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Best Campgrounds near Bedford, IN

696 Reviews

Camping options surrounding Bedford, Indiana feature a mix of state parks, dispersed camping areas, and private facilities throughout the Hoosier National Forest region. Spring Mill State Park Campground, located 10 miles south in Mitchell, offers tent and RV sites along with cabin accommodations. This established campground provides electric hookups, drinking water, and reservable sites in a historic setting known for its pioneer village and cave system. Free Spirit Campground, situated directly in Bedford, represents one of the few year-round private facilities with cabin options. The Charles C. Deam Wilderness area contains multiple primitive camping areas accessible by various methods including hiking and boating.

Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though amenities and accessibility vary seasonally. Spring Mill State Park maintains electric and water hookups throughout the year, while primitive camping areas may have seasonal restrictions during winter months. Berry Ridge Road offers free dispersed camping with basic amenities including picnic tables and vault toilets. Reservations are recommended for established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends and fall color season when visitation peaks. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas of Hoosier National Forest. "This campground is typical state park. Most sites are close together. If you get an inner site you'll be backed up into another site. Some sites have really steep inclines."

The natural landscape surrounding Bedford provides varied camping experiences from forested sites to lake access points. Campers frequently mention the historical attractions as highlights of the region, particularly at Spring Mill State Park where a working frontier village, boat-accessible cave tours, and the Gus Grissom space museum create unique experiences beyond traditional camping. Reviews indicate that while many sites offer adequate privacy, some campgrounds feature closely positioned sites with limited separation between neighbors. Several reviews note issues with uneven terrain at certain campgrounds: "Watch out for walnuts trees in the fall!" Summer brings higher humidity levels and occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures ideal for hiking the extensive trail systems. Water access points at Paynetown Campground and Hardin Ridge remain popular with reviewers seeking lake activities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Bedford, Indiana (133)

    1. Spring Mill State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Mitchell, IN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 849-3534

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Spring Mill State park is a little piece of history that is in the heart of southern Indiana. Here you will find a working frontier village."

    "Open space, close to facilities and water pump, Ground was mostly flat, slightly shady in the afternoon, and very peaceful."

    2. Hardin Ridge

    25 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 837-9453

    $21 - $55 / night

    "This campground is nestled on a ridge above Indiana's Lake Monroe."

    "Hardin Ridge is a fantastic place to camp, and is very close to lake Monroe. But it's also quite a ways away from any stores in case you forget anything."

    3. Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    22 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    12 miles
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "The ground is level and all grass with less bugs than sites directly off trail. We just have a simple backpacking tent set-up and we had a great campfire."

    "Site is a wide open and well-groomed, with trails just a short walk (or ride) away.

    Toilets and covered picnic tables nearby."

    4. Paynetown Campground

    29 Reviews
    Clear Creek, IN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 837-9546

    $19 - $32 / night

    "It's a bittersweet type of situation."

    "This is one of the largest campgrounds in all of Indiana. It includes hundreds of campsites. This includes RV hookups, standard campsites, and primitive campsites."

    5. Charles C. Deam Wilderness

    9 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    13 miles

    "A staple of our state here in Indiana. Unfortunately due to some storm damage, trails were rerouted or straight up inaccessible.

    Great places to find and set up camp."

    "Tent camping only although there are both hike in and drive up sites in the wilderness area. Great place to get away from it all."

    6. Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground

    25 Reviews
    Vallonia, IN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 358-3464

    $30 - $57 / night

    "There are lakeside camping lots. Also there are larger full hookup lots away from the lake"

    "Starve Hollow State Recreation Area is 280 acres that are adjacent to Jackson-Washington State Forest (18,000 acres)."

    7. Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    31 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6406

    $30 / night

    "We have visited Nashville Indiana several times but this is our first time camping nearby. My wife loves to visit Nashville and all the little shops they offer."

    "It was backed up to the edge of the woods which made for a lovely view. Driving through the campground it looks like there are some sites pretty close together but ours wasn’t too bad."

    8. Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe

    6 Reviews
    Harrodsburg, IN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 824-3322

    "Great location and clean camp ground."

    "I had to nearly lower my tongue to the ground to get it level.

    The splash park was fun, even for the teen kids, but the pool was tiny and shallow and disappointing."

