Harden's Horse Camp

Hello, fellow Hoosier equestrians and outdoor enthusiasts! If you're seeking a dedicated and personalized camping experience for you and your horses, nestled conveniently near the extensive trails of the Hoosier National Forest, then Harden's Horse Camp in Norman, Indiana, might be exactly what you're looking for. This private, smaller campground is designed with the horse owner in mind, offering a more intimate and managed setting compared to larger, more bustling facilities. It's a place where the focus is on providing essential comforts for both rider and steed, all while granting access to some of Indiana's most scenic riding trails.

For many in our Indiana community who share a passion for trail riding, finding a camp that feels like a home away from home is crucial. Harden's Horse Camp has garnered a reputation for its welcoming owners and a commitment to keeping the grounds clean and well-maintained. While it caters specifically to the equestrian community, its thoughtful layout and amenities ensure a comfortable stay. This article will provide you with a detailed overview of Harden's Horse Camp, covering its prime location, the services and features it offers, and why it stands out as a suitable and highly recommended option for local horse riders seeking a memorable outdoor adventure in Southern Indiana.

Harden's Horse Camp is located at 5551 Hickory Grove Rd, Norman, IN 47264, USA. This address places it squarely in the beautiful, rural landscape of Norman, a small community in Jackson County, Southern Indiana. What makes its location particularly advantageous for equestrians is its immediate proximity to the Hoosier National Forest trailheads. The camp prides itself on being "right at the Hoosier National Forest Trail Heads," just seconds from key trails like 2, 3, 6, and 1, allowing riders to quickly and easily access miles of scenic riding paths.

For our local Indiana users, navigating to Harden's Horse Camp typically involves traveling on well-maintained state highways that lead into the Norman area, such as State Road 58. While the camp is somewhat secluded, offering that desirable "getaway" feel, it's generally accessible from larger towns in Southern Indiana. It's important to note that while the camp is very accessible to the trails, some reviewers mention that the specific road leading to the camp (Hickory Grove Road) might be narrow with sharp, blind corners, especially for very large rigs. Therefore, exercising caution and perhaps contacting the owners for specific large-rig directions might be wise for those with exceptionally long living quarters horse trailers. Despite this, its "instant access" to the vast Hoosier National Forest trail system is a significant draw, ensuring minimal travel time between your campsite and the start of your riding adventure.

Services Offered:

• Electric/Water Campsites: Harden's Horse Camp offers dedicated campsites with essential amenities including electric hookups (likely 30 and 50 amp services to accommodate various RVs) and water connections right at the site.
• Gravel-Padded Sites: Campsites feature gravel pads, providing a stable and clean base for RVs and trailers.
• Horse Stalls: A key amenity for equestrians, the camp provides 10x10 or larger panel stalls, with two typically included with each site. Extra stalls may be available for an additional fee.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available on-site for RV campers to dispose of wastewater.
• Clean Restrooms: While reviews mention "toilets," specific details on modern bathhouses with showers are not explicitly detailed, but cleanliness is consistently praised. Visitors should confirm the type of facilities available. (Some sources mention "Porta Potties" indicating more basic facilities, but reviews focus on overall cleanliness).
• Trail Pass Sales: Passes needed to ride/bike the trails in the Hoosier National Forest can be purchased directly at the camp, offering a convenient way for campers to obtain their required permits.
• Welcoming and Responsive Owners: The owners are frequently highlighted for being very welcoming, helpful, and "close by if you need anything," contributing to a positive guest experience.
• Security Cameras: The property uses security cameras, indicating a commitment to guest safety and property oversight.

Features / Highlights:

• Immediate Trail Access: One of the most significant features is its direct and immediate access to the extensive trail system (over 100 miles) of the Hoosier National Forest, eliminating the need for long rides to reach the trailheads.
• Small, Intimate Camp Setting: With only 10 total sites, the camp offers a more private and less crowded experience compared to larger campgrounds, which many equestrians appreciate for peace and quiet.
• Dedicated Horse Facilities: The inclusion of 10x10 (or larger) horse stalls right at the campsite is a major convenience for horse owners, ensuring their animals are secure and easily accessible.
• Friendly and Welcoming Owners: The positive interactions with the owners are a consistent highlight, contributing significantly to the camp's appealing atmosphere.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Grounds: Reviewers repeatedly praise the cleanliness and upkeep of the campsites and facilities.
• Accommodating for All Rig Sizes: Despite some notes on road access, the camp itself is reportedly laid out to make it "very easy to get into your camp site no matter how large your rig is," indicating thoughtful design for horse trailers.
• Open to All Campers (with or without horses): While primarily a horse camp, it welcomes all campers, regardless of whether they bring horses, making it versatile for outdoor enthusiasts.
• No Refund Policy: It's important to note the explicitly stated "No Refund" policy for reservations, meaning reschedules are the only option for changes. This is a critical detail for potential campers to be aware of.

Contact Information:

Address: 5551 Hickory Grove Rd, Norman, IN 47264, USA

Phone: (812) 236-9695

Email: HardensHorseCamp@gmail.com

For reservations, current availability, and to confirm specific amenities and policies (especially the no-refund policy), it is highly recommended to contact Harden's Horse Camp directly by phone or email. Their official website, www.hardenshorsecamp.com, also provides comprehensive information, including camp rules, rates, and updates on available sites.

For Indiana locals with horses, Harden's Horse Camp in Norman offers a uniquely appealing and highly practical solution for their trail riding adventures. Its most compelling draw is the "instant access" to over 100 miles of diverse horse trails within the beautiful Hoosier National Forest, eliminating the usual hassle of trailering long distances once you've arrived. The intentional design of the camp, with its spacious, gravel-padded sites and convenient 10x10 or larger horse stalls right at your spot, truly caters to the needs of equestrians, making it very "big rig friendly."

The intimate size of the camp, with only 10 total spots, contributes to a quieter and more personalized experience, which many local campers appreciate. Furthermore, the consistently positive reviews regarding the welcoming and helpful owners underscore a commitment to guest satisfaction and a friendly atmosphere. While it's crucial to be aware of their strict no-refund policy, the overall value provided—clean facilities, essential hookups, and unparalleled trail access—makes Harden's Horse Camp a top-tier choice for Indiana's horse-loving community. It's a place where you can easily settle in, saddle up, and explore the stunning natural beauty of Southern Indiana with your equine companion, creating cherished memories right here in your home state.

Harden's Horse Camp

5551 Hickory Grove Rd, Norman, IN 47264, USA