Best Campgrounds near Clear Creek, IN

Camping options throughout the Clear Creek area of Indiana range from developed sites with amenities to more primitive dispersed locations. The region includes several established campgrounds like Paynetown Campground on Lake Monroe and Hardin Ridge Recreation Area, both offering tent and RV sites with varying hookup options. Peninsula Trail and Berry Ridge Road provide free dispersed camping alternatives for those seeking more rustic experiences. Yellowwood State Forest and Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe represent options for cabin stays, with the latter also featuring glamping accommodations.

Road conditions and site accessibility vary significantly throughout the area, particularly at dispersed sites which may require higher clearance vehicles. Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. "This is a busy place. The sites on the outer areas are not very level. Sites on the inner loops appear fairly level," noted one visitor regarding Paynetown Campground. Cell coverage can be spotty in more remote areas, especially in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness. Many established campgrounds require reservations, which are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when lakeside sites fill quickly.

Lake access represents a significant draw for many campers in the Clear Creek region. Sites with water views or shoreline access at Paynetown and Lake Monroe typically receive the highest ratings from visitors. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "We had a site within a short walk to the water. Our tent site was spacious." The proximity to Bloomington makes this a popular destination for college students and families alike, resulting in busier campgrounds on weekends. Several visitors mentioned that weekday camping provides a more peaceful experience, particularly in spring and fall. Wildlife viewing opportunities include various bird species such as bald eagles and great blue herons, especially near the lakeshores. Campgrounds closer to the water tend to offer more amenities including showers and electric hookups, while the dispersed options provide more seclusion at the cost of fewer facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Clear Creek, Indiana (116)

    1. Paynetown Campground

    29 Reviews
    Clear Creek, IN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 837-9546

    $16 - $25 / night

    "It's a bittersweet type of situation."

    "This is one of the largest campgrounds in all of Indiana. It includes hundreds of campsites. This includes RV hookups, standard campsites, and primitive campsites."

    2. Hardin Ridge

    25 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    9 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."

    3. Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    22 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    10 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."

    4. Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

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

    $23 / 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. Yellowwood State Forest

    15 Reviews
    Unionville, IN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-7945

    $225 / night

    "Peaceful little place but unfortunately it rained but we made the best of it, there’s some secluded spots where you can stay away from others or stay in the more general areas, nice lake to fish and we"

    "Drive up, select your site, and then go to the park office to pay using a self-pay envelope. Bring exact change(cash). Current prices are listed on the Indiana DNR website."

    6. Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    22 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    17 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."

    7. Charles C. Deam Wilderness

    9 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    10 miles

    "A staple of our state here in Indiana. Unfortunately due to some storm damage, trails were rerouted or straight up inaccessible. Great places to find and set up camp."

    "Tent camping only although there are both hike in and drive up sites in the wilderness area. Great place to get away from it all."

    8. Peninsula Trail

    7 Reviews
    Clear Creek, IN
    9 miles
    Website

    "The Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge trails both have marked campsites that are very far apart and totally private.  These are dispersed/primitive sites with a fire ring only. "

    "this was a wonderful scenic hike meant for the beauty of indiana"

    9. Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe

    6 Reviews
    Harrodsburg, IN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 824-3322

    "Great location and clean camp ground."

    "I had to nearly lower my tongue to the ground to get it level. The splash park was fun, even for the teen kids, but the pool was tiny and shallow and disappointing."

    10. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

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

    "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"

    "I have lived in Indiana for ever and have made many trips this way, but I never knew sites like this existed."

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Recent Reviews near Clear Creek, IN

604 Reviews of 116 Clear Creek Campgrounds


  • J
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping

    Disbursed camping at its Indiana best

    Free disbursed camping at its best in Indiana. Not another soul camped within earshot. Clean site. Gravel pad for vehicle. Green grass for tent. 14 day limit. No reservations needed or available. Just show up and camp if a site is open. This site was very well marked.

  • Jon R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Nighthawk Forest

    Nighthawk Forrest Sept 2024

    Great little campground with accessible trails and small pond. I had a primitive site with pad. Nestled in the trees gave off nice shade. They have showers and ice available (but didn’t know about the ice until I was checking out). About 15 minutes from Patoka Lake. I would recommend this campground if in the area.

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park & Campground

    Festival Fun!

    We stayed here for the 1st Annual HikerFest and had a blast! 106 of our little Hikers took up the majority of the park. The full-timers that stay here for the season were very kind and cordial; freely giving of advice on local attractions to see and things to do during our stay. The museum was really interesting! They gave a great tour with lots of stories about country legends. The bath house was clean and tidy. The showers were ok. Porta-potties throughout the campground, not so much… Campsites are close together and without privacy, some more level than others. Try to grab a spot near the trees for a bit of shade. Great music. Awesome weekend!

  • Kyle H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA

    Great Campground

    Quick two night stay for us but although our first time here was short we will certainly be back. Campground is clean and very well maintained. Owners are very involved and run things very thoughtfully.

