Berry Ridge Road in Hoosier National Forest offers primitive camping near Campbellsburg, Indiana with sites located along a gravel forest road. The terrain features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 600 to 900 feet, creating natural drainage during rainfall. Summer temperatures average 80-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring milder conditions ideal for backcountry camping.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Access walking paths directly from several campsites at Berry Ridge Road Dispersed Camping. One camper noted, "There a nice trail meandering next to road" while another mentioned, "There are a couple walking trails around, as well each site is fairly far apart."
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution makes this area suitable for astronomy. At Peninsula Trail, campers report good conditions: "Light pollution is pretty low however, so good stargazing."
Wildlife observation: Many campers report animal sightings in the quiet forest setting. One visitor at Berry Ridge noted, "Just trees knocking, bugs curling and frogs croaking. Did see a rattlesnake dead on the road." Watch for turtles on forest roads as well.
What campers like
Genuine seclusion: The dispersed sites throughout Hoosier National Forest provide true isolation. At Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping, a camper reported, "Not another soul camped within earshot. Clean site. Gravel pad for vehicle. Green grass for tent."
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the distance between camping spots. One visitor at BerryRidge Road described it as "A hidden gem. Just a few sites along the road minimum traffic encountered."
Self-sufficiency experience: Campers who understand dispersed camping appreciate the primitive nature. As one camper at Berry Ridge Road stated, "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."
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Forest roads can be confusing, especially for first-time visitors. A camper at Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed advised, "Have a paper map handy, as there is no cell signal and GPS was spotty."
Cell service varies: Reception is inconsistent throughout the area. One camper at Berry Ridge Road noted they had "No toilet but good reception," while others report no service at sites deeper in the forest.
Seasonal wildlife: Be aware of potential wildlife encounters during different seasons. A camper at Peninsula Trail cautioned, "Springs available in the valleys but watch for timber rattlesnakes."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: Some locations are better suited for families than others. At Hickory Ridge, a camper suggested it's a "Good spot to get some quiet time to learn/hone skills or for some good quality time with the family while being plugged into nature and unplugged from their electronics."
Prepare for no facilities: Pack everything you'll need as amenities are nonexistent. A camper at Peninsula Trail recommended, "Went there with my kids and wife, we had a really great time. Primitive camping at its finest. Long walk to the water so make sure you bring plenty of drinking water."
Check road conditions: Forest access roads can deteriorate quickly after rain, making family travel difficult. At Mitchell Creek Road, a camper observed, "Road south coming in was destroyed some time ago have to w yer from east or west road."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites can only accommodate small camper vans or truck campers. A visitor to Berry Ridge Road noted, "I have a promaster conversion and had no trouble making it to this site, however the road was gravel and steep at times."
Pull-offs are limited: Very few locations work for larger recreational vehicles. At Mitchell Creek, a camper warned, "I did not see any pull offs that would accommodate an RV of any size, and nothing large enough to turn a trailer around."
Pre-scout recommended: Walking sites before bringing in any vehicle is advised. A camper at Sundance Lake observed, "National forest area with 3ish campsites one of which can accommodate a vehicle. Wooded so no solar or starlink."
