Southern Indiana's karst topography around Chrisney features rolling hills, limestone outcroppings, and dense deciduous forests. The area maintains a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, averaging 46 inches of annual rainfall. Camping opportunities range from family-friendly state parks with modern facilities to primitive equestrian camps with direct trail access.
What to do
Hiking technical trails: Hoosier National Forest North Face Loop Campground offers access to the Two Rivers Trail, a challenging 15-mile technical trail that circumnavigates both Indian and Celina lakes. "We hiked extensively and though this is definitely not mountainous terrain it will give you a work out. A lot of cool rock formations and wild life to be seen," notes one camper who recommends bringing bug spray for ticks.
Swimming and water activities: Harmonie State Park Campground features an Olympic-sized pool open during summer months. "They have a water slide, diving boards, separate baby pool with shade awning, and concessions," according to a recent visitor. The park also offers boat access to the Wabash River for fishing and water recreation.
Historical exploration: Visit the pioneer village and nature center at O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground. "The kids enjoyed the nature center, pioneer village, and one of the easy trails," reports one family. The park's historical elements provide context for the region's settlement patterns and natural resources.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The spacious camping areas at Hoosier National Forest North Face Loop Campground receive consistent praise for their layout. "Moderately wooded, well spaced, basic sites that provide privacy and shade," notes one reviewer, adding "This is no loud party hub with people blowing by on their golf carts and playing music until 2 in the morning."
Family-focused amenities: Harmonie State Park Campground earns high marks for its family-friendly facilities. "There are 3 playgrounds throughout the campground. They have various events through the summer season with a big Halloween event in the fall," explains a regular visitor. Another adds, "We stayed the weekend before Halloween... They had a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot... There was also a hayride in the evening for a small fee and that included making smore's at the bonfire."
Wildlife viewing: Campers at Hoosier National Forest Jackpine Loop Campground appreciate the abundant wildlife. "Wildlife is everywhere, as it is not unusual to have a Momma deer and her little one walk through the woods by your campsite or down by the boat launch, often followed by a turkey or two," one visitor reports, highlighting the natural setting that attracts nature enthusiasts.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Unlike some primitive camping areas in the region, many established campgrounds require advance booking. "We researched and thought a fair bit of the forest was first come first serve. After stopping at many along the way we wound up here at Jackpine snagging up the last site electric site available," warns one camper, adding that "fees were a bit more than listed as well."
Tick prevention: Multiple horse campgrounds near Chrisney, Indiana report significant tick populations. "The tick's here seem like the Infantry, swarming the objective from all sides. Bring your bug stuff!" advises one experienced camper at North Face Loop. Appropriate protective clothing and repellent are essential during warm months.
Cell service limitations: Communication can be challenging in some campgrounds. At O'Bannon Woods, visitors report "Cell service was OK. (T-Mobile 1-2 bars LTE and AT&T 1-3 bars)," while other campgrounds in more remote locations may have no service at all. Download offline maps before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Halloween camping events: For a special family experience, reserve early for Halloween weekends at Harmonie State Park. "They had a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot and although there weren't a ton of vehicles, it was definitely enough for the kids to have fun trick or treating... There was also a hayride in the evening for a small fee and that included making smore's at the bonfire," reports one family.
Site selection for playground access: When camping with children at O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground, consider site location carefully. "We stayed in 220. It was nice to be right by the playground and bathrooms (which is what we wanted). Some spots near the back would be nice and secluded like the 180s and 190s and they're still not too far from the bathrooms and playground. The better playground is in loop A."
Educational opportunities: Several equestrian-friendly campgrounds near Chrisney offer nature programs. O'Bannon Woods features "a nature center with ranger tours" and educational trails. Harmonie State Park operates a nature center "in the middle of the campground that is open Thursday-Sunday in the summer," providing scheduled activities for children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling concerns: At O'Bannon Woods State Park, RVers should note that "Not all pads are level or very wide," requiring leveling blocks and careful positioning. Most sites have an asphalt pad with 50/30/20 amp electrical service, though water access points are shared rather than at individual sites.
Big rig accommodation: For larger RVs, Youngs Creek Horse Camp may present challenges. "We have camped there in a truck camper, and now we tent camp with our Jeep. The sites are large, and there are fire rings available," notes one regular visitor, but access roads can be difficult for longer rigs. The campground is approximately five miles from Paoli where supplies are available at Walmart.
Hookup logistics: RVers staying at O'Bannon Woods should plan for limited hookups. "There was no water at the site though. Throughout the campground are potable water spigots that you can hook up to and add water to your tank. There is also no sewer hookup at the site," explains a recent visitor who recommends arriving with full water tanks.
Legend
