Camping near Clear Creek, Indiana offers diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation within the rolling hills of southern Indiana. The region contains several campgrounds with varying amenities and terrain situated in Brown County State Park and around Lake Monroe. Sites range from heavily wooded settings with significant elevation changes to more open areas with lake access.
What to do
Hiking trails: Access multiple trail systems throughout Brown County State Park from Taylor Ridge Campground, where campers can explore wooded paths with significant elevation changes. "The park is beautiful and there's a trailhead that's walking distance from the campsite that leads down a beautiful trail to a lake," notes Amanda D.
Mountain biking: The park offers extensive purpose-built mountain biking trails ranging from beginner to expert level at Buffalo Ridge Campground. "There are almost 30 miles of trails inside the park with new trails every year for the past 3+ years. Connectivity to Yellowwood and Hoosier National Forest is also available for those adventurous individuals with lots of gas in the bike tank," writes Frank M.
Horseback riding: The dedicated equestrian areas allow trail riding on numerous routes through the park. "It is Beautiful! I have only been twice and we took our hours to trail ride! There are a lot of fun hills and trails that you can ride for hours which we love to do," shares bria M.
Water activities: Rent boats, canoes, or kayaks at Lake Monroe for water-based recreation. "We all went out on my brothers boat. The next day my wife and I rented kayaks, we had a blast," reports Katie M.
What campers like
Wooded sites: Many campers prefer the more secluded spots at Taylor Ridge. "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," explains Caitlin W.
Clean facilities: Raccoon Ridge Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses and pit toilets. "Pit toilets at the back of the loop were probably the cleanest pits I've ever used. Bonus that there are dedicated mens/womens pits," shares Melissa W.
Proximity to Nashville: Access to the nearby town of Nashville provides additional entertainment options. "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," writes Chris W.
What you should know
Site selection: Pay careful attention when booking specific sites as terrain varies significantly. "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 Amanda D.
Seasonal considerations: Fall is particularly popular for the changing colors. "Autumn is the heavy tourist season with the changing of the leaves...breathtaking vistas from the parks elevated vantage points!" notes Stephen & Theresa B.
Access restrictions: Large RVs must use specific entrances due to clearance limitations. "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 TMB at Buffalo Ridge.
Weather preparedness: Paynetown Campground sites may experience drainage issues during heavy rains. "We had plenty of room at our site (site #18), and enjoyed the beauty of nature. Our stay was for 5 nights, and even though we had some rain, we were able to still enjoy the fire pit most of the time due to the trees overhead," explains Margo B.
Tips for camping with families
Activity center programs: Paynetown offers organized activities for children. "The activity center has programs all the time and there is always something going on there," notes Jamie B.
Playground access: Multiple rv parks near Clear Creek, Indiana feature play areas for children. "There is a playground that kids seemed to really enjoy. They also had a Trick or Treat night, and it was fun to see all of the creative costumes and kids (and adults) having fun," shares Margo B.
Nature center visits: Cloverdale RV Park provides additional attractions beyond standard camping. "The spots are accessible, the bathrooms are AMAZING (no…seriously), the little attractions are adorable and the host is terrific," explains Linda R.
Swimming opportunities: Lake Monroe provides beach access for families. "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.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many RV sites in the Clear Creek area require leveling equipment. "The sites around us were spacious and had a lot of mature trees. The nature center is really fun with animals and a bee hive that the children really enjoyed!" advises Jessie W.
Full-hookup options: Lake Monroe Village offers comprehensive RV amenities year-round. "Great place for friends and families. Tons for both kids and adults. Super close to the lake and really nice facilities all around!" reports Chris B.
Road navigation: Access roads to campgrounds often feature tight turns and narrow passages. "The Campground is on top of the Ridgeline. When we pulled in it was raining and there was smoky mist hanging over the forests," explains Cathy T. regarding the approach to Raccoon Ridge.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide sanitary facilities, though locations vary. "Water access was plentiful, and easy and fast dump station," notes Margo B. about Paynetown's facilities.
