Best Tent Camping near Bainbridge, IN

Searching for a tent campsite near Bainbridge? Finding a place to camp in Indiana with your tent has never been easier. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Bainbridge, IN (7)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Waveland Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Waveland Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Waveland Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Waveland Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Waveland Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Waveland Park

    1. Lake Waveland Park

    8 Reviews
    7 Photos
    42 Saves
    Waveland, Indiana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $25 - $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest

    2. Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest

    7 Reviews
    29 Photos
    75 Saves
    Martinsville, Indiana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $25 - $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Rattlesnake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rattlesnake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rattlesnake
    • No image available

      4. Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest

      1 Review
      6 Saves
      Martinsville, Indiana

      Primitive camping is available for a fee; campers must register for camping at the forest office. Mason Ridge Campground, located behind the fire tower north of the forest office, has vault toilets and seasonal drinking water available. There is a picnic table and grill located on each of the campground's 19 sites. On busy weekends, overflow camping is available at Oak Ridge Campground. Oak Ridge has 10 sites and the same facilities as Mason Ridge.

      Scout Ridge Youth Tent Campground is available for scouts or other groups. The six sites in Scout Ridge Campground are larger than regular campground sites and there are several picnic tables and grills available. Scout Ridge Nature Preserve is located in this area.

      Backcountry camping is available. All campers must register with State Forest Office via person, email at morgansf@dnr.IN.gov, at the kiosk, or phone (765-792-4654). Please note the phone is not recommended because the office is closed in evenings and on Sundays. Users must indicate the general region of planned camping. During periods of high fire danger the area may be closed by the property manager. Camping groups are restricted to either family units or groups not exceeding six persons. No campsite may be established within ¼ mile of access points into the area. Use of the area is restricted to a maximum of three nights by any individual. Morgan-Monroe State Forest has a carry-in, carry-out trash policy, i.e., what you carry in you must carry out. Additionally, the backcountry area is restricted to only minimal-impact camping/hiking in order to preserve the natural state of Morgan-Monroe State Forest.

      Oak Ridge campground is closed Jan. 1 through March 31.
      Scout Ridge campground is closed Jan. 1 through March 31. Special requests can be made during this period through the forest office.
      Marson Ridge campground is open year-round.

      Water is shut off at all campgrounds and shelters Oct. 31 and turned on in March as weather permits. A year-round hydrant is located southeast of the main office.

      Small campfires are allowed while backcountry camping, but the DNR recommends using a portable backpacking stove for cooking instead of a campfire. A portable stove will cook your meal long before a fire is ready. Another advantage is that it helps prevent fire-blackened rocks in areas where people camp. If using a campfire, make sure a campfire is allowed during the time of your trip. Different properties may have different rules regarding campfires. Even properties that generally allow campfires may ban them on a temporary basis because of dry conditions. Use only small dead and downed wood where permitted. Do not break or cut tree limbs or trees, even dead ones. Dead trees provide habitat for many birds and animals. Do not stockpile wood. While this was once considered a friendly gesture in remote areas, today it is one more way of reducing the spirit of solitude and independence that people seek when backcountry camping. Any campfire in a backcountry area should be in a pit 12 inches or less in diameter, and a 3-foot diameter area should be cleared to mineral soil around the fire. Before leaving an area where a campfire was built, mix ashes with the soil (100% extinguished), fill the pit, and cover the cleared area with the humus layer that was originally removed.

      Draper Cabin

      Draper Cabin is a primitive, wooden-floored log cabin that takes visitors 100 years back in time to the days before electricity, vehicles and modern plumbing. Reservations for the cabin are accepted from the first weekend in April to the weekend before Thanksgiving. The cabin may be rented on a day by day basis, depending on weather conditions, during the winter. Click here for rental information and a picture of the cabin .

      Cherry Lake Lodge

      Nestled deep in Morgan-Monroe State Forest you’ll find the solitude you seek, while still having a comfortable bed in which to sleep, hot and cold running water, indoor restroom and shower, and full kitchen facilities. This recently renovated lodge is everything you’d expect in a woodland retreat at a very affordable rental rate. It’s a place where the whole family can explore the woods all day, and relax to a warm fire at night. Click here for rental information and rates.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • No image available

        5. Covered Bridge State Forest Retreat

        Be the first to review!
        Bloomingdale, Indiana

        Covered Bridge Retreat is not accepting reservations at this time.