    9. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Freetown, IN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "If you are into boondocking at all defiantly check out berry ridge it’s just south of brown county Indiana beautiful country mostly hills tons of camp spots sometimes half mile or more apart haven’t seen"

    "I have lived in Indiana for ever and have made many trips this way, but I never knew sites like this existed."

    10. Free Spirit Campground

    2 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 834-6164
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Recent Camping Photos near Bedford, IN

195 Photos of 133 Bedford Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bedford, IN

696 Reviews of 133 Bedford Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    Nice Trails & Big Campsites

    I had a great time camping here. The spots in Taylor ridge were mostly well-spaced and felt pretty private. The pit toilets were clean and the showers were nice. Busy campground but it was very quiet still. 262 was the biggest and most private site I saw when walking around. 260 is a pull through site.

  • Desert B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Knobstone Trail

    not accessible

    Maybe Google Maps took me to the wrong place (probably not).  I drove back and forth on the road several times looking for this place  The only thing I found was what I believe was the entrance with a cable across it.  There was no place to park otherwise.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Shakamak State Park Campground

    Great State Park

    Most of the spaces that had both water and electric were mostly in the sun. But all the other spaces had plenty of shade and trees around them. Our space was spot on level and nice area around each space to where you didn’t feel like you were camped on top of other people. The showers were adequate. Great hiking trails in the area. Very quiet. Although we were there on a weekday. One downside was we had Verizon as a cell phone carrier and only had one bar.

  • L
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Spring Mill State Park Campground

    Fun, sunny, clean.

    This was an amazing campground! There were amazing trails and a cave, as well as Pioneer Village which was so fascinating and well run. Our campsite wasn't far from the bathrooms and showers house which were pretty clean. We were near water as well. Our campsite was on a small hill so it was well distanced from all the other campers, which was nice and peaceful. 

         There was a sweet place where you could get ice cream down the road from Spring Mill called Dairy Bell. Spring Mill wasn't far from the town were there was a Walmart, Rural King, and several more stores. 

    Very pretty and nice campground!

  • L
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Shakamak State Park Campground

    Clean, pretty, quiet, spacey.

    We had a nice site that was evenly spaced from the other campsites by trees and was nice and close to water, the bathrooms, and the shower houses, which were very clean! The camp store was nice and the paddle boats were fun! The pool was only opened on the weekends in August which was disappointing but there was a large fishing dock and many boating opportunities. Very nice camping spot, but in August beware of the bugs!

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Raccoon Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    the non-RV loop of the three camp areas (I think)

    Our third Indiana state park. Still impressed, they have all been friendly, well maintained with good, spread out sites and good signage everywhere (even the trails). All the rest rooms are spotlessly clean.
    We were there mid-week, so very few of the 480 (!) sites were occupied, except in Buffalo Ridge, the primary RV loop. There are three loops, Buffalo ridge (RV), Raccoon Ridge which is tent sites around the outside, with electric inside the loop. Which would be suitable for RVs. Many of the tent sites are split-level, meaning the fire pit and tent area is down a hill from where you park your car. We have a mini pop-up, and had no problem parking both it and car on the pad, and, these sites have two picnic tables, upper and lower. Check the photos when you reserve!
    We drove through Taylor ridge loop, and it's your best choice for getting away from it all. 
    The camp store is stocked with the basics, but has more souvenirs than food or camp needs. That's okay, as some of their goods are better quality than many other places.
    The park has a classic old CCC lodge (though you enter through the modern addition) so if you don't want to cook, eat at the restaurant (open till 8:PM), great food, generous portions. 
    The park also features an Olympic size pool (capacity 2,000). You cannot walk there from the campground unless you are very hardy and very determined. 
    You may think of Indiana as flat farmland, but this park is VERY hilly, with many scenic overlooks. It has two man-made lakes. Unsure about boating options on the larger one. 
    Another big feature are equestrian trails and a horse campground, see someone else's review for that.
    Nearby is the town of Nashville, which is full of art and craft galleries as well as multiple fudge shops, hand-made soaps, etc... Touristy but quaint. Was surprisingly crowded when we passed through on a Friday morning.   
    We are planning to go back to take advantage of all we missed in the area. Oh, I should point out that there are many private campgrounds nearby, it's a very popular  area.

