Brown County State Park offers tent and RV camping in a hilly, forest environment 30 miles from Ellettsville, Indiana. The park sits within rolling terrain reaching elevations of 1,058 feet at its highest points. Winter temperatures can drop into the 20s, while summer averages in the mid-80s with typical Midwestern humidity levels.
What to do
Hiking scenic overlooks: Brown County State Park features multiple elevated vantage points with long-distance views. "This park is phenomenal! With 3 Campgrounds to choose from you can't go wrong! Amazing staff, great amenities, well kept and clean. There's a lodge, restaurant, playgrounds, store, pit toilets, bath houses, swimming pool (fee required)," notes a visitor to Buffalo Ridge Campground.
Mountain biking: The park maintains nearly 30 miles of dedicated mountain bike trails ranging from beginner to advanced. "The park has a classic old CCC lodge (though you enter through the modern addition) so if you don't want to cook, eat at the restaurant (open till 8:PM), great food, generous portions," according to a camper at Raccoon Ridge Campground.
Horseback riding: Visitors can bring their own horses or use the park's guided trail riding service. "It is Beautiful! I have only been twice and we took our horses to trail ride! There are a lot of fun hills and trails that you can ride for hours which we love to do," shares an equestrian from Horsemen's Campground.
What campers like
Split-level tent sites: Raccoon Ridge offers unique terrain adaptations for tent camping. "Many of the tent sites are split-level, meaning the fire pit and tent area is down a hill from where you park your car. We have a mini pop-up, and had no problem parking both it and car on the pad, and, these sites have two picnic tables, upper and lower."
Swimming options: Both the Olympic-sized pool and lake access attract summer visitors. "The campground is on top of the Ridgeline. When we pulled in it was raining and there was smoky mist hanging over the forests. We set up camp and since there were no bugs first week of October we slept with the screen open on the tent."
Proximity to Nashville, Indiana: The small tourist town offers shopping and dining options minutes from Taylor Ridge Campground. "Nashville is only a 5 minute drive from the campgrounds, and it's a blast going to all of the different shops and restaurants located in town."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites throughout the park require adjustments. "The roads are not marked very well and it took a bit to find our site which needed level blocks and is just wide enough for the RV. Nice to have water supply within 10 feet. Very quiet, shady paved sites in Taylor's Ridge loop."
Seasonal considerations: Fall brings peak tourism while summer accommodates water activities. "This lake is huge and a lot of fun. There are beaches everywhere besides the designated one so it's easy to swim with your dogs or find private spots. Alot of college kids and it is a very busy place," notes a visitor to Paynetown Campground.
Traffic management: The north entrance has restrictions for larger vehicles. "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.'"
Tips for camping with families
Activity center programs: Organized events provide structured recreation for children. "The activity center has programs all the time and there is always something going on there. You have to reserve a spot early to get one with shade on busy weekends (we do non electric tent camping)."
Nature center exploration: Educational displays feature local wildlife. "We also went to a Raptor show that was put on at the nature center where we got to look at some interesting raptors."
Halloween events: Seasonal camping includes special activities. "Went for fall break & their Halloween week! So much fun," shares a camper from Raccoon Ridge, while another visitor notes "They also had a Trick or Treat night, and it was fun to see all of the creative costumes and kids (and adults) having fun."
Tips from RVers
RV parks Ellettsville, Indiana access: For larger vehicles, approach from specific directions. "Large rigs must access the park through the West entrance due to a low clearance covered bridge at the North entrance," advises an RVer familiar with the area.
Site selection strategy: Choose locations based on tree coverage and size needs. "If you want electricity, get an electric site. If you want primitive, get a primitive site. Lots of things to do. Your kids have no reason to be on electronics here."
Year-round options: Lake Monroe Village provides all-season camping with 182 sites. "We keep our camper here full-time. Close to Lake Monroe. Nice pool. Great people," reports a seasonal camper, while another notes "Very well kept, pleasant people. Nice location."
