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Pokagon State Park Campground accepts horses for day use activities but has no dedicated equestrian campsites. Located in Angola, Indiana, the park features horseback riding trails and an on-site saddle barn where visitors can take guided rides along the park's wooded pathways. The campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, and cabin stays with electric hookups, water access, and full bathroom facilities with showers. Trails throughout the park vary in difficulty and terrain, making them suitable for riders of different experience levels. Sites are situated among mature trees providing natural shade and some privacy between camping spots.
The saddle barn at Pokagon State Park offers guided horseback rides for visitors 52 inches and taller, with shorter pony rides available for smaller children. Waterloo Recreation Area in nearby Michigan provides additional horse-friendly outdoor recreation options, though dedicated horse camping facilities are limited in both locations. The park's natural spring, accessible from trail #2, offers a freshwater source during hikes. Camping areas at Pokagon are arranged in five separate loops, helping to create a sense of seclusion even during busier seasons. For horse owners considering overnight stays, it's advisable to contact the park office directly regarding current policies for bringing personal horses, as no permanent horse corrals or equine-specific overnight facilities are advertised at the campground.
"Sites are in a well wooded area situated on 5 different loops (1 non-electric, 4 electric)."
"This site was fairly level but very close to other sites…wouldn’t recommend it."
from $20 - $480 / night
Check Availability"Lots of trails within reach and a horse riding stable if that is your thing. Heard lots of wolves, saw lots of tracks but no animals. I’d like to go back in the spring and hike around some more!"
"It is usually easy to get multiple sites next to each other with reservations.
There is a decent sandy beach here with a playground and volleyball net."
from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $100 - $160 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
Check Availability
GuideEquestrian trails and campgrounds are popular here. Horse rides sold on site. There is a nice hotel that sometimes hosts events actually located in the park. Come tobagginging and ice fishing in the winter and then pamper yourself in the hotel, or visit in the summer and have a beach day or easy hike with the family. Great spot for Pokémon Go because of the available cell service.
TravelerPokagon State Park has an excellent state park campground. Sites are in a well wooded area situated on 5 different loops (1 non-electric, 4 electric). Many sites are flat (good for tent camping) while others are slightly rolling hills (helps breakup the sites a bit). There is a lot to do in the park including many trails, horse riding (horse stable on site), and lake swimming on a nicely improved beach. Only cons are no full hook up and the fire rings/grills could be improved.
TravelerThis is an extremely large campground. About seventy-five percent of the sites are electric. We stayed in Site 255, which was not electric (booked last minute). This site was fairly level but very close to other sites…wouldn’t recommend it. However, Site 269 (next to Site 277) afforded great privacy and was large; among the non-electric sites this was the best I saw. I did not survey the electric sites, but I’m sure the site matters a lot. Non-electric sites are $20.00, plus a $9.00 park entrance fee.
There are numerous walking trails, along with horse and bike trails. Additionally, there are boat rentals, horseback rides, pony rentals, swimming, nature center, and a restaurant at the inn.
This is a family oriented park. Extended family groupings are very common. Nevertheless, people and their children are well behaved.
I would recommend this campground for two days or more. A one day stay will mean you probably won’t see much of this wonderful park. The only reason I gave it a four was that even in mid-September it was packed.
TravelerThere are trail, beaches, boats, horses... so many things to do
LegendThis state park was established in 1925, so almost 100 years old. The campground must be the original layout. There's a maze like quality to it. The roads are narrow & you may be driving off the road for a big rig.
Some sites are level, some aren't. Some can accommodate larger rigs, most can't. Check the site descriptions carefully & to be doubly sure, call the office & ask.
There's water stations that look very old. They have wooden, shingled roofs. There's 2 dump stations located in loops 3 & 4. IN THE CAMPGROUND! NEXT TO CAMPSITES!!!!
There's 5 loops to the main campground.
100 loop is small & closer to the lake than the other loops. It's the loop we chose this time.
The sites are on the small side. There's 3 campsites that are close to the lake. 115, which is a larger site. 117 & 119 which have clear views of the lake. 117 is more a tent or popup site & is small. 119 is the best of the bunch. A large pad & a large site. There's no privacy bushes. These sites have a view of the lake with trees & brush & are on a ridge overlooking the lake. They aren't ON the lake.
On either side of 117 & 119 are 2 trails that lead to the lake. There's benches & a dock to tie up your boat.
The rest of the sites are a mixed bag. Some are level, some have an incline. If you have a big rig, be aware that the road to the 100 campsites branches into one way. Leading into the campsites, the road is narrow & has a ravine on one side!
200 Loop is non electric
300 Loop is the biggest loop & seems like the best bet for larger rigs. As stated above, some sites are better than others. There's a uniformity here that's missing from the other loops.
Stay away from sites 393& 395!!! These sites are literally right on top of the dump station! As always watch for pit toilets near the sites.
400 loop is a smaller loop next to the 200 loop. There's only one shower house for both loops. Avoid site 444 & probably site 454. These sites are VERY close to the dump station.
500 loop is also smaller& has some nice sites tucked by themselves in the trees. There seems to be more privacy brush on this loop with SOME sites.
512 is close to the shower house. 511 & 513 were somewhat secluded.
If you have a boat you want to tie up at the dock, go for the 100 loop. If you can't get it, be aware there's no parking near the trails to the lake. You can park by the bathhouse & walk.
The shower & restrooms are atrocious!!! Worst looking buildings since Spring Mill SP! Dirty & need an entire overhaul. In fact, raze the buildings & build new ones! They're "cleaned" once a day. Suuuuuure they are. There was actual poop on the door of one of the women's toilet stalls the whole time I was there. Mold & spiders& dirt in the corners. Looks like the last upgrade was in the 50s.
