Salamonie Lake and Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area provide access to equestrian trails and camping options near Hartford City, Indiana. The Lost Bridge West campground features electric hookups and can accommodate both tents and RVs with ample parking space for horse trailers. Sites vary in proximity to the lake, with some offering views of the water. The campground maintains clean restroom facilities and offers firewood for purchase. Camping areas include designated spots for visitors with horses, though dedicated horse corrals are not provided within the campground itself.
The trails near Salamonie Lake connect riders to woodland paths and scenic lake views. The Three Falls Trail offers a shorter hiking option that has gained popularity among visitors for its natural features. For equestrian camping, visitors should check current trail conditions as seasonal flooding can affect access and trail quality. Trailer parking is available at designated areas, and water access points for horses exist throughout the property. Most equestrian campers bring portable corrals or use tie-out systems as permanent horse containment facilities are limited. Reservations are recommended, especially for lakeside sites which book quickly during peak season. The park store at the marina provides essential supplies for both campers and their horses.
$20 - $40 / night
"The paved bike trail in the park starts near the campground, and connects with a bike trail along the Wabash River that goes into nearby Bluffton, and is an easy ride. "
"Plenty of trails to hike and a nice little lake to enjoy. Will definitely come back here"
$20 - $42 / night
"Very large camping spots with huge lawns away from lake; This spot was #53. lakeside camping a little more packed in but more shade. Reserve early!"
"Many of the campsites are right near the water with lake view. Fishing is fun too with a dock within short walking distance of most campsites."
$14 - $32 / night
"We camped in a tent had a fire went hiking found little waterfalls and there is another part that allows horses!!"
"This is one of the best parks we have been to in Indiana. We Volunteer all over our the USA at State Parks and National Forest. So we know what to look for."
"If you can get a lake view site enjoy. Some spot are far away from the shower houses but you can drive to them. Nice marina with a great store and boat rentals"
"Nice level lots, beach, playgrounds, 15 miles of hiking/walking. Gorgeous lake sunrise/sunsets. Lots of eagle sightings! Plenty of deer. Leaves are beautiful in fall"
$13 - $15 / night
"As far as Indiana parks goes, this is a hidden gem. We have camped here many times. Even the trails we frequent always seem new because each season offers a different kind of beauty."
"It’s a small campground with around 33-38 camp sites and it’s first come first serve. No reservations. The lake is nice. Lots of small bass. If you have a boat, trolling motors only."
"The lake doesn't allow gas motors so its one of the clearest lakes in central Indiana"
"This was really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children’s museum. The lake is fabulous, but there didn’t seem to be too many fish available for catching!!"
ScoutTHIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO JUST GET AWAY FROM EVERYTHING AND RELAX. IT IS BEAUTIFUL TERRAIN TO RIDE ATV'S, HORSES, YOU CAN HIKE, FLY KITES, BRING THE KIDS POWER WHEELS OR BIKES YOU CAN EXPLORE THE CREEK OR JUST SIT IN THE SHADE OR NEXT TO THE FIRE AND TAKE IT ALL IN. ITS STILL ONLY 10-15 MINS FROM TOWN IF YOU FORGOT SOME SUPPLIES.
GuideWestwood is a beautiful well manicured park. The restrooms are very clean. The campsites are, I would say, normal size maybe a little cramped. Enough to park two cars in each site. It’s a small campground with around 33-38 camp sites and it’s first come first serve. No reservations. The lake is nice. Lots of small bass. If you have a boat, trolling motors only. Bank fishing is limited from what I walked but plenty of places you can fish. There is a 10 mile hiking / biking trail all the way around the lake. There are horse riding trails too. I will visit again.
TravelerCamp sites are tiny. We had site 88 and it was supposed to be full shade. It was full sun and they have it set up so the camp side of the trailer faces the road. The fire pit is also three feet from the road. Who wants to have a fire next to the road?
ScoutVery large camping spots with huge lawns away from lake; This spot was #53. lakeside camping a little more packed in but more shade. Reserve early! Cute beach was easy to get to, allowed dogs (not on sand). Park program happened while we were there - very educational. Highly professionally run, tight security and ample parking. No sparklers. Water lines close to campsites. Wal-Mart close, large Cabelas 45 mins away. Would stay again!
TravelerI really enjoyed camping here!! We camped in a tent had a fire went hiking found little waterfalls and there is another part that allows horses!!
ScoutSmall campground with nice campsites.Clean shower house.
The lake doesn't allow gas motors so its one of the clearest lakes in central Indiana
GuideAs far as Indiana parks goes, this is a hidden gem. We have camped here many times. Even the trails we frequent always seem new because each season offers a different kind of beauty.
