Best Tent Camping near Brownsburg, IN
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Best Tent Sites Near Brownsburg, Indiana (8)
1. Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
8 Reviews•35 Photos•79 SavesMartinsville, Indiana- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$25 - $55 / night
2. Lake Waveland Park
8 Reviews•7 Photos•42 SavesWaveland, Indiana- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
$25 - $40 / night
3. Riverbend Campground - Temporarily Closed
1 Review•2 SavesCicero, Indiana- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
4. Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort
2 Reviews•5 SavesPendleton, Indiana- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Cabins
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
6. Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
1 Review•6 SavesMartinsville, IndianaPrimitive camping is available for a fee; campers must register for camping at the forest office. Mason Ridge Campground, located behind the fire tower north of the forest office, has vault toilets and seasonal drinking water available. There is a picnic table and grill located on each of the campground's 19 sites. On busy weekends, overflow camping is available at Oak Ridge Campground. Oak Ridge has 10 sites and the same facilities as Mason Ridge.
Scout Ridge Youth Tent Campground is available for scouts or other groups. The six sites in Scout Ridge Campground are larger than regular campground sites and there are several picnic tables and grills available. Scout Ridge Nature Preserve is located in this area.
Backcountry camping is available. All campers must register with State Forest Office via person, email at morgansf@dnr.IN.gov, at the kiosk, or phone (765-792-4654). Please note the phone is not recommended because the office is closed in evenings and on Sundays. Users must indicate the general region of planned camping. During periods of high fire danger the area may be closed by the property manager. Camping groups are restricted to either family units or groups not exceeding six persons. No campsite may be established within ¼ mile of access points into the area. Use of the area is restricted to a maximum of three nights by any individual. Morgan-Monroe State Forest has a carry-in, carry-out trash policy, i.e., what you carry in you must carry out. Additionally, the backcountry area is restricted to only minimal-impact camping/hiking in order to preserve the natural state of Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Oak Ridge campground is closed Jan. 1 through March 31. Scout Ridge campground is closed Jan. 1 through March 31. Special requests can be made during this period through the forest office. Marson Ridge campground is open year-round.Water is shut off at all campgrounds and shelters Oct. 31 and turned on in March as weather permits. A year-round hydrant is located southeast of the main office.
Small campfires are allowed while backcountry camping, but the DNR recommends using a portable backpacking stove for cooking instead of a campfire. A portable stove will cook your meal long before a fire is ready. Another advantage is that it helps prevent fire-blackened rocks in areas where people camp. If using a campfire, make sure a campfire is allowed during the time of your trip. Different properties may have different rules regarding campfires. Even properties that generally allow campfires may ban them on a temporary basis because of dry conditions. Use only small dead and downed wood where permitted. Do not break or cut tree limbs or trees, even dead ones. Dead trees provide habitat for many birds and animals. Do not stockpile wood. While this was once considered a friendly gesture in remote areas, today it is one more way of reducing the spirit of solitude and independence that people seek when backcountry camping. Any campfire in a backcountry area should be in a pit 12 inches or less in diameter, and a 3-foot diameter area should be cleared to mineral soil around the fire. Before leaving an area where a campfire was built, mix ashes with the soil (100% extinguished), fill the pit, and cover the cleared area with the humus layer that was originally removed.
Draper Cabin
Draper Cabin is a primitive, wooden-floored log cabin that takes visitors 100 years back in time to the days before electricity, vehicles and modern plumbing. Reservations for the cabin are accepted from the first weekend in April to the weekend before Thanksgiving. The cabin may be rented on a day by day basis, depending on weather conditions, during the winter. Click here for rental information and a picture of the cabin .
Cherry Lake Lodge
Nestled deep in Morgan-Monroe State Forest you’ll find the solitude you seek, while still having a comfortable bed in which to sleep, hot and cold running water, indoor restroom and shower, and full kitchen facilities. This recently renovated lodge is everything you’d expect in a woodland retreat at a very affordable rental rate. It’s a place where the whole family can explore the woods all day, and relax to a warm fire at night. Click here for rental information and rates.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
8. Covered Bridge State Forest Retreat
Be the first to review!Bloomingdale, IndianaCovered Bridge Retreat is not accepting reservations at this time.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
Recent Tent Reviews near Brownsburg, Indiana
513 Reviews of 8 Brownsburg Campgrounds
- Ryan H.
