Equestrian campgrounds near Speedway, Indiana offer specialized facilities for riders looking to explore bridle paths in central Indiana. Most horse camping options are 45-60 miles from Speedway, with facilities ranging from basic tie-ups to full-service sites with electric and water hookups. Trail systems vary from easy terrain suitable for novice riders to challenging routes with steeper hills and creek crossings that require experience to navigate.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Brown County State Park features miles of bridle paths connecting directly to Horsemen's Campground. According to Anna A., "The park that is set in massive hills and valleys has lots of different trails, a nature center, a pool, a lodge with a pool/park, large and small cabins for rent, various overlooks, playgrounds, historical sites, a fire watch tower you can go in."
Lake activities: Yellowwood Lake in Yellowwood State Forest offers fishing and non-motorized boating. "Yellowwood lake is adjacent to the campground and there is a boat ramp, but there are limitations on boating(motor size)," notes Daisy C. The lake spans 133 acres and permits small electric motors only.
Hiking options: Multiple trail systems connect throughout the region. John Z. says Yellowwood State Forest has "Row boats, kayaks" available for rent at reasonable rates, while Phil mentions that the forest is "Well maintained though. Plenty of bathrooms and campsites."
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: Johnson County Park provides a quiet setting for campers seeking seclusion. "Johnson County Park is an interesting conglomeration of activity. The park is 622 acres that include two campgrounds, approximately 5 miles of hiking trails, equestrian school, 18 hole disc golf course, shelter houses, amphitheater, lakes, fishing and more," shares Stephen & Theresa B.
Clean facilities: Westwood Park maintains high standards for comfort. Kelly H. reports, "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."
Water quality: Clear water creates ideal conditions for water activities. Mark G. notes about Westwood Park: "The lake doesn't allow gas motors so its one of the clearest lakes in central Indiana." This restriction creates ideal conditions for paddling and fishing without motor noise or pollution.
What you should know
Reservation policies: Many campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served systems. At Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort, located within an hour of Indianapolis, campers can secure lakefront sites. Debbie S. comments: "This was really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children's museum."
Site limitations: Horse camping areas may have specific restrictions. Audrey M. cautions about Brown County's Horsemen's Camp: "Some of the sites also have electric hook-up, although water spigots are few and far between. Arrangements for the horses are Hit or Miss depending on what site you stay on."
Weather concerns: Low-lying areas can flood during heavy rains. "The campground is notorious for flooding in heavy rains. We have had as much as 4 in of water draining through our campsite," warns Audrey M. about Horsemen's Campground. Trail conditions also deteriorate quickly after rainfall.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Johnson County Park offers facilities specifically for children. According to Nomon K., "I was warmly welcomed and escorted to my site. The only amenity not available is Sewage Hookup but they offer a dump instead. Very open wide spaced sites."
Hiking difficulty levels: Choose appropriate trails for children's abilities. At Yellowwood State Forest, "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," notes Stephen & Theresa B.
Swimming alternatives: Since not all lakes permit swimming, check regulations before promising water activities. Westwood Park camper Kelly H. advises: "This campground sits on a really good fishing lake. The lake is not swimable, beware of snakes, and does not allow gas motors."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For larger rigs, research campground limitations carefully. At Yellowwood State Forest, Stephen & Theresa B. caution: "This park is perfect for tent camping or smaller units; we would not recommend for larger units as most sites are small and unlevel and may challenge your maneuvering skills!"
Electric service: Verify amperage available at specific sites. Jerry D. shares about Johnson County Park: "Nice but bare bones former military campground. We have camped here twice, we needed to be as close to Trafalgar Indiana as possible, not many camping options in the local area."
Advance planning: Weekend sites fill quickly at popular horseback riding destinations. Kelly H. advises about Westwood Park: "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."
