Best Campgrounds near Ellettsville, IN
The area around Ellettsville, Indiana includes access to various types of camping and campgrounds within a short drive. Brown County State Park, located about 25 miles southeast, offers two developed campgrounds with electric hookups and modern facilities. Lake Monroe, just 15 miles south, provides multiple camping options including Paynetown Campground with both primitive and electric sites along the shoreline. Yellowwood State Forest and the Charles C. Deam Wilderness area offer more rustic experiences for those seeking a quieter setting. Camping styles range from fully-developed RV sites with 50-amp service to primitive tent camping, with several locations also offering cabin rentals for those who prefer more shelter.
Camping availability peaks from April through October, with many campgrounds operating year-round but with reduced services during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds, especially during autumn when fall foliage attracts significant crowds to the region. The terrain varies from relatively flat, accessible sites at Paynetown to more challenging, hilly terrain at Brown County State Park. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly in the Hoosier National Forest. Weather conditions change seasonally, with humid summers and occasional storms that can affect camping conditions. One visitor noted, "With COVID, it seems that everyone...and then more people are going camping. It's been very hard to find decent camping in Indiana that isn't packed in like sardines."
Several visitors mentioned lake views and water access as key highlights of camping in the region. Paynetown Campground on Lake Monroe receives positive reviews for its lakeside sites, though some campers note it can be noisy on summer weekends. Brown County State Park, while not offering water recreation within the park, compensates with extensive trail systems for hiking and mountain biking. Campers frequently mention the proximity to Nashville, Indiana, a popular tourist town with shopping and dining options. Yellowwood State Forest provides a more primitive experience with sites adjacent to a 133-acre lake. According to one visitor, "Yellowwood State Forest, named for the environmentally unique Yellowwood tree, offers 79 primitive class c sites in four campground areas adjacent to the lake." For backcountry enthusiasts, the Charles C. Deam Wilderness offers dispersed camping with more solitude and fewer amenities.
