Equestrian camping near New Harmony, Indiana offers access to several state parks and conservation areas situated within the Wabash River Valley. This region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers averaging 85-90°F and moderately cold winters with temperatures often below freezing. Most equestrian trails remain open from April through November, though seasonal closures may occur after heavy rainfall due to trail conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Red Hills Lake State Park, anglers can target largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish in the 21-foot deep lake. "Beautiful lake with good fishing. Spots are a little unleveled but not bad. Nice restaurant, a little pricey but good food," notes Dusti M.
Trail riding: High Knob Campgrounds provides extensive trail access in the Shawnee National Forest. "The trails are great maps available some trails need marked a bit better," says Alicia B., who appreciates the campground's horse-friendly facilities.
Hiking: Explore multiple trail systems of varying difficulties. "The hiking trails are nice, at least they were years ago when I camped here as a kid. The Wabash River has a great view, so be sure to check that out too," recommends Nichole M. about Harmonie State Park's natural features.
Fall activities: Schedule your visit during autumn for special events. "They had a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot and although there weren't a ton of vehicles, it was definitely enough for the kids to have fun trick or treating. There was also a hayride in the evening for a small fee and that included making smore's at the bonfire," says Nichole M.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Most campgrounds in the area provide ample room between sites. "Harmonie State Park is a nice campground. It has 200 sites, electric only, 5 bath houses and 2 pit toilets. Most campsites are big and spacious, with several loops that allow campers to face one another," reports Olivia S.
Wildlife viewing: Lake Mauzy East offers excellent wildlife observation. "Absolutely beautiful! Been traveling 150 days, 23 states plus DC, ...THE most pretty state! We lucked out and got an amazing spot... well they're all great! Super quiet, tons of birds, and we saw snake mounds but not yet seen one...birds and butterflies and owls," shares Adrianne.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking less developed sites, Camp Cadiz provides basic amenities. "Stayed here in March 2020. My favorite part about this campground was that there were only 8 campsites so it was very quiet and remote. The fire pit had a grate large enough to cook on and I didn't need to use my extra grate that I keep in my camping kit," says Hannah F.
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained bathhouses are available at several locations. "Shower houses are pretty clean and taken care of. We stay here many times throughout the camping season. Definitely worth the trip," mentions Renee T. about her experience at Harmonie State Park.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity can be spotty throughout the area. "It is located back in the hills, far off the highway. Very little cell phone signal. Very relaxing and enjoyable," explains Olivia S. about Harmonie State Park.
Wildlife precautions: Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area and other parks have active wildlife. "Harmonie State Park looks like a great place for a family vacation. Our only problem was 1 or more raccoons kept coming into our site. We shooed them away but they kept coming back," warns Barbie G.
Water availability: Most campgrounds have central water access but not individual hookups. "They had a problem finding our site number in the dark, as they are facing the wrong way from driving direction. Sites are set far enough apart for privacy," notes Linette G.
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons, especially fall weekends, advance booking is essential. "We stayed the weekend before Halloween. We missed reserving the weekend they have the campground trick or treating, which was the weekend before, but this was just as fun. Apparently that weekend has to be reserved the day reservations open for it," advises Nichole M.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Camp Cadiz Campground and surrounding areas offer recreation areas. "The playground equipment was a short bike ride down the road, but right in the sun mid day so the equipment was too hot for the kids to play on until evening," notes Nichole M. about Sam Dale Lake.
Swimming options: Several parks feature swimming facilities during summer months. "Olympic size pool open during summer-has water slide, diving boards, separate baby pool with shade awning, and concessions," details Olivia S. about Harmonie State Park.
Kid-friendly trail selection: Choose appropriate hiking paths for children. "Great walking woods. but the restaurant is awesome. plenty of fish in the lake," mentions Brittany E. about Red Hills State Park's amenities.
Halloween events: Plan trips around seasonal activities if possible. "They have a fun fall festival around halloween. Nature center and nice swimming pool for the kids," explains Keith M. about special events at Harmonie State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring preparation. "At first I thought the sites were a bit rough and not very level. But while were there, they started to regrade the pads at the sites. The new gravel was leveled and packed flat. The sites are greatly improved," reports Doug W. about his experience at Red Hills State Park.
Hookup limitations: Most area campgrounds offer electric-only connections. "It clearly states electric only. Which was no problem. They had a water hookup that you could pull up to for more water if needed. Dump station right outside the campground. Site 35 was perfectly level for the Class C," explains Jonathon B. about Sam Dale Lake.
Roads and access: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "This campground is very well kept. There are paved roads the kids can bike on as well as mountain bike trails. Very nice swimming pool. Clean showers with hot water. Campsites are spacious," shares Dave C. about Harmonie State Park's infrastructure.
