Best Equestrian Camping near Nappanee, IN

Potato Creek State Park Campground offers equestrian opportunities with trails suitable for horseback riding throughout its expansive grounds. The park features hiking and biking paths that connect to riding areas, with a separate campground section designated for horse owners. Located near North Liberty, Indiana, approximately 27 miles from Nappanee, the campground provides electric hookups, water access, and full-service restroom facilities with showers for riders after a day on the trails. The park maintains multiple trail systems traversing varied terrain including prairie, wetlands, and wooded areas, making it popular for day rides and overnight camping with horses.

Trail riders access over 17 miles of marked paths at Potato Creek, with routes ranging from beginner-friendly flat terrain to more challenging wooded sections. The separate horse camping area includes space for trailers and equipment storage, though riders should note that reservations are recommended, especially during summer and fall weekends when the campground frequently reaches capacity. Water access points for horses are available along certain trails, but campers should bring their own feed storage containers. Facilities include sanitary dump stations, fire rings with cooking grates, and picnic tables at each site. Winter camping is available on a walk-in basis, while the park's extensive trail system allows for seasonal riding opportunities throughout most of the year, weather permitting.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Nappanee, Indiana (6)

    1. Potato Creek State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    North Liberty, IN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 656-8186

    $20 - $90 / night

    "I feel this is one of the best state parks in Indiana. Come with your own water as they don’t have water hookups at your campsite but there are some nearby. The sites are very spacious and clean."

    "Younger families tend to book up front near the playground and the noise and activities are more robust. Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up."

    2. Elkhart County Fairgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Goshen, IN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 533-3247

    "Overall Rating: 4 for access to the area, very clean facilities, and not too many campers thus time of year.
    Price 2024: $35 for water/electric only."

    "A little close to your neighbors but the way the sites are angled you had plenty of room. Very friendly people. Easy in and out."

    3. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground

    54 Reviews
    Albion, IN
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 636-2654

    $14 - $80 / night

    "Met up with 18 other skoolies our first Indiana meet. Met great people had a fantastic time. Great park kids swam, showers are clean. Electric at sites but water isn’t but very close by."

    "Chain is perfect for kayaking and canoeing with 9 connected lakes and 11 total. A couple lakes are perfect for boat fishing as long as you have an electric motor only."

    4. Kosciusko County Fairgrounds

    1 Review
    Warsaw, IN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 269-1823

    $5 - $10 / night

    5. Tippecanoe River State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Winamac, IN
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 946-3213

    $14 - $50 / night

    "There was a horse camp available as well as youth tenting and cabins to rent. This is a great State Park with more things to offer in addition to the ones mentioned above."

    "Trails and the river close by. Bathrooms are phenomenal!! Enjoy!"

    6. Salamonie River State Forest

    6 Reviews
    Lagro, IN
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 246-5421

    $13 - $15 / night

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-6 of 6 campgrounds

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Nappanee, IN

149 Reviews of 6 Nappanee Campgrounds


  • Jessica L.
    Jul. 28, 2016

    Potato Creek State Park Campground

    Activities for all seasons...

    ...although you probably wouldn't want to camp in the Indiana winter. I grew up coming here mostly to sled on the hills! But, there is a lot more to do. It surrounds Worster Lake and there are cabins, RV sites, and tent sites along with horse trails and bike trails. In the winter, there's sledding hills and ice fishing. The campgrounds are pretty standard, nothing special. If you live in the area, it's a fine little getaway.

  • D
    Apr. 25, 2019

    Potato Creek State Park Campground

    A wonderful state campground

    I feel this is one of the best state parks in Indiana. Come with your own water as they don’t have water hookups at your campsite but there are some nearby. The sites are very spacious and clean. Bath houses are always clean! Playground areas for the kids throughout the park lots of bike and walking trails. No pools but a beautiful man made lake for swimming and fishing. Lots of wildlife throughout the park. A great nature center is a must to see for the little ones. My family has camped here for many years. There is also a separate campground for horse lovers.

  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2026

    Salamonie 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.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2017

    Elkhart County Fairgrounds

    Typical Fairgrounds Camping Experience

    I have camped here a couple of times while visiting northern Indiana to have repairs done on my RV. Overall, I like this campground where for $30/night you can get a 50 amp full hook-up site or $23/night a 30 amp and water site. If you plan on staying longer weekly and monthly rates are really good. The campground sits in the middle of the county fairgrounds so there is usually something going on – either a fair, concert, horse event, or an RV rally. Depending on what time of year you are here and part of the week, the campground could be very crowded or very empty. The nice thing is the people in the office let you pick whatever site you want and don’t assign one to you. There are 275 full hook-up sites with 50 amp full hook-up and 30 amp water & electric only. There are no fires allowed and some sites don’t have picnic tables but you can request one and they will bring it to your site.

