Best Campgrounds near Bedford, IN

Bedford is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Bedford, IN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Bedford, Indiana (129)

    1. Paynetown Campground

    29 Reviews
    99 Photos
    187 Saves
    Clear Creek, Indiana

    This recreation area is part of Monroe Lake

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Market
    • Trash

    2. Hardin Ridge

    25 Reviews
    61 Photos
    212 Saves
    Heltonville, Indiana

    Overview

    Hardin Ridge is a 1,200-acre recreational complex located on the shores of Monroe Reservoir in Hooiser National Forest. The complex includes six shady campground loops, two picnic areas with shelters, and two rental cabins. The area offers something for everyone, with activities like camping, picnicking, boat launching, swimming, nature walks, and interpretive programs offered in a forested environment.

    Recreation

    A 300-foot swimming beach on Lake Monroe offers a place for children to play and swimmers to sunbathe and enjoy the water. The beach offers a combination of sand and sun, with a shady grass-covered hillside above. There are no lifeguards on duty. No glass containers or pets are allowed in the beach area. The Hardin Ridge Trail is a 2-mile hiking and bicycle trail that runs from the day use area to the various campground loops. This trail roughly follows the main campground road and provides a safe surface for families to hike or bike, as well as a scenic overlook. Fishing is allowed anywhere along the lakeshore within the recreational complex, but several quiet inlets provide secluded fishing holes along the lake's banks. Popular catches include blue gill, striped bass, large mouth bass and crappie. On the Ted T. Turtle interpretive trail, visitors can travel 1.2 miles through a scenic hardwood forest, along a small creek and down to Lake Monroe and back. On the trail, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the history, geology, and wildlife common to southern Indiana. For visitors interested in boating, the lake has a 3-lane launch ramp that is open year-round. A 75 vehicle/trailer parking area is also available as well as a fully accessible loading dock provided at the boat ramp.

    Natural Features

    Monroe Reservoir spans 10,750-acres and is the largest lake in Indiana. There is an overlook on Hardin Ridge Road that is spectacular in any season and gives visitors a high vantage point of the lake, colorful marinas across the water and a vast expanse of forest. The entire area is forested with hardwoods and is well-shaded to give visitors the feel of being in the deep woods. In spring, the dogwoods and redbuds bring bright color to the forest and in fall, the foliage offers colors in vibrant hues of yellow, orange and red.

    Nearby Attractions

    Special Places on the Hoosier National Forest Brooks Cabin Buffalo Trace Carnes Mill Site Clover Lick Barrens Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower Initial Point Lick Creek African American Settlement The Jacob Rickenbaugh Homestead Wesley Chapel Gulf

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $21 - $55 / night

    3. Spring Mill State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    90 Photos
    133 Saves
    Mitchell, Indiana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 - $45 / night

    4. Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    22 Reviews
    33 Photos
    3 Saves
    Heltonville, Indiana

    Overview

    The camp is located along Tower Ridge Road in the center of the Charles Deam Wilderness area, approximately one mile from Highway 446. The camp also is a trailhead for the Charles C. Deam Wilderness trail system.

    Recreation

    Blackwell is a campground for all types of users. It provides access to the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Trail system with approximately 35 miles of trails. The nearby Hickory Ridge Trail system is also available.

    Natural Features

    The camp is a large grassy area with gravel parking areas on the east and west end. The trailheads are located on the east and west ends of the camp by the parking areas.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    5. Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    29 Reviews
    111 Photos
    6 Saves
    Nashville, Indiana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    6. Starve Hollow State Rec Area

    25 Reviews
    86 Photos
    145 Saves
    Vallonia, Indiana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 - $40 / night

    7. Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    22 Reviews
    58 Photos
    1 Save
    Nashville, Indiana
    • Electric Hookups
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Showers
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets

    8. Patoka Lake Campground

    35 Reviews
    79 Photos
    172 Saves
    Birdseye, Indiana

    With 26,000 acres of land and water, Patoka Lake campground is a fine example of lake ecology. An 8,800-acre lake provides habitat for freshwater jellyfish and bald eagle nesting sites. River otters and osprey were reintroduced at Patoka by the DNR. Camping: -Electric / 455 sites -Primitive / 45 sites -Dumping Station

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $33 / night

    9. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    30 Photos
    339 Saves
    Freetown, Indiana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    10. Charles C. Deam Wilderness

    9 Reviews
    33 Photos
    127 Saves
    Heltonville, Indiana

    The Charles C. Deam Wilderness offers 36 miles of trails for hiking, backpacking, and horse riding through scenic hardwood forest and varied terrain with views of nearby Monroe Lake. The area was designated a wilderness in 1982 and encompasses nearly 12,953 acres of the Hoosier National Forest. Wilderness designation places this area in a special legal status (subject to the 1964 Wilderness Act). It is managed to preserve a natural condition and provide opportunities for solitude. Since its designation as a wilderness, visitor use in the area increased to a point that significant damage was occurring. Special restrictions are in place to protect the wilderness character. Visitors to this special place are asked to follow these restrictions to lessen your impact and share responsibility in preserving this unique natural resource.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
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Showing results 1-10 of 129 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bedford, IN

665 Reviews of 129 Bedford Campgrounds



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

  • What camping is available near Bedford, IN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Bedford, IN offers a wide range of camping options, with 129 campgrounds and RV parks near Bedford, IN and 13 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Bedford, IN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bedford, IN is Paynetown Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bedford, IN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Bedford, IN.

  • What parks are near Bedford, IN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Bedford, IN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.