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Best Campgrounds near Helmsburg, IN

544 Reviews

Camping near Helmsburg, Indiana is situated in the rolling hills of south-central Indiana, with a mix of state parks, forests, and recreation areas offering varied camping experiences. Brown County State Park, Indiana's largest state park, features multiple campgrounds including Buffalo Ridge and Taylor Ridge, with over 250 sites spread across wooded terrain. Nearby Yellowwood State Forest provides more primitive camping options with four campground areas adjacent to Yellowwood Lake. The region also includes access to Lake Monroe at Paynetown Campground and backcountry opportunities in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness. The small town of Nashville, known for its artist community and shops, serves as a convenient hub for supplies and dining when camping in the area.

Most campgrounds in the Helmsburg area are open year-round, though services may be reduced during winter months. Brown County State Park maintains heated bathhouses during the off-season. Fall is the peak tourist season when the hardwood forests display vibrant autumn colors, making campsite reservations essential from September through October. Summer weekends also see high visitation rates, particularly at Lake Monroe. Cell service varies throughout the region, with T-Mobile offering reasonable coverage (2 bars) in Brown County State Park. Weather in this region features humid summers and moderately cold winters, with spring and fall providing the most comfortable camping conditions.

The camping options near Helmsburg accommodate various preferences and equipment needs. Developed campgrounds in Brown County State Park provide electric hookups and water fill stations, while Yellowwood State Forest offers more rustic experiences with pit toilets and primitive sites. According to reviews, "Brown County's large trail system, both hiking and mountain biking, can take adventurers over ridgelines, through ravines, and can connect all of the vistas overlooks." For RV campers, note that larger rigs must access Brown County State Park through the West entrance due to a low clearance covered bridge at the North entrance. Family amenities include playgrounds, fishing lakes, and access to the indoor pool at Abe Martin Lodge for cabin guests. The Brown County-Nashville KOA provides an alternative with pull-through sites and proximity to hiking trails.

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Best Camping Sites Near Helmsburg, Indiana (106)

    1. Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    30 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6406

    $23 / night

    "We have visited Nashville Indiana several times but this is our first time camping nearby. My wife loves to visit Nashville and all the little shops they offer."

    "It was backed up to the edge of the woods which made for a lovely view. Driving through the campground it looks like there are some sites pretty close together but ours wasn’t too bad."

    2. Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    22 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6406

    $23 / night

    "This is a beautiful State Park situated in the rolling hills of southern Indiana."

    "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."

    3. Yellowwood State Forest

    15 Reviews
    Unionville, IN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-7945

    $225 / night

    "Peaceful little place but unfortunately it rained but we made the best of it, there’s some secluded spots where you can stay away from others or stay in the more general areas, nice lake to fish and we"

    "Drive up, select your site, and then go to the park office to pay using a self-pay envelope. Bring exact change(cash). Current prices are listed on the Indiana DNR website."

    4. Paynetown Campground

    29 Reviews
    Clear Creek, IN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 837-9546

    $16 - $25 / night

    "It's a bittersweet type of situation."

    "Paynetown boasts the second largest beach on Lake Monroe, and the primitive sites include a very nice shower house."

    5. Brown County-Nashville KOA

    11 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-4675

    "If coming from the north-west, try to arrive before dark as the road over the hills to this place is beautiful, but narrow and forested with some trees very close to the roadway."

    "And the town of Nashville Indiana is about 10 minutes away with lots of neat shops and food. We had a great time."

    6. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Freetown, IN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "If you are into boondocking at all defiantly check out berry ridge it’s just south of brown county Indiana beautiful country mostly hills tons of camp spots sometimes half mile or more apart haven’t seen"

    "I have lived in Indiana for ever and have made many trips this way, but I never knew sites like this existed."

    7. Raccoon Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    9 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6406

    $23 / night

    "Holiday Fourth of July 2022 weekend the start Park was special excitement in downtown Nashville, Indiana a short drive outside the State Park."

