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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Bloomington, IN

592 Reviews

Paynetown Campground, Hardin Ridge, and Yellowwood State Forest provide pet-friendly camping options within short drives of Bloomington, Indiana. Located along Lake Monroe, Paynetown welcomes campers with pets at both electric and primitive sites, with accommodations for tents and RVs. Hardin Ridge offers cabin camping options that accept pets in addition to standard tent and RV sites. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to remain leashed at all times, and owners must clean up after their animals. Bathroom facilities remain clean despite the high volume of campers with pets, with staff regularly maintaining shower houses throughout the day. Several sites at Paynetown offer direct lake access for dogs to swim in areas outside designated human beaches. Local campgrounds are searchable through The Dyrt's listings.

Trails throughout the Charles C. Deam Wilderness area accommodate hikers with dogs, though pets must stay leashed on all paths. The Peninsula Trail particularly appeals to dog owners seeking longer hikes with water access points. Lake Monroe provides numerous opportunities for dogs to cool off during summer months when temperatures typically reach the mid-80s. Campers report successful fishing with pets at boat slips and along shorelines. Primitive camping areas often provide more space for pets to explore while remaining on-leash. Bloomington's proximity to these campgrounds offers convenient access to veterinary services and pet supply stores within 10-15 minutes of most camping areas. Brown County State Park's Buffalo Ridge and Taylor Ridge campgrounds both permit pets but have stricter enforcement of quiet hours to prevent excessive barking.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Bloomington, Indiana (83)

    1. Paynetown Campground

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

    $16 - $25 / 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

    $23 / 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

    $23 / 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."

    "Wonderful trails, dog friendly and nice places to camp off the trail. Can’t wait to go back! Heads up! Refill your water when you come across it; the lake is harder to get to than you think."

    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 Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Bloomington, IN

72 Photos of 83 Bloomington Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Bloomington, IN

592 Reviews of 83 Bloomington Campgrounds

  • N
    Jul. 20, 2016

    Paynetown Campground

    Paynetown State Recreation Area

    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. Restrooms & showers were about average... not great/not bad. A private company rents kayaks, jet skis, boats, and paddleboards from the camp-store in the SRA. There are beaches, a nature center, & playgrounds, so it seems very family friendly. There's a cool little pizza place right down the road too. This is the perfect place to camp for a weekend of fun on Lake Monroe. It's also only about 20 minutes from Lake Lemon.

  • Brady R.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Paynetown Campground

    Lake Views - Good for Covid

    With COVID, it seems that everyone...and then more people are going camping. It's a bittersweet type of situation. Nevertheless, it's been very hard to find decent camping in Indiana that isn't packed in like sardines, while also trying to escape the city and get into nature - not around more people.

    Luckily, a friend and I came here last October and this place was great. We got a non electric site and were in the middle of the sites. We had a great lake view and were very happy with our setup. It was a pull-through site, although not all are like that. We were able to set up in no time. 

    We had lots of space, away from our neighbors. The campstore had wood and random items that you might need should you forget. We were just steps away from the lake and enjoyed walking down there every morning. There aren't the best hiking trails around, so you'll need to drive to the nearby Brown County or National Forest to hike on trails that are actually worth the time. 

    I will add that the setup is a bit odd for non-electric. You basically had to pull up to the gatehouse, get your reservation info, then do a U-turn and go back out past the campstore in order to get to your campground. Very odd setup to say the least.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2017

    Terre Haute Campground

    Great location to I-70 and Terre Haute

    This campground is great proximity to I-70 for an easy on/off the interstate and just outside of downtown Terre Haute (approximately eight miles). The park is nice and shady with large trees. When we were there in November, there were very few other campers and most appeared to be transients there for just one night. With all the amenities in this place there is probably a lot going on in the summer. Downtown Terre Haute has plenty of activities including live music, sporting events, museums, restaurants, and historic sites.

    RV sites are pull thrus and back-ins that vary from 50 amp full hook-up with deluxe patio to 30 amp water/electric. All sites were level. There are definitely sites big enough for big-rigs with tow vehicles so you don’t have to unhook if you are just stopping for a night. Water, sewer and electric hook-ups were well-placed and easy to reach. In addition to the RV sites, there are kamping cabins with deluxe accommodations (including air conditioning, kitchens, and bathrooms) capable of sleeping up to 6 people to rustic cabins without bathrooms. Tent sites are available as is a “teepee.”

