Tent camping options around Elizabeth, Indiana range from developed campgrounds to primitive forest sites within Hoosier National Forest. The region's limestone terrain creates unique hiking opportunities with sinkholes, rock formations, and seasonal creeks throughout the area. Most camping locations sit between 500-700 feet elevation with dense hardwood forest providing natural shelter at most campsites.
What to do
Creek exploration: Happy Hollow Homestead offers excellent water features for visitors. One camper noted, "We saw a beautiful creek with waterfall, bee hives and sinkholes." The property includes various natural features to explore, including hiking trails that connect to water features.
Rock formations: Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed provides opportunities for geological exploration. According to a camper, "There are rock outcroppings along this road, which follows Mitchell Creek and lots to explore on foot." The dispersed camping area connects to several forest service trails.
Kayaking: Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping serves as an endpoint for river trips. A visitor mentioned, "The campground is very secluded right off Blue River. A canoe/kayaking company actually ends one of their river trips there." Rental companies operate nearby with trips ranging from 2-6 hours depending on river sections.
What campers like
Privacy and space: Campers appreciate the well-separated sites at many locations. At Happy Hollow Homestead, one camper reported, "We were all impressed with the land and how spaced out the camp sites were." This allows for a more private experience even when the campground has multiple visitors.
Quiet surroundings: The remote locations provide peaceful camping experiences. A Mitchell Creek Road visitor noted, "While I was exploring and camping on this road, only two vehicles passed during the entire 16 hours. VERY quiet." This makes the area ideal for those seeking to avoid noise pollution.
Natural features: The mature forest provides excellent hammock options at Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping. A reviewer stated, "Nice size site with fire ring and picnic table. Lots of trees - so great tree canopy and plenty of hammock." The established sites balance convenience with natural setting.
What you should know
Access challenges: Some dispersed sites require careful navigation. One camper at Mitchell Creek Road warned, "Have a paper map handy, as there is no cell signal and GPS was spotty." Forest roads can become difficult after rain events.
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites lack basic amenities. A camper at Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed explained, "This is NOT a campground, but just roadside pull-offs on public land. There are no restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, or other amenities."
Water availability: Bring sufficient water supplies. At Old Mill, a camper noted, "2 port a pots, no running water except the river in front of you." Most sites require carrying in all water for drinking and cooking.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds provide child-specific features. At Happy Hollow Homestead, a family mentioned, "The kids loved the tire swing and tree web. We will definitely be coming back!" The tree web is approximately 15 feet high and provides a unique play experience.
Wildlife awareness: The area hosts diverse wildlife that may interest children. A camper at Mitchell Creek Road observed, "Lookout for turtles on the road, we spotted and removed 4 of them." Box turtles are common in spring and summer months.
Weekend considerations: Busier periods affect the camping experience. At Old Mill, one camper reported, "The end of a kayaking trip is there so the buses to pick up kayakers are in and out and gets pretty busy at the end of the day." Weekdays typically offer quieter camping experiences compared to weekends.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: The forest roads limit RV access significantly. For Mitchell Creek Road, a reviewer cautioned, "I did not see any pull offs that would accommodate an RV of any size, and nothing large enough to turn a trailer around." Most dispersed camping areas cannot accommodate vehicles larger than small truck campers.
Self-contained camping: When boondocking, bring all supplies. A camper with a small vehicle noted, "If you are camping in a self-contained SMALL vehicle, this is quiet, secluded, and beautiful." Toilet facilities are not available at most dispersed sites.
Limited turnaround space: Forest roads often lack proper turnaround areas. One camper reported, "One pull off was nearly too small to turn around my small pick up truck." Scouting ahead on foot before driving down unknown forest roads is recommended for anyone with vehicles larger than passenger cars.