    They were able to accommodate our 44ft 5th wheel and navigating to the site was simple. Can’t wait to come back and visit.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping

    Camping area

    National forest area with 3ish campsites one of which can accommodate a vehicle. Wooded so no solar or starlink. Small lake nearby with what looks like some trails.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    Nice Trails & Big Campsites

    I had a great time camping here. The spots in Taylor ridge were mostly well-spaced and felt pretty private. The pit toilets were clean and the showers were nice. Busy campground but it was very quiet still. 262 was the biggest and most private site I saw when walking around. 260 is a pull through site.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Shakamak State Park Campground

    Great State Park

    Most of the spaces that had both water and electric were mostly in the sun. But all the other spaces had plenty of shade and trees around them. Our space was spot on level and nice area around each space to where you didn’t feel like you were camped on top of other people. The showers were adequate. Great hiking trails in the area. Very quiet. Although we were there on a weekday. One downside was we had Verizon as a cell phone carrier and only had one bar.

  • L
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Spring Mill State Park Campground

    Fun, sunny, clean.

    This was an amazing campground! There were amazing trails and a cave, as well as Pioneer Village which was so fascinating and well run. Our campsite wasn't far from the bathrooms and showers house which were pretty clean. We were near water as well. Our campsite was on a small hill so it was well distanced from all the other campers, which was nice and peaceful. 

         There was a sweet place where you could get ice cream down the road from Spring Mill called Dairy Bell. Spring Mill wasn't far from the town were there was a Walmart, Rural King, and several more stores. 

    Very pretty and nice campground!

  • L
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Shakamak State Park Campground

    Clean, pretty, quiet, spacey.

    We had a nice site that was evenly spaced from the other campsites by trees and was nice and close to water, the bathrooms, and the shower houses, which were very clean! The camp store was nice and the paddle boats were fun! The pool was only opened on the weekends in August which was disappointing but there was a large fishing dock and many boating opportunities. Very nice camping spot, but in August beware of the bugs!


Guide to Clear Creek

Camping near Clear Creek, Indiana, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. Whether you're looking for a lively atmosphere or a peaceful retreat, there are campgrounds that cater to different preferences.

What to do:

  • Boating and Fishing: Many campers enjoy the water activities available at Paynetown Campground. One reviewer noted, "This is a boating/fishing park," highlighting the fun you can have on Lake Monroe.
  • Hiking: For those who love to explore, Taylor Ridge Campground offers several trails. A visitor mentioned, "We had a blast. Rode horses, hiked, geocached, lots to do."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Hardin Ridge appreciate the natural surroundings. One reviewer shared, "Screech owls and active birds made it an exciting evening."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often rave about the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A visitor at Starve Hollow State Rec Area said, "Clean facilities. Quite the hidden gem."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Hardin Ridge. One camper remarked, "Beautiful spacious sites. Spread out with plenty of room between sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff at various campgrounds. A reviewer at Buffalo Ridge Campground noted, "Staff are very friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Busy Weekends: If you prefer a quieter experience, avoid weekends at Paynetown Campground. One camper warned, "It's VERY noisy & busy on a summer weekend."
  • Site Conditions: Some sites may not be level, especially at Taylor Ridge Campground. A visitor mentioned, "The sites on the outer areas are not very level."
  • Primitive Camping: For those seeking a more rustic experience, Yellowwood State Forest offers primitive camping. A reviewer stated, "This is a State Forest campground near Nashville, Indiana. Primitive camping. Pit toilets only."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with amenities for children. A family at Lieber State Recreation Area enjoyed, "Lots of activities for families. The beach was fun."
  • Safety First: Choose sites that are away from steep drops, especially at places like Buffalo Ridge Campground. One parent cautioned, "Be aware if you have kids that you are on a ledge."
  • Plan for Noise: If your family prefers a quieter environment, consider visiting during the week. A camper at Starve Hollow State Rec Area mentioned, "If you like a quieter experience come Monday through Wed."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at Taylor Ridge Campground advised, "Pay attention to your campsite for slope and camper accessibility."
  • Electric Hookups: If you need power, look for campgrounds with electric hookups like Hardin Ridge. One camper noted, "There are 4 loops with 30 & 50 amp."
  • Avoid Crowds: For a more peaceful stay, consider visiting during the off-season. A visitor at Blackwell Campground shared, "It wasn’t too busy when we were there (a Thursday)."

Camping near Clear Creek, Indiana, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you want to fish, hike, or just relax, there are plenty of options to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Clear Creek, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Clear Creek, IN offers a wide range of camping options, with 116 campgrounds and RV parks near Clear Creek, IN and 10 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Clear Creek, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clear Creek, IN is Paynetown Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clear Creek, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Clear Creek, IN.

What parks are near Clear Creek, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Clear Creek, IN that allow camping, notably Monroe Lake and Hoosier National Forest.