Traveler
Sugar Creek Campground
Sugar creek
Fantastic place to camp. Full hookup sites, and tent camp sites on sugar creek. The creek is loaded with small mouth bass, some large mouth, gar, bluegill, and carp. The campground offers tubing excursions, but I advise booking that in advance, as they sell out of spots often. Love going there at least once every year.
Chris W.Traveler
Johnson County Park
No more tent camping
They used to have awesome tent camping sites, but they stopped allowing tent camping. RV/camper's are the only thing they allow now.
- NNicole S.
Scout
Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
Great time
Tent camping & hiking
- JJerry D.Scout
Camp Buckwood
Very Nice and Freindly
Stayed two nights, tent camping. It was a great time meeting new people and exploring the surrounding area.
- JJohn Z.Scout
Yellowwood State Forest
Wonderful place
So many great tent sites. Wooded. Row boats, kayaks.
Barry S.Scout
Old Mill Run Park
Clean and Comfortable
Not a lot of tent-camping options, but we found a nice open area not far from the showers. Quiet campground in September. I would do this again...
- CClay L.Scout
Johnson County Park
NO TENT Sites According To The Rules
The Rules sheet that is included in some of the pictures indicates that no tent camping is allowed. Someone should update the icons on the page for this site.
Miles G.
Ranger
Friends O' Mine Campground & Cabins
All-in-one adventure
Best place for camping, fishing, and relaxing. Pool onsite, rec room, firepits, showers, campstore, ect.
You can get tent site or pull through sites.
- EElisha E.Scout
Old Mill Run Park
Not what it used to be
Not many sites for "tent" camping. This place used to be so nice, but now it is over priced and over run with campers. You should just get a hotel. There is a crazy long waiting list for no reason.
- DDom C.Traveler
Indianapolis KOA
KOA Indianapolis is just OK.
Passing through east to west and tent camping....large site comfortable for 2 tents. Nice property and friendly staff, but average to below average KOA from this camper's perspective. Convenient location just off I70 is the draw here, with road noise in the background. Bathrooms/showers need improvement. Nice pool and small general store onsite.
Margo B.
GuideYellowwood State Forest
Great Tent Camping
We have tent camped in Yellowwood several times and have always enjoyed our stay.
We have also had lots of fun renting a rowboat, and being out on the water. A few times we have camped in groups and rented an area, and that was also a great time camping with friends.
Gedy M.Traveler
Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC
Great place
I am tent camper and stayed at tent primitive section right by the creek. They have RV section, electric tent sites and primitive and those do not mix - no tents at rv section and vice versa. I camp weekdays so I had all section to myself for three days. You can carry your chair right to the creek and hang out in the shade. There are few trails looping around for the walks. Most of tent sites got shade. Rv sites all seem to be level, although kind of close together. Nice and clean bathrooms and shower facility. I have not tried renting canoe because they were closed for a season, due to low water level in the creek. There are a lot of nice places around to visit Turkey Run and Shades state parks are not far as well as numerous covered bridges to explore. Campground stays quiet at night - haven’t seen partying or noise. They also have few cute cabins for rent right by the creek. Will definitely be back and would recommend this place to anyone.
Mike V.Ranger
Lake Waveland Park
Waveland Lake and Park, near Waveland, Indiana
Nice clean park in west-central Indiana that has a lake and a large number of camping sites along with restrooms and showers. The primitive tent camping sites don't require reservations, and each have a picnic table. There are modern campsites that have water and electrical hook-ups, and there are some small cabins that can be rented. The bath house was clean, and the grounds crew does a great job keeping the grass cut. Camp sites seem more spread out here compared to most state parks. Location is fairly close to Sugar Creek and other parks such as Turkey Run and Shades State Park. The lake is popular for fishing.
