Brown County State Park lies in the midst of southern Indiana's rolling hills, with elevations ranging between 600 and 850 feet above sea level. This region offers some of the most popular equestrian camping near Spencer, Indiana, with trails typically open year-round but most heavily used during spring and fall seasons. Several campgrounds in the area provide dedicated facilities for horse enthusiasts, with varying levels of amenities from primitive sites to those with full hookups.
What to do
Trail riding near Lake Monroe: Hoosier National Forest Southern Point Loop Campground provides access to extensive trail systems where riders can explore dense woodlands. "The park has 5 hiking trails ranging from easy to rugged and access to the Tecumesh Trail(43 miles) originally proposed to span from Florida to Canada," note Stephen & Theresa B. about nearby Yellowwood State Forest.
Overnight horse camping trips: For extended riding adventures, the Hoosier National Forest offers multiple options. "Horsewood State Forest campground does not accept reservations. It is first come, first served. Drive up, select your site, and then go to the park office to pay using a self-pay envelope," explains Daisy C., providing guidance on the registration process.
Water activities between rides: Many equestrian campers combine trail riding with lake activities. At Charles C. Deam Wilderness, "We even discovered a few extra hidden sites just by being forced off trails due to the damage. Every dispersed camper should add the hikes to the lake to their checklist," advises Noah Y., highlighting the value of exploring beyond established trails.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The maintenance standards at campgrounds near Spencer are frequently praised. At Blackwell Campground, Betsy W. reports "Open areas with pit toilets and water available. Shade and sunny locations. Pick a spot and set up with hammock-large rvs spots. No fee, no reservations, no problems. Officers from federal, state, and local patrol."
Affordable camping options: The region offers various price points, including some free sites. "Can't believe this place was free. It was nearly empty (although it was the end of November). The hiking was fantastic and the few people camping there were very well dispersed and all respectful," shares Kelly G. about Blackwell Campground.
Cell service reliability: Despite the rural setting, connectivity remains decent in most areas. Multiple campgrounds report 1-2 bars of service, with Betsy W. noting at Blackwell Campground that "Cell service by various providers is 1-2 bars," allowing riders to stay connected while maintaining a wilderness experience.
What you should know
Reservation policies vary: Some equestrian campgrounds require advance booking while others operate on first-come, first-served basis. "Yellowwood state forest campground does not accept reservations. It is first come, first served... Bring exact change(cash). Current prices are listed on the Indiana DNR website," explains Daisy C.
Weather considerations: The terrain can become challenging during wet periods. At Berry Ridge Road, one reviewer notes, "I have a promaster conversion and had no trouble making it to this site, however the road was gravel and steep at times," highlighting potential access challenges during rainy conditions.
Wildlife awareness: The forested areas around Spencer support diverse wildlife populations. "We did see a rattlesnake dead on the road. No toilet but good reception," reports Ax H. about Berry Ridge Road, reminding campers to be vigilant about potential wildlife encounters.
Tips for camping with families
Plan mixed activities: Families with various interests can find complementary activities. At Turkey Run State Park, Michelle M. shares, "There is a river to tube and canoe in to keep you cool. We stayed at site #35. It is in a very quiet, off the main road, in a circle, in full shade."
Choose family-friendly trails: Select appropriate riding routes based on skill levels. "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 :)" advises Samantha S. about Turkey Run State Park.
Consider site location carefully: Family camping requires strategic site selection. "The campground is family friendly and was quiet at night. There is a lot to do at this state park," notes Michelle M. about Turkey Run, emphasizing the importance of finding quieter locations within larger campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. At Johnson County Park, Jerry D. mentions it's a "Nice but bare bones former military campground," while other reviewers note many sites throughout the region require careful positioning to achieve level setups.
Electric options: RVers should verify available amperage at their selected campgrounds. Sites at Spring Mill State Park Campground offer various electric options, though one reviewer cautions, "The site we were at was heavily sloped, the only flat part was where they put the fire pit at."
Road access considerations: Access roads to some campgrounds may present challenges. "If you come from the East you will pass horsecamp that only has paid for sites. Continue down the road you will see a sign for a second horse camp skip that as well!" advises Ry M. about navigation to the better sites at Blackwell Campground.
