Nestled in the heart of Indiana's scenic landscape, Youngs Creek Horse Camp and Trails offers a premier camping experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're a hiker, mountain biker, or horseback rider, this 12.7-mile trail provides a thrilling adventure through shady trails, scenic hardwood forests, and diverse terrain.
A Primitive Camping Haven
The campground at Youngs Creek is a primitive camper's paradise, offering vault toilets, hitching racks, and a picnic shelter. Designed with horse camping in mind, the campground welcomes all national forest visitors. Best of all, there's no use fee, making it an accessible and budget-friendly option for nature lovers.
Explore the Trails
The highlight of Youngs Creek is its extensive trail system, totaling around 12.5 miles. These trails are open for hiking, mountain biking, and of course, horseback riding. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, the trails offer a variety of experiences, from leisurely rides to challenging terrain.
Plan Your Adventure
If you're looking for a thrilling outdoor adventure in Indiana, look no further than Youngs Creek Horse Camp and Trails. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse terrain, and welcoming campground, Youngs Creek is the perfect destination for your next outdoor getaway.
Directions:
From Paoli, IN: Go south on Ind. 37. Turn right onto Beech Grove Road and continue 0.9 miles. Turn left onto County Road 50 W. Drive 1.2 miles to the entrance on the left.
Youngs Creek Horse Camp offers the following facilities and amenities:
- Campfire Rings/grills
- Primitive campground
- Horseback Riding Trails
- Picnic Shelters
- Picnic Tables
- Vault Toilets
- Trailhead Parking
- Highline posts
- Non-Potable Water
- Hitching Racks
- Trailheads
Horse Riding
This 12.7-mile trail designed for use by hikers, mountain bike riders, and horseback riders offers shady trails, scenic hardwood forests, and a variety of terrain. This is a more difficult trail with several steep sections and much of it is the single-track trail.
Hitching rails are available and there is water available at the trailhead and in streams and lakes.
Cost Details:
- Free to use
- There is a one-time $8 fee for booking reservations online or $9 by telephone.
Policies:
- 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.
Notes:
- All campsites will be by RESERVATION ONLY from March 29 through April 10 due to the 2024 Eclipse. Camping will still be free but there will be a service fee to make your reservation on www.recreation.gov.
- Horse 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.
- Water for livestock (not potable for humans) is provided April - October but we recommend bringing water.
- For campground inquiries, please call: Tell City Ranger District Front Office: 812-547-7051
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
SPRINGS VALLEY RECREATION AREA - Spring Valley Trail
WEST BADEN SPRINGS, INDIANA - Shirley Creek Trail
HOOSIER NATIONAL FOREST - Birdseye Trail Full Loop
HOOSIER NATIONAL FOREST - Oriole Trail West
Youngs Creek Horse Camp does require reservations for overnight accommodations. Please visit their page here on Top Horse Trails - Youngs Creek Horse Camp for more information