The Shirley Creek Horsecamp is undoubtedly a beautiful place for horse enthusiasts who reside in or close to West Baden Springs, Indiana. This primitive campground is nestled in the breathtaking Hoosier National Forest and provides an ideal location for equestrians to get closer to nature while they camp. The Shirley Creek Horsecamp boasts an offering of essential amenities including hitching racks, pit toilets, and water for livestock. Soft tent camping is available, making it a perfect spot for horseback riders to spend the night before starting off on a lengthy and memorable trail ride.
This campground was designed solely for horse camping, however, other visitors to the National Forest are welcome to camp there as well. Undoubtedly, horse owners would take precedence, but all visitors would share the same experience of camping in one of the most scenic sites in Indiana. Currently, there is no use fee for camping at Shirley Creek Horsecamp. And, if any visitors don't have horses with them, it is still worth the trip to the campground to appreciate the alluring natural setting and unpolluted air.
Shirley Creek Horsecamp has a significant accommodating capacity of 40 horse trailers. There is day-use parking enabled for visitors who come by for a picnic or some other non-horse riding activities. This parking is free.
Water is readily accessible for livestock but has not yet tested safe for human consumption. Vault-style, accessible toilets are available for campers and visitors alike. Additionally, there are tables, accessible fire rings, and grills also available for campers to cook up meals over the campfire.
Directions:
From Bloomington: Take State Road 37 south approximately 25 miles to US 50 just south of Bedford. Take US Highway 50 west 9.6 miles to the intersection of Highways 50 and 60. Continue going west on Highway 50, 0.1 miles to the first county road on the left. Turn left on this county road and immediately cross some railroad tracks. Drive 0.9 to County Road 825 West; turn right. Drive 3.4 miles to the split in the road. Take the left split (CR 810 north) and pass Bonds Chapel and a cemetery on the right. Drive 1.3 miles to CR 775. Turn right on CR 775 and drive 1.2 miles to the "Shirley Creek Trailhead" sign on the left. Turn left into the property and follow the road to the campgrounds.
From downtown Orleans: Go south on IN 37/Maple Street from IN 337/Washington for 2 blocks. Turn west onto Vincennes Street. This road changes to CR 700N outside the Orleans town limits, then to a variety of different numbers as it winds through the countryside. Stay on this road then about 10 miles west of town, you'll come to CR 775W; turn left. (This intersection is Hindostan, or Hindustan, and appears on some old maps) There's a Forest Service sign for Shirley Creek here. It's just over 1 mile from the gravel road to the horse camp. Turn left onto this road. Go to the end and park in the horse camp. The trail leaves from that parking loop. GPS Coordinates: Lat - 38o 38' 58.147" N, Long - 86o 35' 51.174" W
Shirley Creek Horse Camp offers the following facilities and amenities:
- 19 accessible tables
- 13 accessible fire rings
- Accessible toilet
- Water for horses available
- Hitching racks
- Sites with a capacity of 40 horse trailers
Shirley Creek Horsecamp is undoubtedly an incredible addition to the local area around West Baden Springs, Indiana. Horse owners and enthusiasts finally have a location where they can enjoy the exhilaration of camping and trail riding without compromising on their horses' safety or comfort. The natural beauty of the Hoosier National Forest provides an unmissable backdrop for Shirley Creek Horsecamp, making it an ideal camping location for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the modern city.
Notes:
- Horses and mountain bike riders (age 17 years and older) are required to have a permit and stay on trails designated for that type of use. Permits are available from our offices and local vendors.
Restrictions:
- Firewood Restrictions
- Any firewood brought onto National Forest System land must meet ONE of the firewood requirements on Hoosier National Forest.
- Use of on-site firewood must only be from dead, downed material. Standing trees, living or dead, may not be cut or defaced.
- A complete list of US Forest Service rules and regulations is posted on bulletin boards in the campground.
Cost Details:
- No fee for camping.
Not reservable
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
PYRAMID STATE RECREATION AREA - Pyramid State Park Loop Trail
SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST - Cove Hollow Trail to Cedar Lake Trail
SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST - Buttermilk Hill
BALD KNOB WILDERNESS - Godwin Trail
Shirley Creek Horse Camp does not require reservations for overnight accommodations. Please visit their page here on Top Horse Trails - Shirley Creek Horse Camp for more information.