Equestrian camping options flourish within a 40-mile radius of West Fork of Mill Creek Lake. The area features several trail systems with elevations ranging from 500-1,000 feet, creating varied terrain for riders and hikers alike. Most horse campgrounds in this region operate from April through October, though some offer limited winter access depending on ground conditions.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Access multiple trail networks from Whitewater Memorial State Park Campground where equestrians enjoy dedicated routes. "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!" reports Brady R.
Mountain biking: Hit the trails at Dayton Metro Parks where both challenging and beginner routes exist. "This was a lovely backpacking trail that is both challenging while not being too hard for new backpackers," notes Kenpocentaur K., adding that the Twin Valley Trail was "well marked and had a variety of ravines."
Fishing: Cast your line at Cowan Lake State Park where multiple fishing spots accommodate various skill levels. "Great crappie fishing in early May just steep cliffs to get down to the water. There is a marina nearby where you can rent a John boat for pretty cheap too," explains Renée C.
Kayaking: Paddle the calm waters at East Fork State Park's 2,160-acre lake. "There is also a camper beach for boating and swimming," shares Lee D., who appreciated the variety of outdoor activities available at this large park with over 400 sites.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Hueston Woods State Park Campground offers ample room for trailers and equipment. "We love Hueston Woods! We have been there twice now and tent camp. A lot of the sites are large and have enough space for everything you need!" says Maddy B., who particularly enjoyed the nearby beach area.
Clean facilities: Cowan Lake State Park Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and showers. "Camp sites are all blacktop, level, and clean. Nice bath houses, and playgrounds," notes Kim H., who stayed in Site 78 and found it "VERY large and well maintained."
Privacy between sites: Horse campsites typically offer more separation than standard camping areas. "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," writes Brady R. about Whitewater Memorial State Park.
Water access: Many equestrian campgrounds provide direct access to water features. "Our campsite was close to two different bathroom structures. One right behind our site was toilets only," explains Kenpocentaur K., who enjoyed kayaking on Cowan Lake during a full moon paddle.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campsites near West Fork of Mill Creek Lake require advance booking, especially during summer months. At Whitewater Memorial, reservations can be made through the Indiana state reservation system.
Limited amenities at primitive sites: East Fork State Park Campground has varying levels of services depending on which loop you choose. "The State Park is on one side of the Lake and the Campground is on the other. There is no public road between the two," warns Karen J., noting the "extremely long walking distance to the lake."
Seasonal considerations: Some facilities close during off-season months. "Rentals are available but most are only in season (ended September 30)," explains Lee D. about East Fork State Park's amenities.
Facility maintenance: Quality varies by park and season. "Not all loops have their own bath house and the I loop where we stayed was one of them. We used the one in the H Loop," reports Lee D., who found that while facilities were clean, they weren't always sufficient for the number of campers.
Tips for camping with families
Scout for playgrounds: Versailles State Park Campground offers multiple recreation options for children. "The pool is nice, and the kids love the slides and diving board. They also have a fenced in area for small children with a baby pool and sprinkler," shares Jessie W.
Choose level sites: Look for stable, flat terrain when bringing children and equipment. "Some sites are not level at all. So be sure to read up on the site you want before you book it," advises Burns G. about Versailles State Park.
Pack for weather changes: The region experiences rapid temperature shifts, particularly in spring and fall. "We love the Halloween festivities! It is so fun to see all the costumes and the decorations all over the campground," notes Jessie W. about Versailles' seasonal activities.
Visit nature centers: Many parks offer educational programs for children. "The park also had a lending library and walking stick lending program. I thought these were simple but memorable features," writes Kenpocentaur K. about Cowan Lake State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At A.J. Jolly Park & Campground, pay attention to the pad locations. "Most if the sites are large enough for 30 and larger RVs but were designed by someone who was clueless on the general setup of newer campers and motorhomes," explains jeffrey D., who recommends sites 7, 10, 11, and 3 as the best options.
Hookup placement: Check the location of utilities before selecting a site. "Pad are about 12 x12 concrete so that's a plus but the location of the pads if you want to use your RV awning means your wheels in whatever your using are going to be nearly off the level area," notes jeffrey D.
Loop considerations: Different camping areas offer varying experiences. "C loop is all nice," states Jarrod M. about East Fork State Park, while Lee D. explains, "A loop is pretty open without a lot of shade. B & C have lots of shade but the sites are either not very level or not very big."
Dump station timing: Plan your departure carefully on busy weekends. "I would also note that there is only one dump station for the three campgrounds so there can be quite the line when trying to get out of there on a Sunday afternoon," advises Jessie W. about Versailles State Park.
