122 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Ellettsville, Indiana ranges from fully-developed RV sites with 50-amp hookups to primitive tent camping and dispersed backcountry sites 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 campgrounds near Ellettsville 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.
"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"This campground is nestled on a ridge above Indiana's Lake Monroe."
"Hardin Ridge is a fantastic place to camp, and is very close to lake Monroe. But it's also quite a ways away from any stores in case you forget anything."
from $24 - $64 / 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 $20 - $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"The ground is level and all grass with less bugs than sites directly off trail. We just have a simple backpacking tent set-up and we had a great campfire."
"Site is a wide open and well-groomed, with trails just a short walk (or ride) away. Toilets and covered picnic tables nearby."
"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"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"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"There are 75 acres of trails to hike on or drive your golf cart on ."
"Great location and clean camp ground."
"I had to nearly lower my tongue to the ground to get it level. The splash park was fun, even for the teen kids, but the pool was tiny and shallow and disappointing."
ScoutWe was put in a spot because we have a big dog and a special needs daughter and after being here 2 days the host came rudely knocking on my door to tell me check out was 5 minutes ago when I have 2 days left and then said all of a sudden my dog wasn’t allowed
GuideGreat for car camping or tent camping. 2.2 miles of gravel dirt road. Very set off the road and private. Very leveled. Shaded by the trees. Clean. Cell service was great.
ScoutQuiet and quant! Nice little campground with great fishing nearby!!
TravelerWe love these campsites! So much space, existing fire rings, there was wood left behind from previous campers so that was nice! We have a reactive pup and she is able to live her best life there! We enjoyed all the trails around our site as well.
TravelerI chose this spot because we wanted to camp by water, but didn’t realize the camp sites are a 5-10 minute walk from the lake. The sites are pushed back, quiet, have existing fire rings, and are spacious. We enjoyed our time, just wish there was a bit more room to spend time at the lake!
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
Camping sites near Ellettsville, Indiana range from basic primitive spots to developed campgrounds with modern amenities. The region sits within the hills of south-central Indiana where elevations range from 600-900 feet, creating varied terrain for camping. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s with high humidity, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions in the 60-70°F range with less moisture in the air.
Fishing at Yellowwood Lake: The 133-acre lake at Yellowwood State Forest offers good fishing opportunities with boat rentals available. "We have also had lots of fun renting a rowboat, and being out on the water. A few times we have camped in groups and rented an area, and that was also a great time camping with friends," notes camper Margo B.
Mountain biking on purpose-built trails: Brown County State Park provides extensive mountain biking opportunities for all skill levels. "The mountain biking is excellent, with purpose built trails for beginner to expert (flow, berms, rollers, jumps...)," shares TMB about their stay at Buffalo Ridge Campground.
Gold panning with permit: A unique activity available at Yellowwood State Forest. "Believe it or not- gold panning is a thing here! You need a permit," reports Cynthia K., who explored the area's offerings.
Hiking the Tecumseh Trail: Access this 43-mile trail from Morgan-Monroe State Forest. "The Tecumseh trail (40 miles) starts in Morgan Monroe State Forest passes through Yellowwood State Forest and ends in the Hoosier National Forest," explains Ron H. who camped at Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Secluded camping options: Many campers appreciate the privacy available at certain campgrounds. "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. This campground typically remains available as an overflow camping area but is still a good spot," states Joe B. about Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Lake access and water activities: Lake Monroe provides popular shoreline camping with water recreation. "This lake is huge and alot of fun. There are beaches everywhere besides the designated one so it's easy to swim with your dogs or find private spots," says Rebecca J. who stayed at Paynetown Campground.
Free camping opportunities: Some locations offer no-cost camping options. "Can't believe this place was free. It was nearly empty (although it was the end of November). The hiking was fantastic and the few people camping there were very well dispersed and all respectful," shares Kelly G. about her experience at Blackwell Campground.
Quiet weekday camping: Many campgrounds near Ellettsville remain relatively empty during weekdays. "I stayed for one night in a non electric site on a trip. The campground was ok. The bathrooms were clean-ish but I couldn't get the showers to be not cold. The site was nice and level. Not many people there on a weeknight," reports Moriah C. about her stay at Lieber State Recreation Area.
