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CampingMap showing campground location near Paoli, Indiana

Youngs Creek Horse Camp

8 ReviewsAdd Review

Horse enthusiasts and hikers can access this Forest Service campground via gravel roads through mixed forest and open terrain. Youngs Creek Horse Camp sits within Hoosier National Forest, accommodating equestrians, tent campers, and small RVs with five to six primitive sites. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring on relatively level ground with gravel parking areas.

The campground features vault toilets and a hand-pump water source, plus a covered pavilion for group gatherings. Sites offer limited privacy between them, though the forested setting provides some natural screening. A hiking trail loops back to the camping area for easy access to the surrounding forest. Michael U. describes it as a "secluded camping area with horse hitch."

Access roads remain active through evening hours, creating occasional traffic near the camping area. The campground typically stays quiet except during organized trail rides, when sites fill quickly with horse trailers and riders. Wildlife activity includes chorus frogs that call throughout the night during warmer months. Campers exploring the broader region can find campgrounds near Paoli just five miles away.

Bring insect repellent for warmer months and drive carefully on the forest roads leading to the campground.

Fee Info

All camping is free of charge.

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Location

Public Campground

Youngs Creek Horse Camp is located in Indiana

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.503629 N
86.465917 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 3/27/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 3/27/26

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 3/27/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 3/27/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Many visitors appreciated the large, well-spaced sites and reliable basic facilities including vault toilets and water access. The peaceful forest setting draws positive comments, though some noted road noise and limited site privacy.

Michael U.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 13, 2025

Free camping. Limited spots

Secluded camping area with horse hitch. 5 - 6 primitive spots with fire rings and tables. Very little privacy. Tents and vans only.

Month of VisitMay
E
Reviewed Jun. 3, 2024

Beautiful

The chorus frog do roar through the night. 100% worth it, make sure to bring bug spray, and travel carefully up the roads. Lots of wildlife, and kind people.

SiteB3
Month of VisitJune
D
Reviewed Dec. 7, 2021

Another quiet day in Indiana.

I had been planning a trip to Youngs Creek for over a month and was happy to finally get there. YC horse camp is well laid out and fairly spacious, apparently only for the random hikers and hunters. I stayed at here for a couple of days, planning on a longer visit, and wasn't dissatisfied. It sports a good-sized pavilion and well-maintained his and hers vault toilets. The camp sites were generous in size with gravel parking, fairly level pads, picnic tables, and a fire ring. The only downside, besides the lack of horses, was an access road to adjacent to the camping area that is well used through the evening.
I'll be making a return in the spring to watch for the return of the equestrians.

Sitenot marked
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Youngs Creek Horse Camp by Doc S., December 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Youngs Creek Horse Camp by Doc S., December 7, 2021
  • Rainy night.
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David M.
Reviewed May. 22, 2021

Quit place

Great quit place to rest up for a few nights. The site has a toilet and water. If you head into the town of Paoli be sure to hit up the farmers co-op for supplies.

Sitesite 1
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Youngs Creek Horse Camp by David M., May 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Youngs Creek Horse Camp by David M., May 22, 2021
Susan A.
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2019

Great Camping Spot

We camp here every time we come to Indiana. We have camped there in a truck camper, and now we tent camp with our Jeep. The sites are large, and there are fire rings available. There are vault toilets and a fresh water pump not far from them. The only time this camp is full is when a trail ride is going on, then it fills up fast. It is only five miles from Paoli, and there is a Walmart there if you need supplies..

  • Review photo of Youngs Creek Horse Camp by Susan A., August 18, 2019
  • Review photo of Youngs Creek Horse Camp by Susan A., August 18, 2019
David M.
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2019

Off the beaten path

Site accommodates both horse, drive in and walk-in camping. There’s a privy and water on site. Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables. There is a trail that loops back to the site for easy hiking access.

  • Review photo of Youngs Creek Horse Camp by David M., August 9, 2019
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Showing results 1-8 of 8 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Youngs Creek Horse Camp?

Youngs Creek Horse Camp offers basic amenities for a comfortable primitive camping experience. The campground features vault toilets and a fresh water pump located near the restrooms. Each campsite is equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. The camping area is designed to accommodate various camping styles, including tent camping, truck campers, and vans. Despite its rustic nature, the campground provides essential facilities while maintaining a peaceful, natural setting in the forest.

How do I access Youngs Creek Horse Camp and are there trail connections?

Youngs Creek Horse Camp is accessible via forest roads that require careful driving due to wildlife in the area. The campground connects to hiking and horse trails, including a convenient loop trail that leads back to the campsite, making it ideal for day hikes. On weekends, you might encounter horses on the trails. The location is relatively secluded but accessible, with the town of Paoli nearby for supplies and French Lick approximately 30 minutes away.

What horse facilities are provided at Youngs Creek Horse Camp?

Youngs Creek Horse Camp includes dedicated facilities for equestrians. The campground offers horse hitching posts where riders can secure their animals. The camping area is designed with both horses and riders in mind, providing adequate space for trailers and equipment. The layout accommodates approximately 5-6 primitive spots that can be used by horseback riders. Connected trail systems are accessible directly from the camp, allowing for convenient riding opportunities. The horse-friendly design makes this a popular destination for equestrians exploring the surrounding forest.

Do I need reservations for Youngs Creek Horse Camp?

Reservations are not required at Youngs Creek Horse Camp as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground rarely fills to capacity except during organized trail ride events. This makes it an excellent option for spontaneous camping trips throughout most of the year. The campground primarily attracts hikers, hunters, and horseback riders, maintaining a quiet atmosphere even during peak camping seasons. For the best chance at securing a spot, consider arriving on weekdays or outside of special events.

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