Keith L.
Scout
ScoutIndian-Celina Recreation Area
Peaceful tent camping.
In Hoosier National Forest. Clean, quiet, uncrowded. Friendly manager.
Best Glamping near Hoosier National Forest
Marengo Cave Campgrounds offers unique glamping experiences in the scenic surroundings of southern Indiana, close to Hoosier National Forest. These accommodations provide a comfortable alternative to traditional camping with amenities including electricity, heating options, and proper bedding. "It is so dark at night that you can see the stars!" one guest shared, highlighting the natural setting that makes this area perfect for stargazing enthusiasts. Sleeping Bear Retreat features teepee accommodations where visitors need only bring blankets and food as everything else is provided on-site. Both locations maintain easy access to natural attractions while offering the comforts that distinguish glamping from conventional camping experiences. The canvas accommodations and unique structures allow guests to connect with nature without sacrificing comfort.
Exploring local caves ranks among the top experiences for glampers in this region, with Marengo Cave National Landmark situated within walking distance of its campground. The park features hiking trails, disc golf, outdoor chess, and paintball activities that complement the peaceful forest setting. According to a camper, "You can walk to Marengo Cave entrance from the camp site," making cave tours easily accessible without additional travel. Crystal Palace Cavern and Dripslide Caverns offer underground adventures suitable for all ages. The glamping sites remain open seasonally, generally from spring through fall, with some locations like Sleeping Bear Retreat operating from March through November. Most properties require reservations, particularly during peak summer months when the combination of comfortable accommodations and natural surroundings attracts families seeking outdoor experiences with modern comforts.
Best Glamping Sites Near Hoosier National Forest (29)
1. Youngs Creek Horse Camp
8 ReviewsPaoli, IN12 milesWebsite+1 (812) 547-7051"Site accommodates both horse, drive in and walk-in camping. There’s a privy and water on site. Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables."
"It sports a good-sized pavilion and well-maintained his and hers vault toilets. The camp sites were generous in size with gravel parking, fairly level pads, picnic tables, and a fire ring."
2. Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground
25 ReviewsVallonia, IN22 milesWebsite+1 (812) 358-3464$26 - $52 / night
"Starve Hollow offers camping from full hookup, electric only (by the lake), tent camping, and cabins. The lake has a swimming area (no lifeguards), playgrounds, and bathhouse. "
"There are full hook-up sites and electric. Regular electric sites on the water are beautiful but not sure we could park our 41 ft fifth wheel on a water site."
3. Marengo Cave Campgrounds
8 ReviewsEnglish, IN21 milesWebsite$27 / night
"Sites equipped with electricity, a gazebo & picnic table, and fire pit. Camp store, cave tours, gift shop, and other pay activities are within steps of camping, but only open until 5:00."
"The campgrounds are all equipped with a nice fire pit, picnic table, lean to, and the availability of electric hookup. The campgrounds also has a couple newer cabins that look really cute."
4. Sleeping Bear Retreat
2 ReviewsFrench Lick, IN16 milesWebsite$20 - $55 / night
"Bathrooms were decent, plus they have disc golf, huge chess, and paintball!"
5. Delaney Creek Park
7 ReviewsVallonia, IN22 milesWebsite+1 (812) 883-5101"Each lot has water and electric. There is a dump station at the exit. The only negative comment about this park is, every lot slopes down towards the lake."
"Great place to camp, 20/25 mins down a heavily wooded country road so it’s secluded and quiet. The place was pretty full of campers, both tents and campers."
6. Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe
6 ReviewsHarrodsburg, IN25 milesWebsite+1 (812) 824-3322"It was an awesome set up and we had a great time. We went around Halloween time so the kids participated in a costume contest, pumpkin decorating contest, and trick or treat."
"Friendly Staff. Camp site was a pull through so very easy to set up. Was a full hook up site at that. We enjoyed our stay and visiting IU in the process. Great location and clean camp ground."
7. Indian-Celina Recreation Area
20 ReviewsSaint Croix, IN34 milesWebsite+1 (812) 843-4880$24 - $52 / night
"In Hoosier National Forest. Clean, quiet, uncrowded. Friendly manager."
"This was a very quiet campsite in southern Indiana. We had a hard time finding dispered camping in the national Forest so we settled for this site."
8. O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground
20 ReviewsLeavenworth, IN34 milesWebsite+1 (812) 738-8232$23 - $496 / night
"The staff was fairly nice, and even helped us out with a bit of a Karen camper. The sites have an asphalt pad that are mostly level. 50,30,20 amp service in one box."
