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Best Equestrian Camping near Mount Vernon, IN

54 Reviews

Hayes Canyon Campground provides equestrian camping facilities near Mount Vernon, Indiana. The campground features designated horse corrals where riders can safely secure their horses during overnight stays. Horse trailer parking is available at campsites, accommodating visitors bringing their own horses. The campground offers a variety of accommodation options including tent sites, RV spots with hookups, cabins, and glamping opportunities for those seeking enhanced comfort. Electrical hookups, water access, and shower facilities support extended stays. The campground maintains clean facilities with firewood available for purchase. Most sites include picnic tables and fire rings for comfortable outdoor dining and evening relaxation. Sites are reservable in advance, ensuring equestrians can plan their trips with confidence.

Trail riders have direct access to horseback riding routes from the campground. The proximity to natural areas provides scenic riding opportunities through diverse terrain suitable for various skill levels. Horse owners find the area particularly appealing due to the combination of camping comfort and riding accessibility. Water is available throughout the campground for horses, and the trash collection services help maintain a clean environment. The campground's location offers convenient access while maintaining a natural setting conducive to equestrian activities. Shower facilities allow riders to clean up after a day on the trails. The campground's year-round operation permits seasonal riding experiences from spring through fall, with many equestrians noting the ideal conditions during cooler months when insects are less prevalent and trails are in optimal condition.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Mount Vernon, Indiana (9)

    1. Harmonie State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    New Harmony, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 682-4821

    $20 - $23 / night

    "Ranger Review: Primus at Harmonie State Park

    I recently visited Harmonie State Park near New Harmony, In. https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDetails.do?"

    "Located in Southwest Indiana, about 40 miles from Evansville. 

    This is a typical Indiana State Park. Some sites are pretty close together, some are spacious."

    2. Lake Mauzy East

    3 Reviews
    Morganfield, KY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 389-3580

    "The tent pads are right by the water, offering stunning lake views. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and access to toilets—everything you need for a comfortable stay."

    "Lake mauzy is very quiet. No hookups but if you want to boondocks this is a great place."

    3. Camp Cadiz Campground

    6 Reviews
    Karbers Ridge, IL
    31 miles
    Website

    "It's super quiet despite the gravel road nearby. The vault restroom is kept very clean. It has easy access to the River to River trail, and I love the CCC stonework."

    "On a gravel road, in the back country like most everything else on this side of Illinois , fill your gas tank up and your food locker or you will be driving back out a ways to refill. "

    4. Union County Fair

    1 Review
    Morganfield, KY
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 333-4107

    5. High Knob Campgrounds

    4 Reviews
    Karbers Ridge, IL
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 275-4494

    "deffinitly caters to equestrians, my only complaint is the shower houses. The potty area is clean but showers are usually kinda gross."

    "High Knob is a Horse campground in Shawnee National Forest near Garden of the Gods off Il1. The entire area has extensive trails through some awesome, hilly, rocky, cliffy areas."

    6. Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground

    3 Reviews
    Eddyville, IL
    45 miles

    $30 / night

    "Little Lusk is the most Spacious and beautiful equestrian campground in southern IL.    Bring your horses, or just come and camp and stay in the lodge. "

    "I will be back next time I'm near shawnee."

    7. Double M Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Karbers Ridge, IL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 275-4440

    8. Hayes Canyon Campground

    1 Review
    Eddyville, TN
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 672-4751

    $15 - $32 / night

    "A luxurious crowded but nice campsites older stalls cabins available great trails and maps available store and cowboy church. Permanent sites available"

    9. Bear Branch Campground

    2 Reviews
    Eddyville, IL
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 672-4249

    $30 - $200 / night

    "Under new ownership buy many cabins from 40 a night on up nice shower houses electric sewer and water at a lot of sites great trails well marked maps available stalls available store and restaurant to"

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Mount Vernon, IN

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Mount Vernon, IN

54 Reviews of 9 Mount Vernon Campgrounds

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2019

    Harmonie State Park Campground

    Lotsa trees

    Ranger Review: Primus at Harmonie State Park

    I recently visited Harmonie State Park near New Harmony, In. https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=IN&parkId=570048 Just a heads up when camping in Indiana there is a fee to visit the State Parks. I always carry cash for that , laundry and in some states bathroom use. So, the number one thing that stuck out to me about this campground was the shade. For the most part it’s level (floodplain...I saw no standing water) And all the sites are nicely shaded (we are talking full growth) and good size. The sites are electric only, no water, no sewer. There are centrally located water hydrants and a dump station on the way out of the campground. The campground wasn’t very full when we visited, but there is a plethora of activities to enjoy. An Olympic size pool which back in the day my kids woulda loved. Hiking paths (very wide), one right by the campground and a connector trail to the mountain bike trail area. There’s also a bike section on the paved roads. You could spend a comfortable week here and not be bored.

