Shirley Creek Campground

Star4.00
11 reviews
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Quick Facts

827 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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Official Website
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Shirley Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fee for camping.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 11 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulhiking

"User reviews generally portray the campground as peaceful and suitable for horse camping and hiking. However, there are some complaints about trail maintenance and DNR's fee policies."

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Campground Map

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Shirley Creek Campground

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Driving directionsFrom 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 to 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.
The campground can be accessed via county roads. Some sections require crossing railroad tracks and navigating gravel roads. No specific mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain was noted.
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Best Time to Camp at Shirley Creek Campground

Experience the full spectrum of seasonal beauty at Shirley Creek, where each time of year paints a unique portrait of outdoor adventure. Winter transforms the landscape into a crisp, frosty wonderland perfect for those who embrace the chill. As spring arrives, temperatures gradually climb, awakening the forest with fresh possibilities. Summer brings warm, occasionally muggy days ideal for early morning rides and lazy afternoon rests in the shade. Fall ushers in refreshingly cool temperatures and spectacular riding conditions. Throughout the year, Mother Nature remains relatively gentle here, with rain sprinkled evenly across the seasons and severe storms remaining pleasantly rare.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open year‑round; summer supports hiking and equestrian use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Seasonal beauty referenced; likely pleasant for fall foliage though reviews lack specifics.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open year‑round; no spring‑specific data and trails may be variable/muddy.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year‑round and called a "frosty wonderland," but limited winter amenities noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Year-round
  • Current Alerts: null

About Shirley Creek Campground

Nestled in the heart of the National Forest, Shirley Creek Campground beckons to equestrian enthusiasts and rustic camping aficionados alike. This charming primitive campground serves as a gateway to endless trail adventures, thoughtfully equipped with essential amenities for horse campers including sturdy hitching racks, fresh water stations for your four-legged companions, and convenient pit toilets. While designed with riders in mind, the campground warmly welcomes all National Forest visitors seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience. Whether you're saddling up for a multi-day trail ride or simply passing through for a peaceful afternoon, you'll find free day-use parking and a genuine slice of wilderness tranquility.
Shirley Creek Campground offers primitive camping options primarily designed for horse campers but open to all visitors. It is a no-fee site with basic amenities.
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Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is primarily focused on horse camping and riding, with an emphasis on equestrian activities. General hiking trails are also noted in user reviews, though these seem to be secondary to the horse-related focus.
HikingUser reviews mention hiking trails available at the campground. Kevin Albright describes the trails as 'several shorter trails,' but also notes, 'The DNR could do a better job with trail maintenance.' Another user, Thomas Hess, characterizes the trails as part of a 'very nice and peaceful campground with hiking trails.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

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No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Shirley Creek Campground

Reviews

4.0
11 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Shirley Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally portray the campground as peaceful and suitable for horse camping and hiking. However, there are some complaints about trail maintenance and DNR's fee policies.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground as 'nice and peaceful' and appreciate the availability of hiking trails. Thomas Hess notes, 'Enjoyed my stay and will return in the future.'
Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Kevin Albright criticizes trail maintenance, stating, 'The DNR could do a better job with trail maintenance,' and mentions concerns about fees, which have apparently increased despite promises of...
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Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend the campground for its quiet atmosphere and trails but advise preparedness for primitive conditions as potable water is unavailable.
Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not provide specific seasonal insights. The campground is open year-round, per the authoritative data.
Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

- Thomas Hess: 'Very nice and peaceful campground with hiking trails.' - Kevin Albright: 'The DNR could do a better job with trail maintenance.'
Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews are provided.
Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user feedback on accessibility features or experiences is available.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific information regarding pet policies or pet-related experiences is mentioned.
Based on 11 reviews
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Last updated January 5, 2026
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