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Hoosier National Forest campgrounds near Derby feature several pet-friendly options with affordable primitive camping. German Ridge Campground allows dogs throughout the campground with each site including picnic tables, fire rings, and hitching posts suitable for campers traveling with horses or pets. Sites are designed with tie-out areas for horses, making this location popular with equestrian campers while still accommodating regular pet owners. The very first site is large enough for groups traveling with multiple pets. Dogs must be leashed in all campground areas, though they are not permitted at the small swimming area in the German Ridge Day Use Area.
Buzzard Roost Campground provides five primitive pet-friendly sites along the Ohio River where campers and their dogs can enjoy hiking trails with river views. Dogs can join owners on the rugged trail down to the riverbank, which requires navigating some rocks but offers rewarding water access. Saddle Lake Campground offers another pet-friendly option with 13 primitive sites at $5 per night with spacious camping areas that accommodate multiple vehicles and pets. While collecting firewood is not permitted at these Hoosier National Forest campgrounds, each site comes equipped with fire rings, picnic tables and lantern hooks. None of these sites provide running water, so campers should pack sufficient water for themselves and their pets, especially during summer months when temperatures can rise significantly.
"This was a very quiet campsite in southern Indiana. We had a hard time finding dispered camping in the national Forest so we settled for this site."
"Indian Lake is co-located with Celina Lake and two campground. Once you turn off of IN37 you just keep straight to get to Indian Lake."
from $24 - $52 / night
Check Availability"It used to have a sweet little walk in spot down the bouldering trail that looked over the river. Now it is overgrown and you can't get back there."
"There actually wasn’t any camp grounds open when we got there but we were so exhausted from the drive and it was 4am so we parking at the trail head and got a 3 hour nap in."
"Saddle Lake Recreation Area and Campground is located of IN37 right outside Tell City, IN in Hoosier National Forest. "
"There are 8-10 spots available, all but one of which are drive-in."
from $5 / night
"This was my first time camping in Indiana and it did not let me down!"
"Located in the beautiful rolling hills of southern Indiana not far from I-64 (exit 79)."
from $24 - $80 / night
Check Availability"There is also no sewer hookup at the site which I assumed was wrong, because I have never been to an Indiana state park with sewer hookup on site."
"The campground is near the trail to the old abandoned bridge which is well worth the hike. The fire tower has a commanding view."
from $23 - $496 / night
Check Availability"I wrongfully assumed the horses would be at Saddle Lake across IN37, but then I rolled into German Ridge. "
"We also found a bunch at the host at the Tipsaw Campground a short drive away. We were at site 19 and pitched 3 tents, and it was tight quarters but doable."
from $8 / night
"This is a great location near the lake, dog park and community center and has excellent internet access."
"Pets are allowed and the sites are gravel or concrete. Relax at the pool, enjoy mini golf, playing at the game room, mining for gems, or shooting some hoops."
from $45 - $101 / night
Check Availability"We were right at the lake edge. The campsite had electric but no water, but the water was just across the road at a shelter."
"There is a fishing lake and a small river to fish in or wade and swim in. There is a miniature village for the kids along with 20 playgrounds in the campground."
"Only waterfill location was at the camp store. Shower house was open and warm water was available. Big DNR presence and staff was friendly and helpful. Quiet campground wasn’t many occupants."
"Patoka has always had a hype about it for years; big lake, tons of boats, and fishing. This was our first trip here. We stayed in the Fishermans Primitive Campground."
from $14 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Tipsaw features a nice beach facility(no dogs on beach) with small picnic pavilions on cement walkways. "
"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 launc, often followed by a turkey or two."
GuideThere was lots to do at this KOA. There was corn hole, ladder ball, pool, walking trails, access to the river, cat fish pond, small dog park, and washers & dryers. You could bring your RV, travel trailer, tent camp, or rent a cabin. I’m sure I’m forgetting something. The spots were close together. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The park was clean and well maintained.
ScoutBesides picking the only weekend where the camp had plumbing issues… my 4 year old daughter and I loved this place. This was my first time camping in Indiana and it did not let me down! The rangers were very nice and was pleased to answer any of my questions, the lake and bathrooms were clean and the place was nice and quiet. I’ll be back again.
ScoutThis is a great location near the lake, dog park and community center and has excellent internet access.
GuideThe staff are super helpful. The site we had was for a 38’ RV. Full hookups, dog park, lots of places to walk, even trails. We had a great stay here and will most likely come back next time we’re near Louisville.
GuideThe sites are well-spaced and there’s a beautiful lake where you can kayak, canoe, fish, let your dog swim, etc. Disc golf is the big activity at this park. Awesome walking path and a petting zoo. The park is exceptionally clean. Sites on the lake view side are noisy due to traffic on the highway.
LegendWe received an information email the day before prior to arrival with general info and wifi password plus how to pre check in. The morning of arrival, we received another email with specific instructions to not trust GPS and follow their instructions. Our Trip Wizard and Waze GPS instructions actually brought us right to the campground (CG). Since we had pre checked in, we were instructed in the directions email to go directly to deluxe pull-through site 78, where our welcome package would be in the electrical box. The site was plenty long enough for our 40’ toy hauler and F450. Not sure why this is a deluxe site as its gravel with a picnic table and portable fire pit? The utilities were more towards the front of the pad with no issues reaching the connections. It was a nice touch to see a small cement circle pad on the sewer connection. This is a new CG, so amenities like the laundry and gift shop were not opened yet. Water pressure was good. We got 4 bars on Verizon and 3 bars 5G on T-Mobile. We used our T-Mobile Internet versus Starlink. It would not have been an issue to use satellite as there are no mature trees in the campground. They have one large(about 1/4 acre) fenced dog area. The dog park slopes down a hill and connects with a fence that goes around the property. Do not throw small balls down the hill as they can go through the fence and there’s no way to recover the ball due to no openings/gates near by to get to the back of the dog park. There’s also a smaller fenced dog area near the front of the CG. Great customer service before and during our stay.
