Best Equestrian Camping near Oakland City, IN

Youngs Creek Horse Camp near Paoli accommodates equestrian camping with tent, RV, and glamping options. The primitive camp offers drinking water and toilet facilities, with fires permitted at established sites. Trail riders find multiple access points to wilderness paths directly from campsites, allowing for extended backcountry riding experiences. The campground maintains a year-round operation with alcohol and pets allowed. Sites are spaced far enough apart to provide adequate room for horse trailers, though no permanent corrals are available on site.

Located approximately 100 miles from Oakland City, the horse camp connects to extensive trail networks within the Hoosier National Forest. Riders access diverse terrain ranging from wooded hillsides to open meadows, with water crossings available for horses during most seasons. While the facilities remain basic without electric hookups, showers, or water connections at individual sites, the natural setting provides ample opportunity for authentic wilderness camping with horses. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with spring often bringing muddy sections that require careful navigation. Horse owners typically bring portable corrals or use highlines at their sites, as the campground does not provide permanent equine containment facilities. The rustic nature of the campground appeals to experienced riders seeking direct forest access rather than developed amenities.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Oakland City, Indiana (5)

    1. Harmonie State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    New Harmony, IN
    37 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. Red Hills Lake State Park — Red Hills State Park

    9 Reviews
    Sumner, IL
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 936-2469

    "Water is near by to fill up. It is quite place. Beautiful views. Lake is near by to fish. If you have kids they have play ground to play on. Host are very nice and welcoming."

    "Lots of trails it seems. Lake is nice sized but not too big. Wish the restaurant was open, but told it may be next Spring."

    3. Youngs Creek Horse Camp

    8 Reviews
    Paoli, IN
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    "YC horse camp is well laid out and fairly spacious, apparently only for the random hikers and hunters. I stayed at here for a couple of days, planning on a longer visit, and wasn't dissatisfied."

    "Site accommodates both horse, drive in and walk-in camping. There’s a privy and water on site. Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables."

    4. Hoosier National Forest North Face Loop Campground

    3 Reviews
    Saint Croix, IN
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    "There are two lakes, Indian and Celina , in the immediate area, electric motors only, which just adds to my liking it;)."

    "My husband and I have been to Lake Celina for a day hike before, so when planning where to go for a weekend of car camping choosing this place was a no brainer."

    5. Hoosier National Forest Jackpine Loop Campground

    3 Reviews
    Leopold, IN
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    "Jackpine Loop is the largest of the campground loops at Tipsaw Lake Recreation area Hoosier National Forest.

    The entire Tipsaw area seems to be oriented toward family and group camping."

    "Wildlife is everywhere, as it is not unusual to have a Momma deer and her little one walk through the woods by your campsite or down by the boat launc, often followed by a turkey or two."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Oakland City, IN

57 Reviews of 5 Oakland City 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
    Dec. 7, 2021

    Youngs Creek Horse Camp

    Another quiet day in Indiana.

    I had been planning a trip to Youngs Creek for over a month and was happy to finally get there. YC horse camp is well laid out and fairly spacious, apparently only for the random hikers and hunters. I stayed at here for a couple of days, planning on a longer visit, and wasn't dissatisfied. It sports a good-sized pavilion and well-maintained his and hers vault toilets. The camp sites were generous in size with gravel parking, fairly level pads, picnic tables, and a fire ring. The only downside, besides the lack of horses, was an access road to adjacent to the camping area that is well used through the evening.
    I'll be making a return in the spring to watch for the return of the equestrians.

  • 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.

  • David M.
    Aug. 9, 2019

    Youngs Creek Horse Camp

    Off the beaten path

    Site accommodates both horse, drive in and walk-in camping. There’s a privy and water on site. Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables. There is a trail that loops back to the site for easy hiking access.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2023

    Youngs Creek Horse Camp

    Basic National Forest Campground

    A quiet, peaceful spot in the forest. A few horses on the trail on weekends. French Lick is 30 minutes away.

  • Michael U.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2025

    Youngs Creek Horse Camp

    Free camping. Limited spots

    Secluded camping area with horse hitch. 5 - 6 primitive spots with fire rings and tables. Very little privacy. Tents and vans only.

  • 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.

  • Susan A.
    Aug. 18, 2019

    Youngs Creek Horse Camp

    Great Camping Spot

    We camp here every time we come to Indiana. We have camped there in a truck camper, and now we tent camp with our Jeep. The sites are large, and there are fire rings available. There are vault toilets and a fresh water pump not far from them. The only time this camp is full is when a trail ride is going on, then it fills up fast. It is only five miles from Paoli, and there is a Walmart there if you need supplies..

  • 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 Oakland City

Horse camping in Indiana offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it an ideal choice for horse enthusiasts looking to explore the state's natural beauty.

Tips for equestrian camping near Oakland City, Indiana

  • Youngs Creek Horse Camp provides a peaceful setting with spacious sites and well-maintained facilities, perfect for those looking to unwind after a day on the trails.
  • The camp features a pavilion and vault toilets, ensuring comfort while enjoying the great outdoors at Youngs Creek Horse Camp.
  • Be prepared for wildlife encounters and bring bug spray, as the area is known for its natural beauty and diverse fauna.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and water access

  • Hoosier National Forest North Face Loop Campground offers well-spaced sites and easy access to trails, making it a favorite among equestrian campers at Hoosier National Forest North Face Loop Campground.
  • At Hoosier National Forest Jackpine Loop Campground, campers can enjoy electric hookups and a family-friendly atmosphere, along with nearby trails for horseback riding.
  • Many sites in the area are designed to accommodate larger rigs, ensuring that equestrian campers can bring their horses along comfortably.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Oakland City, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Oakland City, 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 Oakland City, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Oakland City, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.