Best Cabin Camping near Bloomington, IN

Hardin Ridge and Yellowwood State Forest provide cabins with various amenities for travelers seeking shelter beyond tent camping. Hardin Ridge cabins feature front porches with swings, outdoor electrical outlets, ceiling fans with lights, and heating/cooling units. Most cabins include a small table with bench seating, chairs, and a loft area. Sleeping arrangements typically consist of bunk beds and double beds, though linens and mattresses are not provided. Yellowwood State Forest offers more rustic cabin options with basic amenities. Lake Monroe Village provides year-round cabin rentals with modern facilities including heat and air conditioning. One camper wrote, "The cabins look cute. We peeked in one. Double bed with bunks in room. There's a loft for kids. A/C and heat but not bathroom. Bring a mattress or sleeping bags or you will sleep on wood."

Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Brown County-Nashville KOA features clean, well-maintained cabins suitable for family stays. Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe offers cabin accommodations from April through October with amenities including electricity, water, and nearby shower facilities. Most cabin sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to communal toilet facilities. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak summer months and fall color season. Pet policies vary by location, with some cabins allowing pets while others prohibit them. A visitor commented, "Well kept campground. Cleanest campground bathrooms I have ever seen. Friendly staff. Our site was directly beside a tiny cabin and could have been a little bigger."

Most cabins require visitors to bring their own bedding, pillows, and air mattresses as only bare mattresses or wooden platforms are provided. Kitchen facilities vary widely—some cabins offer no cooking facilities while others include small refrigerators or microwaves. Bathroom facilities are typically located in nearby communal buildings rather than inside cabins. Fire rings at cabin sites allow for outdoor cooking, with firewood available for purchase at most locations. Some camp stores operate seasonally with limited hours, selling essential supplies, ice, and firewood. Grocery stores in Bloomington provide more extensive provisions approximately 15-25 minutes from most cabin locations.

Best Cabin Sites Near Bloomington, Indiana (37)

    1. Hardin Ridge

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

    $21 - $55 / night

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

    "Electric and non electric sites are both reservable and walk up. Almost half and half. The hike in sites are all walk up."

    2. Yellowwood State Forest

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

    $225 / night

    "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."

    "Sites can hold 6 people total and come with a fire pit with a grill attachment which is awesome! There is one small picnic table per site as well. It's nice a quiet here."

    3. Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe

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

    "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."

    "Great Park! Great splash pad and pools lots to do for the kiddos! Great trails to hike, friendly staff!"

    4. Fern Hills Club

    2 Reviews
    Clear Creek, IN
    4 miles
    Website

    "Couples and families usually welcome call befour your first visit rentals available

    pool could be better nice conversation pool

    seasonsl sites available if accepted"

    "There are 75 acres of trails to hike on or drive your golf cart on ."

    5. Lake Monroe Village

    3 Reviews
    Harrodsburg, IN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 287-6855

    "Super close to the lake and really nice facilities all around!"

    "Close to Lake Monroe. Nice pool. Great people."

    6. Ransburg Scout Reservation

    4 Reviews
    Harrodsburg, IN
    11 miles
    Website

    "Located on Monroe lake, they have canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing.
    Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails. Their mess hall is top notch."

    "Our Boy Scout troop enjoyed visiting this location. It was well maintained and the staff was helpful."

    7. Brown County-Nashville KOA

    11 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-4675

    "Our site was directly beside a tiny cabin and could have been a little bigger but that’s what you get often times with RV sites. Unfortunately, witnessed one of the staff members abusing their dog."

    "Bathrooms/showers are clean. Laundry on site. Small store and library where you can borrow books. Nice dog walk and small fenced dog area. Sites level and good for big rigs down to tents."

    8. Hoosiers On The Ridge

    2 Reviews
    Helmsburg, IN
    11 miles
    Website

    "Far enough away from town to be peaceful but close enough to be convenient. Riley has made a great spot to camp and relax."

    "We are very close to the Brown County frisbee golf course as well as the brown county state park where mountain biking and hiking is top notch. Yellowwood lake is ~10 minutes away as is Lake Lemon."

