Tent campsites near Dugger, Indiana offer access to the limestone karst topography characteristic of south-central Indiana's backcountry. This region features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 500 to 900 feet above sea level, with summertime humidity levels often exceeding 80%. Primitive camping options in state forests typically maintain cooler temperatures than surrounding areas due to dense tree coverage.
What to do
Geode hunting along creek beds: In Charles C. Deam Wilderness, explore sandbars along the Patton Cave trail creek. "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.
Morel mushroom foraging: Spring visitors to wilderness areas can search for prized morel mushrooms in April. "We visited during mid-April, perfect for finding morels. The trails are well paved and marked, not too strenuous," notes Hannah F. about her experience at Charles C. Deam Wilderness.
Canoeing on Monroe Lake: Ransburg Scout Reservation provides water recreation access. "Located on Monroe lake, they have canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing," states Margo B., who has experienced both cabin and tent camping at this location.
Hammock camping: Several sites near water features accommodate hammock setups. Ralph R. from Charles C. Deam Wilderness mentions, "loved it hammock camped right at the water front," while others note abundant hammock spots throughout forested areas.
What campers like
Solitude on less-traveled trails: Tent campers appreciate the quiet camping experience in state forests. "Once on trail I didn't see another soul past a couple hundred feet of the trail head and only heard a pair of hikers on the trail pass my camp site as I ate my breakfast the one morning," reports Darren L. about his Sycamore Trail experience.
Affordable camping options: Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers self-registration camping with reasonable rates. "When you arrive set up at your site. Then you will need to go WITH EXACT CHANGE to the sign in at the main building. It's easy, there is a little box on the side of the firewood shed," explains Rob R.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many primitive campsites provide chances to observe local fauna. "I see more deer and other wildlife here than even at Brown County State Park!" notes Jennifer H. about Pine Loop and the surrounding Hardin Ridge area.
Outdoor washing facilities: At Oak Ridge Camping Area in Morgan-Monroe State Forest, basic amenities make primitive camping more comfortable. "This campground has vault toilets and drinking water available. There are outdoor sinks at the drinking water stations," explains Daisy C.
What you should know
Primitive site limitations: Most tent campsites near Dugger require self-sufficiency. "This is a great place to camp and hike, although there is no electric hookup," explains Don N. about his Morgan-Monroe State Forest experience.
Water access challenges: Plan water resources carefully when backcountry camping. "Heads up! Refill your water when you come across it; the lake is harder to get to than you think," warns Jessica T. about Charles C. Deam Wilderness.
Parking constraints: Limited parking exists at trailheads for backcountry sites. "Come Friday you'll be fighting for a spot or face an $80 fine for parking on the roadway. More parking is a necessity with the amount of dispersed campers," notes Hannah F.
Firewood restrictions: Some locations require purchasing wood from forest headquarters during limited office hours. "Firewood is available to purchase, but only when the park office is open, and hours are limited. It is also allowed for campers to gather downed wood throughout the forest for campfires," explains Daisy C.
Tips for camping with families
Scout-friendly facilities: Ransberg Scout Reservation welcomes youth groups with appropriate facilities. "The climbing wall was nice. Restrooms were decent. Lots of trees in the area so it was pretty," mentions Na J., though noting, "The downside was that the aquatics area was hard to get to from our site because it was so far away."
Playground access: Some camping areas include recreational facilities for children. "There is a playground and fire tower right next to the Mason Ridge campground," mentions Daisy C. about Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Small site selection: Choose camping spots based on your equipment needs. Joe B. notes about Oak Ridge Camping Area, "This campground is decent if you get one of the few good spots. Many sites are small and can only accommodate a tent."
Insect preparation: South-central Indiana forests require appropriate insect protection. "I would also bring bug spray and check for ticks!" advises Jessica T., while Sarah R. notes, "We came after a lot of rain. So everything is permanently wet and mosquitos/ticks abounded."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions for vehicles: Most tent campsites near Dugger have limitations for larger camping vehicles. "This park is not for large rigs... we had no trouble fitting into our small camper," reports Don N. about his 21-foot Winnebago at Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
RV accessibility challenges: State forest campgrounds typically accommodate smaller trailers only. "If you have a small camper (15' or smaller) there would more sites. There is a dump station, but I barely got in to dump. So not real RV friendly," explains Ron H.
Generator considerations: Some areas restrict generator use, requiring alternative power sources. "Even with no electric hookup we had a generator that we used sparklingly," notes Don N., suggesting minimal generator operation to maintain the quiet atmosphere.
Tight navigation: Forest campground roads present challenges for larger vehicles. "Our camper is about 25' and it was tight get in and out of the campground," warns Ron H. about the narrow access roads at Oak Ridge Camping Area.
