Jonathan M.
Scout
ScoutChain O' Lakes State Park Campground
Nice Fall Weekend
For our first fall, chilly camping weekend, it was a nice getaway. We got to enjoy the Halloween decorations and the quiet chilly mornings.
Equestrian Camping near New Haven, IN
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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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.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near New Haven (7)
1. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground
"Chain O Lakes State Park, Albion Indiana. Northwest of Fort Wayne. 416 electric, nonelectric & primitive campsites. Water is available & 3 dumps.
This was our 3rd time camping here."
"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."
301 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $14 - $90 / night
2. Ouabache State Park Campground
"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"
22 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $40 / night
3. Pokagon State Park Campground
"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."
45 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $480 / night
4. Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area Campgrounds — Salamonie Lake
"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."
206 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $14 - $42 / night
5. Lost Bridge West
"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."
6. Salamonie River State Forest
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $13 - $15 / night
7. Kosciusko County Fairgrounds
Check Availabilityfrom $5 - $10 / night
Drive Time
- 13 min from Fort Wayne, IN
- 1 hr 19 min from Muncie, IN
- 1 hr 29 min from Kokomo, IN
- 1 hr 33 min from Elkhart, IN
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near New Haven, IN
1 Photos of 7 New Haven Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near New Haven, IN
148 Reviews of 7 New Haven Campgrounds
- Frank B.Scout
Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground
Relaxing September Evening at Chain O' Lakes State Park
I stayed one evening last Wednesday here, a first time for me. Just tent camping / sleeping in the car. There were other campers around enjoying the pleasant evening, mainly in RVs. Everyone was very quiet and respectful. The shower buildings are old fashioned with a common area to place clothes and a towel, and only a shower curtain for each individual shower. However, I was the only one showering at the time anyway. The shower area was state park clean, I guess. Before leaving, I viewed the one room schoolhouse on the grounds, just from the windows as it wasn't open at the time. Quaint and old school. Overall, I recommend camping at the park if you can live with the shower building or have an RV for added convenience.
Michael M.
GuidePokagon State Park Campground
Simple stop
We used Pokagon State Park as a two-night stopover on our way home from Northern Michigan, and overall, it was a good option for a short stay.
We stayed in Site 109, which was tucked away and felt fairly isolated from the rest of the campground. In early spring or late fall, I imagine the site would have a nice view of the lake, but in August the tree cover was too thick to see much of it.
The gravel pad was reasonably level, but we needed a couple inches of leveling blocks to get the RV sitting flat. There wasn’t really much of a grassy area at the site for the dogs, but we were able to walk them easily just down the road.
We brought our bicycles, which was a great way to explore the park. We rode around to the nature center, equestrian facility, and beach, and enjoyed being able to see more of the park without having to drive everywhere.
One thing that surprised us was the single dump station for the entire campground. Since none of the sites have full hookups, I would imagine the line could get ridiculously long after a busy weekend.
Overall, we’d stay here again, but probably only as a one- or two-night layover rather than a longer destination stay. Site 109 worked well for us because of its privacy and quiet location.
- Tom O.Guide
Pokagon State Park Campground
Lots to Do
A very large campground with lots to do. Spacious site. Charges a vehicle fee along with campground fee. Sites in loop 1 are gravel and mostly not level. Lots of noise from motor boats on the lake during the day.
- ttammy I.Scout
Pokagon State Park Campground
Stay away from loop 6
I love this state park. My kids wanted to Join us a week or to our. Site 507 and 509 were available. Do not stay there. The sewer smell was so bad we did not want to leave our trailer. If that was our first trip we would never returned
- AAngela B.Scout
Pokagon State Park Campground
Great site/ DNR presence too much
Great site, however, DNR drives by every five minutes. The primitive bathroom facilities are absolutely horrid, the newer ones up the road from site 238 are beautiful.
Cynthia K.
LegendChain O' Lakes State Park Campground
Nice State Park!
Chain O Lakes State Park, Albion Indiana. Northwest of Fort Wayne.
416 electric, nonelectric & primitive campsites. Water is available & 3 dumps.
This was our 3rd time camping here. We were in handicapped site 325 which was a pretty good site. We had good neighbors which helps. The campground is well established & shaded. Read the site descriptions carefully for inclines & site dimensions.
What is really interesting is they have 7 canoe campsites. They have their own pit toilets & a little dock. Site 3 is behind the pit toilet, but the rest looked ok. They're just off trail 4 as well.
Cabins are also available.
Hot showers& bathrooms. They were state park clean, but definitely need some upgrading.
This is a boating/fishing/hiking park.
There's 29 miles of fairly easy trails- all can be looped.
9 connecting glacial kettle lakes make for great kayaking & canoeing. Electric motor only makes for a peaceful lake experience. Fishing was pretty good according to my fisherguy.
There's a 1915 schoolhouse that's open on the weekends.
There's a small swimming beach with food for sale. There's also boat rental with canoes, kayaks & small boats.
Nice campground for a summer weekend!
Susan W.
TravelerSalamonie 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.
Kaley A.GuidePokagon State Park Campground
Nice park from what I could see
This is the second time I’ve been to this park. Neither time was I able to really see the park (kids), so that is the only reason I have it a 4.
I really liked our campsite. We were in the middle of a circle drive and had the whole inner circle to ourselves, which was nice for the kids to play. It was a HUGE campsite with a fairly long back in driveway. The site was slopped, especially close to the power source. It was a bit annoying for us as tent campers but not so much that I wouldn’t rent this site again.
We weren’t all that far from water, the bathhouse, and trash services as well as a natural water spring and a trail to hike.
Guide to New Haven
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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
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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 4.2-star rating from 57 reviews.
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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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