  • Becca M.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Grand Trails RV Park

    Not for rv stsys

    This place could be nice but it is full of permanent trailer occupants, which is fine but .  It shouldn’t be advertised as a RV park.  There were 3 empty spaces, we chose  one and we couldn’t hook the sewer up because the pipe is too high off the ground.  They charged us 45.95 which is too high for the amenities offered.  The spaces are very close, no table, no place to set up a bbq.  We should have left but we were very tired.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Brown County-Nashville KOA

    KOA Brown County

    Very nice campground, full hookup up, helpful staff. Small pool with limited hours. Camp store. Very close to Brown County State Park and Nashville, IN. Lots of mature trees.

Guide to Bedford

Camping near Bedford, Indiana, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Clifty Falls State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The wooded hiking trails helped keep us comfortable," making it a great spot for a summer hike.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Patoka Lake Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A camper shared, "The beach was muddy and shallow, but the lake was beautiful!"
  • Wildlife Watching: Charlestown State Park Campground is perfect for spotting local wildlife. One reviewer noted, "Great hiking opportunities and cool exploration of historic Rose Island Theme Park."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Paynetown Campground. A visitor said, "Restrooms/showers were state park clean. I was impressed with the hard-working staff."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Starve Hollow State Rec Area. One camper mentioned, "Full hook-up sites that are well spread out so you are not on top of each other."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Lake Rudolph Campground offers fun for families. A reviewer noted, "Lots of free activities for kids. Friendly and helpful staff."

What you should know

  • Entry Fees: Some parks, like Clifty Falls State Park Campground, charge an entry fee. One camper mentioned, "I had to pay the $9 fee to drive into the park, although having already booked and paid for a campsite."
  • Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at Patoka Lake Campground noted, "Cell service was poor. (T-Mobile 0-1 bar LTE, AT&T 1-2 bars LTE)."
  • Busy Weekends: If you prefer a quieter experience, avoid weekends at Paynetown Campground. One camper said, "This is known in Indiana as a party park. It's VERY noisy & busy on a summer weekend."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Lake Rudolph Campground. A reviewer said, "We stayed in a tent camp site. Having electric and water was nice."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan activities for kids. One camper at Charlestown State Park Campground mentioned, "My children loved all the playgrounds around the state park."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outings. A visitor at Starve Hollow State Rec Area noted, "We had a great time, renting a canoe and keeping it on our site until we returned it."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of your site at campgrounds like Terre Haute Campground. One RVer said, "Most sites are gravel. The campground had WIFI that was fast enough to stream."
  • Be Mindful of Turns: When arriving, be cautious of tight turns. A visitor at Lake Rudolph Campground mentioned, "They were able to move us to another site."
  • Utilize Amenities: Take advantage of amenities like electric hook-ups and dump stations. A camper at Buffalo Ridge Campground noted, "Bath houses are nice. Electric only. Water fill stations located throughout."

Camping around Bedford, Indiana, has a lot to offer, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any lakeside camping options in the Bedford area?

Yes, the Bedford area offers excellent lakeside camping options. Hardin Ridge is nestled on a ridge above Lake Monroe with wooded sites that include fire rings, lantern poles, and picnic tables. It offers both tent camping and RV sites with electric hookups. Paynetown Campground also provides access to Lake Monroe with well-maintained facilities. Further options include Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe for a more family-oriented experience and Hardy Lake State Recreation Area's Shale Bluff Campground. These lakeside destinations provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating while enjoying southern Indiana's natural beauty.

What campgrounds are available near Bedford, Indiana?

The Bedford area offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Spring Mill State Park Campground near Mitchell provides drive-in sites with water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. For a more rustic experience, Charles C. Deam Wilderness offers dispersed camping with beautiful hiking trails throughout the Hoosier National Forest. Other nearby options include Free Spirit Campground directly in Bedford, Blackwell Campground in the Hoosier National Forest, and several campgrounds at Brown County State Park about 30-45 minutes away. The region's rolling hills and forests make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.

What is the cost range for camping sites in Bedford, Indiana?

Camping costs around Bedford vary based on the type of campground and amenities offered. At Yellowwood State Forest, primitive sites are typically $10-15 per night. State parks like Brown County State Park charge around $20-30 for non-electric sites and $30-40 for electric sites, plus a daily entrance fee of approximately $7-9 for Indiana residents or $9-12 for non-residents. For free camping options, dispersed sites in the Hoosier National Forest such as Berry Ridge Road or Mitchell Creek Road are available. Private campgrounds generally range from $30-50 for basic sites to $50-80 for full hookup RV sites, depending on the season and amenities.

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