        • Pets
        • Electric Hookups
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Cabins
        • No image available
          • No image available

          Recent Tent Reviews in Bainbridge

          389 Reviews of 7 Bainbridge Campgrounds


          • Sara W.
            Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Creek
            Oct. 4, 2024

            Prairie Creek

            Prairie creek

            Men's and women's shower house playground few trails rv tent and camper electric a few primitive sites 2 sites r 50 Amp I think the rest r 30 Amp water gets wonderfully hot Verizon works can have door dash and amazon delivered

          • Joel K.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Shades State Park Campground
            Aug. 26, 2024

            Shades State Park Campground

            Nice campground, but not perfect

            Stayed here recently and overall the trip was a 10, but as for the campground itself there are somethings that could definitely be better.

            First, for all intents and purposes the sites are not marked.  At some point years ago they stencil painted the numbers both on the concrete parking block and on the ground near the entry pad for each site, but obviously over time most of these are worn away.  It's very difficult to find your actual site, even during the day when it's not busy.  At night, or with a campground full of people - not a chance.   Even more perplexing is why it's still like this when it's so easy to fix.

            Second, on the back loop, where we were, almost every car we saw was going the wrong way around the loop.  I've never seen this before and wasn't just one car.  There is a sign at the start of the loop indicating it's one direction, so not sure why this happens.

            Third, they have a camp store at the entry to the family campground, but it was never open in the time we were there, which was Friday / Saturday / Sunday, during the summer, so not sure what the situation was.

            Fourth, while the campground does have functional flush bathroom and shower, they only have one, and the rest are pit toilets, so depending on how far your site is from the building, it could be a very long walk, especially at night.

            The front gate to the park did have covered firewood, but the hours of the gate operation were not clear.  The sites themselves were fine, but not particularly deep, and some are basically completely exposed to all the foot and vehicle traffic going to the toilets, the dumpsters, or just driving around, so basically zero privacy.

            We did drive into Crawfordsville, which took about 20 minutes, and it was very nice with a local college (Wabash) and plenty of retail options to restock, grab a cold beverage, or refill the tank before driving home. 

            Would I stay here again, yes 100%, but be prepared and plan ahead.  Would I recommend this to others?  Meh.

          • James P.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Crawfordsville KOA
            Aug. 26, 2024

            Crawfordsville KOA

            Nice KOA

            Shade, grass, and gravel sites. A lot better than most KOAs. They ask that you not put outdoor rugs on grass; no problem as grass is nice. Sites 1-10 are your best bet for Starlink if that’s what you have; best opening through tree canopy of the northern sky. Pet friendly; counted three cats and a dog in the office when I checked in. Was given the option of choosing my site out of the seven available for my reservation. A mix of long term residents and travelers; some of the long term resident sites were a little junky.

          • J
            Camper-submitted photo from Camp Buckwood
            Jul. 8, 2024

            Camp Buckwood

            Very Nice and Freindly

            Stayed two nights, tent camping. It was a great time meeting new people and exploring the surrounding area.

          • SThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hills Camp Resort
            Jul. 8, 2024

            Hickory Hills Camp Resort

            Perfect RV Resort south of Indianapolis

            We were so fortunate to have found The Retreat at Hickory Hills and stay there for a month! There’s two pools, a pickle ball court, a basketball half court, farm animals, golf cart trails, kayak/canoe/row boats, exploring creeks, fishing, a dog park, several playgrounds, Gaga ball, tether ball, volleyball, frisbee golf and several weekend activities for everyone. Saturday mornings were our favorite where we could get biscuits and gravy, coffee and the kids had craft time. It’s definitely worth bringing mountain bikes or renting their golf carts to explore their golf cart trails! We went out on these several times and it never got old! Staff and campers were welcoming and friendly. We still haven’t stopped talking about how CLEAN they keep everything. The sites were large and they’re still expanding and adding more sites. There’s a seasonal campers area and an overnight or monthly area. We stayed in the overnight/monthly area. It was peaceful and relaxing throughout the week and lively during the weekend. It was a wonderful balance!! We’ll definitely be back.

