7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Pokagon State Park Campground offers equestrian trails and on-site horse rides for visitors. The park maintains dedicated horse stables where trail rides and pony rentals are available seasonally. Equestrian trails connect with the main campground areas, which feature over 200 campsites across five camping loops. Sites vary in size and privacy, with some accommodating larger rigs and horse trailers. The campground provides electric and non-electric sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Extensive equestrian trails wind through the wooded park terrain, connecting riders to various natural features and lake views.
Located 41 miles northeast of New Haven, Chain O' Lakes State Park provides another option for horse enthusiasts. The park features nine connected lakes ideal for exploring after trail rides. Horse-friendly campsites accommodate tents, RVs, and cabins with adequate space for horse trailers in designated areas. The trail system includes clearly marked paths suitable for horseback riding that connect to various lakes and natural areas. The campground remains open year-round with full amenities during peak season. Trails are well-maintained and clearly marked with maps at junctions, making navigation straightforward for riders exploring the park's diverse terrain. The extensive trail network allows for varied riding experiences through wooded areas and along lakeshores.
"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."
from $14 - $80 / night
Check Availability"The paved bike trail in the park starts near the campground, and connects with a bike trail along the Wabash River that goes into nearby Bluffton, and is an easy ride. "
"Plenty of trails to hike and a nice little lake to enjoy. Will definitely come back here"
from $20 - $33 / night
Check Availability"Sites are in a well wooded area situated on 5 different loops (1 non-electric, 4 electric)."
"This site was fairly level but very close to other sites…wouldn’t recommend it."
from $20 - $480 / night
Check Availability"We camped in a tent had a fire went hiking found little waterfalls and there is another part that allows horses!!"
"This is one of the best parks we have been to in Indiana. We Volunteer all over our the USA at State Parks and National Forest. So we know what to look for."
from $14 - $35 / night
Check Availability"If you can get a lake view site enjoy. Some spot are far away from the shower houses but you can drive to them. Nice marina with a great store and boat rentals"
"There’s also an entire beach close by, the parking lot needs to be maintained at the beach. I saw DNR once a day. The boat launch is close if you have a boat. The restrooms are clean but primitive."
"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."
from $13 - $15 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $5 - $10 / night
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GuideEquestrian trails and campgrounds are popular here. Horse rides sold on site. There is a nice hotel that sometimes hosts events actually located in the park. Come tobagginging and ice fishing in the winter and then pamper yourself in the hotel, or visit in the summer and have a beach day or easy hike with the family. Great spot for Pokémon Go because of the available cell service.
TravelerI 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.
TravelerPokagon State Park has an excellent state park campground. Sites are in a well wooded area situated on 5 different loops (1 non-electric, 4 electric). Many sites are flat (good for tent camping) while others are slightly rolling hills (helps breakup the sites a bit). There is a lot to do in the park including many trails, horse riding (horse stable on site), and lake swimming on a nicely improved beach. Only cons are no full hook up and the fire rings/grills could be improved.
TravelerThis is an extremely large campground. About seventy-five percent of the sites are electric. We stayed in Site 255, which was not electric (booked last minute). This site was fairly level but very close to other sites…wouldn’t recommend it. However, Site 269 (next to Site 277) afforded great privacy and was large; among the non-electric sites this was the best I saw. I did not survey the electric sites, but I’m sure the site matters a lot. Non-electric sites are $20.00, plus a $9.00 park entrance fee.
There are numerous walking trails, along with horse and bike trails. Additionally, there are boat rentals, horseback rides, pony rentals, swimming, nature center, and a restaurant at the inn.
This is a family oriented park. Extended family groupings are very common. Nevertheless, people and their children are well behaved.
I would recommend this campground for two days or more. A one day stay will mean you probably won’t see much of this wonderful park. The only reason I gave it a four was that even in mid-September it was packed.
TravelerMet 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.
TravelerThere are trail, beaches, boats, horses... so many things to do
GuideThis 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.
TravelerCamp sites are tiny. We had site 88 and it was supposed to be full shade. It was full sun and they have it set up so the camp side of the trailer faces the road. The fire pit is also three feet from the road. Who wants to have a fire next to the road?
LegendThis state park was established in 1925, so almost 100 years old. The campground must be the original layout. There's a maze like quality to it. The roads are narrow & you may be driving off the road for a big rig.
Some sites are level, some aren't. Some can accommodate larger rigs, most can't. Check the site descriptions carefully & to be doubly sure, call the office & ask.
There's water stations that look very old. They have wooden, shingled roofs. There's 2 dump stations located in loops 3 & 4. IN THE CAMPGROUND! NEXT TO CAMPSITES!!!!
There's 5 loops to the main campground.
100 loop is small & closer to the lake than the other loops. It's the loop we chose this time.
The sites are on the small side. There's 3 campsites that are close to the lake. 115, which is a larger site. 117 & 119 which have clear views of the lake. 117 is more a tent or popup site & is small. 119 is the best of the bunch. A large pad & a large site. There's no privacy bushes. These sites have a view of the lake with trees & brush & are on a ridge overlooking the lake. They aren't ON the lake.
On either side of 117 & 119 are 2 trails that lead to the lake. There's benches & a dock to tie up your boat.
