We have been to O'Bannon Woods in Corydon twice already this year and loved it so much we are going back again this weekend (10/23).

They have two horsemen's camps within the state park.  One is electric, the other is non-electric.  We stayed at the electric camp in August and September so we could have our AC.  We are going to try out the non-electric this time.

The electric camp is very nice.  The bath house is older but very clean and well kept.  Asphault parking pads.  Really nice tie rails for the horses and they will allow you to put up a picket line as long as you use tree savers.  There are wheelbarrows and manure bins.  There are not water spigots at every site, but there are several situated around the camp. 

There are LOTS of trails (about 80 miles) which can be accessed from either camp.  However, since the non-electric camp was the original horse camp, most of the trails actually start from there.  Riding from the electric camp requires a little backtracking.

The non-electric camp does have one centrally located bath house with hot showers and a flush toilet.  There are also a couple of permanent pit toilets around the camp.  There are several water spigots.

The map that they are currently passing out is a topographical map and is very hard to follow.  They are working on a new map for next year.  Ranger Bob let us peek at the prototype of the new map and it will be great.  But until then, I suggest you carry a GPS.  The trails are well marked, but we ended up on an all day trail when we only intended to be out for a short ride.

Many trails take you along the Ohio River and the Blue River.  Very scenic.  Trails are pretty rocky in spots and can be muddy if there has been rain.  It is a river valley, afterall.  And there are some serious hills.

Out of state vehicles are charged a $7 gate fee and you will have to purchase bridle tags...$5/day or $20/unlimited yearly.

All in all, I highly recommend O'Bannon Woods. 

Here's a link with some pictures I took when we were there in August.

http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/forum/thread-view.asp?threadid=12257&posts=5

Thanks so much for all the information....looks like a place we too would enjoy.

We took a Sunday yesterday and ended up getting to see the area for ourselves -cost us $7.00 just to drive thru the campground (crazy) but worth it I guess...

I've had several people pass on what they know about this place.  We will make up our minds soon on where to go- looking at going back to the Shawnee National Forest in IL.  Also the pics are really nice....it's hard to see the trails from a pickup window hahaha...

Thanks again,

PJ

I had heard that they still had alot of storm damage from last year???

You might also check out Deams Lake/Clark Forestry in Borden, IN and Henryville, IN--   I guess the best "trip" would be a couple of days in Corydon and then over to Deams Lake-- IMO

I LOVE Shawnee Forest - just got back from a week there-- they have LOTS of riding -- enough for the type of riding you do.

We live near Deam/Clark and those are our "home" trails -- but not much more than a couple of days riding

We usually stay at Hayes Canyon Campground when we can.

Circle B also looks nice also

Plently of riding in that area

Just returned from another super stay at OBannon Woods.....this time in the non electric horse camp.  What a wonderful park.  Thank you to the State of Indiana! 

ps the bison burgers at the Idlewild out post restuarant (not a park facility) are way overrated.

Was anyone using a generator in the non electric campground that you noticied?

The quiet hours were from 11:00pm to 6:00am.

Dwight--

What sites would you recommend for a large LQ?  The electric sites-- so many trees and the way it "loops" -- it only looked like about 2 sites would be easy to get into-

The primitive would be better??  any suggestions?

Our trailer is 31.5 on the floor.  We were pretty much looking to be fairly close to the water hydrants.  I think the outer loop in the electric camp are pretty ok for big trailers.  Only a very few sites in the primitive would be tight for a big trailer.  Dwight is the guru on the sites, for sure!

Sure am looking forward to going back to O'Bannon.

Can anyone give me specific directions to this O'Bannon Woods...say from Terre Haute Ind.  SOunds like some place I need to check out, and within an easy distance of travel... and/ or  a website or contact number.

THANKS

HAPPY NEW YEAR = 2010

We have not investigated Pennyrile yet.  Might have to check it out.

Where is Calhoun?