          • Jacob A.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Shakamak State Park — Shakamak Prairie Nature Preserve
            Jul. 4, 2024

            Shakamak State Park — Shakamak Prairie Nature Preserve

            One of our favorite parks!

            We have been coming here every year since 2016. Most of the sites are shady. Our favorite site is 72. It is close to a water hookup if you need to top off your fresh water tank, shady, and not too close to other sites. They added a new shower house close by in 2022 or 2023.

          • Kelsey S.
            Camper-submitted photo from Off The Trail Campground
            Jul. 1, 2024

            Off The Trail Campground

            Lots of fun!

            We stayed in buddy sites 81 and 82. Buddy sites are large, have full hookup, fire pits, and picnic tables. Lots of dogs around, pricing was about $50 a night per site. Restrooms had showers as well which made it easy to rinse off the mud. Great time all around.

          • Cynthia K.
            Camper-submitted photo from Yellowwood State Forest
            Jun. 27, 2024

            Yellowwood State Forest

            Just did a drive thru

             This is a State Forest campground near Nashville, Indiana. Primitive camping. Pit toilets only. This is by Yellowwood Lake, so boating & fishing opportunities. 

            All these sites are first come, first serve. No reservations. 

            There's a Forest Office with area information & a small display. 

            There's several trails of varying length. 

            Believe it or not- gold panning is a thing here! You need a permit.

            They rent boats at the Forest Office. Electric motor only.

             There's several camping loops. There's a horse camp also. 

            The boat ramp is near the horse camp loop.

             We didn't go down the Red Pine Loop, but did check out White Oak/Redbud& Black Gum.

             Hickory loop is right off the road & the sites are visible from the road. They looked nicely spaced.

            White oak loop had several nice sites. Redbud is close to a building they call a camp store. It may have been many years ago, but not open now.

             Several picnic spots by the lake. The best site in Redbud would be 39. Large site with some shade. I would also say 38, but site 37 is directly behind it. This is the camp host spot, so occupied. These sites are near the pit toilets.

            The best spot in Black Gum would be site 75. Large site at the end of the loop & right by the lake.

             If you go back to Hwy 46 where the road split on your way in, follow the sign to the dam. Just a large earthen dam, but there's trail heads here. There's the Scarce O' Fat Trail which has been mentioned on the Facebook Indiana Hiking page.

            $13 per night regular camping.$16 per night for horseman's.

          • Matt M.
            Camper-submitted photo from Indiana State Fairgrounds Campground
            Jun. 25, 2024

            Indiana State Fairgrounds Campground

            Not what we were expecting!

            We traveled to Indianapolis for the Olympic Swimming Time Trials. Stayed here 2 nights with our 2 grand-daughters. The area we stayed was directly adjacent to a bike path. It was separated by a fence and there was a gate right next to our site. The gate was locked however the gates were far enough apart that someone could get between them. Our first night, someone actually did this and walked right behind our site.

            The shower house was in serious need of some improvements! Old, dark, leaky pipes. 

            The area was OVERLY well lit, to the point we were hanging sleeping bags over the windows to try and make it somewhat dark inside the camper! 

            Getting to the sites took some figuring out also. We entered at the main gate to the fairgrounds and there were no signs directing us to the sites. Had to use GPS with satellite view to figure our way there. 

            For comparison, we've stayed at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and this is a night and day difference. Iowa Fairgrounds sites are $20 less per night, very nice shower facilities and plenty of room between sites. 

            We would stay here again but we'd need to exhaust all other options first.

            BTW, the price listed is wrong. We paid $50/night.

          • rickie F.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
            Jun. 10, 2024

            Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest

            Beautiful as it should be.

            We stayed pretty much on our site. Generally, we aim to do a bit of exploring, but we used their camping as a rendezvous. I was slightly disappointed by the site selections being mostly on a slant, but we did find one on the overfill site that suited our needs and we ended up loving it. I do plan on returning specifically to update a better review on the available views.

          • c
            Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park
            Jun. 7, 2024

            Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park

            Fabulous Park, Nice Campground

            Turkey Run is a fabulous state park with a nice campground. My only complaint about the campground is that many sites are in an open, level area without a lot of trees or bushes between them. You don’t have a lot of privacy. Two sections of the campground, with the higher numbered sites, are much more wooded. If I go again, I will try to be there!