GuideRest stops leading up to this RV spot were under construction. This was a last minute decision. It was late and I didn’t want to drive in the dark anymore. The price is HIGH. With discounts for goodsam and loves connect it was $50/night for 30 amp. The dog park at this loves is very nice and the spaces are okay. But it’s loud all night because it’s a truck stop. I like the idea of this for loves but the price needs to reflect it. $25/night. No one is staying longer than that and it’s a better deal.
TravelerThis was our first time camping and I must say I absolutely loved our site. We were on a primitive site number 109. Though the ground was a little rocky the lake views were spectacular. There was a porto potty in walking distance. When we first arrived it was pretty clean but after the weekend it was really bad and ran out of toilet paper. But the bathroom facilities by the slide were great you just had to drive to it from the primitive sites. Water slide was a blast and loved the petting zoo, also the volleyball court was a fun addition too. Though a little close to the road. All in all we will definitely be staying there again.
TravelerA very peaceful place to camp with helpful rangers. There was a free petting zoo which was great but the animals seemed very discontented. The trails were interesting but vacant of trail markers and some plaques were vandalized from years before. Firewood is $8 a bundle and parking is $3 a day. Well priced and serene, but I would recommend this for people without children or someone looking for a camp away from any kind of excitement.
Hoosier National Forest camping options near Derby include pet-friendly primitive sites within a short drive of the Ohio River. Situated in the rolling hills of southern Indiana at elevations ranging from 400-700 feet, these campgrounds experience warm summer days with temperatures often reaching the upper 80s. Several locations offer vault toilets with no running water, requiring campers to bring sufficient supplies for their stay.
Hiking lake trails: The 5.9-mile trail at Tipsaw Lake offers varied terrain through wooded areas. "We enjoyed the Tipsaw Lake 5.9 mile Trail. I kept thinking Trail Run event! The trail is not difficult, it's hilly and technical, but an enjoyable excursion," notes Shelly S. Watch for ticks during summer months.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lake access points provide options for anglers throughout the forest. "The lake was a bit small but there's hardly a lot of people around so I think it would be great for kayaking or even fishing," says Rica Z. about Saddle Lake Campground.
Ohio River access: Rugged trails lead to water access points with views of the river. "There's a nice trail that overlooks the river and has a cleared vantage point with a bench," reports Joe F. about Buzzard Roost Campground. The path requires some navigation skills but rewards with scenic overlooks.
Private, spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between sites with natural buffers. At Indian-Celina Recreation Area, "Each site was spacious and not jammed up against other sites. It is very family oriented with plenty of friendly campers," according to Nancy R., who enjoyed the forest setting.
Clean facilities: Despite being primitive, many campgrounds maintain clean amenities. "Clean bathroom aka pit toilet, was literally just washed and stocked before I arrived," notes a Buzzard Roost camper. Most sites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and basic amenities even without running water.
Affordable camping: Buzzard Roost Campground provides free camping along the Ohio River with basic amenities. "Only five sites. Reasonably quiet. Nice vault toilet. No hookups but it's free. Right along the Ohio River," shares Bonnie F., highlighting the value of these primitive options.
Limited water access: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Derby lack running water. "Dry camping (no water). All drive-in sites had a fire pit and picnic table," one reviewer notes about Saddle Lake. Bring enough water for yourself and your pets, especially during summer heat.
Wildlife considerations: Local wildlife may visit campsites, particularly after dark. "Be advised that bears are only very rarely seen in Indiana but the racoons are ruthless and highly organized," warns one Saddle Lake camper. Proper food storage is essential at all forest campgrounds.
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality throughout the forest. At German Ridge Campground, "Nice, borderline first-come first served primitive campground. The water isn't potable, so make sure and either bring lots or a good filter/boil/etc... vault toilets," advises Elliott B.
Beach access considerations: Some locations offer swimming areas with restrictions. "The beach area on Tipsaw Lake is very family oriented, nice bathhouse facility, small picnic pavilions on cement walkways and a nice beach with play area for the kids," notes a reviewer, though dogs aren't allowed in beach areas.
Child-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with playground equipment. Sycamore Springs Park offers "Playgrounds everywhere. Nice big sites with full hookups in the newer section. We were able to go 'creeking' do trail walking, bike riding. Just a super neat little place."
Planning for weather: Summer storms can affect camping conditions. "It rained quite a bit the few days prior to us arriving so some of the fire pits at the sites had standing water," reports a German Ridge camper. Have backup activities ready for rainy days.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all primitive sites accommodate larger rigs. At Saddle Lake, "This is a small campground (13 sites). Sites are nice, but small if you rv camp. We have a 29 ft. camper and could only use 3 or 4 of the sites," advises Ronald H.
Electricity options: For those needing hookups, O'Bannon Woods State Park provides more amenities. "The campground sites are spacious and lots of shade in the summer. Beautiful in the fall!" shares Audria J. The park offers electric sites with more developed facilities than forest service campgrounds.
Level site considerations: RVers should check site conditions before setup. "The sites are not so level but located in a nice wooded area and well maintained interior roads and facilities," notes a reviewer about camping options in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Derby, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Derby, IN is Indian-Celina Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Derby, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 81 dog-friendly camping locations near Derby, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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