    10. Hoosier National Forest Southern Point Loop Campground

    1 Review
    Harrodsburg, IN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "Park managers are very nice. Shower house is amazingly clean. Camp sites are easily accessible."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 37 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Cabin Reviews near Bloomington, IN

287 Reviews of 37 Bloomington Campgrounds


  • J
    Jun. 17, 2019

    Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground

    Good variety

    Starve Hollow offers camping from full hookup, electric only (by the lake), tent camping, and cabins.  The lake has a swimming area (no lifeguards), playgrounds, and bathhouse.  The lake allows boats with electric trolling motor only. 

    We stayed in the full hookup section (camping facilities: electric, sewer, and water hookup as well as fire ring, picnic table, and parking spur at each site. Modern restrooms/showers(wheelchair accessible) are available nearby. 53 sites available, sites 222, 232, and 234 are wheelchair accessible).  The bathhouse was clean (even though it rained most of the weekend).  these sites are a good size and able to get any size Trailer or RV into these sites.  There is mostly grass on most of the sites in this area.

    The campground also offers electric only sites (camping facilities: electric hookup, fire ring, picnic table and parking spur at each site. Drinking water is available in area. Modern restrooms/showers(wheelchair accessible) are available nearby. Dumping station is available. There are 87 sites available. Sites 28, 44, 65, 75 and 90 are wheelchair accessible).  They have about 20 sites that back up right to the lake allowing fishing from your campsite.  Keep in mind that a lot of the electric only sites are very tight with a lot of trees in the area.  I can probably only get my 36 ft 5th wheel into a third of the sites, but there are many of sites that had shorter units on them.   

    Cabins:  Starve Hollow has 13 rent-a-camp cabins available March-Nov.(closed Dec.-Feb.)(NOTE: Local sales only during off season/winter months, contact property for details). Each cabin has a front porch with a swing, outside electric outlet and front porch light. Inside there are two small rooms each providing a ceiling fan with light, a heating/cooling unit and electrical outlets. The front room offers a small table with bench seats, corner shelf, chair, rocking chair, and a loft. The back room offers a bunk bed(single) and a double bed(NO LINENS or MATTRESS PROVIDED). Air mattress recommended.

    Fishing/Boating Starve-Hollow Lake has three boat ramps to choose from, one at the dam and two in the electric campground. Kayak, rowboat and canoe rental is available. A valid Indiana fishing license is required. Rowboat and canoe rental is available from mid April through October. Starve-Hollow Lake is a trolling motor only lake. For campers a fish cleaning station is available.

    Swimming A large beach is available for swimming from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Restrooms, dressing facilities, showers, and food concessions are available to visitors. Wheelchair ramps allow access to beach and concession area.

    Picnicking There are picnic areas and picnic shelters that can be reserved. Both shelters can be accessed by wheelchair. The East shelter has an electrical outlet. Picnic tables and grills are located at the picnic sites. A wheelchair accessible playground, basketball goals, softball fields, horseshoe pits and a sand volleyball court are located on or near the swimming beach.

    Hiking Trails Starve Hollow has several hiking trails to explore that total approximately 11 miles.

  • Anna O.The Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • J
    Oct. 19, 2018

    Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground

    Great place! We will come back!

    There are full hook-up sites and electric. Regular electric sites on the water are beautiful but not sure we could park our 41 ft fifth wheel on a water site. Trails are rugged at times and you can access them through campground. We are here in the fall but the beach looks like a good size. Boat rentals. Cabins look cute. We peeked in one. Double bed with bunks in room. Theres a loft for kids. A/C and heat but not bathroom. Bring a mattress or sleeping bags or you will sleep on wood. I recommend the water cabins. Playgrounds are sprinkled throughout. DNR dont patrol a lot. Quiet campground.

