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Best Campgrounds near Bloomington, IN

589 Reviews

The Bloomington, Indiana area encompasses a range of camping environments from established campgrounds to dispersed backcountry sites. Lake Monroe serves as a focal point with Paynetown State Recreation Area and Hardin Ridge Recreation Area offering developed camping facilities with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Additional options include Brown County State Park approximately 20 miles east, Yellowwood State Forest to the northeast, and primitive camping in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness. Accommodation types span tent-only areas, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin rentals at select locations like Hardin Ridge and Yellowwood State Forest.

Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the region, with many facilities reducing services during winter months. Paynetown SRA and Yellowwood State Forest remain open year-round, while Hardin Ridge operates with full services from mid-April through mid-October. Water access points may close seasonally, particularly after the first frost. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and fall color season when Brown County State Park experiences peak visitation. Primitive camping in Charles C. Deam Wilderness requires no reservation but follows standard Forest Service regulations with 14-day stay limits. One camper noted, "If you like a quieter experience come Monday through Wednesday or wait until the off season" when visiting Paynetown.

Water features define the camping experience near Bloomington, with Lake Monroe providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. Several campgrounds offer direct lake access or trails leading to shorelines. Many visitors specifically seek out waterfront sites, as one review mentioned: "The best sites in the campground are 171/172 and 153/154. These have a lot of sun, but a stellar view of the lake." Proximity to natural areas and trails represents another highlight, with connections to the Tecumseh Trail and various hiking paths throughout Hoosier National Forest. The region balances outdoor recreation with cultural attractions, as Nashville's artist community lies just minutes from Brown County State Park and Yellowwood State Forest. Campgrounds closer to Bloomington provide convenient access to urban amenities while still maintaining a forested setting.

Map showing campgrounds near Bloomington, IndianaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Bloomington, Indiana (114)

    1. Paynetown Campground

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

    $19 - $32 / night

    "Paynetown SRA is right on Lake Monroe about 10 minutes from Bloomington, IN. Campsites have a gravel parking pad, picnic table, fire-ring, and electrical hookups."

    "It's a bittersweet type of situation."

    2. Hardin Ridge

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

    $21 - $55 / night

    "I grew up in nearby Bloomington, Indiana, and my family were actually the very first campers at Hardin Ridge in 1966."

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

    3. Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    31 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    16 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."

    4. Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

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

    "The camp is free and has a 14 day limit. the campground is loop with male and female outhouses and they are kept up nicely. there is also a dumpster at near the entrance of the camp. this is also a horse"

    "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."

    5. Yellowwood State Forest

    15 Reviews
    Unionville, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-7945

    $225 / night

    "Peaceful little place but unfortunately it rained but we made the best of it, there’s some secluded spots where you can stay away from others or stay in the more general areas, nice lake to fish and we"

    "Drive up, select your site, and then go to the park office to pay using a self-pay envelope. Bring exact change(cash). Current prices are listed on the Indiana DNR website."

    6. Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    22 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6406

    $30 / night

    "This is a beautiful State Park situated in the rolling hills of southern Indiana."

    "I make multiple visits here every year, mainly for the mountain bike trails. There are almost 30 miles of trails inside the park with new trails every year for the past 3+ years."

    7. Peninsula Trail

    7 Reviews
    Clear Creek, IN
    11 miles
    Website

    "The Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge trails both have marked campsites that are very far apart and totally private.  These are dispersed/primitive sites with a fire ring only. "

    "this was a wonderful scenic hike meant for the beauty of indiana"

    8. 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."

    9. Oak Ridge Camping Area — Morgan-Monroe State Forest

    9 Reviews
    Martinsville, IN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 342-4026

    $25 - $55 / night

    "This is probably the best state forest in the state of Indiana. The property is well maintained. There is a new visitors center built a few years ago."

    "Site 13 has a little trail that goes down to a large flooded sinkhole behind the campsite. There were lots of tree frogs singing because of the proximity to water."

    10. Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe

    6 Reviews
    Harrodsburg, IN
    10 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Bloomington, IN

180 Photos of 114 Bloomington Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bloomington, IN

589 Reviews of 114 Bloomington 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Ax H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Free camping

    Bunch of little spots along this road to pull into. Set up with rent and vehicle. Just trees knocking, bugs curling and frogs croaking. Did see a rattlesnake dead on the road. No toilet but good reception

  • Amber
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Heflen Park

    Heflin Park

    Very Quiet. You can float down the river. There's a kids playground. Blu Canoes right next door. Fast food not far off. The bugs are a little overwhelming. They spray tomorrow so it may be different.

