Tent camping options near Borden, Indiana range from primitive dispersed sites to more established campgrounds within Hoosier National Forest. The area features rolling hills with elevations between 400-800 feet, limestone formations, and mixed hardwood forests dominated by oak, maple, and hickory trees. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions with occasional precipitation.
What to do
Explore creek beds and rock formations: At Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed, the roadside pulloffs provide access to natural features. "There are rock outcroppings along this road, which follows Mitchell Creek and lots to explore on foot. While I was exploring and camping on this road, only two vehicles passed during the entire 16 hours. VERY quiet," reports one camper.
Pack for primitive adventures: Camping near Borden often means limited amenities. At Charles C. Deam Wilderness, you'll find "a wonderful backpacking area" with "official sites all had rock fire rings and bushcraft furniture." One camper notes, "We love this area for roughing it. We usually choose a site far back into the wilderness area. The sites are primitive with no amenities."
Search for wildlife and unique plants: The forests contain diverse plant species and wildlife. "I walked the creek for hours just looking at all the rocks on the sandbars. I have never encountered so many geodes in my life. Truly magnificent to encounter," writes one Charles C. Deam Wilderness visitor. Another camper mentions, "Lookout for turtles on the road, we spotted and removed 4 of them."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Berry Ridge Road Dispersed Camping, the separation between campsites is substantial. A reviewer notes, "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." Another camper states, "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."
Natural hammock opportunities: The abundant trees make these areas ideal for hammock camping. At Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping, "Each site comes with a fire pit and picnic table. Plenty of trees to hang up a hammock and empty space to pitch a tent." Another reviewer confirms, "Nice size site with fire ring and picnic table. Lots of trees- so great tree canopy and plenty of hammock."
Off-grid experiences: The tent camping locations near Borden provide true disconnection. "This place is run by Kerry on hipcamp. He is very kind and welcoming to all... The forest is beautiful and we had no problems with ticks or mosquitoes while sleeping in our hammocks," notes a visitor to Happy Hollow Homestead. Another camper appreciates that "there is no cell service but it was so nice to 'unplug' and enjoy talking with each other and making new friends."
What you should know
Prepare for primitive conditions: Most dispersed camping areas lack facilities. At Berry Ridge Road, "This is pack in pack out, no amenities camping for free." Another camper advises, "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."
Vehicle access challenges: Many sites have rough access roads. "The road was gravel and steep at times," notes a Berry Ridge Road camper. At Happy Hollow Homestead, "We were nervous about bottoming in the dry creek bed on way to Walnut Grove area, but no problem. Great stay. 20' Ford Transit ModVan."
Weather considerations: Spring camping can be wet. One Charles C. Deam visitor cautions, "The only negative was that we came after a lot of rain. So everything is permanently wet and mosquitos/ticks abounded." Consider this when planning tent camping near Borden, Indiana in spring months.
Tips for camping with families
Interactive natural features: Children enjoy the unique elements at several campgrounds. At Ransburg Scout Reservation, "Located on Monroe lake, they have canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing. Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails." The climbing wall was also noted as "nice" by another visitor.
Natural play spaces: Some campgrounds offer features specifically enjoyed by children. At Happy Hollow Homestead, "The tree web is a giant net about 15 feet in the air. My boys loved climbing up and laying in the web. The tire swing was also fun for the kids." Another family mentioned, "We stayed over the Memorial Day holiday with our kid and another couple. We were all impressed with the land and how spaced out the camp sites were. The kids loved the tire swing and tree web."
Educational opportunities: The region provides natural learning experiences. "Kerry took us on a kubota for a tour of the property. We saw a beautiful creek with waterfall, bee hives and sinkholes. Kerry had interesting stories to tell about the property," shares a Happy Hollow Homestead visitor.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites can't accommodate larger vehicles. At Berry Ridge Road, "Some sites, at least one, could fit a pretty good sized camper." However, another camper cautions, "I would not bring a RV here especially after rain."
Alternative parking options: For those with small vehicles, some dispersed areas can work. One Mitchell Creek Road visitor shares, "This is NOT a campground, but just roadside pull-offs on public land. There are no restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, or other amenities. However, if you are camping in a self-contained SMALL vehicle, this is quiet, secluded, and beautiful."
Turning radius concerns: Plan your route carefully with larger vehicles. "I did not see any pull offs that would accommodate an RV of any size, and nothing large enough to turn a trailer around. One pull off was nearly too small to turn around my small pick up truck," notes a Mitchell Creek Road camper.
