Johnson County Park specializes in equestrian camping with dedicated facilities 40 miles south of Whitestown, Indiana. The 622-acre property sits on former military training grounds, creating an expansive, open landscape with widely spaced camping sites. Several equestrian trails and facilities are complemented by basic amenities for non-horse campers, though the campground primarily serves those traveling with horses.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Turkey Run State Park Campground offers approximately 5 miles of bridle trails for equestrians seeking varied terrain. As reviewer Maggie M. notes, "There are lots of view stops along the river, the suspension bridge is super neat, and the rocks, waterfalls, and streams will have you awestruck the whole time."
Fishing at nearby lakes: Westwood Park provides access to a clear lake where gas motors aren't permitted. "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," explains Stephen H. The park also features a 10-mile hiking/biking trail circling the lake.
Canoeing and water recreation: When visiting equestrian campgrounds near Whitestown, consider day trips to Turkey Run Canoe & Camping. "Did a nice kayaking loop using their service. Had everything you needed, very chill experience," reports Rowan G., highlighting water-based recreation options beyond horseback riding.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: At equine-friendly campgrounds near central Indiana, cleanliness stands out. Kelly H. from Westwood Park notes, "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."
Open, spacious layout: Campers appreciate the generous spacing at Johnson County Park. As Nomon K. describes, "Very open wide spaced sites. Shade is hard to come by." This layout proves beneficial for those with horses and large trailers needing room to maneuver.
Proximity to shopping: Most horseback riding campgrounds near Whitestown provide access to necessary supplies. Stephen & Theresa B. mention Johnson County Park offers "Plenty of shopping and restaurants in the area; grocery, outlet mall, name brand dining," ensuring campers can easily restock during extended stays.
What you should know
Reservation policies vary: Many equestrian campgrounds require advance planning. Westwood Park operates differently: "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," advises Kelly H.
Terrain considerations: When selecting a camping site, check ground conditions. At Turkey Run State Park Campground, Michelle M. warns, "The site was very uneven. It definitely sloops to the back corner. It was difficult to level our camper but we got it in the end."
Hookup limitations: Many equestrian sites offer limited utilities. Scott B. notes at Turkey Run Canoe & Camping, "The electric is shared with another site which could be a problem if you have the same type of service since there is only one 50 amp, one 30 amp, and one 20 amp service per hookup."
Tips for camping with families
Choose shaded sites: During summer months, prioritize shade. At Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort, Debbie S. recommends, "This was really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children's museum. The lake is fabulous... Pretty place and fun for a laid back place to stay."
Look for playgrounds: Several equestrian campgrounds include play areas. Johnson County Park has a playground for children alongside a community campfire ring, providing entertainment when not riding horses.
Consider noise factors: Some equestrian camping areas near Whitestown experience unexpected sounds. Stephen & Theresa B. caution that Johnson County 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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At equestrian-friendly campgrounds, site location impacts experience. Jerry D. describes Johnson County Park as "Nice but bare bones former military campground," highlighting the straightforward, utilitarian nature of horse-focused facilities.
Water access planning: Many equestrian campgrounds have limited water hookup locations. Scott B. advises at Turkey Run Canoe & Camping, "There is portable water at the entrance but the road coming and going to the campsite is only wide enough for one rig and you will block traffic while you are filling up."
Electric service options: Check available amperage before booking. Sheila B. notes at Johnson County Park, "There are very few 50 amp spots, so we were in a 30 amp spot." This information proves crucial for RVers with higher power needs.