    There is very little shade and during my last visit the late September fall temperatures climbed to nearly 90 degrees and was brutal. This campground is better suited for RVs than tents but you are permitted to tent camp. Bathrooms and showers are scattered about and I was amazed at always how clean they (and the grounds as a whole) are. They do offer WiFi which worked pretty well in non-peak hours like early morning but was not reliable and sometimes frustrating. Since many sites have a clear view of the sky, you most likely will get satellite television reception and a dozen or so antenna channels.

    One of the things I like about this park is the vast expanse of grounds to wander about walking my dog. There is a trail system just outside of the park that allows you miles and miles of walking and biking trails. Downtown Goshen is less than two miles away and has some great restaurants (including Venturi Pizza, Maple Indian Cuisine – which has an awesome buffet, and Goshen Brewing Company). The Saturday farmers market is great with lots of produce, breads, meats, cheeses, and crafts.

    The last time I visited coincided with the Mennonite Relief Fund which was a big fund raiser for their charity that packed the grounds with stuff for sale, food, and activities. It was fun to be there during the event but it meant the campground and grounds were packed.

    Now for the bad about this campground. It is located right next to very busy train tracks that operate 24/7 and blow their horns quite often. They were really annoying in the middle of the night. Sites are close together so if it is crowded and you have a neighbor, you will be right on top of them. There is no shade which can be very miserable.

    Pros:

    · Price - $30/night for a 50 amp full hook-up site

    · Nearby downtown stores and restaurants

    · Sites are not assigned so you can pick where you want to camp

    · Grassy patios

    · Large grounds to meander around

    · Nearby biking/walking trail

    Cons:

    · Very noisy from nearby trains operated at all hours

    · Few trees for shade or privacy

    · Some sites are very tight and close to your neighbor

    · Can be very crowded

    · WiFi provided but not reliable

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2019

    Potato Creek State Park Campground

    Campground=4 stars; check-in=2 stars

    Campground= 4 stars; check-in= 2 stars. Very large campground with close to 300 sites plus a horse camp and about 20 cabins. We picked this park solely because it was convenient to our next destination, so we were not concerned with amenities. We did not make a reservation because I really do not want to pay the extra fee if it is not necessary. Upon arrival, we paid the $9 entrance fee ($7 for Indiana residents) and drove the 3 miles to the campground office. Somewhat surprised to find both staffed at 6 pm on a Thursday after Labor Day. We were told to drive around and pick several desired sites as they could not tell us which ones still had people due to arrive that night who had reserved. Huh?? So, we drove around two of the five loops and picked half a dozen sites that would be suitable. But that’s where the fun began- not! There seemed to be some computer glitch in that every site we asked about showed as not available, even though more than half the sites were empty. Eventually, we were told to just go to one of the sites we picked and set up and that a security guard would come and collect our money. Eventually, at just before 9 pm, the security guard did come and told us the glitch had been fixed and asked that we come to the office and register. The glitch was not fixed! But we paid our fee and were able to stay the night and the staff was very apologetic. 

    There is no differentiation between RV and tent sites (the only one that is separate is the horse camp). The E Loop seemed to be the most crowded, mostly with RVs. The sites in the D Loop were spaced a decent amount of distance apart but other than that, there was no real privacy between them. This was not a problem because the loop had many empty sites and we were able to easily find one that had an empty one on either side of us. There are paths to the beach accessible from the D and E loops but note the beach is only open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There is no longer a dog beach at Potato Creek. There is a general store(open until 8 pm) and bike rentals which, if we were going to stay longer, we might have taken advantage of. There are boat rentals in season. Several trails and playgrounds so I imagine that in the summer, this is a nice family campground (even the name is Family campground). 

    The mosquitos were vicious, likely worse due to the amount of rain the area has had this year. Bathrooms were very clean and there was hot water, a nice luxury but you have to be careful not to bump your head on the shelf over the sink when washing your face. Didn’t use them but there were also showers. 

    The check-in process notwithstanding, our stay was fine for the night.

  • N
    Aug. 2, 2019

    Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground

    Great time with skoolies

    Met up with 18 other skoolies our first Indiana meet. Met great people had a fantastic time. Great park kids swam, showers are clean. Electric at sites but water isn’t but very close by.

  • Geoffrey F.
    Apr. 26, 2026

    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.

  • Eric L.
    Sep. 5, 2021

    Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground

    Labor Day at Chain

    We stayed at site #99 which is fairly easy to find and somewhat secluded from the main camper section of the campground. The site and neighboring sites are non-electric which makes you have to be creative if you need an air mattress. The site is partial sun midafternoon. The campground can get busy and loud but for the most part everyone was was respectful of others.

    Chain is perfect for kayaking and canoeing with 9 connected lakes and 11 total. A couple lakes are perfect for boat fishing as long as you have an electric motor only. Overall, in my opinion, this is one of the more underrated state parks in Indiana. Worth the trip up north away from the more popular parks in the southern part of the state.