Guide to Bloomington

Camping near Bloomington, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Turkey Run State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Be prepared with hiking boots and sticks," as the trails can be challenging with lots of steps and stream crossings.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Patoka Lake Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A visitor shared, "The nature center is a delightful feature, offering a serene escape into the beauty of the surrounding area."
  • Wildlife Watching: Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area is great for spotting raccoons and other wildlife. One camper noted, "The raccoons definitely are active, so make sure you lock it all up at night."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the clean restrooms and showers at Hardin Ridge. A reviewer said, "Restrooms are clean. Well maintained facility."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Starve Hollow State Rec Area. One visitor mentioned, "Full hook up sites that are well spread out so you are not on top of each other."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Terre Haute Campground is noted for being family-friendly. A reviewer stated, "Lots of free activities for kids. Friendly and helpful staff."

What you should know:

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds, like Turkey Run State Park Campground, have sites that are close together. One camper mentioned, "Many sites are in an open, level area without a lot of trees or bushes between them."
  • Limited Amenities: At Paynetown Campground, some facilities may not be as modern. A visitor noted, "The electric campground has 227 sites... Many have lake access due to camper made trails to the lake."
  • Busy on Weekends: Campgrounds like Buffalo Ridge Campground can get crowded. One reviewer said, "Traffic can be a distraction if you are looking for a peaceful night around the campfire."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Choose a campground with plenty of activities, like Patoka Lake Campground, where one family enjoyed "exploring the local winery and brewery."
  • Bring Snacks: Campers at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area recommend keeping food secure. One camper humorously warned, "Do not turn your back to your dinner table at any time if there’s food out."
  • Check for Playground Facilities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Terre Haute Campground, which has "lots of free activities for kids."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Accessibility: Before booking, check the site’s accessibility, especially at Paynetown Campground. One RVer mentioned, "Most sites are gravel... the sites are packed in fairly tight."
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Many RVers recommend bringing leveling blocks, especially for sites with slopes, as noted by a camper at Buffalo Ridge Campground.
  • Use Online Reservations: For convenience, make reservations online, as suggested by a visitor at Hardin Ridge, who found it "super easy" to reserve a spot.

Camping near Bloomington, Indiana, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What tent camping options are available around Bloomington, Indiana?

Tent campers have several great options near Bloomington. Hoosiers On The Ridge in Brown County offers peaceful tent sites that balance seclusion with convenient access to Bloomington, Nashville, and Lake Lemon. Blackwell Campground in Hoosier National Forest provides free primitive tent camping with a 14-day limit, clean outhouses, and maintained grounds. For tent campers seeking more amenities, Buffalo Ridge Campground in Brown County State Park features sites set among rolling hills with access to hiking and mountain biking trails. The region's diverse landscapes provide tent campers with options ranging from basic to more developed facilities.

What amenities are available at Paynetown Campground near Bloomington?

Paynetown Campground offers a range of amenities for campers. Sites include gravel parking pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and electrical hookups. The campground provides restrooms and shower facilities, though they're described as average in quality. Water is available year-round, with winter water access for filling tanks during off-season. Recreation options include direct access to Lake Monroe with boat rentals available (kayaks, jet skis, boats, and paddleboards through a private vendor), as well as hiking trails, including a 1.25-mile trail suitable for easy walking. The campground is approximately 10 minutes from Bloomington, making it convenient for accessing town amenities while enjoying lakeside camping.

What are the best campgrounds near Bloomington, Indiana?

Bloomington offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Hardin Ridge on Lake Monroe is a longtime favorite, offering scenic water views and a peaceful setting about 10 minutes from town. The campgrounds at Brown County State Park are also highly rated, with Raccoon Ridge providing access to hiking trails and the charming town of Nashville nearby. For a more secluded experience, Charles C. Deam Wilderness offers dispersed camping options. These locations provide a perfect base for exploring the natural beauty of southern Indiana while staying close to Bloomington's amenities.

Are there campgrounds with shower facilities near Bloomington?

Yes, several campgrounds near Bloomington offer shower facilities. Lieber State Recreation Area Campground provides well-maintained shower facilities for campers. In Brown County State Park, shower facilities are available year-round, with Taylor Ridge Campground featuring heated bathhouses during the off-season months. For those camping at Lake Monroe, Paynetown Campground has shower facilities that are described as functional though basic. When planning your trip, note that some campgrounds may close their shower facilities seasonally, particularly during winter months, so it's advisable to check current status before your visit.

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