The rest of the sites are a mixed bag. Some are level, some have an incline. If you have a big rig, be aware that the road to the 100 campsites branches into one way. Leading into the campsites, the road is narrow & has a ravine on one side!
200 Loop is non electric
300 Loop is the biggest loop & seems like the best bet for larger rigs. As stated above, some sites are better than others. There's a uniformity here that's missing from the other loops.
Stay away from sites 393& 395!!! These sites are literally right on top of the dump station! As always watch for pit toilets near the sites.
400 loop is a smaller loop next to the 200 loop. There's only one shower house for both loops. Avoid site 444 & probably site 454. These sites are VERY close to the dump station.
500 loop is also smaller& has some nice sites tucked by themselves in the trees. There seems to be more privacy brush on this loop with SOME sites.
512 is close to the shower house. 511 & 513 were somewhat secluded.
If you have a boat you want to tie up at the dock, go for the 100 loop. If you can't get it, be aware there's no parking near the trails to the lake. You can park by the bathhouse & walk.
The shower & restrooms are atrocious!!! Worst looking buildings since Spring Mill SP! Dirty & need an entire overhaul. In fact, raze the buildings & build new ones! They're "cleaned" once a day. Suuuuuure they are. There was actual poop on the door of one of the women's toilet stalls the whole time I was there. Mold & spiders& dirt in the corners. Looks like the last upgrade was in the 50s.
Chain O' Lakes State Park, located 41 miles northeast of New Haven, offers 206 campsites spread across terrain that ranges from densely forested areas to lake-adjacent spots. The campground sits at approximately 950 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping remains available with heated comfort stations maintaining functionality through colder months.
Hiking and biking trails: Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground features well-maintained trails that connect all major attractions. "I have stayed at this state park many times since I was little. There is so much to do. Between the hiking trails, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and biking. You won't ever get bored," notes Amanda J.
Horseback riding experiences: Salamonie River State Forest provides equestrian-friendly trails at lower rates than larger parks. "Cheap, $13 self pay. No electric or showers but do have bathroom. Very secluded luv it here," reports amber P. The forest's trail system connects with nearby water features and seasonal creek crossings.
Fishing access points: Multiple lakes at Chain O' Lakes provide varied fishing environments. "We spoke with the naturalist and volunteered our time she was absolutely fantastic," mentions Julie B. The park maintains fishing piers accessible to campers with limited mobility, with the main boat launch area located near the campground entrance.
Clean facilities: Ouabache State Park Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "The sites are well cared for and the rest rooms and showers are well taken care of. They have to and rent camping sites. Primitive camps sites are open year round," says Brad M.
Privacy between sites: Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area offers sites with substantial separation. "Great sites available," notes Robin F. The campground features sections with increased tree coverage between sites, particularly in the non-electric camping areas.
Year-round accessibility: Winter camping options exist at multiple parks near New Haven. "Love this place for winter camping. The campground comfort stations are heated all winter long," states Lisa N. about Ouabache State Park, which maintains services through colder months for dedicated campers.
Seasonal water issues: During spring runoff periods, some parks experience site closures. "A lot of the campsites were closed due to flooding but we managed to have a site that was untouched. During a walk, we stumbled down to the reservoir. The view was incredible and eye opening to my daughter who has never seen the effects of flooding," explains Shasta K. about Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area Campgrounds.
Varying site quality: Not all sites are created equal, even within the same park. "Some sites are very close together, while some offer a little more room. Sites 221-243, 202-204 offer lake views. I say VIEWS, not access," details Cynthia K. about Lost Bridge West.
Limited water hookups: Most horse campgrounds near New Haven, Indiana provide electric but not full hookups. "Only draw back is no water and sewer hook up at the campsite," notes Steve C. about Ouabache State Park. Plan to fill tanks before setting up camp.
Kid-friendly water activities: Pokagon State Park Campground offers multiple water options. "Great place for family, lots of amenities," says Bradley P. The park maintains a designated swimming beach with roped-off areas for younger swimmers.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Scheduled ranger programs enhance animal encounters. "The bison enclosure is always fun to check out, and the last time we stayed I actually walked to the top of the restored fire tower to take in the view," shares Jacob A. about Ouabache State Park's unique features.
Playground access: Multiple play areas serve different age groups. "There's 500+ sites, but all nicely separated and shaded. There's an inn, restaurant, cabins, boat rentals, horseback riding, bike trails, beach, toboggan run, etc. Tons of picnic areas and pavilions; would be a great spot for a family reunion," describes Amy K. about Pokagon State Park.
Site leveling requirements: Salamonie River State Forest requires preparation for uneven terrain. "Small campground. $13. No reservations, but sites seem readily available, even on weekends in the summer. Spacious sites. Fairly wooded," explains Fern B. Leveling blocks are recommended for most sites.
Dump station locations: Several parks share central facilities. "Double dump station. Stay away from campsites 101& 102- these are right by the dump station," warns Cynthia K. about Lost Bridge West, highlighting the importance of site selection for longer stays.
Limited big rig access: Many equestrian camping areas near New Haven have size restrictions. "The campsite did have a bigger than expected slope, but nothing horrible. Some campsite s looked amazing and others looked to be in major need of some TLC," notes Burns G. Sites accommodating larger horse trailers are typically in designated sections rather than dispersed throughout the campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near New Haven, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near New Haven, IN is Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 54 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near New Haven, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near New Haven, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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