Reservation status varies widely: Some campgrounds require planning while others are first-come, first-served. "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. Bring exact change(cash)," advises Daisy C.
Limited cell service: Communication can be difficult at some locations. "We were working and 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," mentions Shirley M. about Lieber State Recreation Area.
Park entrance restrictions: Some parks have vehicle limitations. "The north entrance is through a covered bridge with a 9 foot clearance and 3 ton limit! Otherwise, use the easily accessible west entrance, just a few miles 'around the corner,'" warns TMB about access to Buffalo Ridge Campground.
Off-season availability: Camping options change seasonally. "The park offers year around camping with reduced services in the winter months (they do have a heated bath house in the off season)," notes Stephen & Theresa B. about Buffalo Ridge Campground.
Child-friendly water options: Several campgrounds offer swimming opportunities for families. "This is our go to campground. We have stayed at several others in the area and by far Paynetown has the most to offer for families to have a great camping trip," shares Johnathan H.
Halloween camping events: Special seasonal activities enhance family camping experiences. "We love going to this park several times a year. We especially like camping in the fall for their Goblins weekend," says Timothy B. about Lieber State Recreation Area.
Educational wildlife programs: Nature centers provide learning opportunities for children. "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," mentions Jessie W. about Taylor Ridge Campground.
Family bike-friendly terrain: Flat areas provide safe cycling for children. "Very flat and ideal for bike riding. Also very family friendly!" notes Leah S. about Hardin Ridge.
Site leveling challenges: Many camping areas near Ellettsville have uneven terrain. "Had a back in gravel site that was difficult to back into and sloped back. I had to nearly lower my tongue to the ground to get it level," reports Joe M. about his stay at Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe.
Size limitations: Larger RVs may struggle at some campgrounds. "The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is, 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," explains Ron H. about Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Dump station access: Waste disposal facilities vary between locations. "The only drawbacks were that the vault toilets are in pretty bad condition and the dump station hose did not have a connection to allow me to flush the blackwater holding tank," notes Don N. about his experience at Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Electric hookup distribution: Access to power varies by loop. "There are 4 loops with 30 & 50 amp. 2 loops with no electric. Well spaced all tucked into the trees on a ridge," describes Cynthia K. about Hardin Ridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Ellettsville area campgrounds?
Lieber State Recreation Area Campground offers sites with attached gravel pads, showerhouses, and borders Cagles Mill Lake, providing water recreation opportunities. Yellowwood State Forest features 79 primitive campsites in a beautiful setting known for fall color displays and scenic vistas. Many campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like water fill stations, electric hookups, and clean restrooms. Brown County State Park campgrounds offer additional facilities including a seasonal outdoor pool, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and proximity to the Abe Martin Lodge with dining options. Most state park campgrounds provide electric-only sites with central water fill stations throughout the grounds.
What are the best campgrounds near Ellettsville, Indiana?
The Ellettsville area offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Brown County State Park stands out with multiple campgrounds in the rolling hills of southern Indiana, featuring scenic mountain views and over 250 sites. For a wilderness experience, Charles C. Deam Wilderness provides dispersed camping options with beautiful hidden sites. Other notable options include Paynetown Campground at Lake Monroe, Hardin Ridge, and Oak Ridge Camping Area in Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Most campgrounds are within 30-45 minutes of Ellettsville, making them ideal for weekend getaways or longer stays.
When is the best time of year to camp near Ellettsville?
Fall is the premier camping season near Ellettsville when the southern Indiana hills display spectacular foliage colors, especially at Taylor Ridge Campground and surrounding areas. Spring offers comfortable temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Summer provides full access to all amenities including the outdoor pool at Raccoon Ridge Campground in Brown County State Park, though it can get crowded, particularly on holiday weekends. Some campgrounds offer year-round camping with reduced services in winter months, including heated bathhouses in select locations. Mid-week camping, especially in spring and fall, provides a quieter experience with lower occupancy rates.
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