  • Jim L.
    Aug. 31, 2017

    Hardin Ridge

    Hospitable Woods Experience

    This campground is nestled on a ridge above Indiana's Lake Monroe. The wooded sites include a fire-ring, a pole for your lantern and generous flat graveled areas to pitch your tent, as well as a couple of picnic tables per site. There are pleanty of RV sites with electric hookup available as well. Each area of the campground has a knowlegeable courteous full time host, and ice is available at the main gate. Foraging for wood is allowed which is a definite bonus in this era of emerald ash-borer awareness and wood import restrictions. The plentiful raccoons seem almost tame, yet keep a safe distance from campers if you allow them to. There is a small beach to beat the summer heat, and nearby showerhouses (even in the non-electric sites) are kept clean with adequately warm water. There is a small interpretive hike with approximately 300 feet of elevation change situated near the ampitheater that can be completed in a couple of hours.

  • Jennifer T.
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Fowler County Park

    Wonderful Family Campgrounds

    Shaded campground sites at lake's edge on east side of park, 53 electrical hookups including 1 pull-thru, 14 primitive/tent sites. Fire ring and picnic table at each site. Water hydrants nearby. Modern shower houses with rest rooms. Handicapped accessible. Dump station. Pets are welcome but must be kept on leash. Must provide own firewood. Firewood must be purchased from within state. Fishing from campsite. In park, swimming beach (Memorial Day-weekend before school opens in fall), boat ramp, trails, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, pioneer village.

    Campground open May 1 - October 15. Park open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. No reservations. Must check-in between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Night guard on duty. Electrical sites - $20 a night, weekly rate - $120, 2 weeks rate - $200. Primitive sites - $12 a night, weekly rate - $60, 2 weeks rate - $100. Price includes Indiana Sales Tax.

    From I-70, go south on U.S. 41 for 7.2 miles. Turn left onto Oregon Church Road and go .8 mile east to park entrance on left. After entering park, turn right to go to campground.

    Personal Thoughts and Experience: We had a wonderful time. We absolutely loved the pioneer village. it is a must go especially when they are having pioneer days in the fall. There is a mountain bike park close to the campground that is a premier facility. Beginner to advance trails with a practice course. Amazing! My husband competes in the Dyno series and loves to train at the facility then camp at Fowler Park!

  • CampgroundKaren ..
    Oct. 3, 2023

    Brown County-Nashville KOA

    Well kept

    Well kept campground. Cleanest campground bathrooms I have ever seen. Friendly staff. Our site was directly beside a tiny cabin and could have been a little bigger but that’s what you get often times with RV sites. Unfortunately, witnessed one of the staff members abusing their dog.

  • Jack M.
    Nov. 16, 2019

    Crane MWR Campground

    Decent campground

    Located on a Navy Base, so only open to active duty, retired military, DoD civilians and their families. Must have ID card to get on base.

    The base is very large in area and wooded. Watch out for wildlife, especially deer and pay attention to speed limits. Don’t mind the occasional explosions and distant machine gun fire ; they test ordnance there. But no worries, it isn’t loud at the campground.

    The campground is located by Lake Greenwood, so the MWR operates a marina where you can rent boats, kayaks, paddle boards and so on. They sell bait and ice. There’s a nice boat dock if you need to launch your own boat and plenty of dock space to tie your boat up. You can fish or waterski on the lake; it’s that big.

    The campground is not real large. It’s all gravel, but full RV hookups. The electric, water and sewer services are reliable, but no Wi-Fi and unless you have Verizon, no cell service (but they are supposed to have a new AT&T tower up soon). They have nice cabins and a separate tent site area, where there’s a small beach for swimming. Pets are welcome. They have a little shack with firewood; $5 a wheelbarrow load. Every site has a fire ring and a picnic table. The shower house is a bit dated, but clean. There’s dumpsters close by. Very pretty location.

    They do have daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal rates.

    There’s a base exchange and commissary on base, but the closest town is about 20 minutes away, a small town called Odon, but you can find whatever you need there. Bloomington is about 50 miles away. The tiny village of Crane is outside the gate. There’s a bar and a pizza place and that’s about it.

    RV’s and trailers must use the Crane gate, located off I69 exit 87, then south on US231 a couple miles. You’ll see the signs. Call ahead for reservations; they do fill up most weekends and you’ll need them to explain the check-in procedure once you get on base.

