Nestled between hills and forests of south-central Indiana, Bloomington's camping scene offers varied terrain at elevations between 700-900 feet. The area receives around 47 inches of precipitation annually, creating lush vegetation throughout the camping season. Many campgrounds maintain accessibility from April through October, with some primitive sites available year-round.
What to do
Hiking extensive trail systems: Morgan-Monroe State Forest provides multiple trails ranging from short loops to challenging 10+ mile routes. One visitor noted, "There are a lot of trails to hike, 2 of them are over 10 miles (lower gap and three lakes). The Tecumseh trail (40 miles) starts in Morgan Monroe State Forest passes through Yellowwood State Forest and ends in the Hoosier national Forest."
Outdoor adventure activities: At eXplore Brown County, visitors can enjoy zip-lining, paintball, arrow tag, ATVs, mountain biking and more. A camper shared, "They have zip lines, paintball, arrow tag, ATVs, off-road tours, mountain biking, hiking, cabins. It's near Nashville, IN's quaint shops, music venues, Stoney Lonesome, Gnaw Bone, and beautiful Brown County State Park."
Water recreation: Lake access provides swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities near most campgrounds. At Ransburg Scout Reservation, campers enjoy "canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing. Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails. Their mess hall is top notch. We have camped here in a cabin, and also tent camped."
What campers like
Clean facilities: The Brown County-Nashville KOA maintains high standards for their bathrooms. A camper mentioned, "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."
Privacy and seclusion: Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers a more primitive camping experience away from crowds. One visitor described it as "my favorite forest with traditional camping, backwoods camping, and a wonderful secret pioneer cabin for rent. This is the best camping within an hour on Indianapolis and if you're looking for free and solitary sites try the backwoods camping area."
Kid-friendly amenities: Many families appreciate the recreational options available. A camper at Lake Monroe Village shared, "Great place for friends and families. Tons for both kids and adults. Super close to the lake and really nice facilities all around! You can get tent site or pull through sites."
What you should know
Limited RV access at some sites: Morgan-Monroe State Forest accommodates smaller rigs, but presents challenges for larger vehicles. A camper explained, "We are RV campers and there are only about 5 sites we could get in to. Our camper is about 25' and it was tight get in and out of the campground. If you have a small camper (15' or smaller) there would more sites."
Varying site quality: At Friends O' Mine Campground & Cabins, the community atmosphere stands out. As one camper noted, "We booked this location as a one night stop on our way to our destination, but it turned out to be way more than that. The owner, their staff, and fellow campers embraced us as part of the family. Their fire pit fellowship is second to none."
Yurt camping in Bloomington, Indiana: Multiple locations offer yurt accommodations with varying levels of amenities. Morgan-Monroe State Forest provides basic yurts for those seeking a rustic experience, while other locations feature more equipped options. Sites typically require advance booking, especially during peak summer months when yurt camping near Bloomington gets competitive.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with swimming options: During summer months, water access proves essential for families. One camper visiting Fern Hills Club mentioned their "pool could be better" but appreciated the "nice conversation pool" available for group gatherings.
Consider Halloween camping: Special seasonal activities enhance family trips in fall. At Brown County-Nashville KOA, a visitor shared, "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."
Look for playgrounds: Family-friendly campgrounds include dedicated play areas. At Morgan-Monroe State Forest, "There's a playground at the entrance of Mason Ridge campground and a fire tower."
Tips from RVers
Watch for site terrain: Leveling can be challenging at some campgrounds. At Hoosiers On The Ridge, visitors note the sites "can accommodate tents, vans, and trailers under 12ft." Their location "in between Brown County & Bloomington" provides easy access to activities while maintaining a wilderness feel.
Check utility placement: Some sites have awkward hookup configurations. One camper at Brown County-Nashville KOA noted, "Most of the other rigs in this row seemed to be long-term. We were on the end opening onto trees and the gravel cul de sac. Pads are gravel and we did need to use several leveling blocks on our site."
Consider seasonal availability: Many campgrounds with yurt accommodations near Bloomington operate seasonally. Rally Group Campground in Brown County State Park received praise for its amenities but cautions visitors about additional regulations: "Keep in mind that these sites run a lot more per night and additional occupants that show are expected to pay the park over and above the daily rate."
