Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Brownstown, IN

Jackson Washington State Forest offers primitive campsites welcoming pets throughout its 16,500 acres. Sites feature picnic tables and fire rings for $13 per night, with potable water available seasonally. The campground consists of 62 self-registration sites, many positioned along the small lake with relaxing water views. Spacious sites spread across two loops - one in a pine forest below the lake and another at the lake level. The forest permits dogs on all hiking trails and at campsites but requires they remain on leash. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, located minutes away, provides both electric lakeside sites and full hookup options with shade trees where pets are welcome. The campground spans 280 acres with 43 lakeside sites offering scenic water views.

Hiking trails throughout the region provide excellent pet exercise opportunities, with Jackson-Washington featuring several rugged routes with elevation changes. The trails offer panoramic vistas of Indiana's countryside along Skyline Drive. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with regular maintenance of restrooms and shower buildings. Both primitive and developed campgrounds provide good spacing between sites, allowing comfortable camping with pets without crowding neighbors. The town of Brownstown is just 2.5 miles from Jackson-Washington State Forest, offering grocery stores, restaurants and supplies for campers and their pets. Campers should note that the lake at Starve Hollow experiences seasonal algae issues which may affect swimming options for dogs. Despite limited amenities at the primitive sites, the quiet atmosphere and natural setting make these locations ideal for pet owners seeking a peaceful outdoor experience.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Brownstown, Indiana (96)

    1. Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground

    25 Reviews
    Vallonia, IN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 358-3464

    $23 - $52 / night

    "My husband and I had a nice visit to Starve Hollow recently...we stayed 4 nights in our camper with our 3 dogs. We hiked 10 miles throughout the park, which was clean and pretty."

    "There are lakeside camping lots. Also there are larger full hookup lots away from the lake"

    2. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Freetown, IN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "Trails, plenty of dry wood, away from the roads, no running water or electricity, decent amount of spaces we came in at night and counted about 9 very far spread out camp sights."

    "If you are into boondocking at all defiantly check out berry ridge it’s just south of brown county Indiana beautiful country mostly hills tons of camp spots sometimes half mile or more apart haven’t seen"

    3. Jackson Washington State Forest

    6 Reviews
    Brownstown, IN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 358-2160

    $13 / night

    "There are some awesome hiking trails here, they are very rugged for Indiana lots of hills. J-W offers some real pretty views."

    "The campsite was right near the lake which provided a perfect view. There was a picnic table and fire ring for only 13 dollars."

    4. Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    31 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6406

    $30 / 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."

    5. Delaney Creek Park

    7 Reviews
    Vallonia, IN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 883-5101

    "Every one was very friendly and I think almost every camper had a dog with them. I would come back and stay."

    "There is a dump station at the exit. The only negative comment about this park is, every lot slopes down towards the lake."

    6. Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    22 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    21 miles
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "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."

    "Site is a wide open and well-groomed, with trails just a short walk (or ride) away.

    Toilets and covered picnic tables nearby."

    7. Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    22 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    22 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."

    8. Hardin Ridge

    25 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 837-9453

    $21 - $55 / night

    "This campground is nestled on a ridge above Indiana's Lake Monroe."

    "Hardin Ridge is a fantastic place to camp, and is very close to lake Monroe. But it's also quite a ways away from any stores in case you forget anything."

    9. Spring Mill State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Mitchell, IN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 849-3534

    $20 - $30 / night

    "There are trails, caves, and a “village” to be explored. The campsite has water and electric hookups (30a) and primitive sites as well."

    "Spring Mill State park is a little piece of history that is in the heart of southern Indiana. Here you will find a working frontier village."

    10. Shale Bluff Campground — Hardy Lake State Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Deputy, IN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 794-3800

    $23 / night

    "This is a great State Park offering hiking, swimming, boating, skiing, camping, interpretive naturalist program and the only DNR property in the state of Indiana with a raptor rehabilitation program."

