Camping near Harrodsburg, Indiana centers around Lake Monroe, Indiana's largest reservoir with 10,750 acres of water surface and over 13,000 acres of surrounding public lands. The area features predominantly oak-hickory forest with limestone outcroppings that create diverse camping terrain. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-40°F while summer months average 70-85°F with moderate humidity, making May-October the prime camping season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The 133-acre Yellowwood Lake in Yellowwood State Forest attracts anglers year-round. "The lake is known for good fishing" and "they rent boats at the Forest Office. Electric motor only," reports Cynthia K., who noted various boating options are available through the park office.
Backpacking trails: Hikers seeking multi-day adventures access the Tecumseh Trail from several campgrounds. "The park has 5 hiking trails ranging from easy to rugged and access to the Tecumesh Trail (43 miles) originally proposed to span from Florida to Canada," explains Stephen & Theresa B. about their experience at Yellowwood State Forest.
Geode hunting: The streams in Charles C. Deam Wilderness contain abundant geodes. "I walked the creek for hours just looking at all the rocks on the sandbars. I have never encountered so many geodes in my life. Truly magnificent to encounter," shares Sarah R., who hammock camped along Patton Cave trail.
Gold panning: Yellowwood State Forest allows gold panning with a permit. "Believe it or not - gold panning is a thing here! You need a permit," explains Cynthia K., who explored multiple camping loops and amenities at the forest.
What campers like
Secluded lake campsites: Peninsula Trail offers primitive sites with lake access. "On the peninsula trail, there are multiple campsites with fire rings but you may also camp anywhere if you are at least 100 ft from the water. Campsite #18 has a great view and is large enough for at least 4 tents if you have a big group," advises Aspen B.
Free camping options: Blackwell Campground provides cost-free camping with basic amenities. "It was an awesome backpacking journey for starters, little bit rough because of the horse riding track but awesome if you love to walk and see nature," writes Osiel M. about his experience at Blackwell.
Easy lake access: Paynetown Campground on Lake Monroe positions campers near swimming beaches. "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," writes Rebecca J., who appreciated the convenience despite the busy atmosphere.
Diverse campsite options: Hardin Ridge provides various camping experiences in one location. "I have tent camped in regular primitive, hike-in, and in electric with a camper. All the sites are large and well-shaded with tables and fire pits/grates," reports Deb T., who has camped at Hardin Ridge since the 1970s.
What you should know
Reservation policies vary: Campgrounds operate with different reservation systems. "Electric and non-electric sites are both reservable and walk up. Almost half and half. The hike in sites are all walk up. As you look at their maps, if making a reservation, each site on the left of the road are NOT reservable. All sites on the right ARE reservable," explains Deb T. about Hardin Ridge.
Off-season access: Many campgrounds remain open year-round with reduced services. "We have only tent camped at Yellowwood, so I can't say what size travel trailers would fit in the sites. Yellowwood road changes over to gravel once you enter the state forest. It is well maintained," writes Daisy C., who found the campground nearly empty outside major holidays.
Boater traffic: Some lakeside campsites experience noise from boats. "Lakeside spots are great also if you hike farther, but as others have said, drunk boaters tend to stop along the shore even though they are not supposed to," warns Matt V. about Peninsula Trail campsites.
Insect preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes are prevalent after rainfall. "The only negative was that we came after a lot of rain. So everything is permanently wet and mosquitos/ticks abounded," cautions Sarah R. about Charles C. Deam Wilderness.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe focuses on children's activities. "We went around Halloween time so the kids participated in a costume contest, pumpkin decorating contest, and trick or treat. The water park was a huge hit with the kids as well, even though it was a little chilly out," shares Ryan G., who visited with friends in 2017.
Nature programming: Ranger-led activities engage children at several campgrounds. "My family and sister in laws family camp here every year. Our kids love it and we all have a great time. They always have something to do even if it's just going down to swim at the beach," writes Kathryn F. about Paynetown State Recreation Area.
Site selection for privacy: Choose sites away from main roads for quieter family camping. "The campsite was small so if you have a large tent be prepared for it to take up most of your site. The area was beautiful and had ample trees. We would have been better off splitting into two camp sites due to the size (married couple and two friends)," advises Kenpocentaur K. about Hardin Ridge.
Weather preparation: Varied elevation causes temperature fluctuations, requiring layered clothing. "There were trees down throughout the park including our campsite. It took a couple hours for them to come clean it up," notes Michael S. about Taylor Ridge Campground, highlighting the importance of weather awareness.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varied electrical service. "There are 4 loops with 30 & 50 amp. 2 loops with no electric. Well spaced all tucked into the trees on a ridge," explains Cynthia K. about Hardin Ridge.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require leveling equipment. "I had a back in gravel site that was difficult to back into and sloped back. I had to nearly lower my tongue to the ground to get it level," shares Joe M. about Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe.
Campground navigation: Internal roads can be challenging for larger rigs. "The roads to get to the sites are tight (especially as it's filled up heading into the weekend)," notes Jennifer H. about Paynetown State Recreation Area, who appreciated the convenience despite this limitation.
Size restrictions: Buffalo Ridge Campground has varied site dimensions suitable for different RV sizes. "Variable site options for all sizes of vehicles and modes of camping. 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,'" advises TMB about navigating to Buffalo Ridge.
