Loop Campground

    8.

    Hoosier National Forest Southern Point Loop Campground

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    31 Saves
    Harrodsburg, Indiana

    This campground loop is a shady campground with 60 tent and trailer sites. This is the most remote and wooded of the loops at Hardin Ridge. Several of the sites are set back from the campground road and 14 of the tent sites are walk-in. None of the sites on Southern Point have electricity. ACTIVITIES Camping: This is one of six shady campground loops in the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area. It includes 60 sites, none of which are electric. Southern Point is generally open year-round. A maximum of 2 vehicles and 8 people are allowed per site. Recreational Vehicles: This is one of six shady campground loops in the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area. It includes 46 sites appropriate for RVs, none of which are electric. Southern Point is generally open year-round but if closed in winter months, another loop will be open. A maximum of 2 vehicles and 8 people are allowed per site. Wildlife Viewing: Each of the six shady campground loops in the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area provide ample opportunities to see wildlife. While staying in the campground you share the birds and animal's home and are likely to see them come right up to your campsite.

    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Youngs Creek Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Youngs Creek Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Youngs Creek Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Youngs Creek Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Youngs Creek Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Youngs Creek Horse Camp

    9.

    Youngs Creek Horse Camp

    7 Reviews
    7 Photos
    27 Saves
    Paoli, Indiana

    Overview

    A primitive campground with vault toilets, hitching racks, and a picnic shelter is available. Around 12 and half miles of trails are available for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding.

    Recreation

    The Youngs Creek Campground provides access to the 12.7-mile Youngs Creek multiple use trail for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking.____

    Facilities

    The Youngs Creek Campground provides access to the 12.7-mile Youngs Creek multiple use trail for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking.____

    Natural Features

    Shady trails, scenic hardwood forests and a variety of terrain

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Johnson County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Johnson County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Johnson County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Johnson County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Johnson County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Johnson County Park

    10.

    Johnson County Park

    8 Reviews
    32 Photos
    24 Saves
    Nineveh, Indiana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

Recent Equestrian Reviews In Monroe Lake

102 Reviews of 11 Monroe Lake Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest
    July 12, 2024

    Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    Spacious Camping

    We really liked the set up of this campsite. The fire rings were spread apart amidst a green hill. There was some shade available around the edges. Plenty of room to spread out from your neighbors; it wasn’t too busy when we were there (a Thursday). Camp accesses two trailheads directly. There were two bathrooms, a place for garbage, and potable water. Screech owls and active birds made it an exciting evening.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
    July 3, 2024

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Secluded in the woods

    Beautiful secluded site that is pretty far off of the road, but not too far. There was no traffic or other people in site. I have a promaster conversion and had no trouble making it to this site, however the road was gravel and steep at times. I have lived in Indiana for ever and have made many trips this way, but I never knew sites like this existed.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Yellowwood State Forest
    June 27, 2024

    Yellowwood State Forest

    Just did a drive thru

     This 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
    June 6, 2024

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Real dispersed camping

    For those of you who don't understand disperse camping this is the perfect site for a tent to camp without anything but what you bring in and take out understand what dispersed camping is and then there won't be any complaints about can't get a camper in or whatever I always see the complaints this is dispersed camping at its best

  • Camper-submitted photo from Youngs Creek Horse Camp
    June 3, 2024

    Youngs Creek Horse Camp

    Beautiful

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Yellowwood State Forest
    April 29, 2024

    Yellowwood State Forest

    Great Camping & Fishing Combo

    Lots of primitive campsites here. Many have short trails from them to the lake edge, making for some great night fishing with a cozy fire to return to.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mill State Park Campground
    April 13, 2024

    Spring Mill State Park Campground

    Perfect location for the 2024 eclipse

    In January we found a couple of available sites at Spring Mill when trying to plan where we'd go for the eclipse, so we took them and then started looking at what the park had to offer. We started to really look forward to the park as much as the eclipse. The park lived up to expectations. We were able to do a lot of hiking. Our dog was welcome in most areas of the park (pioneer village being the only significant exception). They were planning for a ton of folks to be there for the eclipse, but the numbers were lower than expected. We had the perfect spot for viewing it right across the lane from our campsite, so it didn't really matter how many people came into the park for it. 

    The only possible negative was that our site wasn't very level for our pop up. We had our leveler with us, so it didn't matter. My wife and I decided that the eclipse was simply the cherry on top of a very good sundae. We loved the park and will likely return again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
    December 7, 2023

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Great!

    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 and they would leave once I started banging on stuff and primally yelling. Very spooky! Awesome spot, though albeit I don’t have anything to compare it to. But I’m glad I found it!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
    November 5, 2023

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    This is dispersed at its best!

    Free camp ground. Very private. Decent sized space to park for 2-3 vehicles. Trails, plenty of dry wood, away from the roads, no running water or electricity, decent amount of spaces we came in at night and counted about 9 very far spread out camp sights. Good ground to pitch a tent to. There was other camp grounds bigger than the one we stayed at and had several people at them with a big bonfire going but what’s great is when we found our spot we couldn’t see their fire or even hear them! One thing to note is that some of the camp sites are tucked back into the trees a little and can be hard to spot. At night we thought one was open but there was actually someone there and just couldn’t see them from the road so we had to back out and go to the next site (sorry whoever that was lol). It is also a ways off the beaten path for through car camping but honestly if we were ever coming back through this way I would make the hour detour to stop here again!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Johnson County Park
    August 17, 2023

    Johnson County Park

    NO TENT Sites According To The Rules

    The Rules sheet that is included in some of the pictures indicates that no tent camping is allowed.  Someone should update the icons on the page for this site.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
    July 2, 2023