  • Mary S.
    Sep. 8, 2018

    Mccormick's Creek State Park Campground

    Beautiful state park but sites are too close/visible to each other

    There is just one thing that keeps me from rating this a 5 star campground. It's the sites!  So....4 stars...but read on for my thoughts on the sites.

    What's up with these sites?

    • If you want to be be able to see what your neighbors are eating and hear their conversations, you'll love the electric sites (1 through 189).

    • If you like to feel like you're alone in the woods, you won't like most of the electric sites. 

    • There is a partial solution. Sites 190-202 have no electricity, but most are fairly private/secluded. Sites 203-222 are additional primitive sites on a loop but they are not at all private; you can see lots of neighboring sites. There's a lot of shade, but you could probably set up solar panels if you require electricity.

    • If you want privacy in the electric section (1-189), I don't have a great recommendation other than you should stay on the outside of the loops. Then you'll only have people beside you rather than beside and across from you.

    Good luck! Stay one night when there aren't many people and scope out sites for your next stay. If you're from the area, this could be a park worth returning to over and over if you are able to stay on a site you enjoy.

    I've included a map of sites 1-189 and photos that show some sites I like and sites I don't like. In my opinion, a site is not one for me if I can see 3 other picnic tables while sitting at the table at my site. If you camp with other families, this would be good because you can make your own 'group' site.

    Something you need to know: Indiana state parks have a $7 entry fee but you'll only pay it once (unlike some states that make you pay every day). It's supposed to be $9 for non-residents, but we were only charged $7. The hang tag for your vehicle will get you in the main entrance for the rest of your stay.

    If you come without a reservation: The registration attendant assigned a site to us but maybe you can choose one. Since it was the day after Labor Day and the park was sparsely populated, there was no one near us. Privacy was not an issue for our stay, but we wouldn't have enjoyed our site on a busy weekend...although there were many sites we would have liked even less.

    The basics: picnic tables, fire rings, dump station, potable water, flush toilets and sinks in the bathrooms, separate shower facility. There are vault toilets closer to sites 190-222. Sites 1-189 have electricity.

    Activities: Nearby swimming pool and playground. There are almost 11 miles of hiking trails. The longest one is 2 miles, but you can combine some trails and wander in the woods for quite a while. You can also wade in McCormick's Creek; the water was low in early September. You can stay busy in this park for quite a while. And if you want to go to Bloomington, it's only about 25 minutes away

  • Daisy C.
    Jun. 5, 2020

    Yellowwood State Forest

    Quiet, Peaceful, and Primitive

    Yellowwood state forest campground does not accept reservations. It is first come, first served. 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. The park office does have firewood for sale, but only during open hours, which are limited. There is no camp store, no playgrounds, and no pool. Swimming is not allowed in Yellowwood lake. Each site has a fire ring with grill grate and picnic table. There are four campground loops and a horseman’s campground. Campgrounds have vault toilets and drinking water access. I do not know if water is turned on year-round. There are no modern restrooms. Sites are wooded and fairly level. All sites are primitive. We have only tent camped at Yellowwood, so I can’t say what size travel trailers would fit in the sites. Yellowwood road changes over to gravel once you enter the state forest. It is well maintained. You can also access the forest by Jackson Creek road, but you’re on gravel for longer, and I seem to remember it being a bit rougher. We have camped at Yellowwood several times between 2011-2018. The only time we have ever seen the campground busy is over big holiday weekends like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and 4th of July. Otherwise use is light. We have several times been one of two or three campers in the loop. Several trails are nearby in the state forest, including the Tecumseh Trail. Horse trails are also available. Yellowwood lake is adjacent to the campground and there is a boat ramp, but there are limitations on boating(motor size). Check with the DNR website. Camp here if you like quiet, peaceful camping. You won’t run into a bunch of loud partiers.


Guide to Bloomington

Cabin camping near Bloomington, Indiana provides outdoor accommodations in the hardwood forests surrounding Lake Monroe, with elevations ranging from 538 to 928 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters, making spring and fall ideal for cabin stays. The area includes both national forest and state park lands with cabin availability ranging from primitive to modern amenities.

