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Top Free Dispersed Camping near Ferdinand, IN

5 Reviews

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Ferdinand? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Ferdinand just for you.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Ferdinand, IN (2)

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Ferdinand

5 Reviews of 2 Ferdinand Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed
    Apr. 7, 2024

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    It’s a very spartan spot

    Spot has a creek and is flat enough for a tent mostly just a single person spot no toilets. Road south coming in was destroyed some time ago have to w yer from east or west road.

  • Jaymi A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed
    Jul. 5, 2023

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    Perfect for Invisible Boondocking

    This is NOT a campground, but just roadside pull-offs on public land. There are no restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, or other amenities. However, if you are camping in a self-contained SMALL vehicle, this is quiet, secluded, and beautiful. I did not see any pull offs that would accommodate an RV of any size, and nothing large enough to turn a trailer around.One pull off was nearly too small to turn around my small pick up truck. But the thick forest was beautiful. There are rock outcroppings along this road, which follows Mitchell Creek and lots to explore on foot. While I was exploring and camping on this road, only two vehicles passed during the entire 16 hours. VERY quiet. Have a paper map handy, as there is no cell signal and GPS was spotty. The place I camped had a small graveyard behind it, so if you’re superstitious, this may not be for you. There was also a big white building that was all locked up surrounded by open meadow that a larger vehicle might be able to park behind. A circular “drive” was mown around the building. A few of the pull offs I didn’t explore because they were muddy or washed out after several days of rain. I would camp here again for the quiet and it’s proximity to Hemlock Cliffs and Yellow Birch Ravine.

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed
    May. 7, 2021

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    There is no camp ground

    There are just a couple of sites along the road. One is at the trail crossing for horses, hikers, and bikers. Its basically a make your own campsite. Ok place if you like to really rough it.

  • Sofia A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed
    Oct. 23, 2020

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    Nice but nope

    It took me 20 from route 64 to find this place. If you are solo female traveler don’t even waste your time. After 5 min of driving on the very skinny gravel road y saw what it look like spots but Iam not sure really. 10 min later I got to the coordinates and there was nothing, not seven an opening just more road. Y just keep driving till I got back to 64 and found a Cracker Barrel 17 miles away.

  • Tommy S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed
    Jul. 12, 2020

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    Limited dispersed sites

    Mitchell Creek Road in Hoosier National Forest, is just one small section of a road that runs along Mitchell Creek. On the west end, where the road turns right (north), there was a small drive to the right that went down towards the creek bed. There was a small fire ring here, and another fire ring around the back, both set up on the rocks of the dry riverbed. These didn't seem like great camping areas, let alone a "campsite". Towards the middle this road, just east of an intersection for a road to the south, there was a campsite creek side, and a little farther, a campsite on the hillside. The hillside spot was taken, so we took that last spot. Lookout for turtles on the road, we spotted and removed 4 of them.

    The area was rather buggy, and to be honest a little sketchy, so we slept in our van. Only two cars drove by, each time kicking up a big cloud of white dust which covered most of the foliage by the road. It hadn't rained in a while. We went briefly down to the creek, but it was very buggy and not very nice to hike. At night, we heard some loud mysterious crashing in some nearby trees, and what was possibly a large band of coyotes in the distance. Can't imagine I'd ever come back to this area, but it's there as an option for sure!

Guide to Ferdinand

Camping near Ferdinand, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore Patoka Lake: This campground is a favorite for many. One camper mentioned, "The nature center is a delightful feature, offering a serene escape into the beauty of the surrounding area." You can enjoy hiking, fishing, and even local winery visits.
  • Visit Harmonie State Park: With trails, picnic areas, and a boat ramp, this park has something for everyone. One reviewer said, "Harmonie State Park looks like a great place for a family vacation," highlighting the playgrounds and trails available.
  • Check out Lake Rudolph Campground: Perfect for families visiting Holiday World, this campground offers easy access to the park. A visitor noted, "Our family enjoyed the amenities and the easy 'special entrance' shuttle to Holiday World."

What campers like

  • Spacious sites: Campers at Patoka Lake Campground appreciate the roomy campsites. One reviewer said, "The spacious campsites add to the allure, providing ample room for relaxation and enjoyment."
  • Clean facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Harmonie State Park Campground mentioned, "Everything was well kept and clean."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Starve Hollow State Rec Area said, "Very friendly staff. Clean facilities."

What you should know

  • No water hookups at some sites: At Patoka Lake Campground, it's important to fill your tank before arriving since there are no water hookups. A reviewer reminded, "Remember to fill your tank before arriving at your site."
  • Limited shade: Some campgrounds, like Harmonie State Park, have sites that are not very shaded. One camper noted, "Many of the sites were not the most level and in the open."
  • Crowded during peak times: Campers at Lake Rudolph Campground have mentioned that it can get busy, especially during weekends and holidays. A visitor said, "Weekends are usually booked up in advance."

Tips for camping with families

  • Bring activities for kids: Campgrounds like Harmonie State Park have playgrounds and trails. One parent shared, "The campground has a few playgrounds for the kids too."
  • Plan for raccoons: Campers at Harmonie State Park have had raccoon visitors. One camper advised, "MAKE SURE TO PUT AWAY ALL OF YOUR FOOD!!!"
  • Check for events: Many parks host events during the summer. A camper at Spring Mill State Park mentioned, "Many events scheduled for summer."

Tips from RVers

  • Level your site: Some sites can be uneven, especially at Spring Mill State Park. A reviewer suggested, "Suggest calling before making reservations because many of electric sites are not level."
  • Bring a long water hose: At Lake Lincoln Campground, some sites require a longer hose for water access. One camper noted, "Ensure you have a 25+ ft water hose for some sites."
  • Use the dump station wisely: Campers at Starve Hollow State Rec Area mentioned that the dump stations can get busy. A visitor said, "4 dump stations at exit but still lines due to sheer number of sites."

Camping around Ferdinand, Indiana, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot or a lively campground, you'll find it here.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ferdinand, IN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ferdinand, IN is Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed with a 2.6-star rating from 5 reviews.