    "Boats are a big part of this lake. There are 4 boat launches on the lake! Lots of people were water skiing, tubing& playing in the water. There's also a beach, which looked clean."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Brownstown, IN

740 Reviews of 96 Brownstown Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Brady R.
    May. 16, 2019

    Clifty Falls State Park Campground

    Don't Recommend Non-Electric Sites

    Out of all places I've camped in Indiana, this is, by far, the worst. Please note that this is for the non-electric sites. Reasons for the low rating:

    • the firewood that they sell to you is complete crap. It's so wet and damp that you can't burn it. We have had to take every single batch back we've purchased cause it's so bad. They don't do refunds.
    • The playground is so close to most campsites in the non-electric section. I'd recommend getting as far away as possible as the screams of children echo like birds flying throughout the campground.
    • Not the park's fault, but raccoons are horrible here. I'm talking, "walk up to your campfire as you're sitting next to it and steal food that's on the burner" bad. Lol.

    We were lucky enough to find a campsite (#118) very far away from the playground which was surrounded by grasses that separated the campsites surrounding you which was very nice. Again, the raccoons were horrible though.

  • Kelsie E.
    Oct. 16, 2021

    Buffalo Trace Park

    Great lake view

    The sites are well-spaced and there’s a beautiful lake where you can kayak, canoe, fish, let your dog swim, etc. Disc golf is the big activity at this park. Awesome walking path and a petting zoo. The park is exceptionally clean. Sites on the lake view side are noisy due to traffic on the highway.

  • 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 .

  • 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.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Love's RV Hookup-Leavenworth IN 839

    Last minute

    Rest stops leading up to this RV spot were under construction. This was a last minute decision. It was late and I didn’t want to drive in the dark anymore. The price is HIGH. With discounts for goodsam and loves connect it was $50/night for 30 amp. The dog park at this loves is very nice and the spaces are okay. But it’s loud all night because it’s a truck stop. I like the idea of this for loves but the price needs to reflect it. $25/night. No one is staying longer than that and it’s a better deal.

  • Stephen & Theresa B.
    May. 12, 2020

    Jackson Washington State Forest

    This is a little gem for tent camping or RVer not requiring shore power.

    Jackson-Washington State forest encompasses 16,500 plus acres in the rolling hills of south central Indiana and neighbors Starve Hollow State Recreation Area (see review). The property offers several stunning hiking trails and some are of the more challenging nature due to the elevation changes. The park also has an amazing scenic drive, Skyline Drive, which lives up to its name with spectacular panoramic vistas showcasing Indiana's gorgeous farms. The campground consists of 62 primitive class "C" self registration sites with a picnic table. Potable water is available seasonally and firewood can be purchased at the forest office. A number of the sites are waterfront offering a relaxing view...but definitely geared for the tent camper or RVer not requiring shore power. Just 2.5 miles from the town of Brownstown which has grocery shopping, restaurants and sundries. lat:38.8451 lon:-86.0519

  • Sofia A.
    Oct. 24, 2020

    Marengo Cave Campgrounds

    Near Caves

    I stayed on late October and I was the only one there, except for a family on the cabins. The spots are just near and walking distance from the caves and other attractions. They have two potable water spots (so no water on each spot), picnic tables, fire rings, grills and every spot faces the little river. restrooms and showers too. You can bring small pets inside the cave if you carry them all time. I have a small zuchon and carry her in a doggy backpack 🎒 she loved it!


Guide to Brownstown

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Brownstown, Indiana, allows you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companions. Here are some excellent campgrounds that welcome pets and offer a variety of amenities and activities.

Pet owners like spacious sites and natural beauty

Dog owners appreciate the variety of activities

Tips for camping with dogs near Brownstown

  • Always check the specific pet policies at CERA Sports Corporation to ensure a smooth stay, as some areas may have restrictions.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks for your pet, especially when visiting Columbus Woods-N-Waters Kampground where outdoor activities can keep you busy all day.
  • Keep your dog leashed and clean up after them to maintain the natural beauty of places like Jackson Washington State Forest, ensuring a pleasant experience for all campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Brownstown, IN is Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 25 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 96 dog-friendly camping locations near Brownstown, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.