What to do

Hiking trails: Hardin Ridge has several trail options for exploring the forested landscape. "This campground has lots of amenities to offer all the way down to a beach. The only issue we had was having to drive everywhere because the campground is so vast. But bring bug and tick repellant," reports Johnathan H.

Fishing opportunities: Fishing is popular at Yellowwood State Forest with its 133-acre lake. "Yellowwood lake is adjacent to the campground and there is a boat ramp, but there are limitations on boating (motor size). Check with the DNR website," advises Daisy C. The area permits kayaks and small boats with electric motors.

Boat rentals: Several locations offer watercraft for exploring the lakes. "They rent boats at the Forest Office. Electric motor only," notes Cynthia K. about Yellowwood State Forest, while Sheldon E. shares his experience at Hardin Ridge: "The camp ground has nice hiking trails and its own boat ramp with a dock. We went fishing down by the ramp and caught a mess of bluegill which we fried up back at the campsite!"

What campers like

Private, wooded sites: Cabin campers appreciate the natural setting and privacy. A reviewer at Ransburg Scout Reservation notes, "Located on Monroe lake, they have canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing. Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails. Beautiful grounds and a great place to enjoy nature."

Clean facilities: Maintenance standards vary across properties but cleanliness is frequently mentioned. "Well kept campground. Cleanest campground bathrooms I have ever seen. Friendly staff," reports one reviewer about Brown County-Nashville KOA.

Diverse cabin options: The range of cabin types suits different needs. Joe M. from Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe describes, "Nice family campground overall, but really geared toward the 8 and under crowd. The splash park was fun, even for the teen kids, but the pool was tiny and shallow and disappointing. Nice camp store with all the necessities plus ice cream by the scoop and slushies."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Many cabin locations have specific booking systems. At Lake Monroe Village, year-round cabins are available with modern amenities. "We keep our camper here full-time. Close to Lake Monroe. Nice pool. Great people," notes Gary K.

Primitive vs. modern options: Cabin amenities vary considerably between properties. At Yellowwood State Forest, Phil explains, "It costs $13 now. Well maintained though. Plenty of bathrooms and campsites." The more rustic options typically have lower rates but fewer conveniences.

Seasonal availability: Not all cabin facilities operate year-round. Brown County-Nashville KOA operates "April 1 to November 1" according to their listing information, while Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe runs "April 26 to October 27." Winter cabin options are more limited but still available at select locations.

Tips for camping with families

Water activities for children: Families appreciate water-based recreation options. Ryan G. from Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe shares, "We came here in 2017 with a group of friends and camped in the primitive camping area. It was an awesome set up and we had a great time. We went around Halloween time so the kids participated in a costume contest, pumpkin decorating contest, and trick or treat. The water park was a huge hit with the kids as well."

Space considerations: Cabin size affects comfort for family groups. At Hoosier National Forest Pine Loop Campground, todd notes, "Quite, spacious, lots of shade. Plenty of bathrooms and they are super clean! Some spots are bigger than others, but they're all big enough for at least two."

Seasonal programming: Special activities enhance family stays during peak seasons. Pamela H. remarks about Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe: "It is definitely for kids. They have a huge splash park, wading pool for toddlers, and a 4 foot pool besides tons of interactive activities for kids."

Tips from RVers

Leveling challenges: Some cabin and RV sites require leveling equipment. At Brown County-Nashville KOA, GP shares, "Pads are gravel and we did need to use several leveling blocks on our site, which made for a doosey of a bottom step into and out of our trailer."

Road access considerations: Accessing some properties requires navigation planning. Regarding Brown County-Nashville KOA, the same reviewer notes, "If coming from the north-west, try to arrive before dark as the road over the hills to this place is beautiful, but narrow and forested with some trees very close to the roadway. The entrance road to the campground is quite steep."

Site selection matters: Choosing the right location within a property impacts experience. At Yellowwood State Forest, Cynthia K. advises, "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. The best spot in Black Gum would be site 75. Large site at the end of the loop & right by the lake."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Bloomington, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Bloomington, IN is Hardin Ridge with a 4.5-star rating from 25 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Bloomington, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 37 cabin camping locations near Bloomington, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.