The Edinburgh, Indiana area sits at the northern edge of the hilly southern region of the state, with elevations between 600-900 feet. Camping options near Edinburgh range from primitive tent sites at state forests to full-amenity RV parks with connections to miles of hiking trails. Fall temperatures drop into the 30s at night even when days remain warm, requiring additional insulation for tent campers.
What to do
Shooting practice nearby: Camp Atterbury Campground visitors hear regular firearms training from the military installation. "If you don't mind fireing guns 24/7 it's a great little place," notes Jeff G. Another camper mentioned, "I'm military, so the gunfire, canon fire, and helicopters didn't bother me at all. Those things don't happen all the time though."
Mountain biking trails: Brown County State Park offers extensive mountain biking just minutes from eXplore Brown County. "The ATV and ropes course on site were excellent! The free bike trails were hard to find," reports Elana C. The park connects to numerous trail systems of varying difficulty levels.
Water activities: Hidden Paradise Campground offers multiple water recreation options in one location. "What is the best of the best for all in the family? A quarry full to swim with an aqua playground, with use of free life preservers, a creek to kayak or float and a clean campground!" shares Kimberly W. Rentals for water equipment are available on-site.
Fishing spots: Several campgrounds provide direct access to fishing areas. Oak Ridge Camping Area has a trail leading to a "large flooded sinkhole behind the campsite," according to Daisy C. Morgan-Monroe State Forest contains "three small lakes are on the property for fishing and kayaking."
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: Friends O' Mine Campground & Cabins earns praise for its convenient location. "Minutes from state park and downtown. Big rig friendly sites, Tmobile worked perfectly," says Nicole P. This central location allows campers to explore multiple attractions without long drives.
Community atmosphere: Social connections form naturally at some campgrounds. Kent R. shares about Friends O' Mine: "The owner, their staff, and fellow campers embraced us as part of the family. Their fire pit fellowship is second to none." Organized weekend activities encourage interaction among guests.
Glamping accommodations: Brown County-Nashville KOA provides upscale glamping options with varying comfort levels. "We stayed in the cabins for a couple days. There is always so much to do, one day hiking the next we were shopping," notes Caitlin W. Cabins include small refrigerators and microwaves for convenience.
Wooded seclusion: Hoosiers On The Ridge offers sites that "back up to Yellowwood State Forest" according to the host. Jesse F. adds, "Far enough away from town to be peaceful but close enough to be convenient. We were able to make it to Lake Lemon quickly as well as Bloomington and downtown beautiful Nashville!"
What you should know
Seasonality impacts: Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October with limited winter availability. According to Joe B. at Morgan-Monroe State Forest, "This campground typically remains available as an overflow camping area but is still a good spot." Research operating dates when planning winter or shoulder season trips.
Site variations: Many campgrounds feature dramatically different site types within the same facility. "Many sites are small and can only accommodate a tent. This campground is decent if you get one of the few good spots," notes Joe B. about Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Research specific site dimensions before booking.
Noise levels: Several campgrounds report varied noise experiences. At Camp Atterbury, constant training noise affects some campers, while eXplore Brown County has a "party all the time" atmosphere according to Ella L., who explains, "This is the campground for bringing your battery powered hammock string lights and bluetooth speakers."
Site selection strategy: Highway proximity affects noise levels at some locations. Carolyn M. shares about Hidden Paradise: "We stayed in site 107 on a Sunday night and had the section all to ourselves. I think the place is quite busy on weekends though." Weekday stays typically offer quieter experiences.
Tips for camping with families
Splash pad options: Indianapolis KOA offers water features specifically designed for younger children. "The splash pad/water park was fun, but was not a pool. It only goes to 3 feet so if you want to swim this is not for you. My kiddos finally got in and had fun on the slides," reports Megan T.
Weekend activities: Structured events keep children entertained at some campgrounds. Nicole P. notes that at Friends O' Mine, "weekend activities made the stay enjoyable for our kids." Many locations offer seasonal programming that varies throughout the year.
Playground considerations: eXplore Brown County provides "playground for the kiddos was a plus for us," according to carter T. Multiple campgrounds offer play structures, though quality and maintenance vary significantly. Indianapolis KOA balances "kid fun and peaceful nature" with "water, playground, and even horses to view."
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds feature animal interactions. At Indianapolis KOA, Keri mentions, "Our favorite part is visiting with Fred and Rain, the friendly onsite horses who are always ready for head rubs and snacks." Check with staff about feeding guidelines and visiting hours.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at some locations. Douglas T. notes at Hidden Paradise: "Sites are large and easy to maneuver our 42' 5th wheel. Our site had full hookup, flat ground so easy setup." Conversely, at Morgan-Monroe, "I was slightly disappointed by the site selections being mostly on a slant," reports rickie F.
Size restrictions: Several campgrounds have limited capacity for larger RVs. Ron H. explains about Morgan-Monroe: "We are RV campers and there are only about 5 sites we could get in to. Our camper is about 25' and it was tight get in and out of the campground." Call ahead to confirm access for larger rigs.
Navigation challenges: Arriving after dark creates difficulties at some campgrounds. Douglas T. shares: "We came in at 10 pm in search for our site... it all disappears in the dark after you turn onto the road. It's needs to be marked better." Plan for daylight arrival when possible.
Utility connections: Hookup availability varies widely. Hidden Paradise offers "full hook-up or water and electric sites, sites are level," according to Georgeann D. Call ahead for specific utility information as some glamping locations in Edinburgh, Indiana advertise full hookups but deliver less.