            But the campground has two large modern bathrooms that are cleaned regularly. It also has clean well maintained vault toilets throughout the campground. Best of all, from the back of the campground you can access Trail 7, a moderate level trail that leads unexpectedly to a small stream running past a recessed cave. It’s a peaceful spot.

            Be advised that a “moderate” hike at Turkey Run can be challenging, with plenty of steps up and down the hillsides. Many of the trails go along stream beds, so you often need to make your way across the rocks to avoid wet feet. Be prepared with hiking boots and sticks.

            There are two covered bridges on the edges of the park. Be sure to check them out!

          • KingDredd The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Fowler County Park
            Jun. 2, 2024

            Fowler County Park

            Amazing view and fishing

            Got in late after a spurratic decision to camp. Got here and found that point 5 was open and we tried it. Beautiful view, nice people, and great lake access. Mossy but we casted over it no problem and never had any issues.

          • Staci W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park
            May. 30, 2024

            Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park

            Pros and Cons you Should Know beforehand

            Turkey Run is arguably the most popular campground (and state park) in Indiana and has its pros and cons.

            It is definitely designed to accommodate RVs, as the majority of the sites are situated in an open field. There are a few dozen sites that are in “loops” that are situated in shaded areas. Some camp sites have zero privacy while others have a little. Either way, if you’re here on a weekend, you’ll definitely have neighbors close by. You can see the entire campground via google maps street view, just FYI

            This is a very family friendly campground and you will see lots of kids on bicycles flying around. I’ve stayed here a few times, and no matter the day of the week or the time of year, there are always lots of kids.

            This campground has a raccoon “problem” due to campers having poor camp etiquette and feeding them. They come out of the woods towards dusk looking for food. They will come right up to you without hesitation, so don’t be alarmed if there’s one next to you while you cook s’mores over your fire (ask me how I know, hah). They will take any food that is left out. Do not turn your back to your dinner table at any time if there’s food out.

            On my last visit to turkey run (I’ve camped here 3 or 4 times) I arrived to my campsite and someone had left dog food out for the raccoons in little piles all over the place which was super disappointing. Additionally, my neighbors didn’t put their campfire out when they packed up and left.

            Perhaps I’m just used to camping in other areas where you have to worry about bears and burning the forests down…But campers here just aren’t as mindful or respectful of the campground.

            The restrooms and showers (at least the one I use at this campground) is modernized and cleaned daily but there’s no dish pit/wash room available if you cook. Just be prepared to clean up accordingly and put trash in trash receptacles. There are a few vault toilets in the campground as well.

            You can hike from the CG into the state park (highly recommend. It’s gorgeous!) just wear shoes that youre willing to get wet.

            Overall, it’s a beautiful state park with a conveniently located campground. It’s not the best campground ever but for Indiana standards, it’s great. Even with my complaints, I always return because I enjoy visiting and hiking through the state park.

          • Julie H.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Rockville Lake County Park
            May. 4, 2024

            Rockville Lake County Park

            Spring beauty

            I stayed by the lake, the spaces there are parallel to the road. Which gives you a beautiful view of the lake. I was there early in April when all the flowering trees were in bloom! Full hook up made it even the nicer!

          • Brett B.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Yellowwood State Forest
            Apr. 29, 2024

            Yellowwood State Forest

            Great Camping & Fishing Combo

            Lots of primitive campsites here. Many have short trails from them to the lake edge, making for some great night fishing with a cozy fire to return to.

          • A
            Camper-submitted photo from AOK Campground
            Oct. 31, 2023

            AOK Campground

            Bathrooms are ick. Campground is fine, tho.

            It’s decent—but the bathrooms are most certainly not. Definitely need someone out there at the very least keeping it tolerable for campers.

          • Anna O.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Fowler County Park
            Oct. 19, 2023

            Fowler County Park

            Beautiful lake

            This is our family favorite camp park in Terre Haute! Has great hiking trails, a covered bridge with historical log cabins for festivals. They have 1 cabin you can rent out. Bring your fishing gear, they stock the lake. There's and boat ramp and bank access to kayak. They have some pull through for your big riggs and some sand beds for your tent camping

          • Anna O.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Creek
            Oct. 19, 2023

            Prairie Creek

            Woody with plenty of space

            Lots of trees and wild life with hiking trails. Nice little pond to fish or watch the geese. Spacious camp site at a good price.