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Peaceful and Secluded

    If you are looking for solitude and peace in the forest, you will find it here! I went to the 2nd or 3rd site past the coordinates provided. It was very clean, flat, and had a nice fire pit. The sites are far enough apart that I truly felt like I had the woods all to myself! It stormed all night...that was a little scary, but the misty trees in the morning were magnificent!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
    June 17, 2023

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    It's pretty nice

    There are a couple walking trails around, as well each site is fairly far apart. It's really quite only seen a handful of cars drive by and I've stayed here for 2 nights, would highly recommend.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Yellowwood State Forest
    September 18, 2022

    Yellowwood State Forest

    nashville indiana

    this is a nice campground in a very touristy area. we arrived on a thursday and stayed through sunday. it got more and more crowded friday & saturday but quiet hours were observed and it was a relaxing stay at the end of a long trip. it says big rig friendly, i disagree, we have a 20’ trailer and it was tight. the lake is beautiful, no swimming kinda sucked. hiking was great.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mill State Park Campground
    September 8, 2022

    Spring Mill State Park Campground

    Lots to see

    I really enjoyed the stay at this park. Lots of great hiking trails that are well traveled and easy to navigate. Plenty of signs. The pioneer village is beautiful and really something to see with staff playing as villagers of the period.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest
    August 26, 2022

    Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    Open field, clean vault toilets, not much shade

    If you’re a solar person, this is your spot! It’s a giant open field with vault toilets. It says horse camp, but anyone can stay here. If you’re looking for shade or here in the summer months, you may try elsewhere as there is not much shade to be had.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest
    August 7, 2022

    Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    Free w Easy parking but no water

    Quiet with sparse campers. People who were there were nice and we felt safe. Free. Easy to find but slow going w rig on winding narrow roads. No water hook ups had to drive to Hardin 3 miles over and pay $5 for their shower and water for our horses

  • Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mill State Park Campground
    June 18, 2022

    Spring Mill State Park Campground

    Unlevel Campground

    I only camp at this campground once a year. It is mostly uneven and the shaded loop is very unlevel. It does have a lot of amenities such as trails, mountain bike trails, tennis court, basketball court, beach volleyball, astronaut museum, and the Inn.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest
    June 4, 2022

    Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    Good plan B campsite

    Our original campsite wasn’t what we thought it would be so we found this place and it’s a very good and safe secondary campground. It’s very open, can park anywhere and pitch tents or RV’s wherever you’d like. 2 trail heads, one on each end that connect to all other trails of 15+ miles if wanted.

    Very quiet, open, and spaced out and it has restrooms. I would recommend bringing a fire pit though otherwise you have to use designated fire areas.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lieber State Recreation Area Cagles Mill Lake
    June 3, 2022

    Lieber State Recreation Area Cagles Mill Lake

    Fine spot to camp

    I stayed for one night in a non electric site on a trip. The campground was ok. The bathrooms were clean-ish but I couldn’t get the showers to be not cold. The site was nice and level. The sites are right next to each other with nothing breaking up the views of the neighbors. The site had a picnic table and a fire pit. Not many people there on a weeknight. I didn’t really check out the beach or the pool.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Yellowwood State Forest
    May 24, 2022

    Yellowwood State Forest

    Peaceful and Secluded

    I’m writhing this review on a Tuesday and the Maintenence Crews are in full swing. The campground is sparsely populated as expected for a weekday. The spots are nice and grassy, secluded, and some that may be used for multiple or large family camp outs. They have john boats and kayaks for rent on the weekends along with a camp store. The Forest office and camp store are both closed during the week. 2bars of 5G for AT&T users. Nice picnic 6’ table and fire ring at every site.



Guide to Monroe Lake

Camping near Monroe Lake, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to fish, hike, or just relax by the water, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Boating and Fishing: At Paynetown Campground, you can enjoy boating and fishing on Lake Monroe. One visitor noted, "This is a boating/fishing park," highlighting the lake's popularity for these activities.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Taylor Ridge Campground where one camper mentioned, "We had a blast. Rode horses, hiked, geocached, lots to do."
  • Swimming: The beach at Starve Hollow State Rec Area is a great spot for a swim. A reviewer said, "Small lake for boating and canoeing and kayaking," making it a fun place to cool off.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Hardin Ridge. One reviewer stated, "Restrooms are clean. Well maintained facility."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Blackwell Campground. A visitor shared, "Plenty of room to spread out from your neighbors; it wasn’t too busy when we were there."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at West Boggs Park. One guest noted, "They host different themed events," which adds to the welcoming atmosphere.

What you should know:

  • Busy Weekends: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the week. A reviewer at Paynetown Campground warned, "It's VERY noisy & busy on a summer weekend."
  • Site Conditions: Some sites may not be level. A camper at Spring Mill State Park Campground mentioned, "Our last site (15) was located on a grade that made setting up camp more difficult than usual."
  • Primitive Camping: If you're looking for a more rustic experience, check out Yellowwood State Forest. A visitor described it as "Primitive camping. Pit toilets only."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds. At Buffalo Ridge Campground, one reviewer said, "One of the playgrounds is right off the site."
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for lively environments, especially on weekends. A family camping at Starve Hollow State Rec Area noted, "The beach was muddy and shallow, but the lake was beautiful!"
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds like West Boggs Park offer plenty of space for games. One camper mentioned, "They have great activities such as outdoor movies, scavenger hunts, and more."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Taylor Ridge Campground advised, "Pay attention to your campsite for slope and camper accessibility."
  • Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Hardin Ridge, offer electric hookups. A visitor shared, "There’s 4 loops with 30 & 50 amp."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Ensure you know where the nearest dump station is located. A camper at Paynetown Campground mentioned, "There's a large dump station."

Camping near Monroe Lake, Indiana, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

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 20 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.