By:
Submission
Shirley Creek Horsecamp is a primitive campground with pit toilets, hitching racks, and water for livestock. The campground is designed for horse camping, however, any National Forest visitor is welcome to camp. There is no use fee at this site. Day use parking is also available free at the campground. Click here to download a flier with information on the trail and some facts about the horsecamp.
From 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.
Very nice and peaceful campground with hiking trails. Enjoyed my stay and will return in the future.
It's a decent little camp with several shorter trails. The DNR could do a better job with trail maintenance though. It used to be free and they started charging with promises of vast improvements. Now they are threatening to raise fees again.