          • H
            Camper-submitted photo from Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area
            Oct. 2, 2023

            Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area

            Tent camping during XC road trip

            Super easy reservations online, and if it’s a weekday or a Sunday you could likely just roll up. $16/night for a tent site plus $9 out of state car fee. Security is at the main gate until midnight so later check-ins are possible. Great set-up after driving 11+ hours!

          • Dean G.
            Camper-submitted photo from Fowler County Park
            Sep. 18, 2023

            Fowler County Park

            Flower Park

            Stayed at River Birch 15. Site has a pretty severe grade as the site goes back. If you have a 20+ travel trailer I would be inclined to choose another space. Site mostly level left to right. On the corner next to the road but minimal traffic and close walk to the dumpsters and bath house. Nice shade. River Birch is definitely the more popular loop and was full Thursday night versus barely any campers at the other 2 loops.

          • k
            Camper-submitted photo from Indianapolis KOA
            Sep. 7, 2023

            Indianapolis KOA

            Beautiful Campground off the interstate

            Booked here last minute for the night on my way west. Beautiful campground with lots of activities for the family. They are all dog friendly with a few small dog runs spread throughout the sites. Primitive is $60 n/, full water/electricity is $80 n/. A bit pricey, but It’s worthwhile due to all that they have; horses, goats (that you can feed), a medium camping store with an ice cream shop attached, showers and running toilets.

            GPS will take you to the back entrance that you cannot get in at. Instead of turning at the light, continue going down to the roundabout until you see the KOA sign and it’ll take you to the actual entrance and then office to sign in.

          • L
            Camper-submitted photo from Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area
            Aug. 26, 2023

            Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area

            Beautiful, well maintained park

            On an east/west trip and only had an overnight here. Campground is well maintained. Bathhouse clean, plenty of showers, flush toilets. Will need to fill your water holding tank as sites only have electric. Most sites are very spacious. Only negative was our site description and picture. Described the pad as level when it was actually about a 30% grade. We are camping in a truck camper and had planned to leave the camper on the truck but had to take it off to get level. And said the “yard” was grassy but it was only dirt which then became muddy after a bad storm. Great areas to walk your dog. We would definitely stop again but pick a different site. Camp store and ice, other items sold.

          • S
            Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Creek
            Aug. 24, 2023

            Prairie Creek

            Hottest part of the year

            We were one of the only groups camping, quiet pretty clean, would have given 5 stars if not for the dogs that ran off waking us up one morning and the lawn mowers waking us the next. Great fishing don’t forget to get a license!! Clean showers & restrooms! Easy to reserve online and plenty of spots for travel trailers.

          • Pat M.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Creek Campground
            Aug. 19, 2023

            Sugar Creek Campground

            Beautiful place!

            We had a great two night visit right on the creek! Rented kayaks for a 3 mile adventure! Owners are super friendly and helpful. I would advise to camp during the week for a less crowded time. Would love to come back!

          • C
            Camper-submitted photo from Johnson County Park
            Aug. 17, 2023

            Johnson County Park

            NO TENT Sites According To The Rules

            The Rules sheet that is included in some of the pictures indicates that no tent camping is allowed.  Someone should update the icons on the page for this site.

          • Marianne W.
            Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park
            Aug. 13, 2023

            Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park

            GREAT park, but the campgrounds need an upgrade!

            While this is always listed among the top Indiana state parks because of its amazing beauty and historic sites, the campgrounds are not up to the same level. The shower houses are old. No sinks, no flush toilets, no solid doors for privacy. Just curtains. So yes, that means put/vault toilets only, and there is no light for a middle of the night visit except the flashlight you will hopefully remember. Other state parks in the area do have modern shower houses. If you are disabled or just prefer better hygiene amenities, camp at Raccoon Lake SRA and take day trips to Turkey Run. I’m not sure of the status of nearby Shades Stare Park comfort facilities since we haven’t camped there yet.



          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bainbridge, IN?

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bainbridge, IN is Lake Waveland Park with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.

          • What is the best site to find tent camping near Bainbridge, IN?

            TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Bainbridge, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.