Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers year-round primitive camping for those seeking alternatives to glamping in Ellettsville, Indiana. Located about 12 miles northeast of Ellettsville, the forest features basic camping with vault toilets and outdoor sinks. Sites are typically shaded with trees and remain available even during peak season when other campgrounds fill up.
What to do
Hiking through mixed forests: Morgan-Monroe State Forest maintains multiple trails ranging from short walks to challenging treks. "This is the best camping within an hour on Indianapolis and if your looking for free and solitary sites try the backwoods camping area for the low gap trail theres a parking lot there," notes Sars C. from Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Fishing at multiple lakes: Shakamak State Park provides access to three lakes spanning 400 acres. "This is a fishing park. Boating with electric motors, so a quiet lake. Fishing was fair according to my fishing guy," reports one visitor. The park includes several boat launches and rentals for those without their own equipment.
Mountain biking near Brown County: For those wanting more adventurous activities beyond glamping accommodations in Ellettsville, Indiana, eXplore Brown County offers extensive options. "This place has zip-lining, paintball, arrow tag, ATVs, off-road tours, mountain biking, hiking, cabins," explains Georgeann D.
What campers like
Natural water features: Many campsites provide direct access to water. "Mason Ridge Campground has vault toilets and drinking water available. There are outdoor sinks at the drinking water stations. 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," shares Daisy C.
Level camping surfaces: Unlike some Indiana parks with sloped sites, Shakamak State Park Campground offers remarkably flat camping areas. "The sites are all flat- ALL FLAT!!! No inclined sites at all! Unheard of in an Indiana State Park, but there you go," notes Cynthia K. The park also maintains "KOA clean" bathrooms and showers.
Privacy between sites: For upscale camping near Ellettsville, Indiana, the wooded sites provide natural separation. "We had a nice site that was evenly spaced from the other campsites by trees and was nice and close to water, the bathrooms, and the shower houses," explains Lauren E. about Shakamak State Park.
What you should know
Limited RV accessibility: Large rigs face challenges at certain campgrounds. "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," warns Ron H. about Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Bathhouse conditions vary: While some parks maintain excellent facilities, others need updates. At Ransburg Scout Reservation, "The mess hall is top notch. We have camped here in a cabin, and also tent camped. Beautiful grounds and a great place to enjoy nature," says Margo B.
Payment procedures: Some campgrounds require specific payment methods. "When you arrive set up at your site. Then you will need to go WITH EXACT CHANGE to the sign in at the main building. It's easy, there is a little box on the side of the firewood shed," explains Rob R. about Morgan-Monroe.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for different ages: Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe caters specifically to families with varied water recreation. "It is definitely for kids. They have a huge splash park, wading pool for toddlers, and a 4 foot pool besides tons of interactive activities for kids," writes Pamela H.
Age-appropriate activities: Different campgrounds target specific age groups. "Nice family campground overall, but really geared toward the 8 and under crowd. The splash park was fun, even for the teen kids, but the pool was tiny and shallow and disappointing," notes Joe M.
Playground options: When considering glamping options near Ellettsville, Indiana, assess recreational facilities for children. "There is a playground at the entrance of Mason Ridge campground and a fire tower," mentions Ginger T. Other campgrounds offer varying playground quality, with some featuring newer equipment while others maintain older structures.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: Consider RV door placement when selecting sites. "Bring an extension cord if you're in a pull through. If you want your door facing the fire pit- the electric box is in an awkward place," advises Cynthia K. about Shakamak State Park.
Leveling requirements: Site surfaces may require additional equipment. "Most of the spaces that had both water and electric were mostly in the sun. But all the other spaces had plenty of shade and trees around them. Our space was spot on level and nice area around each space," reports Lisa M.
Dump station access: Some facilities present challenges for larger RVs. At Brown County-Nashville KOA, visitors note varying site quality. "Sites are level and good for big rigs down to tents," explains Cherie B., while at Morgan-Monroe, one camper mentioned "the dump station hose did not have a connection to allow me to flush the blackwater holding tank."
