Equestrian Camping near Ora, IN

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    Tippecanoe River State Park Campground features a dedicated horseman's campground separate from the electric and primitive tent camping areas. The campground provides spaces for campers with horses, with larger sites to accommodate trailers. Flat, sandy terrain throughout the state park makes for easy horse management during wet conditions, as sites rarely get muddy. The park maintains a network of bridle trails that connect directly to the camping areas. Bathroom facilities near the horse camping area include clean vault toilets. Mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months, particularly in areas near the river, so adequate protection is essential for both riders and horses. Large shade trees throughout the camping areas provide natural shelter from summer heat.

    The bridle trail system within Tippecanoe River State Park connects riders to scenic wooded areas and offers views of the Tippecanoe River. Trails are well maintained and clearly marked, making navigation straightforward for visiting riders. The park spans several hundred acres of mature forest with relatively flat terrain suitable for beginner to intermediate riders. Water access points along the river allow horses to drink and cool off during warmer months. Riders appreciate the diversity of trail experiences, from open meadows to densely wooded sections. Trail conditions remain consistent through most seasons, though spring can bring muddy sections after heavy rainfall. The surrounding Winamac area offers additional riding opportunities, with the park serving as an excellent base camp for exploring the region. Visiting equestrians should note the park's strict clean-up policies for manure management.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Ora (4)

      1. Tippecanoe River State Park Campground

      4.2(30)5mi from Ora188 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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!"

      from $14 - $50 / night

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      2. Potato Creek State Park Campground

      4.5(51)28mi from Ora365 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $20 - $90 / night

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      3. Elkhart County Fairgrounds

      3.5(8)48mi from OraRVs, Tents

      "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."

      4. Kosciusko County Fairgrounds

      2.0(1)37mi from OraRVs, Tents

      from $5 - $10 / night

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Ora, IN

    90 Reviews of 4 Ora 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.

    • 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.

    • 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

    • 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!

    • Thomas U.
      Aug. 11, 2018

      Tippecanoe River State Park Campground

      Good place to camp and Kayak

      Great place for a weekend camping trip of kayaking and some hiking.

      Pro's

      • Large Campsites
      • Clean showers and bathrooms
      • 2 kayak ramps with ability to hike in between them
      • Fire tower
      • Great views in the river
      • Horse Trails

      Con's

      • No privacy in campsites, so it more of a RV's / partying camping
      • Hiking is mainly flat trails thru the woods
      • No Camp Store, the Host sold firewood and Ice
    • Cynthia K.
      May. 25, 2022

      Tippecanoe River State Park Campground

      Average state park

       This is a North Central State Park in Indiana. Not one of the better units, but it has some charms. The mosquitos get bad in the summer, so come prepared. We camped the end of May& they were just getting going. Spring& late fall would be a good time to visit.

       None of the campsites have a view of the river. Only 112 campsites in the electric side. There's a primitive tent campground by the river, with a few sites. There's also a horsemans campground, which we didn't look at. This is a well established campground& has nice shade trees in all the sites. 

      Get water before setting up at the water station after the small gatehouse. There's 2 sides at the dump station. In the campground there's 2 comfort stations. Station A looked like it had been totally rehabbed in the last 5 years. Everything looked nice& the showers could be turned to your preferred temperature. Cleaner than the last state park we were at for sure!

       Handicap accessible sites are 109/110/111/112. There are 2 pit toilets in the campground, though I don't know why. The modern bathrooms are right across the road. Stay away from sites 73/75& 105/106. Right by the pits, with a sidewalk between them. The sites are typical state park. No privacy for most. There's gravel for your camper pad. Not dirt.

       The best sites are site 1- right on the main drag, but the most private site in the place. If you enjoy watching the rigs come in& leave, this is your site! Vegetation separates you from site 2. Site 58 is the only pull through in the campground. Site 63 is also a pretty good site. All sites are not too far from the bathrooms. 

      For the playground, sites 2,3,4,6,&7 have direct access to a playground& you can watch your children from your site. All the interior sites by comfort station B have direct access to the playground from your site & you can watch your children from your site. Avoid if you dislike the sound of children playing. 

      We stayed in site 102, which is right across from bathroom A. All the outer sites are pretty good. Our site ponded water after a rain, but soaked in fast. 

      There's some trails that can be accessed from the campground- Trails 1,3,4&5.