  • Frank M.
    Mar. 22, 2017

    Potato Creek State Park Campground

    Family favorite

    My wife and I come here every year since purchasing our travel trailer. We recommend securing a spot in the back sites 230-287 for larger lots and quieter atmosphere. Younger families tend to book up front near the playground and the noise and activities are more robust. Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up. With dog friendly beaches, beginner MTB trails and paved bike paths, this checks all our boxes. Natural wetlands abound, so definitely bring the mosquito spray. Typical Indiana Campground with basic amenities, older comfort stations and spotty WIFI. I like unplugging but sometimes work demands I respond promptly. Not too far from South Bend for city amenities, restaurants and supplies. Takes 10-15 mins to drive out of campground, so keep this in mind. Definitely keep coming back!


Guide to Nappanee

Potato Creek State Park Campground provides diverse options for equestrian camping near Nappanee, Indiana. Located in North Liberty, approximately 27 miles from Nappanee, this park encompasses 3,840 acres of terrain with elevations ranging from 778 to 950 feet above sea level. The surrounding area features a mix of deciduous forest, restored prairie lands, and wetland ecosystems that create varied riding environments throughout the seasons.

What to do

Mountain biking trails: Potato Creek offers several beginner-friendly mountain biking routes. "Peppermint Hill mountain bike/hiking loop was really fun and not to be missed," notes Christy Y. about Potato Creek State Park Campground.

Canoe or kayak: Chain O' Lakes State Park features interconnected lakes for paddling. "Kayaking and the beach was a huge hit with the kids," says Jeremy C. about Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground, which offers boat rentals during summer months.

Fishing opportunities: Multiple parks provide fishing access. "Fishing was poor according to my husband," reports Cynthia K. about Tippecanoe River State Park, suggesting anglers may want to check seasonal conditions before planning a trip.

Hiking diverse terrain: The region offers varied hiking difficulties. "Trail number one is a 1 mile weird loop that has some neat scenery, especially in the summertime," shares Kaley A. about Potato Creek's trail system.

What campers like

Secluded sites: For more privacy at Potato Creek, "We recommend securing a spot in the back sites 230-287 for larger lots and quieter atmosphere," advises Frank M. "Younger families tend to book up front near the playground and the noise and activities are more robust."

Wooded campsites: Tippecanoe River State Park Campground offers natural shade. "Mature wooded campground. Plentiful level grassy tent spots to put up a tent," notes Gary S., who adds it's "about as good as it gets" during autumn visits.

Budget-friendly primitive camping: Salamonie River State Forest offers basic sites at lower rates. "Cheap, $13 self pay. No electric or showers but do have bathroom. Very secluded luv it here," explains amber P.

Seasonal beauty: The region's parks transform throughout the year. "Even the trails we frequent always seem new because each season offers a different kind of beauty," shares Whitley K. about Salamonie River State Forest.

What you should know

Mosquito preparation: Insect repellent is essential during warmer months. "Natural wetlands abound, so definitely bring the mosquito spray," warns Frank M. about Potato Creek. At Tippecanoe, Rob H. simply states: "Worst place for mosquitoes."

Beach conditions: Water quality varies seasonally. "Blue-green algae warnings made us not want to put more than our feet in the water. The beach area is nice, though," reports Tony P. about Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground.

Spotty connectivity: Cell service and wifi can be unreliable. "Typical Indiana Campground with basic amenities, older comfort stations and spotty WIFI. I like unplugging but sometimes work demands I respond promptly," notes Frank M. about Potato Creek.

Facility variations: Comfort stations differ between parks. "Station A looked like it had been totally rehabbed in the last 5 years. Everything looked nice and the showers could be turned to your preferred temperature," reports Cynthia K. about Tippecanoe River State Park.

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: At Tippecanoe River, "Sites 2,3,4,6,&7 have direct access to a playground and you can watch your children from your site," advises Cynthia K. "All the interior sites by comfort station B have direct access to the playground from your site."

Bike-friendly parks: Look for campgrounds with good cycling options. "Hiking, biking swimming, fishing, what more could you ask for. We love it here," says Jason S. about Potato Creek State Park Campground.

Star-gazing opportunities: Check park event calendars. "Did participate in a star gazing event being held that weekend and it is still something my husband and I talk about regularly," shares Monica C. about Tippecanoe River State Park.

Beach activities: Several parks offer swimming areas. "The beach is often overcrowded with local partiers, drinking and smoking, and leaving trash everywhere. After peak hours these people clear out and usually aren't actually camping there," warns Whitley K. about Chain O' Lakes.

Tips from RVers

Electrical hookup planning: At Potato Creek, "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up," advises Frank M., who also notes it "takes 10-15 mins to drive out of campground, so keep this in mind."

Site selection strategy: At Tippecanoe River State Park Campground, consider specific site locations. "All the outer sites are pretty good. Our site ponded water after a rain, but soaked in fast," notes Cynthia K., who recommends avoiding sites 73/75 and 105/106 which are "right by the pits, with a sidewalk between them."

Weekend availability: Many parks fill quickly, especially in summer. "Seems like a very popular place, even in the off season, so you're best bet is to make a reservation or call ahead to make sure they can accommodate you," suggests Christy Y. about Potato Creek State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Nappanee, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Nappanee, IN is Potato Creek State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 50 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Nappanee, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.