113 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Martinsville, Indiana offers camping options within a 30-mile radius that range from primitive to full-service amenities. Morgan-Monroe State Forest, less than 10 miles from Martinsville, provides year-round tent camping at Oak Ridge Camping Area with basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Other notable campgrounds include Yellowwood State Forest, Lieber State Recreation Area, and Brown County State Park, which offer a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations depending on the location.
Seasonal availability varies across campgrounds, with most state forest and recreation areas open year-round while private campgrounds like Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park & Campground operate from May through November. Primitive camping areas often use a self-registration system where campers select a site first and then pay at a central location with exact change. Water access points are available at most established campgrounds, though electric hookups are limited to larger recreation areas and private facilities. As one camper noted about Morgan-Monroe State Forest, "This campground is decent if you get one of the few good spots. Many sites are small and can only accommodate a tent. Has water and vault toilets."
Campground reviews consistently highlight the seclusion and natural setting of state forest camping areas around Martinsville. Oak Ridge Camping Area receives praise for its quieter atmosphere compared to larger state parks, with visitors appreciating the lack of overcrowding. Several campers mentioned the hiking opportunities, particularly at Morgan-Monroe State Forest which connects to an extensive trail system. The region's campgrounds typically offer varying terrain, with some sites featuring level ground suitable for RVs while others are better suited for tent camping on slopes. One reviewer described Morgan-Monroe as "a very off the beaten trail clearing that's the very minimum of a campsite. But because of this, not many people are there so it's super quiet and not busy!"
"This is probably the best state forest in the state of Indiana. The property is well maintained. There is a new visitors center built a few years ago."
"Site 13 has a little trail that goes down to a large flooded sinkhole behind the campsite. There were lots of tree frogs singing because of the proximity to water."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability"We have visited Nashville Indiana several times but this is our first time camping nearby. My wife loves to visit Nashville and all the little shops they offer."
"It was backed up to the edge of the woods which made for a lovely view. Driving through the campground it looks like there are some sites pretty close together but ours wasn’t too bad."
from $43 / night
Check Availability"Peaceful little place but unfortunately it rained but we made the best of it, there’s some secluded spots where you can stay away from others or stay in the more general areas, nice lake to fish and we"
"Drive up, select your site, and then go to the park office to pay using a self-pay envelope. Bring exact change(cash). Current prices are listed on the Indiana DNR website."
from $225 / night
Check Availability"This is a beautiful State Park situated in the rolling hills of southern Indiana."
"I make multiple visits here every year, mainly for the mountain bike trails. There are almost 30 miles of trails inside the park with new trails every year for the past 3+ years."
from $43 / night
Check Availability"It's a bittersweet type of situation."
"This is one of the largest campgrounds in all of Indiana. It includes hundreds of campsites. This includes RV hookups, standard campsites, and primitive campsites."
from $20 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Bathrooms very far walk from campsites. Showers are pay only. Difficult to navigate/find your camp without a map."
"This is the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Music Park & Campground near Nashville, IN. Very nice facility with nice stage for events."
from $12 - $38 / night
Check Availability"Cagles Mill Lake borders the southwestern side of the area. We arrived to a very quiet campground with few campers."
"Each campsite is spacious and has plenty of space away from your neighbors. There was plenty of shade even though our pad wasn't tucked back in the woods."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"If coming from the north-west, try to arrive before dark as the road over the hills to this place is beautiful, but narrow and forested with some trees very close to the roadway."
"And the town of Nashville Indiana is about 10 minutes away with lots of neat shops and food. We had a great time."
"We are very close to the Brown County frisbee golf course as well as the brown county state park where mountain biking and hiking is top notch. Yellowwood lake is ~10 minutes away as is Lake Lemon."
"Far enough away from town to be peaceful but close enough to be convenient. Riley has made a great spot to camp and relax."
"Holiday Fourth of July 2022 weekend the start Park was special excitement in downtown Nashville, Indiana a short drive outside the State Park."
"Our third Indiana state park. Still impressed, they have all been friendly, well maintained with good, spread out sites and good signage everywhere (even the trails)."
from $43 / night
Check Availability
GuideThis campground was fine. Very clean pit toilets, but some of the sites were pretty sloped and close together. 154 was the best spot I scoped. 133 was very uneven and no privacy
GuideThe coordinates took me to nowhere, just a spot on the side of the road. There are some sites along the road though.
GuideJust the edge of a dirt road. Signs nearby saying no camping. You could maybe get away with it late at night, but it didn’t feel like a good spot to stay overnight to me.
ScoutWe just stopped overnight. It was just fine
GuidePit toilets clean and well stocked. Area is open with lots of room to choose your spot. Have visited before and will again..
GuideNice big open field with plenty of places to park and pitch. A bit crowded for midweek, but not too bad.
TravelerFirst time to Spring Mill State Park in over 30 years. It was a three night trip, with two full days packed full of hiking, exploring, and hanging out. Stayed in the full hookup campground, which was nice. Pioneer Village is really neat, and we hiked about every trail, including some exploring in the Donaldson cave. (bring some flashlights so you can really get past the entrance.) We did the mountain bike trail, and the kids 8&12 had no issue keeping up.
GuideThis is a beautiful park with lots of amenities. The sites have paved pads but very few are level - weird. Lake access, wooded and sunny sites.
ScoutIts our first time, in all. The Lady (owner) is really nice. They got all the basic needs and really clean.
Camping options near Martinsville, Indiana extend beyond the immediate area into the rolling hills of south-central Indiana, where elevations range from 600 to 900 feet above sea level. Campers can access sites within the 23,326-acre Yellowwood State Forest or explore options in the Hoosier National Forest. Self-registration systems remain common at forest campgrounds with drop boxes requiring exact cash payment.
