Best Dispersed Camping near Bloomington, IN
Looking for the best Bloomington dispersed camping? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Indiana camping adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Bloomington, IN (9)
1. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
Freetown, Indiana13 Reviews•30 Photos•328 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
2. Peninsula Trail
Clear Creek, Indiana7 Reviews•20 Photos•231 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Bloomington
22 Reviews of 9 Bloomington Campgrounds
Shane B.
ScoutHorse Camp Rd Dispersed
HNF dispersed site
Cool place
- Harley G.
Guide
Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
Nice
Very long secluded road. Took a bit to find the first spot to camp, once we found it the other spots weren’t too far past.
samuel C.
RangerBerry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
Perfect
The perfect dispersed site for my way through, quiet and peaceful. Good spot for tent camping , we enjoyed our stay.
- AAmber R.
TravelerBerry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
Secluded in the woods
Beautiful secluded site that is pretty far off of the road, but not too far. There was no traffic or other people in site. I have a promaster conversion and had no trouble making it to this site, however the road was gravel and steep at times. I have lived in Indiana for ever and have made many trips this way, but I never knew sites like this existed.
james W.ScoutBerry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
Real dispersed camping
For those of you who don't understand disperse camping this is the perfect site for a tent to camp without anything but what you bring in and take out understand what dispersed camping is and then there won't be any complaints about can't get a camper in or whatever I always see the complaints this is dispersed camping at its best
Matt V.Traveler
Peninsula Trail
Awesome Place to BackCountry
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. Very remote feeling (except you CAN hear any loud cars/motorcycles at night from the main road over the lake). Light pollution is pretty low however, so good stargazing.
Trails are in good shape and the Penninsuala trail is pretty easy. Grub Ridge trail gets moderate the further west you take it. CAmpsites 10,11,12,13 are very accessible with a short hike and are fantastic spots.
Lakeside spots are great also if you hike farther, but as others have said, drunk boaters tend to stop along the shore even though they are not supposed to. A few years ago boat access was limited to non-motoroized but not sure it is being enforced very well.
All the same, the Deam Wilderness area is Indianas best for backpacking and backcountry camping.
Down tower ridge road, to the east, just past the tower - turn right and the road there has lots of drive-in sites as well. These fill up fast on the weekends.
- JJase G.Scout
Hickory Ridge
Secluded with view
Good spot to get some quiet time to learn/hone skills or for some good quality time with the family while being plugged into nature and unplugged from their electronics
- KKayla C.Scout
Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
Pretty Forest Spot
Huge sinkhole that makes for a cool look. Dry area for tent, not big enough for a camper but cool for car camping!
Reuben R.ScoutBerry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
Great!
Solo camped here with my dogs. First time I’ve ever been camping but this spot was really cool. Clean. Secluded and peaceful, though every night at around 5pm I would hear rustling in the leaves, I assumed it was a pack of cayotes and they would leave once I started banging on stuff and primally yelling. Very spooky! Awesome spot, though albeit I don’t have anything to compare it to. But I’m glad I found it!
April S.GuideBerry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
This is dispersed at its best!
Free camp ground. Very private. Decent sized space to park for 2-3 vehicles. Trails, plenty of dry wood, away from the roads, no running water or electricity, decent amount of spaces we came in at night and counted about 9 very far spread out camp sights. Good ground to pitch a tent to. There was other camp grounds bigger than the one we stayed at and had several people at them with a big bonfire going but what’s great is when we found our spot we couldn’t see their fire or even hear them! One thing to note is that some of the camp sites are tucked back into the trees a little and can be hard to spot. At night we thought one was open but there was actually someone there and just couldn’t see them from the road so we had to back out and go to the next site (sorry whoever that was lol). It is also a ways off the beaten path for through car camping but honestly if we were ever coming back through this way I would make the hour detour to stop here again!
- ccharmaigneTraveler
Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
Secluded and peaceful
Absolutely loved my time here. So quiet and peaceful.