"Bathhouses feel luxuriously clean and large compared to most campgrounds. There are multiple play areas for children and beautiful hiking trails within and around the campground itself."
9. Ransburg Scout Reservation
4 ReviewsHarrodsburg, IN25 milesWebsite"Our Boy Scout troop enjoyed visiting this location. It was well maintained and the staff was helpful."
"Located on Monroe lake, they have canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing.
Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails. Their mess hall is top notch."10. Jackson Washington State Forest
6 ReviewsBrownstown, IN27 milesWebsite+1 (812) 358-2160$13 / night
"There are some awesome hiking trails here, they are very rugged for Indiana lots of hills. J-W offers some real pretty views."
"I went hiking here and it was sort of rugged. The campsite was right near the lake which provided a perfect view. There was a picnic table and fire ring for only 13 dollars."
Recent Glamping Photos near Hoosier National Forest
17 Photos of 29 Hoosier National Forest Campgrounds
Sofia A.
Marengo Cave Campgrounds
J C.
Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground
Stephen & Theresa B.
Jackson Washington State Forest
Ima C.
Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA
Shelly S.
O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground
Gary B.
eXplore Brown County
rickie F.
Oak Ridge Camping Area — Morgan-Monroe State Forest
Chelsea F.
Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph
Glamping Reviews near Hoosier National Forest
243 Reviews of 29 Hoosier National Forest Campgrounds
Sarah S.
GuideMarengo Cave Campgrounds
Small sites but very clean!
Camp sites are pretty small, but are aligned along a small stream. Heavy truck and train traffic can be heard at all hours. Sites equipped with electricity, a gazebo & picnic table, and fire pit. Camp store, cave tours, gift shop, and other pay activities are within steps of camping, but only open until 5:00. No security or staff at all after hours. Bath house was heated, extremely clean with flush toilets, and continual hot water. City water access in the middle of the campsite. Play area and 2 large covered areas for get together's. Newer cabins looked very nice from outside. Caves are obviously a must see while there. More caves are within driving distance.
Kelsey R.GuideO'Bannon Woods State Park Campground
Shaded and secluded
Obannon Overall, this is a nice state park to camp in. Staff was very friendly. They have ice and wood. My kids enjoyed the nature center, pioneer village, and one of the easy trails.
We stayed in 220. It was nice to be right by the playground and bathrooms (which is what we wanted). Some spots near the back would be nice and secluded like the 180s and 190s and they’re still not too far from the bathrooms and playground. The better playground is in loop A.
I will say, I didn’t see any staff members cleaning up trash, getting campsites ready, or anything the 2 days we were there. Even though we went in November, it was a nice weekend and wasn’t dead, so I was surprised I didn’t see anyone cleaning. Wasn’t the cleanest state campground we’ve been at in Indiana. Certainly wasn’t awful though either.
My biggest gripe was they were hosting a huge cycling group. Like the whole loop A. We were all the way back in C. They held a concert that went on from like 8-11 pm. Being in a pop up, it was so loud and never ending. Made it difficult for my kids to sleep. If they’re going to hold (or allow) events like these, it should be posted on their website. Even with our sound machine, we still couldn’t block it out. I realize quiet hours aren’t until 11, but to me there’s a difference.
There is also hardly any signage and spots are difficult to find. No arrows about which way to go, signs saying which loop you’re in, and spots are only marked on the electrical boxes.
Overall, may stay again and try out the pool since we’re not too far from home, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to stay here.
catlin W.
TravelerJackson Washington State Forest
Trees falling alot
Around the camp is nice from archery to the local sites like skyline drive but the camp itself not so nice. From dirty pit toilets to trees falling on camp site in the middle of the night to only a few level sites I like to ruff it but this is a little too ruff. Most people bring entire uhual sized trailers full of gear to make this place nice for a weekend. But unless you are an Archer or someone trying to just get drunk in the woods travel the 40 minutes away to Hoosier national forest and stay at one of the camps there.
- JJames L.Scout
Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground
Good variety
Starve Hollow offers camping from full hookup, electric only (by the lake), tent camping, and cabins. The lake has a swimming area (no lifeguards), playgrounds, and bathhouse. The lake allows boats with electric trolling motor only.
We stayed in the full hookup section (camping facilities: electric, sewer, and water hookup as well as fire ring, picnic table, and parking spur at each site. Modern restrooms/showers(wheelchair accessible) are available nearby. 53 sites available, sites 222, 232, and 234 are wheelchair accessible). The bathhouse was clean (even though it rained most of the weekend). these sites are a good size and able to get any size Trailer or RV into these sites. There is mostly grass on most of the sites in this area.
