Monroe Lake offers camping opportunities across Hoosier National Forest with sites set among mature hardwood trees at elevations between 500-700 feet. The 10,750-acre reservoir borders Charles C. Deam Wilderness, creating diverse camping environments from lakeside to ridgetop settings. Campgrounds typically receive 45 inches of annual rainfall, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F.
What to do
Water activities at Paynetown: Paynetown Campground offers multiple options for getting on the water. "We live a couple of hours away from the lake but find it's worth the drive for a day of boating. If you don't have a boat they offer pontoons, canoes and kayaks for rent," notes Jennifer H.
Mountain biking at Brown County: Trails at Taylor Ridge Campground provide excellent riding opportunities. "The mountain bike trails are fantastic, something for every skill level. Nashville is just down the road and has a lot of small shops to go through and a micro brew/distillery that has good beer and food," says Dave S.
Hunting for geodes: Explore creek beds near Charles C. Deam Wilderness for rock collecting. "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," reports Sarah R., though she cautions, "We came after a lot of rain. So everything is permanently wet and mosquitos/ticks abounded."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many Monroe Lake campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. At Buffalo Ridge, campers appreciate the layout: "The campground is heavily treed and the sites are spaced nicely for privacy," while at Hardin Ridge, "The campsite was really big with lots of shade. The fire pits are sinked into the ground," according to Adam K.
Clean facilities: Blackwell Campground maintains good standards despite being a free site. "Open areas with pit toilets and water available. Shade and sunny locations. Pick a spot and set up with hammock-large rvs spots. No fee, no reservations, no problems," writes Betsy W.
Diverse camping styles: From rustic to developed options, campers enjoy variety. "Hardin Ridge is on the south side of Monroe lake and has beach access. I tent camped solo and everything went great!" shares Christine C., while at Berry Ridge, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal water access: Water availability changes throughout the year. "I do not know if water is turned on year-round," notes one Yellowwood State Forest camper, while others report primitive sites requiring self-sufficiency during colder months.
Reservation systems vary: Berry Ridge Road operates on first-come, first-served basis. "No set camp spots but great to set up and have no light pollution! Close to town but also right off some amazing trails!" reports Emily H. Meanwhile, Yellowwood State Forest operates similarly: "Yellowwood state forest campground does not accept reservations. It is first come, first served. Drive up, select your site, and then go to the park office to pay using a self-pay envelope," explains Daisy C.
Wildlife awareness: Prepare for local fauna. "Watch for timber rattlesnakes," warns one Peninsula Trail camper. Another visitor at Berry Ridge notes, "Did see a rattlesnake dead on the road."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers dedicated children's amenities. "We came here in 2017 with a group of friends and camped in the primitive camping area. The kids participated in a costume contest, pumpkin decorating contest, and trick or treat. The water park was a huge hit with the kids," reports Ryan G.
Beach access for children: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas. "My family and sister in laws family camp here every year. Our kids love it and we all have a great time. They always have something to do even if it's just going down to swim at the beach," says Kathryn F. about Paynetown.
Nature programming: Look for educational opportunities. "The nature center is really fun with animals and a bee hive that the children really enjoyed! There are a lot of diverse hiking trails for all," shares Jessie W. about Brown County State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for leveling: Pay attention to terrain. "I had to nearly lower my tongue to the ground to get it level," reports Joe M. about Jellystone Park. At Buffalo Ridge, campers note: "For more secluded and wooded setting, chose Taylor Ridge (careful with larger RVs)."
Size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. Yellowwood State Forest campers advise: "This park is perfect for tent camping or smaller units; we would not recommend for larger units as most sites are small and unlevel and may challenge your maneuvering skills!"
Access routes: Some areas have restrictions. "Large rigs must access the park through the West entrance due to a low clearance covered bridge at the North entrance," advises a Brown County State Park visitor, while another notes, "It took a bit to find our site which needed level blocks and is just wide enough for the RV."
