Best Equestrian Camping near New Palestine, IN

Brown County State Park's Horsemen's Campground provides equestrian-specific sites with electric and water hookups, accommodating both tent and RV camping. The campground features three arenas, 384 stalls, and 70 dedicated sites for horse owners. Wooden fences, tie posts, and picnic tables are available at each site, though some areas are in need of repair. The campground is notorious for flooding during heavy rains, with some tie-up areas remaining muddy due to limited sunlight. Water spigots are limited throughout the campground, requiring planning for horse care. Some sites offer excellent shade while others are exposed to full sun. The shower facilities are generally well-maintained but lack proper ventilation, resulting in consistently wet floors.

Trail access is extensive throughout Brown County State Park, with miles of dedicated horse trails connecting directly to the campground. The road leading to the Horsemen's Camp crosses a creek multiple times, which may have water flowing over it during rainy weather. Johnson County Park offers another option with its Hoosier Horse Park featuring 58 RV sites with electric and water hookups. The park encompasses 622 acres with approximately 5 miles of hiking trails and equestrian facilities. Yellowwood State Forest provides a more primitive option with 12 Class C sites in the Horseman Camp connected to miles of horse trails. Riders should note that Brown County's campground is large enough to accommodate larger rigs, though the park management appears less focused on attracting horse campers compared to regular campers.

Best Equestrian Sites Near New Palestine, Indiana (8)

    1. Johnson County Park

    8 Reviews
    Nineveh, IN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 526-6809

    "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."

    "We have camped here twice, we needed to be as close to Trafalgar Indiana as possible, not many camping options in the local area."

    2. Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort

    2 Reviews
    Pendleton, IN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 778-2697

    "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!!"

    3. Summit Lake State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Mooreland, IN
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 766-5873

    $20 - $32 / 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."

    4. Westwood Park

    5 Reviews
    New Castle, IN
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 987-1232

    "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"

    5. Yellowwood State Forest

    15 Reviews
    Unionville, IN
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-7945

    $225 / night

    "Drive up, select your site, and then go to the park office to pay using a self-pay envelope. Bring exact change(cash). Current prices are listed on the Indiana DNR website."

    "Peaceful little place but unfortunately it rained but we made the best of it, there’s some secluded spots where you can stay away from others or stay in the more general areas, nice lake to fish and we"

    6. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Freetown, IN
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "If you are into boondocking at all defiantly check out berry ridge it’s just south of brown county Indiana beautiful country mostly hills tons of camp spots sometimes half mile or more apart haven’t seen"

    "Trails, plenty of dry wood, away from the roads, no running water or electricity, decent amount of spaces we came in at night and counted about 9 very far spread out camp sights."

    7. Whitewater Memorial State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Liberty, IN
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 458-5565

    $19 - $30 / night

    "Whitewater Memorial State Park is located close to Liberty Indiana and is our favorite between the two major parks on Brookville Lake. It has water access to both Brookville and Whitewater lakes."

    "I came here and stayed in my tent (family had their horse trailer with camper) for a night during the chilly nights of October. I wish all campsites were like these - very, very spread out! "

    8. Horsemen's Campground — Brown County State Park

    3 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6406

    $15 - $29 / night

    "Brown County has always been the jewel of Indiana State Parks for Trail Riders. The campground is large, with spaces to accommodate larger rigs."

    "We often take our horses trail riding there for a week every couple of summers of just go down for weekend trips to go hiking."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near New Palestine, IN

1 Photos of 8 New Palestine Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near New Palestine, IN

89 Reviews of 8 New Palestine Campgrounds


  • Stephen & Theresa B.
    Jun. 30, 2020

    Johnson County Park

    Johnson County Park is an interesting conglomeration of activity.

