Dispersed camping options in the Hoosier National Forest near Bloomington, Indiana offer campers secluded, no-fee sites within a 30-minute drive of town. Most locations feature primitive conditions with varying road access throughout the 200,000-acre forest. While some sites remain accessible year-round, seasonal considerations impact both road conditions and the overall camping experience.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping provides access to a small lake stocked with fish. "A quiet little lake/big pond in the Hoosier National Forest with a few spots to camp," notes Steven G., who observed increased weekend activity with "a lot of partying and hunting."
Hiking exploration: The forest trail system offers interconnected paths ranging from beginner-friendly to moderate difficulty. "There are a couple walking trails around, as well each site is fairly far apart," reports Ozzie L. about Berry Ridge Road. The surrounding forest contains over 260 miles of trails with varying terrain.
Winter activities: Cold-weather camping offers solitude and different perspectives of the forest. "I pulled in at midnight in a sedan in the winter and i was able to safely find my way. Very nice drive during the day, hiking is fantastic!" shares Jimmy H. about Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas feature significant spacing between sites, providing a sense of solitude. "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," explains Ozzie L. about BerryRidge Road Dispersed Camping.
Natural camping pads: Several sites feature gravel or flat areas ideal for setting up camp. "Free disbursed camping at its best in Indiana. Not another soul camped within earshot. Clean site. Gravel pad for vehicle. Green grass for tent," explains Jef C. about Sundance Lake.
Fire ring availability: Most designated sites include established fire rings. "National forest area with 3ish campsites one of which can accommodate a vehicle. Wooded so no solar or starlink. Small lake nearby with what looks like some trails," notes Julie about the Sundance Lake area.
What you should know
Vehicle access considerations: Road conditions vary significantly, with most sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. "I have a promaster conversion and had no trouble making it to this site, however the road was gravel and steep at times," notes Amber R. about Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping.
Wildlife awareness: Several species of wildlife inhabit the area, including potentially dangerous snakes. "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," reports Ax H.
Cell service variability: Reception varies throughout the forest depending on carrier and topography. "No toilet but good reception," adds Ax H. regarding Berry Ridge Road, while Julie notes Sundance Lake sites are "wooded so no solar or starlink."
Tips for camping with families
Skill-building location: The varied terrain provides opportunities for teaching outdoor skills. "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," suggests Jase G. about Hickory Ridge.
Safety considerations: Some areas experience increased traffic and activity on weekends. "On the weekends, the activity picked up with a lot of partying and hunting," notes Steven G. about the Sundance Lake area, adding "There were a few pickups that patrolled through here regularly, all through the night too."
Hiking difficulty: For families with younger children, consider trail difficulty. "Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge trails both have marked campsites that are very far apart and totally private... Peninsula trail is pretty easy. Grub Ridge trail gets moderate the further west you take it," explains Matt V.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate only smaller rigs or vans. "Some sites, at least one, could fit a pretty good sized camper," notes Jeremy F. about Berry Ridge Road, but clarifies this is primarily "pack in pack out, no amenities camping for free."
Level site identification: Finding suitably flat parking requires advance planning. "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," explains James W. about Horse Camp Rd Dispersed camping.
Access roads: Many forest roads become challenging after rain. "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," advises Jacob, adding "all gravel roads."
