Camping options within 20 miles of Ellettsville provide access to the forested hills of south-central Indiana, where elevations range from 600 to 900 feet above sea level. The region features a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, making spring and fall particularly popular for campers. Most campgrounds in the area occupy former farmland that has reverted to second-growth hardwood forest dominated by oak, maple, and hickory trees.
What to do
Lake activities at Monroe: Rental options for visitors include pontoons, canoes, and kayaks at Paynetown Campground. "We came to Indiana to visit with family. We all met up at the campground there was 5 of us... The next day my wife and I rented kayaks, we had a blast," reports Katie M. The lake has designated swimming areas plus less crowded shorelines for water access.
Hiking with variable difficulty: Multiple interconnected trail networks span from easy lakeside paths to rugged forest routes. At Hardin Ridge, "There are unlimited trails, Monroe Lake, a beach and all kinds of playgrounds," notes Kenzie A. Most trails remain open year-round, though muddy conditions often persist after rainfall.
Mountain biking opportunities: Purpose-built trails accommodate riders from novice to advanced. "The mountainbike trails are fantastic, something for every skill level," says Dave S. about Taylor Ridge Campground. Trail maps available at most park offices show connections between different trail systems.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the room to spread out at less-developed campgrounds. "The fire rings were spread apart amidst a green hill. There was some shade available around the edges. Plenty of room to spread out from your neighbors," notes Josie W. about Blackwell Campground.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain regular cleaning schedules for comfort stations. "The bathrooms and shower houses were so clean!" reports Leah S. Well-maintained vault toilets serve more primitive camping areas, with water spigots strategically placed throughout most campgrounds.
Fall foliage viewing: The hardwood forests provide exceptional autumn color displays. "Autumn is the heavy tourist season with the changing of the leaves...breathtaking vistas from the parks elevated vantage points!" notes Stephen & Theresa B. Peak color typically occurs mid-to-late October, with campsite availability becoming limited during this period.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary: While some campgrounds require advance booking, others operate on first-come systems. "All these sites are first come, first serve. No reservations," explains Cynthia K. about Yellowwood State Forest. During summer weekends, arriving by Thursday afternoon improves chances of securing non-reservation sites.
Site characteristics differ significantly: Terrain and amenities vary widely between and within campgrounds. "Depending on how busy check in is at the time you show up without a reservation, they sometimes will let you drive around and pick out a site from the left when entering loop, then come back to gate and pay," explains Deb T.
Limited cell service: Many forested areas have minimal connectivity. "Cell service by various providers is 1-2 bars," notes Betsy W. Wi-Fi remains unavailable at most public campgrounds, with the nearest reliable connections typically found in Bloomington or Nashville.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Structured programs keep children engaged at certain campgrounds. "They have a Trick or Treat night, and it was fun to see all of the creative costumes and kids (and adults) having fun," shares Margo B. about Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Many locations offer junior ranger programs during summer months.
Swimming options: Multiple water recreation facilities accommodate different age groups. "The pool was excellent! Skip the lake and enjoy the pool," recommends Amy C. Most swimming beaches close after Labor Day, though pools at certain locations may remain open through September.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play areas within walking distance of campsites. "There are at least one pair, some two, camphost pairs in each loop," mentions Deb T., noting that camp hosts often organize activities for children during peak season weekends.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many campsites present leveling challenges for larger vehicles. "I would say pay particular attention to the size of the site you're booking as some were pretty small. Also, some sites were fairly sloped as well," advises Amanda D. Calling ahead about specific site dimensions helps ensure appropriate fit.
Dump station logistics: Facilities for waste disposal exist at most established campgrounds. "There is a dump station, but I barely got in to dump. So not real RV friendly," cautions Ron H. Schedules for using dump stations may be restricted to certain hours to minimize congestion.
Electric hookup availability: Power connections vary between campgrounds and specific loops. "There are 4 loops with 30 & 50 amp. 2 loops with no electric," notes Cynthia K. Many RV sites require reservations months in advance, especially for weekend stays between May and October.