Gretchen G.GuideSugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC
Great family spot
This campground is great! The creek is awesome for catching tadpoles and minnows. And definitely take time to float or kayak down the river. The pond is stocked with GIANT fish (catch and release only) and definitely go for a hike over at Turkey Run. Our site (4) was a good location for us, although we tent camped in 25 before and you can't beat those views
- Hope H.Scout
Crawfordsville KOA
Good Campground, horrible tent sites
The staff was great, all the amenities were fantastic. This campsite would be great if you were staying in an RV, camper, or one of the cabins, but the tent sites are terrible. They are right next to the highway, and they are all very exposed, and have little protection from mosquitoes.
- HHelen M.Scout
Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area
Tent camping during XC road trip
Super easy reservations online, and if it’s a weekday or a Sunday you could likely just roll up. $16/night for a tent site plus $9 out of state car fee. Security is at the main gate until midnight so later check-ins are possible. Great set-up after driving 11+ hours!
- Mark R.Scout
Peaceful Waters Campground
Nice place close to Turkey Run State Park
I stayed at one of the primitive tent sites. It was nice and shaded. As the other reviewer pointed out, further away from the entrance will get you away from the road noise. The shower house was very clean and well kept.
I would definitely stay here again. I would just select a site toward the back.
Sarah R.Guide
Glo Wood Campground
Decent site for amphitheater camping
I stayed here in June and it was a pretty nice place. Several spots for tent camping, but several electric hookups were not functional. Bathrooms were not impeccable, but they were fairly updated. The only real problem we encountered was the dirt road through the site was difficult to navigate, even though it hadn’t rained for a few days. Just a lot of wear and tear. But super friendly campground, and will definitely return!
- Robin H.Scout
Spring Hill Campground
Careful
Called up there last minute on Fourth of July weekend (early morning, Friday) 2020 to check if they had any last minute openings for tent camping & the lady who answered the phone was EXTREMELY rude from the very beginning. She said “for tent? You do realize it’s a holiday weekend, no we don’t have any openings” laughed and hung up on us. Like who acts like that. I’ve only heard bad things about this place growing up in Kokomo but it was a last minute thing. Won’t ever call again.
Ron H.GuideYellowwood State Forest
Hidden Gem
Very nice place! Hiking, fishing, kayaking, and horse riding trails. It is located just a few minutes from Brown County State park and Nashville In. There is a few RV sites (9 or 10) mostly tent camping sites. There is water available and outhouses, there is a dump station for RVs. I would have given 5 stars, but need some more sites for RVs (some of the sites are not real level). There is NO reservation.
Jeremiah G.Guide
White River Campground
Clean, County Owned Park
White River Campground is a county owned park within 15 minutes small town Indiana (Cicero) complete with a small town grocery and dollar general. Within 20 minutes or Walmart and Grocery stores. Campground is divided up into A-B-C sections. A is accessible. B is full hookup with sewer and C is water/elec only and tent camping. Park next door is great for hiking, has walk bridge over river to trails, horse backing riding, high ropes course. Campground is on the white river, offers boat launching. Bathrooms are decent. Playground is newly remodeled. Laundry onsite, wood for sale, and some wifi. We found the wifi only reaches in sections A-B even though it’s advertised as reaching the entire camp. Camp office and IT support were no help.
Scott M.Traveler
eXplore Brown County
The campground that never sleeps
The campground itself was decent but it was very noisy the holiday weekend I stayed. People were chopping wood at 4:30am one night. Late night partying and music followed up with early rising children riding bikes and talking loudly. All sites are very close to the main road. The tent site I had wasn’t very level. There is a lot to do here though and would be a great place to bring groups of kids and teens. They have zip lines, paintball, bike trails,etc
- Georgeann D.Guide
eXplore Brown County
It's got everything!
Full hook-up or water and electric sites, sites are level. Tent sites available. This place has zip-lining, 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, of course, beautiful Brown County State Park.
(Four stars because we stayed there during a wedding and the music and traffic from the wedding was a bit intrusive; also, because when we arrived at our campsite we had to ask management to remove a squatter, so the site was not clean).
