Shirley Creek Campground
02 reviewsnull
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 2 reviews
7 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."
Fees & Passes at Shirley Creek Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: null
Cancellation: null
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official null website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryShirley Creek Campground embodies the authentic spirit of primitive camping, where simplicity meets functionality in a natural forest setting. The landscape provides an unadorned canvas for outdoor adventures, with the campground's horse-friendly infrastructure seamlessly blending into the surrounding wilderness. Here, the focus shifts from modern distractions to the fundamental connection between riders, their horses, and the expansive trail system that beckons just beyond your campsite.
Geological Regionnull
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific mention of accessibility features or accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeNo specific details about the sizes of campsites are provided in the source material.
Sites PrivacyNo information about the privacy level of campsites is provided.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No group camping options or details are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
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.
Hiking
User 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
No specific winter recreation activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports activities are referenced.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- On-site firewood can only be sourced from dead and downed material. Cutting or defacing standing trees, whether living or dead, is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsnull
Active alertsnull
Weather at Shirley Creek Campground
41
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 80%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresnull
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention dissatisfaction with trail maintenance by the DNR and concern about fee increases. Kevin Albright notes: 'It used to be free and they started charging with promises of vast improvements. Now they are threatening to raise fees again.'
Hostnull
Campground Map
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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.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
2 reviews
Shirley Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 2 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 2 reviewsCommon 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...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
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 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not provide specific seasonal insights. The campground is open year-round, per the authoritative data.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper 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 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are provided.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user feedback on accessibility features or experiences is available.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific information regarding pet policies or pet-related experiences is mentioned.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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0 review
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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