ScoutThis campground sits on a really good fishing lake. The lake is not swimable, beware of snakes, and does not allow gas motors. There are a few nice trails, some horse trails, and nice picnic areas. The entire day ark and campground are clean and well maintained. The bathhouse at the campground is pretty nice, and there is a small playground area for the kids. Sites are a little small, but do provide shade. One drawback is the no reservation policy. While that can be a good thing at times, if you want to weekend camp, you better plan on setting up your site on Wednesday or Thursday. Always call ahead before heading that way to see if they have sites available.
ScoutThis is one of the best parks we have been to in Indiana. We Volunteer all over our the USA at State Parks and National Forest. So we know what to look for. Friendly people to answer questions plenty to do. And affordable.
Salamonie Lake and surrounding recreation areas offer over 20 miles of equestrian trails through central Indiana woodlands. Located 10 miles east of Hartford City, these trails cross varying terrain including forest ridges, valleys, and lake overlooks. Trail conditions vary seasonally with spring often bringing muddy sections near water crossings.
Horseback riding trails: At Salamonie River State Forest, riders can access numerous trails with natural features. "Even the trails we frequent always seem new because each season offers a different kind of beauty," notes Whitley K. The park maintains 13 miles of dedicated equestrian paths.
Kayaking on calm waters: Westwood Park offers a motor-restricted lake perfect for paddling. "The lake doesn't allow gas motors so it's one of the clearest lakes in central Indiana," explains Mark G. Rentals available at several locations for $35-45 daily.
Three Falls Trail hiking: A 1.5-mile trail featuring small waterfalls and stream crossings. "This is one of my first trails I went on that started my love for hiking. It's so short and simple but we loved it," shares Caitlin W. Best hiked spring through fall when water flow is strongest.
Wildlife viewing: Opportunities to spot local wildlife throughout the area. "Lots of eagle sightings! Plenty of deer. Leaves are beautiful in fall," reports Kim K. from Lost Bridge West. Morning and evening hours provide best viewing conditions.
Waterfront sites: Premium lakeside sites at Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area Campgrounds offer direct water views. "If you can get a lake view site enjoy. Some spot are far away from the shower houses but you can drive to them," suggests Darrell B. Sites 221-243 and 202-204 provide lake views.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking a more rustic experience. "Cheap, $13 self pay. No electric or showers but do have bathroom. Very secluded luv it here," says Amber P. about Salamonie River State Forest. These sites typically fill last, even on summer weekends.
Clean facilities: Summit Lake State Park Campground maintains well-kept restrooms. "The showers were your typical camp showers not great but not horrible," notes Lisa M. Facilities include flush toilets and hot showers with temperature controls.
Spacious sites: Various campgrounds offer different site configurations. "Spacious sites. Fairly wooded. Firewood only available Mon - Friday 8-3," reports Fern B. about primitive camping areas. Site sizes range from standard 30-foot pads to larger 45-foot pull-throughs.
Horse camping limitations: While several parks accommodate day riders, dedicated horse camping is limited. Most equestrian campers bring portable containment systems. Salamonie River State Forest allows horses in designated areas.
Seasonal flooding impacts: Trail conditions vary throughout the year. "A lot of the campsites were closed due to flooding but we managed to have a site that was untouched," shares Shasta K. Spring often brings high water levels affecting lower-lying areas.
Restroom availability: Facility access varies by location. Ouabache State Park Campground offers "nice clean camp sites" according to Darrell B., but some parks have limited facilities. Several campgrounds maintain vault toilets rather than flush facilities.
Water quality concerns: Some locations have water quality issues. "The potable water is brown and smelly... be sure to bring your water filter!" warns Emily P. Many experienced campers recommend bringing drinking water.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play areas for children. "Nice quiet campground. Plenty of activities for families to do. The kids loved the Bison," notes Brad H. about Ouabache State Park.
Wildlife education opportunities: Take advantage of ranger programs. "The bison enclosure is always fun to check out," says Jacob A. Many parks offer weekend interpretive programs during summer months.
Beach activities: Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort provides lake access for families. "The lake is fabulous," mentions Debbie S., making it "really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children's museum."
Biking opportunities: Several parks feature kid-friendly cycling paths. "The paved bike trail in the park starts near the campground, and connects with a bike trail along the Wabash River that goes into nearby Bluffton, and is an easy ride," shares Jacob A.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require leveling equipment. "Our site was a pull through and, while level left to right, required a good bit of leveling front to back," says Marshall P. about Summit Lake State Park.
Water and electric access: Limited full-hookup sites available. "Only draw back is no water and sewer hook up at the campsite," notes Steve C. Most campgrounds offer electric-only sites with water fill stations.
Navigation considerations: Large rigs face challenges in some areas. "I would think a rig more than 31 or 32 feet long would have difficulty maneuvering around the curve at the end of the second loop," warns Lisa M. about Summit Lake.
Dump station locations: Plan accordingly for waste management. "Double dump station. Stay away from campsites 101 & 102 - these are right by the dump station," advises Cynthia K. about Lost Bridge West.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hartford City, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hartford City, IN is Ouabache State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hartford City, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Hartford City, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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