    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. The park is home to the Hoosier Horse Park with three arenas, 384 stalls and its own 70 site campground plus it is also home to the Antique Machinery Club, Columbus Model Railroad Club, Radio Controlled Flyer Club and Indiana Live Steamers. The RV campground consists of 58 sites with 30amp/50amp electric and water hook ups, level gravel pads(4 sites are paved) and a dump station. Other amenities include a restroom and shower facility, playground for children and community campfire ring. The campground is an easy detour off I-65, Exit#76, for the RVer looking for an overnight or two. Plenty of shopping and restaurants in the area; grocery, outlet mall, name brand dining. The campground is large rig friendly; family oriented and has a camp host on site for any assistance. Just to make you aware…the park is located in close proximity to an active reserve military base that from time to time has exercises with air traffic and the sounds of shells and artillery fire. The fee for camping is$25 per night with a limit of 14 nights. For reservations call 812-526-6809 or register at the park office. 39°22'48.7"N 86°02'33.4"W

  • Stephen & Theresa B.
    May. 3, 2021

    Yellowwood State Forest

    This is a real Hidden Gem

    Yellowwood State Forest, named for the environmentally unique Yellowwood tree, is 23, 326 acres located 7 miles West of the artist community of Nashville, Indiana. Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Indiana famous for it's fall leaf color displays and gorgeous vistas. Yellowwood offers 79 primitive class c sites in four campground areas adjacent to the 133 acre Yellowwood Lake; Red Pine, White-Oak Hickory, Redbud and Black Gum;$13 per night. There are several potable water stations and pit toilets throughout the campgrounds and one dump station located in Red Bud. The Red Bud area also has a small camp store(not open during our visit, so not sure of their offerings). We did note some ADA accessible sites. Horse camping is also available in 12 class c sites in the Horseman Camp with miles of horse trails. Several picnic areas and shelters in the area; one beautiful location overlooking the lake with stunning brown county stone fireplaces. 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! 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. The park office facility offers boat(lake is known for good fishing) and kayak rental, ice and firewood. If you need facilities to accommodate your larger rig or feel a need for more amenities; Brown County State Park is just a few miles to the East...but don't pass up planning at least a day trip to enjoy this incredibly beautiful State Forest property. 772 Yellowwood Lake Rd, Nashville, IN 47448 GPS- 39.183995,-86.337878

  • Cynthia K.
    Jun. 27, 2024

    Yellowwood State Forest

    Just did a drive thru

     This is a State Forest campground near Nashville, Indiana. Primitive camping. Pit toilets only. This is by Yellowwood Lake, so boating & fishing opportunities. 

    All these sites are first come, first serve. No reservations. 

    There's a Forest Office with area information & a small display. 

    There's several trails of varying length. 

    Believe it or not- gold panning is a thing here! You need a permit.

    They rent boats at the Forest Office. Electric motor only.

     There's several camping loops. There's a horse camp also. 

    The boat ramp is near the horse camp loop.

     We didn't go down the Red Pine Loop, but did check out White Oak/Redbud& Black Gum.

     Hickory loop is right off the road & the sites are visible from the road. They looked nicely spaced.

    White oak loop had several nice sites. Redbud is close to a building they call a camp store. It may have been many years ago, but not open now.

     Several picnic spots by the lake. The best site in Redbud would be 39. Large site with some shade. I would also say 38, but site 37 is directly behind it. This is the camp host spot, so occupied. These sites are near the pit toilets.

    The best spot in Black Gum would be site 75. Large site at the end of the loop & right by the lake.

     If you go back to Hwy 46 where the road split on your way in, follow the sign to the dam. Just a large earthen dam, but there's trail heads here. There's the Scarce O' Fat Trail which has been mentioned on the Facebook Indiana Hiking page.

    $13 per night regular camping.$16 per night for horseman's.

  • Audrey M.
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Horsemen's Campground — Brown County State Park

    Horseman Camp Needs an Upgrade

    Brown County has always been the jewel of Indiana State Parks for Trail Riders. The campground is large, with spaces to accommodate larger rigs. Most 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. Some of the sites are well shaded, but others are out in the open in full sun. The shower house is in good condition, except that it has no ventilation, so the floors remain wet. The campground is notorious for flooding in heavy rains. We have had as much as 4 in of water draining through our campsite. Some of the tie up areas for the horses are muddy holes that never get enough sunlight to dry out completely. Also be aware that the road leading to the Horseman's camp crosses a creek several times, and in rainy weather there may be water over the road. The camping area for regular campers is beautiful and well maintained, but it seems that Park management is not interested in attracting horse campers. Many of the wooden fences in the camp, as well as tie posts and picnic tables are in poor repair.

  • Brandie B.
    May. 23, 2020

    Whitewater Memorial State Park Campground

    Awesome campground for Kayakers

    Whitewater Memorial State Park is located close to Liberty Indiana and is our favorite between the two major parks on Brookville Lake. It has water access to both Brookville and Whitewater lakes. The campground facilities are newly updated with two large shower/bath houses. A few of the campsites are buddy sites that allow you to camp with a friend and share the same area. Many fishermen and kayakers frequent the lake trails.