    Product Review: As a Dyrt Ranger I get to occasionally try out outdoor products while camping and this trip I brought along some Primus “kitchen gear” https://primus.us/ . Primus is known for its camping stoves , the kitchen accessories are pretty sweet too. I have the Trailsporks , a long spoon , a spatula for grilling , campfire plates and a campfire knife. These are very sturdy made accessories and pack in my kit without taking up a lot of space. There are a lot of options on the site to fit your packing needs too, from family fireside to fastpacking . I’m building my fireside kitchen kit .

  • d
    May. 29, 2019

    Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground

    A beautiful equestrian lodge and campground. Ride out of several trail hea

    Address: 50 Barger Rd, Stonefort, IL.

    Little Lusk is the most Spacious and beautiful equestrian campground in southern IL.    Bring your horses, or just come and camp and stay in the lodge.  Ride or hike in the beautiful Shawnee National Forest.  Campsites are spacious and can accommodate very large rigs. High lines behind sites.  Stalls can be reserved. some sites are full hookup. Primitive camping also available.  CALL them for more info at 270-205-7138.  Arena and huge event barn on site. Event barn can be reserved for weddings.  Numerous sites have electric and water.  They have a Facebook page with numerous photos.

  • Cynthia K.
    Apr. 27, 2022

    Harmonie State Park Campground

    Out of the way

    This is a small state park in an out of the way part of the state. Located in Southwest Indiana, about 40 miles from Evansville. 

    This is a typical Indiana State Park. Some sites are pretty close together, some are spacious. There's electricity, but water is shared. Some sites have 50 amp, so when you're looking to reserve, check that out. IMO, the best site is site 39. It's at the end of the row, with somewhat secluded. It's a walk to the bathroom, but worth it. Site 22 is also a good site at the end of a row & has a trail from the site to the small pond. 

    Be sure to watch for the grade also. Some of the sites had a noticeable incline. 

    Bathrooms are pretty dismal. They smelled bad too. They need to start replacing these old, worn out comfort stations with something from this century! The nature center is in the campground & is pretty small. We enjoyed it though.

    The camp store is in the park office& is ridiculous. Bring everything you need, cause you won't find it there!

    8 trails the longest is 2.5 miles, the shortest.25 miles. There's also mountain bike trails & a 4 mile horse trail.

  • A
    Aug. 12, 2018

    High Knob Campgrounds

    Lots of trails

    deffinitly caters to equestrians, my only complaint is the shower houses. The potty area is clean but showers are usually kinda gross. Love the sites most have a little shade and the stallsa are nice and safe. The trails are great maps available some trails need marked a bit better.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2018

    High Knob Campgrounds

    The way to travel

    High Knob is a Horse campground in Shawnee National Forest near Garden of the Gods off Il1. The entire area has extensive trails through some awesome, hilly, rocky, cliffy areas. There are some excellent things to see. The trail traverses some of the River to River trail that meanders through the area. There used to be an annual ride through “One Horse Gap” I don’t know if it’s still a thing. 

    The campground has options in addition to sleeping in your rig, cabins, travel trailers and a “hotel” . There’s also stalls and tie outs in the area you park in. A good staging area for Shawnee NF treks with several trailheads to pick from. Groups can set up in here and either stage or use it as base camp. Quiet , depending on who you are camping with, all amenities available on site too. (showers, laundry, store)

    We enjoyed the trails though we went no where near as far as the horse people do. (There is so much to see, we have been going to Shawnee NF for over 20 years but I still find something or somewhere new almost every visit.)

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2021

    Camp Cadiz Campground

    Dusty, rustic camping at the edge of Shawnee

    This small, rustic camp is at the edge of Shawnee and only had a few campers staying multiple nights with us. Then the turkey hunting season came upon us and the sites filled.

    We had site choices that ended up being along the gravel forest road that goes by camp. This put us away from other dogs but caused other issues. Every vehicle that went by generated dust which then coated everything in our camp. If you come here, we suggest taking the site that is furthest from the road (it's right next to the small forest road that heads off to the hiking trails. They had shade as well as sun and no dust. 

    The sites are large but there isn't any foliage between them. Luckily the dogs were in camps further away from our dog so she was able to relax. The water pump got frequent use and the twin vault toilets were plenty for the campground. 

    The hiking trails that headed out from the camp were wonderful. We even hiked down the forest road and found a hidden cemetery tucked away. The river to river trail heads out from camp too - we saw a group of backpackers leave their cars and head off for the night. Garden of the Gods area is a short drive away for more hiking options.

    Choose your time wisely. Camp filled up with hunters who started generators at 3 in the morning to get ready to head out for turkey. Once we realized what was going on, we put our dog's bright shirt on. Everyone was wonderful and we had some interesting conversations. It was also morel mushroom time so some people were hunting for them.