       All in all an average park. Nothing really special except for the river. Fishing was poor according to my husband.

    • C
      Oct. 23, 2019

      Potato Creek State Park Campground

      Beautiful Park

      We have been blown away by the efforts put into Indiana’s state parks and Potato Creek is no exception. Well kept, beautiful grounds and trails. Restrooms are a bit dated, but clean and functioning. Our daughter loved the play area and huge grassy area to run around on. The Peppermint Hill mountain bike/hiking loop was really fun and not to be missed. 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.

    • Kaley A.
      Jan. 31, 2025

      Potato Creek State Park Campground

      Nice Park

      I’ve not camped at this park, only hiked it. I’ve probably hiked it two dozen times at least and it’s got nice trails for the part of Indiana that it’s in. Most of them are relatively flat with some trails,like number two, having some hills and stairs in them. My favorite trail is probably number one, which is a 1 mile weird loop that has some neat scenery, especially in the summertime.


    Guide to Ora

    Tippecanoe River State Park offers equestrian camping options near Ora, Indiana, with sites designed for travelers with horses. The park's trail system encompasses 14 miles of designated bridle paths through diverse terrain. Cell service is limited throughout the park, with AT&T users reporting no service while Verizon customers generally maintain connectivity.

    What to do

    Fire tower climbing: Tippecanoe River State Park features a fire tower with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. "Fire tower climb was beautiful," notes Nicole B., who found the park "small but worth going" as "a nice little place to relax."

    Seasonal star gazing: The park occasionally hosts astronomy events with exceptional night sky visibility due to minimal light pollution. Monica C. recalls, "Did participate in a star gazing event being held that weekend and it is still something my husband and I talk about regularly."

    Trail exploration: Potato Creek State Park offers varied terrain for hiking and biking approximately 40 miles from Ora. "Peppermint Hill mountain bike/hiking loop was really fun and not to be missed," recommends Christy Y., who found the "well kept, beautiful grounds and trails" impressive.

    What campers like

    Quiet atmosphere: Tippecanoe River State Park provides a secluded experience with minimal distractions. Dawn K. notes it's "the place to go for a quiet simple camping trip. There is no pool or camp store and cell service is limited so it is a great place to get away from it all."

    Shade coverage: The established campsites feature mature trees providing natural cooling during summer months. "Large sites with lots of trees," mentions Susan C., who appreciated the shade coverage throughout the camping areas.

    Fall season camping: Autumn brings cooler temperatures and reduced mosquito activity to equestrian campgrounds near Ora. Gary S. found that "An autumn stay to Tippecanoe River State Park was about as good as it gets for us. Mature wooded campground. Plentiful level grassy tent spots to put up a tent."

    What you should know

    Seasonal insect considerations: Summer months bring significant mosquito populations, particularly in areas close to water. Rob H. bluntly states Tippecanoe is the "Worst place for mosquitoes," while Cynthia K. advises "The mosquitos get bad in the summer, so come prepared. We camped the end of May & they were just getting going. Spring & late fall would be a good time to visit."

    Trail navigation challenges: Some hiking paths lack clear markings. According to Kaley A., the trails "aren't really anything special and aren't really well marked either."

    Water access planning: Potato Creek State Park camping areas require advance planning for water hookups. Frank M. advises, "Get water before setting up at the water station after the small gatehouse."

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground proximity: For families with children, certain sites offer direct sight lines to play areas. Cynthia K. notes, "For the playground, sites 2,3,4,6,&7 have direct access to a playground & you can watch your children from your site."

    Bike-friendly environment: The flat terrain and established pathways make cycling accessible for all ages. "Lots of kids riding bikes and playing at the playground," observes Dawn K., who appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere.

    Short hiking options: Potato Creek State Park features beginner-friendly trails suitable for young hikers. Kaley A. recommends "trail number one, which is a 1 mile weird loop that has some neat scenery, especially in the summertime."

    Tips from RVers

    Electrical connection preparation: Some RV sites require extended power cords for hookup. Frank M. advises, "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up."

    Site selection strategy: For a quieter experience at horse campgrounds near Ora, choose locations away from high-traffic areas. "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," suggests Frank M.

    Ground conditions: The campsites feature gravel pads rather than dirt surfaces. Cynthia K. notes, "There's gravel for your camper pad. Not dirt," which helps with drainage after rainfall.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ora, IN is Tippecanoe River State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Ora, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.