Swimming and beach access: Hardin Ridge on Lake Monroe provides dedicated beach areas where families can enjoy lake activities. "This campground is on the south side of Monroe lake and has beach access. I tent camped solo and everything went great!" reports Christine C.
Boat rentals and fishing: At Yellowwood State Forest, campers can rent rowboats to explore the 133-acre lake. "We have also had lots of fun renting a rowboat, and being out on the water," shares Margo B. The forest office offers boat and kayak rentals, with the lake known for good fishing opportunities.
Cycling opportunities: The terrain around Brown County-Nashville KOA offers excellent conditions for biking, particularly along paved roads connecting to trail systems. "Plenty of trails and awesome lookout points. The lakes aren't bad for fishing and kayaking too!" writes Desiree R., highlighting the multiple activities available within a short distance.
Secluded camping spots: Many campers value the privacy found at less-developed sites. "Yellowwood State Forest campground does not accept reservations. It is first come, first served. Drive up, select your site, and then go to the park office to pay using a self-pay envelope," explains Daisy C. "The only time we have ever seen the campground busy is over big holiday weekends like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and 4th of July. Otherwise use is light."
Clean facilities: Lieber State Recreation Area maintains well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. "Stayed at Poplar Grove Electric campground. We were there for two nights. We were grateful StarLink worked well. Husband was able to take his gravel bike out for a nice ride after work and I got in a nice little walk," notes Shirley M.
Winter camping options: Unlike some seasonal sites, several forest campgrounds maintain year-round access. Deb T. comments about Hardin Ridge: "Late fall, winter, and early spring when the nights are a little chilly, you may have the whole place to yourself, unlike Brown County State Park, where there will likely still be some campers scattered about."
Primitive conditions: Most state forest sites offer minimal amenities. "It costs $13 now. Well maintained though. Plenty of bathrooms and campsites," says Phil about Yellowwood State Forest. Vault toilets rather than flush toilets are standard at most forest campgrounds.
Site selection strategies: At Buffalo Ridge Campground, site locations vary significantly in terms of shade and access. "Negatives include no beaches or water sports for such a large park, no WIFI (unplug and enjoy!) and lack of shade on up front sites," notes Frank M. Many campgrounds have drive-through sites for easier access, but they tend to fill quickly.
Reservation requirements: Forest campgrounds typically operate first-come, first-served while state parks require advance booking. "You can reserve sites, or some are first come first served," explains Cynthia K. about Hardin Ridge. During peak season (May-October), arriving mid-week improves chances for walk-in availability.
Playground access: Taylor Ridge Campground offers designated play areas for children near camping loops. "This is our go-to when we want a fun weekend, but don't want to go far. The campgrounds are gorgeous, with lots of shady spots, and some awesome trails, including two around the two lakes in the park," shares Chris W.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds feature nature centers with interpretive programming. "The nature center is really fun with animals and a bee hive that the children really enjoyed! There are a lot of diverse hiking trails for all," reports Jessie W. about Taylor Ridge.
Beach alternatives: Some families prefer pool facilities over natural swimming areas. "Skip the lake and enjoy the pool. Very flat and ideal for bike riding," suggests Amy C. about Lieber State Recreation Area, noting the recreation area's maintained swimming pool as an alternative to lake swimming.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites in the region require significant leveling for RVs. "We were in the full-hookup, back-in RV sites connected with the cabins. Pads are gravel and we did need to use several leveling blocks on our site, which made for a doosey of a bottom step into and out of our trailer," explains GP about Brown County-Nashville KOA.
Size limitations: Forest campgrounds typically accommodate smaller RVs only. "I would not recommend for larger units as most sites are small and unlevel and may challenge your maneuvering skills!" advises Stephen & Theresa B. about Yellowwood State Forest. RVs over 25 feet often have difficulty navigating the narrow forest roads.
Dump station access: Limited dump facilities mean planning ahead. "The dump station hose did not have a connection to allow me to flush the blackwater holding tank," notes Don N. about Oak Ridge Camping Area. Most state forest campgrounds offer only a basic dump station without fresh water flush connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available near Martinsville, Indiana?
Several excellent campgrounds surround Martinsville, Indiana. Lieber State Recreation Area Campground offers peaceful sites with electric hookups and access to Cagles Mill Lake, located west of Martinsville. Oak Ridge Camping Area — Morgan-Monroe State Forest provides a more rustic experience with water and toilets just north of town. Brown County State Park, approximately 30 minutes southeast, offers multiple campgrounds with hundreds of sites. For those seeking wilderness camping, both Yellowwood State Forest and Charles C. Deam Wilderness provide more primitive options within a reasonable drive.
Are there tent camping options close to Martinsville?
Tent campers have several excellent options near Martinsville. Yellowwood State Forest offers 79 primitive campsites in a beautiful setting with rolling hills and fall foliage displays, located about 30 minutes southeast. Charles C. Deam Wilderness provides dispersed tent camping opportunities with several hidden sites perfect for those seeking solitude. For a more developed experience with amenities, Paynetown Campground at Lake Monroe offers tent sites with access to water recreation. Most of these areas are particularly beautiful during fall when southern Indiana's hills display vibrant colors.
Can I rent an RV in Martinsville, Indiana for camping trips?
While Martinsville itself has limited RV rental options, several RV rental services operate in the greater Indianapolis area, about 30-40 minutes north. These businesses typically offer various sizes of motorhomes and travel trailers that can be delivered to nearby campgrounds like Brown County State Park, which features over 250 sites with electric hookups and can accommodate larger RVs. Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park & Campground near Morgantown is another big-rig friendly option. For RV rentals, check Indianapolis-based companies or nationwide platforms that offer peer-to-peer RV rentals with delivery options.
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