Hikers and anglers will find Jackson Washington State Forest offers direct access to both challenging trail systems and lakeside fishing opportunities within its 16,500 acres of rolling southern Indiana terrain. The campground operates 62 primitive sites on a first-come, first-served basis, with two distinct loops—one positioned below the small lake in a pine forest setting and another elevated near the water's edge.
The forest's rugged topography creates what reviewers describe as unusually challenging hiking for Indiana, with significant elevation changes throughout the trail network. Skyline Drive provides a scenic route through the property, while an archery range adds another recreation option. Water access draws many campers, though Fern B. notes facilities remain basic with "only pit toilets and water spigots." Several sites offer lakefront positioning for those who arrive early enough to claim them.
The campground maintains a rustic atmosphere with picnic tables and fire rings at each site, though some reviewers mention uneven terrain and minimal site preparation. Firewood availability varies seasonally through the forest office. Located just 2.5 miles from Brownstown, campers can easily access supplies while staying connected to grocery stores and restaurants. The nearby Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground provides additional recreation opportunities within a short drive.
Description
Camping
Primitive (class C) camping is available for a $13 a night (includes tax). Campers can choose from any of the sites (sites 1 and 48 are wheelchair accessible) available sprawling across the landscape surrounded by hills and “knobs”. Some are waterfront sites on Knob Lake while others provide camping among hardwoods or towering eastern white pines. Firewood is located at the forest office for campers at Jackson-Washington for a small fee during business hours only. Firewood is available from Memorial Day weekend through Fort Vallonia Day weekend in late October.
A Youth Tent Campground is available for scouts and other groups. The Youth Camping area is located near the forest office in Jackson County at the trailhead for Trail 3. Backcountry camping is available along the backcountry hiking trail in Washington County, including along the Knobstone Trail also located in Washington County.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsJackson Washington State Forest is located in Indiana near Brownstown
Directions
From Business Center: Go 2.5 mi SE of Brownstown.
Coordinates
38.86500914 N
86.00174855 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/2/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/22/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/22/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/2/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/22/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/22/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 41 min from Columbus, IN
- 56 min from Louisville, KY
- 56 min from Bloomington, IN
- 1 hr 11 min from Indianapolis, IN