- Angie B.Guide
Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
Peaceful and Secluded
If you are looking for solitude and peace in the forest, you will find it here! I went to the 2nd or 3rd site past the coordinates provided. It was very clean, flat, and had a nice fire pit. The sites are far enough apart that I truly felt like I had the woods all to myself! It stormed all night...that was a little scary, but the misty trees in the morning were magnificent!
- OOzzie L.Guide
Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
It's pretty nice
There are a couple walking trails around, as well each site is fairly far apart. It's really quite only seen a handful of cars drive by and I've stayed here for 2 nights, would highly recommend.
- EElliot F.Scout
Peninsula Trail
Awesome!
Went there with my kids and wife, we had a really great time. Primitive camping at its finest. Long walk to the water so make sure you bring plenty of drinking water. Springs available in the valleys but watch for timber rattlesnakes. Definitely would make this a must to visit.
- jjacobTraveler
Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
Berry ridge campground
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 any snakes here either and the best part I haven’t seen any people!!!!! Haha camp spot is about 100ft off the main road with thick woods in between the road and the campsite even if someone drove by we wouldn’t see them no water or electric hookups plenty of wood lying around to use for a fire clean campsites all gravel roads
- Joe D.Scout
Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
Beautiful
The coordinates take you to one of the first campsites but if you keep going down the road you'll find many more. I suggest parking on the road and walking in to the campsite to see if it will fit your needs before driving in.
Steve D.RangerPeninsula Trail
Multiple trips here a year
LOVE this trail. Just challenging enough to make it worth it. Campsites I’ve great fire pits. Only downside is the drunk boat people that show up in the summer.
- AAspen B.Traveler
Peninsula Trail
Relaxing Campsites on the Lake
On the peninsula trail, there are multiple campsites with fire rings but you may also camp anywhere if you are at least 100 ft from the water. Campsite #18 has a great view and is large enough for at least 4 tents if you have a big group.
Osiel M.TravelerPeninsula Trail
Awesome place FREE
It was an awesome backpacking journey for starters, little bit rough because of the horse riding track but awesome if you love to walk and see nature. Recommend this for sure!!!
- Jeremy F.Scout
Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
Greatbdispersed sites.
Multiple campsites in the area, I've stayed at two both of which were away from others, clean, fairly flat and had plenty of dead wood around to burn. Some sites, at least one, could fit a pretty good sized camper. This is pack in pack out, no amenities camping for free
- Angela A.Traveler
Peninsula Trail
There is camping
There are designated camping sites found in the forest maps
- Ralph R.Guide
Peninsula Trail
hiked this on way out to beautiful lake monroe .
this was a wonderful scenic hike meant for the beauty of indiana
Guide to Bloomington
Discover the beauty of nature with dispersed camping near Bloomington, Indiana. This area offers a variety of secluded spots where you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors without the usual campground amenities.
Top Activities While Free Camping Near Bloomington
- Enjoy hiking along the trails at Peninsula Trail, where you can find marked campsites that provide a remote experience and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Experience the thrill of primitive camping at Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping, which is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a peaceful retreat in the woods.
- Take advantage of the scenic beauty at Hickory Ridge, where you can unwind and connect with nature while honing your outdoor skills.
Secluded Spots for Dispersed Campers
- Find tranquility at Horse Camp Rd Dispersed, a hidden gem in Hoosier National Forest that offers a true escape from everyday life.
- Discover the unique landscape at Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping, where you can enjoy a serene lakeside experience away from the crowds.
- Experience the charm of McPike Branch Dispersed Camping, which provides a perfect backdrop for a quiet getaway surrounded by nature.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Bloomington, Indiana
- Always pack enough drinking water, especially when visiting remote sites like Peninsula Trail, where water sources may be limited.
- Be prepared for primitive conditions at places like Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping, as amenities such as toilets and showers are not available.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the natural surroundings at Hickory Ridge, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the Indiana wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bloomington, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bloomington, IN is Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping with a 4.8-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bloomington, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Bloomington, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.