    "Our third Indiana state park. Still impressed, they have all been friendly, well maintained with good, spread out sites and good signage everywhere (even the trails)."

    8. Oak Ridge Camping Area — Morgan-Monroe State Forest

    9 Reviews
    Martinsville, IN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 342-4026

    $25 - $55 / night

    "This is probably the best state forest in the state of Indiana. The property is well maintained. There is a new visitors center built a few years ago."

    "Site 13 has a little trail that goes down to a large flooded sinkhole behind the campsite. There were lots of tree frogs singing because of the proximity to water."

    9. Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    22 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    18 miles
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "The ground is level and all grass with less bugs than sites directly off trail. We just have a simple backpacking tent set-up and we had a great campfire."

    "Site is a wide open and well-groomed, with trails just a short walk (or ride) away.

    Toilets and covered picnic tables nearby."

    10. Hardin Ridge

    25 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 837-9453

    $21 - $55 / night

    "This campground is nestled on a ridge above Indiana's Lake Monroe."

    "Hardin Ridge is a fantastic place to camp, and is very close to lake Monroe. But it's also quite a ways away from any stores in case you forget anything."

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Recent Camping Photos near Helmsburg, IN

152 Photos of 106 Helmsburg Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Helmsburg, IN

544 Reviews of 106 Helmsburg Campgrounds

  • L
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Spring Mill State Park Campground

    Fun, sunny, clean.

    This was an amazing campground! There were amazing trails and a cave, as well as Pioneer Village which was so fascinating and well run. Our campsite wasn't far from the bathrooms and showers house which were pretty clean. We were near water as well. Our campsite was on a small hill so it was well distanced from all the other campers, which was nice and peaceful. 

         There was a sweet place where you could get ice cream down the road from Spring Mill called Dairy Bell. Spring Mill wasn't far from the town were there was a Walmart, Rural King, and several more stores. 

    Very pretty and nice campground!

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Raccoon Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    the non-RV loop of the three camp areas (I think)

    Our third Indiana state park. Still impressed, they have all been friendly, well maintained with good, spread out sites and good signage everywhere (even the trails). All the rest rooms are spotlessly clean.
    We were there mid-week, so very few of the 480 (!) sites were occupied, except in Buffalo Ridge, the primary RV loop. There are three loops, Buffalo ridge (RV), Raccoon Ridge which is tent sites around the outside, with electric inside the loop. Which would be suitable for RVs. 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. Check the photos when you reserve!
    We drove through Taylor ridge loop, and it's your best choice for getting away from it all. 
    The camp store is stocked with the basics, but has more souvenirs than food or camp needs. That's okay, as some of their goods are better quality than many other places.
    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. 
    The park also features an Olympic size pool (capacity 2,000). You cannot walk there from the campground unless you are very hardy and very determined. 
    You may think of Indiana as flat farmland, but this park is VERY hilly, with many scenic overlooks. It has two man-made lakes. Unsure about boating options on the larger one. 
    Another big feature are equestrian trails and a horse campground, see someone else's review for that.
    Nearby is the town of Nashville, which is full of art and craft galleries as well as multiple fudge shops, hand-made soaps, etc... Touristy but quaint. Was surprisingly crowded when we passed through on a Friday morning.   
    We are planning to go back to take advantage of all we missed in the area. Oh, I should point out that there are many private campgrounds nearby, it's a very popular  area.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Brown County-Nashville KOA

    KOA Brown County

    Very nice campground, full hookup up, helpful staff. Small pool with limited hours. Camp store. Very close to Brown County State Park and Nashville, IN. Lots of mature trees.

  • Ax H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Free camping

    Bunch of little spots along this road to pull into. Set up with rent and vehicle. Just trees knocking, bugs curling and frogs croaking. Did see a rattlesnake dead on the road. No toilet but good reception

  • Amber
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Heflen Park

    Heflin Park

    Very Quiet. You can float down the river. There's a kids playground. Blu Canoes right next door. Fast food not far off. The bugs are a little overwhelming. They spray tomorrow so it may be different.

