Best Campgrounds near Heltonville, IN

Heltonville, IN is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Indiana camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Heltonville, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

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Best Camping Sites Near Heltonville, Indiana (124)

    1. Hardin Ridge

    25 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    6 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."

    2. Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    22 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    6 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."

    3. Paynetown Campground

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

    $16 - $25 / night

    "It's a bittersweet type of situation."

    "This is one of the largest campgrounds in all of Indiana. It includes hundreds of campsites. This includes RV hookups, standard campsites, and primitive campsites."

    4. Spring Mill State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Mitchell, IN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 849-3534

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Spring Mill State park is a little piece of history that is in the heart of southern Indiana. Here you will find a working frontier village."

    "Open space, close to facilities and water pump, Ground was mostly flat, slightly shady in the afternoon, and very peaceful."

    5. Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    30 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    17 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."

    6. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Freetown, IN
    13 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. Charles C. Deam Wilderness

    9 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    6 miles

    "A staple of our state here in Indiana. Unfortunately due to some storm damage, trails were rerouted or straight up inaccessible.

    Great places to find and set up camp."

    "Tent camping only although there are both hike in and drive up sites in the wilderness area. Great place to get away from it all."

    8. Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground

    25 Reviews
    Vallonia, IN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 358-3464

    $23 - $52 / night

    "There are lakeside camping lots. Also there are larger full hookup lots away from the lake"

    "Starve Hollow State Recreation Area is 280 acres that are adjacent to Jackson-Washington State Forest (18,000 acres)."

    9. Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    22 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    17 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."

    10. Peninsula Trail

    7 Reviews
    Clear Creek, IN
    10 miles
    Website

    "The Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge trails both have marked campsites that are very far apart and totally private.  These are dispersed/primitive sites with a fire ring only. "

    "this was a wonderful scenic hike meant for the beauty of indiana"

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Recent Reviews near Heltonville, IN

638 Reviews of 124 Heltonville Campgrounds


  • Desert B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Knobstone Trail

    not accessible

    Maybe Google Maps took me to the wrong place (probably not).  I drove back and forth on the road several times looking for this place  The only thing I found was what I believe was the entrance with a cable across it.  There was no place to park otherwise.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Shakamak State Park Campground

    Great State Park

    Most of the spaces that had both water and electric were mostly in the sun. But all the other spaces had plenty of shade and trees around them. Our space was spot on level and nice area around each space to where you didn’t feel like you were camped on top of other people. The showers were adequate. Great hiking trails in the area. Very quiet. Although we were there on a weekday. One downside was we had Verizon as a cell phone carrier and only had one bar.

  • 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!

  • L
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Shakamak State Park Campground

    Clean, pretty, quiet, spacey.

    We had a nice site that was evenly spaced from the other campsites by trees and was nice and close to water, the bathrooms, and the shower houses, which were very clean! The camp store was nice and the paddle boats were fun! The pool was only opened on the weekends in August which was disappointing but there was a large fishing dock and many boating opportunities. Very nice camping spot, but in August beware of the bugs!

  • 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.


Guide to Heltonville

Camping near Heltonville, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a lively family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Boating and Fishing: Many campers enjoy the water activities at Paynetown Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "This is a boating/fishing park," highlighting the lake's popularity for these activities.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park. A visitor shared, "There are lots to do, hike, fish, boat and hit the beach," making it clear that hiking is a favorite pastime here.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Hardin Ridge have spotted various wildlife. One camper noted, "Screech owls and active birds made it an exciting evening," perfect for nature lovers.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Starve Hollow State Rec Area. A reviewer said, "Clean facilities. Very friendly staff," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Sites: At Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest, one camper remarked, "Plenty of room to spread out from your neighbors," making it a great spot for those who value space.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: West Boggs Park is known for its family-oriented events. A visitor mentioned, "They host different themed events," which keeps things lively for families.

What you should know:

  • Busy Weekends: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the week. A camper at Paynetown Campground warned, "It's VERY noisy & busy on a summer weekend."
  • Site Conditions: Some sites may not be level. A reviewer at Spring Mill State Park Campground noted, "Our site wasn't very level for our pop up," so be prepared to adjust your setup.
  • Primitive Camping Options: For those looking for a more rustic experience, Yellowwood State Forest offers primitive sites. A visitor mentioned, "This is a State Forest campground... Pit toilets only," so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park, where one camper said, "Lots of hiking trails... very peaceful," making it ideal for family bonding.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at West Boggs Park enjoyed, "Great activities such as outdoor movies, scavenger hunts, and more."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring along items that make camping easier for kids. A camper at Starve Hollow State Rec Area mentioned, "The beach was muddy and shallow," so be ready for some mess!

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: RVers should pay attention to site conditions. A visitor at Taylor Ridge Campground noted, "The roads are not marked very well," which can make finding a suitable site tricky.
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with the right hookups. One reviewer at Hardin Ridge said, "Well spaced all tucked into the trees on a ridge," which is great for RVs.
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: If you're camping during peak season, expect busy sites. A camper at Buffalo Ridge Campground mentioned, "Traffic can be a distraction if you are looking for a peaceful night around the campfire."

Camping near Heltonville, Indiana, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Heltonville, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Heltonville, IN offers a wide range of camping options, with 124 campgrounds and RV parks near Heltonville, IN and 14 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Heltonville, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Heltonville, IN is Hardin Ridge with a 4.5-star rating from 25 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Heltonville, IN.

What parks are near Heltonville, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Heltonville, IN that allow camping, notably Monroe Lake and Hoosier National Forest.