  • Travis R.
    Sep. 14, 2020

    High Knob Campgrounds

    Horse camp only

    They do not accept tents, this is strictly a horse camp, they will rudly tell you so if you call.

  • O
    Aug. 26, 2018

    Harmonie State Park Campground

    Nice state park

    Harmonie State Park is a nice campground. It has 200 sites, electric only, 5 bath houses and 2 pit toilets. There are also 11 cabins. They have a nature center in the middle of the campground that is open Thursday-Sunday in the summer. There are 3 playgrounds through out the campground. They have various events through the summer season with a big Halloween event in the fall. Most campsites are big and spacious, with several loops that allow campers to face one another. It is located back in the hills, far off the highway. Very little cell phone signal. Very relaxing and enjoyable. Olympic size pool open during summer-has water slide, diving boards, separate baby pool with shade awning, and concessions.

    The state park is located on the Wabash River and has a boat ramp. They also have a youth tent area that is primitive, and day use horse trails.

  • Jon H.
    May. 8, 2024

    Harmonie State Park Campground

    Nice, clean, state park.

    Everything was well kept and clean. Multiple bath/shower houses on each loop. Push button showers. Takes about a minute to get water hot, but good after that. Dated, but clean and functional. The lights stay on 24/7 so bugs are in the shower house.

    Multiple walking trails and bike trails. Nice shelter houses and picnic areas. Multiple playgrounds. Nature center in the campground. Many events scheduled for summer. New Harmony (town) is close by and a must stop. Nature walks, lots of unique history you will find nowhere else, quaint shopping, coffee shops, wine bar, dining, etc...

    The pool has been filled in at the park. Very disappointing.

    I was demolished by mosquitos and was covered in deet. Tried picaridin too. If you get the biters off you, the gnats were all over me too. Not sure if just time of year or maybe always this way (did rain multiple times).

    Couldn't use mountain bike trails and most hike trails as it was too wet.

    Suggest calling before making reservations because many of electric sites are not level, at all. Ask which would be best.

Guide to Mount Vernon

Equestrian camping near Mount Vernon, Indiana provides direct access to southern Indiana's diverse terrain. The area features a mix of hardwood forests and open pastures with elevations ranging from 380 to 450 feet above sea level. Most horse-friendly campgrounds in the region maintain trail access year-round, though spring brings muddy conditions that can limit riding options on certain routes.

What to do

Trail riding through Shawnee National Forest: Equestrians staying at High Knob Campgrounds can access extensive trail networks. "The trails are great, maps available, some trails need marked a bit better," notes Alicia B., who appreciates the variety of riding options throughout the forest.

Visit nearby New Harmony: This historic town is just minutes from Harmonie State Park Campground, making it perfect for day trips between rides. "New Harmony is a great place to vacation with family. The state park is gorgeous. The small town had several antique shops and local owned restaurants," says Jamie B.

Fish the Wabash River: The river borders several equestrian campgrounds and offers good fishing opportunities. Keith M. mentions that Harmonie State Park is "next to the Wabash River," providing convenient water access for anglers when taking a break from riding.

What campers like

Spacious campsites for horse trailers: Bear Branch Campground earns praise for its layout. "Under new ownership, many cabins from $40 a night on up, nice shower houses, electric sewer and water at a lot of sites," reports Alicia B., highlighting the infrastructure that supports extended stays with horses.

Clean facilities: Many equestrian campers appreciate well-maintained bathhouses. At Harmonie State Park, "clean showers with hot water" and "very well kept" grounds are standout features according to Dave C., who notes the campground is "kept that way by Host campers."

Seasonal events: Fall camping is particularly popular for horse owners. Nichole M. describes Harmonie's Halloween weekend: "They had a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot... There was also a hayride in the evening for a small fee and that included making smore's at the bonfire."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most equestrian sites fill quickly during peak seasons. At Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground, Dana W. advises, "Campsites are spacious and can accommodate very large rigs. High lines behind sites. Stalls can be reserved. Some sites are full hookup."

Trail conditions vary seasonally: Spring often brings mud while summer has higher insect activity. Riders should check trail status before trips. According to Travis R., the staff at Little Lusk are "helpful and attended to all of our needs" when it comes to current trail information.

Water access for horses: Not all sites provide equal water access for animals. Verify your specific site has appropriate water facilities before booking.

Tips for camping with families

Choose campgrounds with diverse activities: Hayes Canyon Campground offers options beyond riding. Alicia B. describes it as having "luxurious but crowded campsites, older stalls, cabins available, great trails and maps available, store and cowboy church."

Consider playground proximity: Some campgrounds have multiple play areas throughout the grounds. Olivia S. notes that Harmonie State Park has "3 playgrounds throughout the campground" making it easier to keep children entertained between trail rides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mount Vernon, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mount Vernon, IN is Harmonie State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 34 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mount Vernon, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Mount Vernon, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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