  • G
    Jul. 20, 2025

    CERA Sports Corporation

    Seasonal camper

    We stay here from April to November and love it. Plenty for the kids to do. And fun activities for the adults as well. Also can’t forget the lakeside bar with live music every weekend!

  • Brian S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot

    This was a great place to car camp while driving across USA. The main spot was full but I found a great pull off spot a lil further. I came across at least 5 lil spots. There a nice trail meandering next to road.

  • Jeremy B.
    Jul. 16, 2025

    S and H Campground

    Great campground for many, just not me

    To start, the property is beautiful and they have a lot of extra amenities that would be great for families. However for a solo or couple just looking for hookups and little else, it’s just not worth it. 80 dollars a night on a weekend all in is a little steep when that’s all you’re looking for. I don’t fault the campground owners. The extras would definitely be worth it if you had kids. But for me it just wasn’t worth it. They have a pool, stocked pond, game room, ice cream shop and cafe. Decent camp store. Staff super friendly and helpful.

Guide to Helmsburg

Camping near Helmsburg, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: There are several trails in the area, perfect for hiking. One camper mentioned, "There are lots of great hiking trails that are well traveled and easy to navigate" at Spring Mill State Park Campground. Another reviewer noted, "Several trails of varying length" at Yellowwood State Forest.
  • Fishing and Boating: If you enjoy fishing, Starve Hollow State Rec Area has a small lake for boating and canoeing. A visitor shared, "Starve Hollow Lake SRA has full hook ups at half the campground and electric water access on the other half" which makes it a great spot for water activities.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers often spot various wildlife. One reviewer at Hardin Ridge mentioned, "Screech owls and active birds made it an exciting evening."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Paynetown Campground said, "Restrooms/showers were state park clean. I was impressed with the hard-working staff trying their best to give us a clean bathroom!"
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of sites at Hardin Ridge. One reviewer noted, "Beautiful spacious sites. Spread out with plenty of room between sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A camper at Taylor Ridge Campground mentioned, "Staff are very friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Busy Weekends: If you plan to camp on weekends, be prepared for crowds. A camper at Paynetown Campground noted, "It's VERY noisy & busy on a summer weekend."
  • Site Conditions: Some sites may not be level. A visitor at Spring Mill State Park Campground mentioned, "Our site wasn't very level for our pop up."
  • Primitive Camping: For those looking for a more rustic experience, Yellowwood State Forest offers primitive camping with pit toilets only. A reviewer stated, "This is a State Forest campground near Nashville, Indiana. Primitive camping."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. A camper at Lieber State Recreation Area said, "There are tons of activities for the kids."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids near water. One parent at Starve Hollow State Rec Area advised, "Be aware if you have kids that you are on a ledge and a trail goes down."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper at Buffalo Ridge Campground mentioned, "Quiet hours were observed and it was a relaxing stay."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Before booking, check the site levels. A reviewer at Taylor Ridge Campground noted, "The roads are not marked very well and it took a bit to find our site which needed level blocks."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if you need them. A camper at Hardin Ridge mentioned, "There are 4 loops with 30 & 50 amp."
  • Plan for Crowds: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider camping during the week. A visitor at Paynetown Campground suggested, "If you like a quieter experience come Monday through Wed."

Camping near Helmsburg, Indiana, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you want to hike, fish, or just relax, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Helmsburg, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Helmsburg, IN offers a wide range of camping options, with 106 campgrounds and RV parks near Helmsburg, IN and 10 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Helmsburg, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Helmsburg, IN is Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Helmsburg, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Helmsburg, IN.

What parks are near Helmsburg, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Helmsburg, IN that allow camping, notably Monroe Lake and Hoosier National Forest.

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