  • Daisy C.
    Jun. 5, 2020

    Yellowwood State Forest

    Quiet, Peaceful, and Primitive

    Yellowwood 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. Bring exact change(cash). Current prices are listed on the Indiana DNR website. The park office does have firewood for sale, but only during open hours, which are limited. There is no camp store, no playgrounds, and no pool. Swimming is not allowed in Yellowwood lake. Each site has a fire ring with grill grate and picnic table. There are four campground loops and a horseman’s campground. Campgrounds have vault toilets and drinking water access. I do not know if water is turned on year-round. There are no modern restrooms. Sites are wooded and fairly level. All sites are primitive. We have only tent camped at Yellowwood, so I can’t say what size travel trailers would fit in the sites. Yellowwood road changes over to gravel once you enter the state forest. It is well maintained. You can also access the forest by Jackson Creek road, but you’re on gravel for longer, and I seem to remember it being a bit rougher. We have camped at Yellowwood several times between 2011-2018. The only time we have ever seen the campground busy is over big holiday weekends like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and 4th of July. Otherwise use is light. We have several times been one of two or three campers in the loop. Several trails are nearby in the state forest, including the Tecumseh Trail. Horse trails are also available. Yellowwood lake is adjacent to the campground and there is a boat ramp, but there are limitations on boating(motor size). Check with the DNR website. Camp here if you like quiet, peaceful camping. You won’t run into a bunch of loud partiers.

  • Brady R.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Whitewater Memorial State Park Campground

    Horse Campground - Great

    I came here and stayed in my tent (family had their horse trailer with camper) for a night during the chilly nights of October. I wish all campsites were like these - very, very spread out! 

    Totally makes sense given that you have large horse trailers/campers and also horses at each site, but even then, they were very spread out and had lots of great space to actually enjoy nature. 

    In terms of trails, there was a starting access point at the horse campground for horseback riding trails that also led to the horse barn, but if you are wanting to hike, you have to drive, unfortunately. Another flaw is that the bathrooms in the horse campground aren't modern and they're pit toilets. Even with the cooler weather, they still wreaked and were not pleasant to use.

  • M
    Jun. 24, 2018

    Whitewater Memorial State Park Campground

    Excellent

    Conveniently located just South of Liberty, Indiana. Access to the Brookville Lake. Playground available. Beach area available. Easy to reserve through the In.gov website. Many things to do.

  • T
    Mar. 4, 2023

    Whitewater Memorial State Park Campground

    Great for Tent Camping

    Short hike to the lake. Great beach area and shower facilities. Pet friendly, horse trails, camp store. Liberty is a short drive and has all essentials plus J’s Dairy Inn 🤤


Guide to New Palestine

Horse camping in Indiana offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, perfect for those looking to explore the state's beautiful landscapes on horseback.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

  • Horsemen's Campground — Brown County State Park provides electric hookups, water access, and well-maintained facilities, making it a comfortable choice for horse campers.
  • Johnson County Park features a large campground with ample space for RVs and horses, along with a dump station and restroom facilities for convenience.
  • Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort offers various accommodation types, including horse camping, ensuring a versatile experience for all visitors.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Horsemen's Campground — Brown County State Park, enjoy extensive trails designed for horseback riding, allowing for hours of exploration in a scenic environment.
  • Johnson County Park boasts 622 acres of diverse activities, including hiking trails and fishing opportunities, perfect for a full day of outdoor fun.
  • Yellowwood State Forest features numerous trails for both hiking and horseback riding, providing a great way to experience the natural beauty of Indiana.

Tips for equestrian camping near New Palestine, Indiana

  • When visiting Horsemen's Campground — Brown County State Park, be sure to reserve your spot early, especially during peak seasons, as it can get busy with fellow equestrian enthusiasts.
  • At Johnson County Park, check the park's rules regarding horse camping, as they may have specific guidelines to follow for a smooth experience.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping, where you can find quiet spots away from the crowds, ideal for those who enjoy a more rustic camping style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near New Palestine, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near New Palestine, IN is Johnson County Park with a 3.4-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near New Palestine, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near New Palestine, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.