Brown County State Park dominates the camping options near Campbellsburg, Indiana, with its distinctive rolling hills and ridgelines that reach elevations of over 1,000 feet. The park's terrain features steep ravines and valleys, creating camping areas that often require leveling equipment, especially at Taylor Ridge Campground where many sites have slight to moderate slopes. Fall temperatures in the region typically range from 40-70°F, with peak foliage occurring mid-October through early November.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Brown County State Park offers nearly 30 miles of purpose-built mountain biking trails ranging from beginner to expert level. "The mountain biking is excellent, with purpose built trails for beginner to expert (flow, berms, rollers, jumps...)," notes one Buffalo Ridge Campground visitor.
Swimming options: The park features an Olympic-size pool with a 2,000-person capacity. "The park also features an Olympic size pool (capacity 2,000). You cannot walk there from the campground unless you are very hardy and very determined," shares a camper from Raccoon Ridge Campground.
Horseback riding: Trail rides are available at the park's saddle barn. "While were there we rode on a trail ride at the saddle barn. The horses were well trained and willing to let people ride them," according to a visitor at Buffalo Ridge.
Nature center activities: Educational programs include raptor shows. "We also went to a Raptor show that was put on at the nature center where we got to look at some interesting raptors," mentions a Buffalo Ridge visitor.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded campsites: Taylor Ridge offers more secluded sites than other campground loops. "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," shares a camper at Taylor Ridge Campground.
Clean facilities: Restrooms and shower houses are well maintained throughout the park. "Very clean bathrooms and shower houses," notes a Taylor Ridge camper, while another adds, "Pit toilets at the back of the loop were probably the cleanest pits I've ever used."
Fall colors: The park's rolling hills become especially scenic during autumn. "The views all around Brown County are breaktaking. This campground is a must visit in Indiana," writes a visitor to the Horsemen's Campground.
Split-level tent sites: Many non-electric sites feature two-level designs. "Many of the tent sites are split-level, meaning the fire pit and tent area is down a hill from where you park your car... and these sites have two picnic tables, upper and lower," explains a Raccoon Ridge camper.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Terrain varies significantly across campground loops. "I would say pay particular attention to the size of the site you're booking as some were pretty small. Also, some sites were fairly sloped as well," advises a Taylor Ridge visitor.
North entrance restrictions: The covered bridge limits vehicle sizes. "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,'" cautions a Buffalo Ridge camper.
Campground flooding risk: Some areas are prone to water issues during heavy rain. "The campground is notorious for flooding in heavy rains. We have had as much as 4 in of water draining through our campsite," reports a Horsemen's Campground visitor.
Site availability challenges: The park's popularity requires advance planning. "This campground is busy all season so book a long time in advance," recommends a visitor at Rally Group Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Nashville shopping excursions: The nearby town offers family-friendly activities. "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," shares a Taylor Ridge camper.
Nature center for kids: Educational exhibits appeal to younger campers. "The nature center is really fun with animals and a bee hive that the children really enjoyed!" explains a Taylor Ridge visitor.
Halloween camping events: Special seasonal programming occurs in fall. "Went for fall break & their Halloween week! So much fun," notes a Raccoon Ridge camper.
Campground proximity considerations: Choose sites based on bathroom access. "The site was walking distance from showers/bathroom," mentions a Taylor Ridge camper.
Tips from RVers
Alternative RV campgrounds: Travelers seeking overnight convenience near Campbellsburg, Indiana have options beyond state parks. Horseshoe Bend RV Campground in Leavenworth offers "Full hookups with 50 amp or 30 amp available. The sites could accommodate up to 5th wheel rigs," according to a recent visitor.
Site leveling requirements: Many RV sites require adjustment. "The roads are not marked very well and it took a bit to find our site which needed level blocks and is just wide enough for the Rv," notes a Taylor Ridge camper.
RV route planning: Access points have different restrictions. For large RVs at Brown County State Park, "Large rigs must access the park through the West entrance due to a low clearance covered bridge at the North entrance," advises a Buffalo Ridge visitor.
Weather considerations: Seasonal conditions impact site selection. "Some of the tie up areas for the horses are muddy holes that never get enough sunlight to dry out completely," warns a Horsemen's Campground visitor, a concern that applies to RV sites during wet seasons as well.