Best Dispersed Camping near Ellettsville, IN
Dispersed camping zones surround Ellettsville, Indiana within the Hoosier National Forest, where primitive sites require no reservations or fees. Peninsula Trail and Berry Ridge Road offer the most established dispersed camping opportunities, with additional sites available throughout Hickory Ridge and along Horse Camp Road. These areas provide backcountry camping experiences on public land with minimal development beyond basic fire rings at some locations. Most sites follow standard Forest Service dispersed camping regulations requiring campers to set up at least 100 feet from water sources.
Access routes to dispersed camping areas vary considerably in quality and difficulty. Peninsula Trail sites require hiking in, with marked trails leading to numbered campsites featuring fire rings. Berry Ridge Road dispersed sites accommodate drive-in access but may require careful navigation, especially in wet conditions or with larger vehicles. Several reviewers note that high clearance vehicles are recommended for some locations, though standard sedans can reach many sites during dry conditions. Camping follows pack-in, pack-out principles with no services, amenities or designated facilities beyond occasional pit toilets at trailheads. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, particularly during summer drought conditions.
The dispersed sites near Ellettsville provide seclusion and natural experiences uncommon in more developed camping areas. Peninsula Trail campsites offer lake access and stargazing opportunities, though some visitors note "drunk boaters tend to stop along the shore even though they are not supposed to." Berry Ridge Road dispersed sites feature greater privacy, with camping areas spaced "half mile or more apart" according to feedback on The Dyrt. Hickory Ridge primitive sites provide a backcountry experience in more densely forested terrain. These areas generally remain quiet even on weekends, with one camper noting that "even if someone drove by we wouldn't see them" due to the buffer of thick woods between most sites and access roads.
