A photo of Youngs Creek Campground

Youngs Creek Campground

Open

Open year-round, first-come-first-served. All camping is free. Non-potable water for livestock is available April through October. Outside firewood is prohibited.

Extreme Heat Warning issued July 1 at 2:24PM EDT until July 3 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Louisville KY

July 1st, 2:24 PM — 6:00 AM

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with peak heat index values between 100 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Mild overnight temperatures will also not allow for much reprieve from the hot and humid conditions. * WHERE...Portions of south central Indiana and east central, north central, northwest, and south central Kentucky. * WHEN...Until 9 PM EDT /8 PM CDT/ Friday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.

Hoosier National Forest

Fireworks are prohibited on Hoosier National Forest

Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited on national forest system lands.

Hoosier National Forest

Hardin Ridge Beach closed due to flooding 5.22.26

Due to high water levels in Monroe Lake, the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area beach will remain closed until further notice.

About

Youngs Creek Campground is a primitive, free horse camp located in Hoosier National Forest in Orange County, Indiana. Designed primarily for equestrian use but open to all national forest visitors, the campground provides 14 campsites spread across two areas. Sites 1-7 on the south end offer designated camping spots with fire rings, picnic tables, and high line posts. Sites 8-14 are situated in an open grassy area with high line posts available. The campground features vault toilets and a picnic shelter. Two frost-free hydrants supply non-potable water for livestock, typically operational from April through October. No potable drinking water is available, so campers must bring their own supply. Campfires are permitted using only dead and downed wood collected on-site; outside firewood is prohibited to prevent invasive pest spread. The facility provides direct access to the 12.7-mile Youngs Creek multiple-use trail system, which winds through scenic hardwood forests with varied terrain suitable for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. Mountain bikers age 17 and older and horse riders are required to obtain permits.

Directions

From Paoli, IN: South on Indiana 37, right onto Beech Grove Road (0.9 miles), left onto County Road 50 W (1.2 miles to entrance on left).

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $0

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email SM.FS.R9HOFwebsite@usda.gov
Phone +1 (812) 547-7051

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

Availability

Photos

A photo of Youngs Creek Campground
A photo of pavilion at Youngs Creek Campground
A photo of communal non-potable water hydrant at Youngs Creek Campground
A photo of Youngs Creek Campground
A photo of communal non-potable water hydrant at Youngs Creek Campground
A photo of vault toilets at Youngs Creek Campground
A photo of Young’s Creek Campground

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