2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Potato Creek State Park Campground provides equestrian facilities in North Liberty, approximately 20 miles from Portage, Indiana. While the park's main campground offers tent, RV, and cabin camping options with electric hookups, showers, and water access, visitors should note the park also includes a separate horse camping area with direct access to 3.3 miles of designated bridle trails that wind through woodlands and prairie areas. Sites feature picnic tables and fire rings with cooking grates. Though some trails become muddy after rainfall and may close seasonally, the equestrian section allows riders to reach the trail system without leaving the campground.
Tippecanoe River State Park Campground in Winamac offers additional equestrian camping options within reasonable driving distance. The park features year-round camping with electric hookups and water access. Horse owners need to bring their own portable corrals or tethering systems as permanent horse corrals are not available at either location. Trail riders can access the park's bridle path system directly from the equestrian camping areas. Both parks require advance reservations through the Indiana State Parks reservation system, with booking windows opening up to six months in advance. Trails at both locations are well-maintained and marked, allowing riders of various experience levels to camp with their horses in natural surroundings.
"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."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $90 / night
"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!"
Available this weekend
from $14 - $50 / night
"Many miles of paved and crushed limestone trails. The actual Kankakee River access is sort of outside of the campground- that would be my only complaint."
"Right at the start of Osage is an entrance to the crushed gravel bike path. It gave us a great hike through the trees. You can find picnic areas and playground equipment by following the bike path."
ScoutNice, clean, quiet, simple state park set up. Many miles of paved and crushed limestone trails. The actual Kankakee River access is sort of outside of the campground- that would be my only complaint. You have to walk or bike a little distance to be near the river. Seemed very well maintained and we loved it!
RangerLots to do here. Swim, bike, trails, kids parks, good camp store. Towns near the park. You can rent bikes and canoes. Our site #55 was big but 3”dip drivers side and 12” dip back to front.
ScoutSwimming, boating, fishing…this was a perfect weekend. The campground and park were easy to navigate and the DNR staff was very helpful and friendly. Highly recommend.
LegendApril 19-21, 2026 Site 231 Level with gravel pad, large pad for ground mat. Good fire pit and 4 person picnic table. The park is greening up quickly and people were carrying bags of morels out of the woods. Our Apex Nano is 21’ long and fit well with our RAM 1500. One tree for partial shade, open end lots and you will feel the breeze. Would be a good spot with friends back to back at site 199. Cellular was 2 bars 5G with T-Mobile Electric was 20,30 and 50amp
TravelerI had a private, large spot in one of their "neighborhoods " Host was knowledgeable, friendly and I was a walk in. Beautiful stroll along the river with my pup.
TravelerThis was my first camping trip with family. After lots of research, I picked Kankakee river state park. This is a reasonablly priced campground with all facilities in great condition. And it is very spacious with woods separating your neighbors. The only complaint is the noise level after 10pm. The quite time was not strictly enforced. It could be we are there on a Saturday night.
TravelerMy fiancé and I stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup. When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app). The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn’t mind that! There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top. There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!
It rained a ton during our trip so we didn’t explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity.
Travelercame in without a reservation and got a nice spot for a camper, showers were decent and hosts were nice!!
GuideThis campground was easy to access, clean, and had a very easy going vibe. The camp hosts were really fantastic and made it feel like family.
The sites are straightforward and vary quite a bit: some are huge with open green space and others I feel like just for a car and a tent. Our site was perfect with trees to hang a hammock on and for the kids to run around.
The shower house was good. We went during July 4th so it was busy (the toilet paper was completely out when I stopped by and it looked like some kids had a water balloon fight in there) but the team came out to clean up promptly. There are vault toilets, water, and trash cans in each loop.
The river was nice to visit and we were able to take the kids to some knee deep water to play (swimming is NOT allowed in the river). Playgrounds are unfortunately exposed so it was not suitable for the 100 degree days we had.
We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!
Very solid, basic campground.
Potato Creek State Park Campground lies approximately 20 miles south of Portage, Indiana, in North Liberty. The park encompasses 3,840 acres of diverse terrain including wetlands, mature forests, and restored prairie lands. Worster Lake, covering 327 acres, serves as the park's focal point with a maximum depth of 23 feet. The main camping loops operate year-round with varying amenities depending on seasonal conditions.
Mountain biking: Potato Creek features designated mountain bike trails for various skill levels. "The Peppermint Hill mountain bike/hiking loop was really fun and not to be missed," notes Christy Y. about Potato Creek State Park Campground.
River fishing: The Kankakee River provides opportunities for smallmouth bass and northern pike fishing. Access points are available near camping areas, though visitors should check local regulations. "There's some trails that can be accessed from the campground- Trails 1,3,4&5," mentions Cynthia K. about her stay at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground.
Hiking with children: Multiple state parks offer kid-friendly trails under 2 miles. "Trail number one, which is a 1 mile weird loop that has some neat scenery, especially in the summertime," recommends Kaley A. who frequently visits Potato Creek.
Secluded sites: Seek out less crowded camping areas for more privacy. "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," advises Frank M. about Potato Creek State Park.
Unplugged experience: Limited connectivity helps campers disconnect. "I like unplugging but sometimes work demands I respond promptly. Not too far from South Bend for city amenities, restaurants and supplies," notes Frank M. about his experiences at Potato Creek.
Fall camping season: Autumn brings comfortable temperatures and fewer insects. "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," shares Gary S. about his experience at Tippecanoe River.
Seasonal challenges: Mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months near horse campgrounds near Portage, Indiana. "Worst place for mosquitoes," warns Rob H. about his experience at Tippecanoe River State Park.
Electrical hookup logistics: Some sites require extended power cords. "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up," advises Frank M. about Potato Creek State Park Campground.
Site variations: Campsite sizes and features vary significantly. "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," explains Cynthia K. about Tippecanoe River State Park.
Playground proximity: Select sites with direct playground access for easier supervision. "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," suggests Cynthia K. about Tippecanoe River.
Water safety: Swimming regulations vary by location. "The river was nice to visit and we were able to take the kids to some knee deep water to play (swimming is NOT allowed in the river)," notes Linda N. about her experience at Potowatomi Campground.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs. "We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!" shares Linda N. about her family's experience at Potowatomi Campground.
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose specific loops for easier navigation. "Site 58 is the only pull through in the campground. Site 63 is also a pretty good site," mentions Cynthia K. about Tippecanoe River State Park's layout.
Utility considerations: Water access points may be limited. "Get water before setting up at the water station after the small gatehouse. There's 2 sides at the dump station," advises Cynthia K. about the facilities at Tippecanoe River.
Weekend congestion: Plan for heavier usage during peak times. "We pulled in on Thursday and were unable to stay through the weekend because the park was full—-full because of buy up of sites for solicitation," reports Sue B. about her experience at Potato Creek State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Portage, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Portage, IN is Potato Creek State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 51 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Portage, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Portage, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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