Tent camping near Highland, Indiana requires traveling beyond the immediate vicinity to find suitable sites. Campers exploring this region of the Midwest will discover that most established campgrounds are located within a 1-2 hour drive. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers reaching into the 90s and cold winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Camp Cadiz Campground serves as an eastern trailhead for the River to River trail, making it ideal for backpackers. "This is the Eastern trailhead for the River to River trail, there is also a shorter trail, Beaver. Good one to practice your backpacking skills on," notes camper Shelly S.
Wildlife observation: Lake Mauzy East offers excellent bird watching opportunities in a natural setting. One camper reported, "Super quiet, tons of birds, and we saw snake mounds but not yet seen one...birds and butterflies and owls...OH MY."
Local exploration: The Shawnee National Forest area near Camp Cadiz Campground offers unique discoveries. "The hiking trails that headed out from the camp were wonderful. We even hiked down the forest road and found a hidden cemetery tucked away," shares Art S.
What campers like
Privacy and space: Campers appreciate the uncrowded atmosphere at Camp Cadiz. "Motorcycle camping across America and I wanted to see Garden of the Gods. What I didn't want was to camp on top of someone else... Cadiz was spacious, quiet, and the other campers wanted to camp not party," reports Jeremy G.
Waterfront locations: Lake Mauzy East provides direct water access for campers. "The tent pads are right by the water, offering stunning lake views. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and access to toilets—everything you need for a comfortable stay," according to Richy R.
Rustic amenities: Many sites offer basic but functional facilities. "The fire pit had a grate large enough to cook on and I didn't need to use my extra grate that I keep in my camping kit. Bathrooms were not super clean but they were fine," notes Hannah F. about Camp Cadiz.
What you should know
Supply planning: Most primitive camping areas require self-sufficiency. At Lake Mauzy East, one camper advises, "No electricity or showers! Despite its remote feel, Walmart is just a 12-minute drive away for any last-minute supplies."
Seasonal considerations: Timing your visit can impact the camping experience. "Choose your time wisely. Camp filled up with hunters who started generators at 3 in the morning to get ready to head out for turkey," cautions Art S. about Camp Cadiz during hunting season.
Road conditions: Access to remote tent camping sites may require navigation of unpaved roads. "On a gravel road, in the back country like most everything else on this side of Illinois, fill your gas tank up and your food locker or you will be driving back out a ways to refill," recommends Shelly S.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: When tent camping with families near Highland, Indiana, consider dust and noise factors. "Every vehicle that went by generated dust which then coated everything in our camp. If you come here, we suggest taking the site that is furthest from the road," advises Art S.
Navigation preparation: Cell service can be unreliable in remote camping areas. "Not much phone signal in these parts so bring the old fashion paper map," suggests Shelly S., highlighting the importance of traditional navigation tools.
Lighting needs: Remote camping areas offer minimal light pollution but require proper preparation. "Very dark at night, bring your headlamp," notes a camper about the Camp Cadiz area.
Tips from RVers
Boondocking opportunities: RVers seeking unplugged experiences can find suitable options. "Lake mauzy is very quiet. No hookups but if you want to boondocks this is a great place," reports Tammy.
Space considerations: Some campgrounds offer generous sites for larger setups. "The spaces are wide open and big for multiple tents," notes Ryan P., which applies equally to smaller RV setups at Camp Cadiz.
