Brown County State Park near Freetown, Indiana spans over 16,000 acres of rugged, forested hills with elevations reaching 1,058 feet at their highest points. The park contains three main campground loops connected by winding roads that traverse steep terrain requiring cautious navigation. Winter camping options remain available with reduced services, including one heated bathhouse maintained during colder months.
What to do
Mountain biking trails for all levels: Brown County State Park features nearly 30 miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails ranging from beginner to expert difficulty. At Buffalo Ridge Campground, riders can access "flow, berms, rollers, jumps" with trails continuously expanding. "I make multiple visits here every year, mainly for the mountain bike trails. There are almost 30 miles of trails inside the park with new trails every year for the past 3+ years," notes one regular visitor.
Explore the nature center: The nature center offers educational programs including raptor shows that showcase local birds of prey. "While were were there we rode on a trail ride at the saddle barn. The horses were well trained and willing to let people ride them. We also went to a Raptor show that was put on at the nature center where we got to look at some interesting raptors," shares a camper who visited with family.
Shop in Nashville: The small town of Nashville, just 5 minutes from the campgrounds, offers unique shopping and dining experiences. At Taylor Ridge Campground, one camper mentions, "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." Another adds that visitors should try "Big Woods Pizza and Quaff-On Brewery" while exploring the artisan shops.
What campers like
Shaded, secluded sites: The campgrounds offer varying degrees of tree coverage and privacy between sites. "We stayed in Taylor which was dubbed 'wooded' and the one I would most suggest. The others were pretty cleared out and too close together," notes one reviewer. Another mentions their site "was backed up to the edge of the woods which made for a lovely view."
Clean shower facilities: Raccoon Ridge Campground maintains exceptional bathroom facilities throughout the camping season. "Pit toilets at the back of the loop were probably the cleanest pits I've ever used. Bonus that there are dedicated mens/womens pits," reports one tent camper. Another notes, "Very clean bathrooms and shower houses" throughout their stay.
Scenic hiking options: The park offers numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels and terrain. "There are a lot of fun hills and trails that you can ride for hours," explains a visitor to Horsemen's Campground. Another camper adds, "There's a trailhead that's walking distance from the campsite that leads down a beautiful trail to a lake."
What you should know
Limited water access points: Many campgrounds have sparse water spigots distributed throughout camping areas. In the horsemen's area, "water spigots are few and far between" according to a regular visitor. Campers should plan to fill water containers upon arrival or bring extra containers.
Terrain considerations: The park's hilly landscape means many sites require leveling equipment. "Some sites were fairly sloped as well. This site was a slight slope and overall I would book it again," explains a Taylor Ridge camper. Another notes many tent sites are "split-level, meaning the fire pit and tent area is down a hill from where you park your car."
Campground entrance restrictions: Larger RVs must use specific entrances to avoid low clearance areas. At Buffalo Ridge Campground, campers warn "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
Pool and water activities: The park features an Olympic-sized swimming pool with a capacity of 2,000 people, though it requires driving from the campgrounds. CERA Sports Corporation nearby offers "a waterslide, diving boards and a unique rock climbing wall in the deep end" according to a family camper. Another mentions "paddle boating, mini-golf, swimming pool, fishing lake" among family-friendly amenities.
Nature center programs: The nature center organizes daily activities suitable for children. "The nature center is really fun with animals and a bee hive that the children really enjoyed!" shares a family that stayed at Taylor Ridge. Ranger-led programs typically run throughout summer and weekends in spring and fall.
Site selection for families: Reserve sites carefully based on needed space and tent arrangements. "I would say pay particular attention to the size of the site you're booking as some were pretty small," advises a Taylor Ridge visitor. Another suggests, "Check the photos when you reserve!" to ensure the site meets your family's specific needs.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many RV sites throughout the rv campgrounds near Freetown, Indiana require leveling equipment. "Take their length limits seriously" when selecting sites, as one camper explains their site "needed level blocks and is just wide enough for the RV." Another mentions it's important to "pay particular attention to the size of the site you're booking."
Full hookup options: For complete amenities, Lake Monroe Village provides 182 full-service RV sites operating year-round. "We keep our camper here full-time. Close to Lake Monroe. Nice pool. Great people," reports one seasonal camper. The facility offers water, sewer, and electrical connections with both 30 and 50-amp service.
Campground selection by RV size: Buffalo Ridge accommodates larger rigs, while Taylor Ridge and Raccoon Ridge have more size limitations. "For more secluded and wooded setting, chose Taylor Ridge (careful with larger RV's)," advises a regular visitor to the rv campgrounds Freetown, Indiana area. Buffalo Ridge contains "more spacious spots for larger rigs" with consistently level sites.
