Brown County State Park dominates the camping landscape near Bloomington, Indiana, with three major campground loops accommodating various camping styles. The terrain features rolling hills with elevation changes up to 400 feet, creating unique camping challenges on sloped sites. During peak fall season, temperatures range from 40-75°F, requiring campers to pack layers and rain gear regardless of forecasts.
What to do
Hiking trails for all abilities: Brown County State Park offers extensive trail networks with varying difficulty levels. "The park has a trailhead that's walking distance from the campsite that leads down a beautiful trail to a lake," notes a Taylor Ridge camper. The park includes shorter interpretive trails and longer backcountry routes.
Nature center activities: Visit the educational facilities at Taylor Ridge Campground where scheduled programs run regularly. "We got to look at some interesting raptors," shares a visitor who attended a raptor demonstration at the nature center. The center also features live animal exhibits including a bee hive.
Horseback riding opportunities: Horsemen's Campground provides direct access to equestrian trails. "There are a lot of fun hills and trails that you can ride for hours which we love to do," explains a trail rider. Guided rides are available through the park's saddle barn for those without horses.
Water recreation at Lake Monroe: Paynetown Campground offers swimming beaches and boat rentals. "We all went out on my brother's boat. The next day my wife and I rented kayaks, we had a blast," shares a visitor. The recreation area includes canoes, kayaks and pontoons for hourly rental during summer months.
What campers like
Off-season camping advantages: Shoulder seasons provide quieter camping experiences while maintaining basic services. "The park offers year around camping with reduced services in the winter months (they do have a heated bath house in the off season)," notes a Buffalo Ridge visitor, making this a true four-season destination.
Mountain biking trail system: Buffalo Ridge Campground serves as a hub for mountain bikers with purpose-built trails for all skill levels. "There are almost 30 miles of trails inside the park with new trails every year for the past 3+ years. From beginner to expert, some trail for everyone," explains a regular visitor. The system includes flow trails with berms, rollers and jumps.
Exceptional bathroom facilities: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness of facilities across the campgrounds. "The bathrooms and showers were clean, and every DNR we spoke with was the best," reports a Raccoon Ridge camper. Some loops feature newer comfort stations with hot showers while others maintain well-kept pit toilets.
Proximity to Nashville, Indiana: Several campgrounds provide easy access to this artistic community. "Nashville is only a 5 minute drive from the campgrounds, and it's a blast going to all of the different shops and restaurants located in town," notes a Taylor Ridge visitor. The town features craft galleries, local eateries and small boutiques.
What you should know
Entrance considerations for larger vehicles: The park has two entrances with important restrictions. "The north entrance is through a covered bridge with a 9 foot clearance and 3 ton limit! Otherwise, use the easily accessible west entrance, just a few miles around the corner," warns a Buffalo Ridge camper. RVs and larger vehicles must use the west entrance.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites throughout the region require additional equipment for comfortable RV setup. "Some spots are uneven and tight, but also some very large (back of loop and some of the spots on side of loop in the front)," reports a Raccoon Ridge Campground visitor. Bringing leveling blocks is essential for most RV sites.
Campsite selection strategy: Pay attention to specific site characteristics when booking. "The site we stayed in was lovely. It was backed up to the edge of the woods which made for a lovely view. I would say pay particular attention to the size of the site you're booking as some were pretty small," advises a Taylor Ridge camper.
Weather impact awareness: Weather affects both amenities and access roads in the park. "There were trees down throughout the park including our campsite. It took a couple hours for them to come clean it up," shares a recent visitor, indicating maintenance response times vary during storms.
Tips for camping with families
Geocaching opportunities: Combine hiking with treasure hunting on marked trails. "The beach, the trails, the geocaches on the trails, kayak and boat rentals, the activity center. There is something for everyone and enough to fill up your days," notes a Paynetown Campground visitor. The activity center provides free geocaching information.
Halloween camping events: Fall camping includes special programming for families. "We went for fall break & their Halloween week! So much fun," shares a Raccoon Ridge camper about the organized trick-or-treating and campsite decoration competitions.
Swimming facilities: Multiple water recreation options exist for summer visitors. "They also have a swimming pool (fee required)," mentions a Buffalo Ridge visitor. Additionally, Paynetown offers a designated swimming beach with lifeguards during peak season.
Nature programs for children: Scheduled activities provide educational opportunities. "The activity center has programs all the time and there is always something going on there," reports a Paynetown camper. Programs include wildlife presentations, guided hikes and hands-on nature crafts.
Tips from RVers
Site availability planning: RV parks near Bloomington, Indiana require advance reservations, especially for premium sites. "You have to reserve a spot early to get one with shade on busy weekends," advises a regular camper. Weekends from May through October typically fill 3-6 months in advance.
RV site selection by campground: Different loops offer varying RV experiences. "There are 3 separate campgrounds in the park: Buffalo Ridge, Raccoon, and Taylor Ridge. We stayed in Taylor which was dubbed 'wooded' and the one I would most suggest. The others were pretty cleared out and too close together," explains a visitor to Taylor Ridge.
Full-hookup options: Lake Monroe Village provides complete services for extended stays. "We keep our camper here full-time. Close to Lake Monroe. Nice pool. Great people," shares a seasonal camper. The village maintains 182 sites with water, electric and sewer connections year-round.
Quick overnight stops: Private RV parks offer convenient highway access. "This easy-access-from-the-highway RV park is really nice. The spots are accessible, the bathrooms are AMAZING," reports a visitor to Cloverdale RV Park, noting its practicality for cross-country travelers needing single-night stays.