ScoutWe visited for just one night on a fall weekday. Campground was not crowded. Our site #315 was spacious with a nice foliage buffer around it. Many nice sites, but also many small, not private at all sites. We enjoyed a hike on one of the nice hiking trails, saw many families enjoying the bicycle trails and paved park roads. There is an Inn and restaurant in the park. We talked about how nice it would be to meetup with non Camping family members at this location. There are horse stables and a winter toboggan run as well
TravelerI have stayed in the Inn and the camp site. I highly recommend it. There are so many activities that people of all ages can enjoy! I Particularly like the horse back riding trails, and in the winter there are toboggan rides!
GuideLovely little quiet campground and spacious park with plenty to do for 1-2 days. Staff is non-intrusive, and the site has plenty of room to camp about and roam. Find your own little quiet corner and unplug for a few days. It's better than Ohio's only National Park!
Note: the DNR trail maps are inaccurate but well worth your time, so research your trials well or you'll get a bit lost. Trail signs are also very confusing. Bring plenty of water as posted 'mile' hikes quickly turn in 5 mile hikes. I recommend walking the 'Wetlands' trail around dusk.
GuideHad the pleasure of visiting first weekend in February, on the coldest weekend of the year! Nice little cabin set in about 800’ from where you park. It has a table, wood stove, and 4 sets of bunks in a back room. Lots of trails within reach and a horse riding stable if that is your thing. Heard lots of wolves, saw lots of tracks but no animals. I’d like to go back in the spring and hike around some more! Pro tip for cold nights is to block the back room and sleep in the main area-
Pokagon State Park Campground provides horse-friendly day use facilities in the rolling hills of northeastern Indiana. The park is situated approximately 75 miles from Fayette, Ohio, making it accessible for day trips or weekend excursions. The terrain features mixed hardwood forests with moderate elevation changes, creating diverse trail experiences for equestrians seeking riding opportunities near the Ohio-Indiana border. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer months typically see highs in the 80s.
Trail riding opportunities: Horseback riding is available at Pokagon State Park Campground through their on-site saddle barn. "There are trail, beaches, boats, horses... so many things to do," notes Becky N., highlighting the diverse recreation options for visitors. The trails vary in difficulty and are suitable for riders with different experience levels.
Swimming and beach activities: During warmer months, Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern offers refreshing swimming options. Kevin C. mentions "a nice swimming area in crystal clear water and a beautiful bathhouse," making it an ideal spot to cool off after trail riding. The beach area includes volleyball nets and playground equipment for additional recreation.
Winter recreation: When temperatures drop, the trails transform for different activities. Pokagon State Park is known for its winter recreation options. The park features a refrigerated toboggan run that operates during winter months, providing a unique seasonal activity not commonly found at other parks in the region.
Spacious, shaded sites: The campground layout at Pokagon provides natural privacy between sites. "The sites are well spaced and provide privacy if you want it plus room for extra tents or shelters," according to Shelly S. This arrangement allows horse owners to enjoy some seclusion while still having access to amenities.
Clean facilities: Waterloo Recreation Area maintains high standards for its amenities. Kim S. reports, "Facilities were nice and clean and many sites had trees to give shade at certain times of day." The bathrooms and shower facilities receive regular maintenance, ensuring comfort for visitors after a day of outdoor activities.
Family-friendly environment: The campgrounds near Fayette cater well to families with children. At Waterloo, Mike B. shares, "There is a decent sandy beach here with a playground and volleyball net. Also in the park are some small dirt trails for hiking and biking." These amenities provide entertainment options for all age groups.
Limited overnight horse facilities: When planning equestrian camping near Fayette, Ohio, understand that dedicated horse camping facilities are limited. While day use riding is available, there are no permanent horse corrals for overnight stays at Pokagon State Park. Contact the park office directly regarding current policies.
Site selection considerations: At Waterloo Sugarloaf Modern, Sarah P. cautions, "This campground is very open and not very private. It is another one of those 'parking lot campgrounds' where you can see all of your neighbors at all times." Request shaded sites when making reservations for more privacy.
Seasonal considerations: Bug activity can impact riding enjoyment. Kevin C. warns about Waterloo, "The mosquitoes were pretty bad the evening that we were there." Bring appropriate insect repellent, especially during summer months when planning horse-related activities.
Multiple recreation options: Pokagon State Park offers diverse activities for children of different ages. Amy K. shares, "There's 500+ sites, but all nicely separated and shaded. There's an inn, restaurant, cabins, boat rentals, horseback riding, bike trails, beach, toboggan run, etc." This variety ensures children stay engaged throughout your stay.
Pony rides for small children: The saddle barn provides riding options for younger children who may not meet the height requirement for trail rides. Shorter pony rides accommodate smaller children, making equestrian activities accessible for families with kids of various ages.
Playground access: Waterloo Recreation Area features play structures near camping areas. According to Debra B., "It has a very nice play area for the children and clean bathrooms." These facilities provide entertainment options for children between scheduled activities.
Site length limitations: RVers should verify site dimensions before booking at Pokagon. J C. notes, "Sites are shorter and sometimes uneven." Larger rigs may have difficulty fitting in some spaces, so request specific site information when making reservations.
Hookup considerations: Electric hookups are available at many sites in these parks, but water connections vary. Martin W. mentions about Waterloo, "Absolutely love this place. Only downfall is no water hookups on site." Arrive with full water tanks or prepare to fill at central locations. Sanitary dump stations are available for waste disposal before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Fayette, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Fayette, OH is Pokagon State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 52 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Fayette, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Fayette, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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