Equestrian camping near Plainfield, Indiana offers access to over 15,000 acres of public land within a 40-mile radius. The region features rolling hills with elevation changes of 300-600 feet, creating challenging trail conditions during spring rains. Most equestrian facilities in the area remain open from April through October, with limited winter services available at select locations.
What to do
Trail exploration near Turkey Run: Turkey Run State Park provides extensive hiking opportunities about 50 miles west of Plainfield. "We hiked Trail 3 with our dog, but we cut off early before the ladders using Trail 10. Our dog did pretty well in the section of Trail 3 before the ladders, and be prepared to get wet," notes Samantha S., who suggests arriving early to avoid crowds on the trails.
Water activities on Sugar Creek: The waterways near camping areas offer seasonal recreation options. Joel R. mentions that at Turkey Run State Park Campground, "Sugar Creek is great for floating with inner tubes, canoes, or kayaks." Many visitors enjoy cooling off in the water during summer months.
Hunting for geodes: The creek beds throughout wilderness areas near Plainfield contain abundant geological treasures. Sarah R. describes her experience at Charles C. Deam Wilderness: "I walked the creek for hours just looking at all the rocks on the sandbars. I have never encountered so many geodes in my life. Truly magnificent to encounter."
What campers like
Privacy in wooded sites: Many equestrian campers value seclusion and shade coverage. At Yellowwood State Forest, Daisy C. recommends: "Camp here if you like quiet, peaceful camping. You won't run into a bunch of loud partiers. We have several times been one of two or three campers in the loop."
Affordable accommodations: Budget-friendly camping options are available throughout the region. Phil from Yellowwood State Forest notes the reasonable pricing: "It costs $13 now. Well maintained though. Plenty of bathrooms and campsites."
Fall foliage viewing: The hardwood forests surrounding Plainfield provide spectacular seasonal color. "I would definitely recommend visiting Turkey Run State Park!" says Samantha S., who adds, "In order to avoid crowds on the trails, we got there Thursday night so we could hike Friday morning/early afternoon."
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Weather conditions can significantly affect camping quality. Sarah R. warns about timing at Charles C. Deam Wilderness: "The only negative was that we came after a lot of rain. So everything is permanently wet and mosquitos/ticks abounded."
Trail difficulty variations: The terrain throughout the region ranges from beginner to advanced. Leif D. describes Turkey Run's trails: "There are multiple trails and some quite challenging ones. While the hiking was incredible, the maps of the trails were poor and not up to date, with some trails not on map at all."
Wildlife encounters: Local fauna includes raccoons and other creatures that may interact with campers. Samantha S. advises: "Watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything."
Reservation requirements: Johnson County Park has specific booking procedures, according to Stephen & Theresa B.: "The fee for camping is $25 per night with a limit of 14 nights. For reservations call 812-526-6809 or register at the park office."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategies: Finding family-friendly sites requires advance planning. Michelle M. recommends at Turkey Run: "We stayed at site #35. It is in a very quiet, off the main road, in a circle, in full shade. It's very close to the restroom but a distance from the camp store and dumpster."
Activity scheduling: Planning outdoor adventures around peak usage times enhances experiences. Kaley A. visited Turkey Run Canoe & Camping and reports: "We did a nice kayaking loop using their service. Had everything you needed, very chill experience."
Alternate recreation options: When popular areas become crowded, consider secondary activities. "Saturday we rented a canoe from a canoe place right down the road from the campground. It was great and once we saw the crowds at the beach area of the park on Saturday afternoon, we were glad we had been canoeing all day instead," shares Samantha S.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring preparation. Michelle M. notes: "The site was very uneven. It definitely slopes to the back corner. It was difficult to level our camper but we got it in the end."
Electrical considerations: Shared utilities may require coordination with neighbors. Scott B. at Turkey Run Canoe & Camping cautions: "The electric is shared with another site which could be a problem if you have the same type of service since there is only one 50 amp, one 30 amp, and one 20 amp service per hook up."
RV size limitations: Horsemen's Campground at Brown County State Park accommodates larger rigs but with qualifications. Audrey M. explains: "The campground is large, with spaces to accommodate larger rigs. Most of the sites also have electric hook-up, although water spigots are few and far between."
Access road conditions: Weather affects road quality at equestrian facilities. Audrey M. adds: "Be aware that the road leading to the Horseman's camp crosses a creek several times, and in rainy weather there may be water over the road."
