Best Equestrian Camping near South Bend, IN

Potato Creek State Park offers limited options for horse camping near South Bend, Indiana. While the park maintains a horseman's campground separate from its main family camping areas, the facilities lack dedicated horse corrals according to the available data. Trails throughout the park accommodate horseback riding with several miles of bridle paths connecting to wooded areas and around Worster Lake. The campsites in the equestrian section are more secluded than those in the main campground, providing a quieter atmosphere for visitors with horses.

Tippecanoe River State Park, located about 40 miles from South Bend, provides another option for equestrians seeking camping opportunities. The park features several miles of horse trails through diverse terrain including forest and river landscapes. Horse owners must bring their own portable corrals or use tie-lines as permanent stall facilities are not available at either park. Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions, with spring often bringing muddy trails that may limit riding opportunities. Both parks require state park entrance fees in addition to camping fees, and reservations are recommended, especially during summer weekends when equestrian sites fill quickly. The camping areas accommodate both tent camping and smaller trailers, though hookup options are limited in the horse camping sections.

Best Equestrian Sites Near South Bend, Indiana (4)

    1. Potato Creek State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    North Liberty, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 656-8186

    $20 - $100 / night

    "Great walking trails, great for families with youngsters. Park activities and lots of trail walking. 25 mins away from South Bend/Mishawaka and 40 mins away from Elkhart and there RV Hall of Fame."

    "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."

    2. Tippecanoe River State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Winamac, IN
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 946-3213

    $12 - $55 / 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!"

    3. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday

    17 Reviews
    Covert, MI
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 764-0818

    "Good spots for RV/pull behind/tents. Clean facilities and only a 20 min drive from South Haven’s beautiful beaches!"

    "Nice very busy pool and slide, play areas, walking trail, camp store with hot food. Not far from Lake Michigan and places to buy fresh fruit and veggies. Check it out you'll be happy you did."

    4. Kosciusko County Fairgrounds

    1 Review
    Warsaw, IN
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 269-1823

    $5 - $10 / night

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near South Bend, IN

96 Reviews of 4 South Bend Campgrounds


  • J
    Feb. 25, 2020

    Potato Creek State Park Campground

    Great Indiana State Park

    Great walking trails, great for families with youngsters. Park activities and lots of trail walking. 25 mins away from South Bend/Mishawaka and 40 mins away from Elkhart and there RV Hall of Fame. Only electric at sites but they are big and roomy. Quiet and full of wildlife.

  • 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!

  • Jacob A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Potato Creek State Park Campground

    This is our favorite State Park campground

    The campground is huge, but we have never felt crowded. There is a nice prairie area to walk around in, and an easy to ride pave bike trail. We watched the osprey nest one year for several hours. We have not yet had a kayak out on the lake, but the lake is big. The bathrooms have always been clean, and the campground hosts friendly. The sites vary in size and slope, so research and prepare for anything. But all of the sites are manageable. South Bend is close by if you want to adventure in.

  • 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.

  • 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
  • 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 South Bend

Equestrian camping near South Bend, Indiana offers several options within moderate driving distance. Potato Creek State Park maintains a horseman's campground separate from its main camping areas, featuring secluded sites nestled among mature trees. Trail riders can access several miles of designated bridle paths that wind through wooded landscapes and skirt around Worster Lake. Some trails connect directly to the equestrian camping section, allowing convenient access without trailering horses between campsites and riding areas.

What to do

Hiking and mountain biking: Potato Creek State Park provides well-maintained trails that accommodate various skill levels. "The Peppermint Hill mountain bike/hiking loop was really fun and not to be missed," notes Christy Y., who visited the park with her family. "Most of them are relatively flat with some trails, like number two, having some hills and stairs in them," adds Kaley A. about the hiking options.

Water recreation: Several campgrounds feature lakes suitable for swimming, fishing, and boating during warm months. "Bike trails, hiking trails, fishing, beach fun for the whole family," writes Brad H. about Potato Creek State Park. Be aware that algae can sometimes affect water quality, as Tony P. mentions: "Unfortunately, the lake was a little on the undesirable side...blue-green algae warnings made us not want to put more than our feet in the water."

Stargazing activities: Tippecanoe River State Park occasionally hosts astronomy events that draw visitors. "Did participate in a star gazing event being held that weekend and it is still something my husband and I talk about regularly," shares Monica C., highlighting one of the educational opportunities available to campers.

What campers like

Quieter camping sections: The equestrian camping areas typically offer more seclusion than standard campgrounds. At Potato Creek, Frank M. suggests "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."

Fire tower views: Tippecanoe River State Park offers a unique observation point. "Fire tower climb was beautiful. A nice little place to relax," says Nicole B. This accessible feature requires only a short hike, making it suitable for families with children.

Seasonal advantages: Fall visits can provide ideal conditions for horse camping. "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," reports Gary S., highlighting how seasonal timing affects the camping experience.

What you should know

Hookup logistics: Some sites require extensive electrical connections. Frank M. advises about Potato Creek State Park: "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up." This applies to both regular and equestrian camping sections.

Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly in horse camping areas near water. "Mosquitoes get bad in the summer, so come prepared. We camped the end of May and they were just getting going. Spring and late fall would be a good time to visit," notes Cynthia K. about Tippecanoe River State Park.

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. Monica C. reports: "I have AT&T service and could not use my phone at all, my husband has Verizon and had no problems with cell service." This is particularly relevant for equestrian campers who may need to contact veterinary services.

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: When booking non-equestrian sites with children, consider locations near play areas. At Tippecanoe River State Park, Cynthia K. advises: "Sites 2,3,4,6,&7 have direct access to a playground and 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."

Bike-friendly environments: Many campgrounds feature paths suitable for children's cycling. "Always a good time here. Always clean. Sites are spaced good," says Luis M. about Tippecanoe River, noting the family-friendly atmosphere where children can safely ride bikes throughout the campground.

Bathroom accessibility: When camping with young children, proximity to facilities matters. "All sites are not too far from the bathrooms," notes Cynthia K., adding that "Station A looked like it had been totally rehabbed in the last 5 years. Everything looked nice and the showers could be turned to your preferred temperature."

Tips from RVers

Campsite selection strategy: RVers should consider both size and location factors. "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," advises Frank M. about Potato Creek State Park, highlighting the balance between seclusion and convenience.

Water hookup planning: Many equestrian camping areas have limited water access points. "Get water before setting up at the water station after the small gatehouse," recommends Cynthia K., noting the importance of filling tanks before proceeding to your site at Tippecanoe River State Park.

Site drainage considerations: Surface water can affect camping comfort, particularly in horse camping areas. "Our site ponded water after a rain, but soaked in fast," reports Cynthia K., indicating the sandy soil conditions that help with drainage at many Indiana campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near South Bend, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near South Bend, IN is Potato Creek State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 48 reviews.

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

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