    Amenities at the park include: swimming pool, camp store (with fire wood), full service restaurant (May – November), propane fill, bike rental, basketball courts, playground, horseshoes, petting zoo, and coin laundry. The restroom and shower house was clean. There is a dump station located at the exit of the park. Our Verizon 4G phone and hotpsot had great service. Our antenna picked up about two dozen television channels

    If you have a dog, there is an off-leash dog park and you are free to walk dogs around the property and there is a long road leading into park. The only problem we had with the park was that some of the trees were not trimmed and the roads where narrow and would rub against our RV.

  • s
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA

    Still developing

    Owners are fantastic. They will get to a 5 as they continue their hard work making it an awesome place. New owners took over 4 months ago. They have many activities (was yogi bear till it was sold) put put, bowling, chess, volleyball, fishing. Dog park, Play ground was nicely done. Lake has lots of algae. Pool is brand new. It is by highway however, that did not bother us personally. I will visit again and would consider seasonal. Service id rate them a 5. Wonderful people and the place as much potential.

  • J
    May. 14, 2022

    Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA

    New Name “Camp Raintree Lake”

    Gorgeous property with such kind and friendly owners. New owners that are making improvements to the property but it is so nice already.

    The lake is GORGEOUS. Sites have mature trees, variety of singing birds. Really nice stay here as we were passing through. There is a sand volleyball net, gah gah ball, dog park, playground, mini golf (not ready for summer yet), and a new pool soon (concrete poured the other day).

    Campground is a few miles from interstate and right off the highway so some highway noise but still a great picturesque place.

    We will definitely stay here again if we are in the area .

  • Ron B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2022

    Raccoon Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    Brown County State Park Raccoon Ridge Campgrounds

    Holiday Fourth of July 2022 weekend the start Park was special excitement in downtown Nashville, Indiana a short drive outside the State Park. The town has souvenirs shops in the old 50's style look, dining, groceries, ect... The State Park has scenic mountain views, Campgrounds has over 250+sites and two lakes, T-Mobile (good 2 bars )there is a reservoir ( Lake Monroe )must see 30 minutes outside the park west entrance in Bloomington, Indiana.

  • Barry B.
    Jul. 8, 2020

    West Boggs Park

    Nice, clean and friendly

    West Boggs lake is near the heart of Indiana's Amish country. It has a great lake that has good fishing and the ability to put your boat out. Pets are welcome. They have sites for all forms of camping. We tent camped and had electric and water at site. Great place to ride you bike and visit others.

  • Sammii D.
    Jul. 27, 2019

    Lake Haven Retreat

    Mighty fine campground for a city

    This place is pretty awesome. It's doesn't have any of the typical summer amenities like a pool but the ones it does have are in tip top shape. Campsites also don't have fire rings but there are a bunch of communal ones around the lake. Plus free communal firewood. The laundry and bathhouse is really stellar too. Clean and open 24/7. Plenty of washers and dryers. There are easy back-ins and pull-thrus. Think some of the pull-thrus are for group camping too the way it's set up. Dog park, free cable (like 60 channels!) and internet (haven't tested strength yet)! I dig it!

  • Erika N.
    Apr. 4, 2021

    Terre Haute Campground

    Beautiful Little Camp

    It use to be KOA New owners 2 year it is pet friendly But for there feet the Campsite is jacket rocks rough on the dog's paws and a little to close to the freeway But everything else was nice clean very friendly staff hot showers no breakfast

Guide to Bloomington

Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Bloomington, Indiana, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Taylor Ridge Campground

  • At Taylor Ridge Campground, pets are welcome, allowing you to enjoy nature without leaving your dog behind.
  • This campground features electric hookups and drinking water, making it convenient for both you and your pet.
  • With picnic tables and fire pits available, you can have a cozy evening under the stars with your four-legged companion.

Tips for camping with dogs near Bloomington

  • When visiting Hardin Ridge, ensure your dog is leashed while exploring the scenic trails and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks for your pet, as some campgrounds, like Blackwell Campground, do not have water hookups.
  • Always clean up after your pet to maintain the natural beauty of places like Yellowwood State Forest, where you can find peaceful spots for relaxation.

Pet owners like the spacious sites at Hardin Ridge

  • Campers appreciate the well-spaced sites at Hardin Ridge, providing ample room for pets to roam.
  • The campground's proximity to trails and a beach area makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities with your dog.
  • Many visitors have noted the friendly atmosphere and clean facilities, ensuring a pleasant stay for both you and your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Bloomington, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Bloomington, IN is Paynetown Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Bloomington, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 83 dog-friendly camping locations near Bloomington, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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