- GGinger T.Traveler
Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
Quiet, just right!
I’ve camped here several times and have always enjoyed it. When tent camping and want something quiet and a place with great trails, this is a good place to go. Even though it’s hot outside today, there’s lots of shade and a breeze. At this campground, there are two areas of pit toilets, and a big outdoor sink. Fire wood and maps can be obtained just up the road at the new Morgan Monroe headquarters. A self pay station is set up there. You select your site, set up, then go pay. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and plenty of room for tenting with most sites big enough for a trailer. There’s a playground at the entrance of Mason Ridge campground and a fire tower.
- AArthur P.Guide
White River Campground
Quick getaway
Nice camp ground along the white river with several sites along the waterway. Clean, well maintained, knowledgeable and friendly staff. Paved road with level concrete sites, could be a little more spacious, but all n all laid out nicely with aluminum picnic tables, and fire ring, 50 and 30 amp hook ups along with H20, and several full hook ups. Tent camping also available. Well stocked camp store. The facilities up front by the office are very clean and have showers with hot water. They could use a bench in the shower stall for your clothing and a space To get dressed discreetly. The facility at the end of the campground dosent have showers and are adequate but not quite as nice. Campground is in a good location close to many amenities
Brady R.GuideCecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area
A Touch Crowded for My Tastes
A friend and I came here with her pop-up tent for a random weekend in 2020 when the weather was absolutely perfect for camping - in the 70s the entire trip.
We arrived and were shocked to see that our site was basically on top of our neighbor's and it was not flat at all. Luckily, we weren't tent camping or it would've been a disaster.
We did have some lake views, although we were in the middle of the road so we didn't have our own private space like other sites did. We were in the non-electric area, but did have modern restrooms.
The restrooms were kept very clean and smelled of bleach at all times (a good thing during COVID). There is also a hiking trail that goes near the lake that is very close to the campground, so good access point for hikers.
One thing to note is how close the sites are to each other, especially for those in the electric areas. It was as if it was a little city with how many people/campers/RVs/campers there were. I wasn't a fan.
Alan F.TravelerPeaceful Waters Campground
Great campground for tent camping
We just left after a 2 night stay and we’re really pleased with this camp ground. The staff were very friendly and wanted to make sure our stay was the best it could be.
Our primitive tent site was in the very back isolated from the rest of the grounds. A port-a-potty was near by, but the shower house was a short drive away. Also, the site, 27C, was alone with timber separating it from the nearest site. The downside to this site is the morning/afternoon sun, but we adapted with a pop-up canopy and positioning our tent to utilize the little shady available.
The shower house was one of the cleanest we’ve seen and the staff makes a concerted effort to keep it that way.
The camp store was a nice convenience and wood delivery was a plus.
Lastly, features include a pond to fish (and rental of paddle boats/canoes) where my son and I caught two decent sized fish from the dock. Playground, volleyball court, and a half court basketball were right off the backside fishing dock.
Guide to Brownsburg
Brownsburg, Indiana, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful getaway. From well-maintained parks to serene state forests, there’s something for everyone.
Tent campers should check out Lake Waveland Park
- Enjoy a spacious environment at Lake Waveland Park, where you can find numerous primitive sites surrounded by nature.
- This park features electric hookups and drinking water, making it a convenient choice for tent campers.
- With opportunities for fishing and a beach area, it's a great spot for families looking to relax and have fun.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities at Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
- Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers a tranquil setting with well-maintained trails perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
- The campground provides picnic tables and firewood, enhancing the camping experience for those who enjoy cooking outdoors.
- Vault toilets and drinking water are available, ensuring a comfortable stay in the heart of nature.
Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $30
- At Riverbend Campground, you can find affordable rates with essential amenities like electric and water hookups.
- Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort offers a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, at competitive prices.
- For a unique experience, consider camping at Rattlesnake, where the focus is on primitive camping in a secluded environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Brownsburg, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Brownsburg, IN is Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest with a 4.3-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Brownsburg, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Brownsburg, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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