Brown County State Park near Helmsburg, Indiana offers rolling hill terrain with elevation changes between 600-840 feet above sea level. Trail systems throughout the park span approximately 30 miles with multiple access points from camping areas. Winter camping options remain available with reduced services including one heated bathhouse in Buffalo Ridge Campground during off-season months.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Brown County State Park contains nearly 30 miles of purpose-built mountain biking trails ranging from beginner to expert difficulty. "The mountain biking is excellent, with purpose built trails for beginner to expert (flow, berms, rollers, jumps...)," notes a Buffalo Ridge Campground visitor.
Hiking to lakes: Several trails connect camping areas to the park's two man-made lakes. "The park as a whole is beautiful and there's a trailhead that's walking distance from the campsite that leads down a beautiful trail to a lake," writes a camper from Taylor Ridge Campground.
Horseback riding: The park maintains dedicated equestrian trails and a horse camp area. "There are a lot of fun hills and trails that you can ride for hours which we love to do," shares a visitor at Horsemen's Campground. Trail rides can be arranged through the saddle barn for those without their own horses.
Exploring Nashville: The nearby town of Nashville offers shopping and dining options just minutes from the campgrounds. "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," according to a Taylor Ridge camper.
What campers like
Shower facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained bathroom and shower facilities. "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," notes a visitor at Raccoon Ridge Campground.
Site spacing: Many sites offer good separation between campers, particularly in certain loops. "The sites around us were spacious and had a lot of mature trees," reports a camper from Taylor Ridge Campground. However, site quality varies by campground and specific location within each loop.
Camp store options: The on-site camp store carries basics and local items. "Camp store was stocked nicely. Staff was friendly," mentions a Taylor Ridge visitor, though some note it carries "more souvenirs than food or camp needs."
Fall camping atmosphere: Autumn brings spectacular foliage displays across the park's hills. "In the fall it's almost as good as New England (almost)," shares a Buffalo Ridge camper, though this is also the busiest season requiring advance reservations.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Pay close attention when booking as site quality and size vary significantly. "I would say pay particular attention to the size of the site you're booking as some were pretty small. Also, some sites were fairly sloped as well," advises a Taylor Ridge reviewer. This is particularly important for those with larger rigs.
Entrance restrictions: Larger vehicles must use specific park entrances. "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,'" warns a CERA Sports Corporation visitor who traveled to the park.
Site leveling: Many sites require leveling equipment. "The site was a slight slope and overall I would book it again. We have a full size truck with a small travel trailer that fit perfectly," reports a Taylor Ridge camper, while another Raccoon Ridge visitor notes "some spots are uneven and tight."
Weather considerations: The park experiences flooding during heavy rains. "The campground is notorious for flooding in heavy rains. We have had as much as 4 in of water draining through our campsite," warns a Horsemen's Campground reviewer, particularly relevant for lower-elevation sites.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: The park features an Olympic-sized pool with unique amenities. "Pool area is super nice with a waterslide, diving boards and a unique rock climbing wall in the deep end," shares a CERA visitor. Note that the pool is not walking distance from campgrounds.
Nature programs: Daily educational activities run throughout peak seasons. "We also went to a Raptor show that was put on at the nature center where we got to look at some interesting raptors," explains a Buffalo Ridge camper, with programs typically scheduled at the nature center.
Wildlife viewing: Opportunities to see wildlife exist throughout the park. "When we drove back to the Campground after dinner there was a whole herd of deer hanging out at the camp ground," notes a Raccoon Ridge visitor, despite claims that deer populations were diminished.
Multi-generation activities: The park offers activities for all ages. "We have also stayed in both the electric and primitive sites. Both are very nice and allow use of the nicest campground shower facilities around," explains a Rally Group Campground visitor, making it suitable for family gatherings.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: RV sites vary dramatically in size across campgrounds. "There are 3 separate campgrounds in the park Buffalo Ridge, Raccoon, and Taylor Ridge. 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," advises a Taylor Ridge camper.
Road navigation: Internal park roads require careful navigation with larger rigs. "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," warns a Taylor Ridge visitor. Allow extra travel time within the park.
Campground loop selection: For RV camping near Helmsburg, Indiana, each campground loop offers different advantages. "We were there mid-week, so very few of the 480 sites were occupied, except in Buffalo Ridge, the primary RV loop," explains a Raccoon Ridge visitor, noting Buffalo Ridge is typically better for larger RVs.
Utility access: Water access varies by site location. "Nice to have water supply within 10 feet. Very quiet, shady paved sites in Taylor's Ridge loop," mentions a Taylor Ridge camper, though most water hookups aren't direct at individual sites.