The campground also offers electric only sites (camping facilities: electric hookup, fire ring, picnic table and parking spur at each site. Drinking water is available in area. Modern restrooms/showers(wheelchair accessible) are available nearby. Dumping station is available. There are 87 sites available. Sites 28, 44, 65, 75 and 90 are wheelchair accessible). They have about 20 sites that back up right to the lake allowing fishing from your campsite. Keep in mind that a lot of the electric only sites are very tight with a lot of trees in the area. I can probably only get my 36 ft 5th wheel into a third of the sites, but there are many of sites that had shorter units on them.
Cabins: Starve Hollow has 13 rent-a-camp cabins available March-Nov.(closed Dec.-Feb.)(NOTE: Local sales only during off season/winter months, contact property for details). Each cabin has a front porch with a swing, outside electric outlet and front porch light. Inside there are two small rooms each providing a ceiling fan with light, a heating/cooling unit and electrical outlets. The front room offers a small table with bench seats, corner shelf, chair, rocking chair, and a loft. The back room offers a bunk bed(single) and a double bed(NO LINENS or MATTRESS PROVIDED). Air mattress recommended.
Fishing/Boating Starve-Hollow Lake has three boat ramps to choose from, one at the dam and two in the electric campground. Kayak, rowboat and canoe rental is available. A valid Indiana fishing license is required. Rowboat and canoe rental is available from mid April through October. Starve-Hollow Lake is a trolling motor only lake. For campers a fish cleaning station is available.
Swimming A large beach is available for swimming from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Restrooms, dressing facilities, showers, and food concessions are available to visitors. Wheelchair ramps allow access to beach and concession area.
Picnicking There are picnic areas and picnic shelters that can be reserved. Both shelters can be accessed by wheelchair. The East shelter has an electrical outlet. Picnic tables and grills are located at the picnic sites. A wheelchair accessible playground, basketball goals, softball fields, horseshoe pits and a sand volleyball court are located on or near the swimming beach.
Hiking Trails Starve Hollow has several hiking trails to explore that total approximately 11 miles.
Ron H.GuideOak Ridge Camping Area — Morgan-Monroe State Forest
If you like hiking this is the place!
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. There are some picnic areas and a couple of shields and 2 cabins for rent. There are a lot of trails to hike 2 of them are over 10 miles (lower gap and three lakes). The Tecumseh trail (40 miles) starts in Morgan Monroe State Forest passes through Yellowwood State Forest and ends in the Hoosier national Forest. There are some shorter trails also. The trails are very nice and well maintained. There is a paved bicycle trail approximately 5 miles long one way Three small lakes are on the property for fishing and kayaking. There are three campgrounds on the property. The main campground has around 20 sites. The overflow campgrounds as about 10 more sites. There is a youth campgrounds to. Each campground has pit toilets and wash station with water available to take to camp site. There is also camping on the some of the trails. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is, we are RV campers and there are only about 5 sites we could get in to. Our camper is about 25’ and it was tight get in and out of the campground. If you have a small camper (15’ or smaller) there would more sites. There is a dump station, but I barely got in to dump. So not real RV friendly.
- JJ C.Guide
Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground
Great place! We will come back!
There are full hook-up sites and electric. Regular electric sites on the water are beautiful but not sure we could park our 41 ft fifth wheel on a water site. Trails are rugged at times and you can access them through campground. We are here in the fall but the beach looks like a good size. Boat rentals. Cabins look cute. We peeked in one. Double bed with bunks in room. Theres a loft for kids. A/C and heat but not bathroom. Bring a mattress or sleeping bags or you will sleep on wood. I recommend the water cabins. Playgrounds are sprinkled throughout. DNR dont patrol a lot. Quiet campground.
- SShannon B.Traveler
Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph
The most fun!!!!!
This is a fun family Campground located adjacent to holiday world and Splashin Safari. There are golf carts for rent, nice camp stores, pools, playground, putt putt golf course, arcade and more. This campground has lots of family fun activities Such as a glow parade, karaoke night, arts and crafts, and more. The Halloween themed weekends are so much fun with a campsite decorating contest, trick-or-treating etc.
- Cherie B.Scout
Brown County-Nashville KOA
Quiet and friendly
This is our go to campground. Not overly large but it’s clean and quiet. The owners are friendly and helpful. Bathrooms/showers are clean. Laundry on site. Small store and library where you can borrow books. Nice dog walk and small fenced dog area. Sites level and good for big rigs down to tents. Three cabins also available. Owners are relatively new and have been working on improvements continually. Highly recommend!
Guide to Hoosier National Forest
Camping facilities in Hoosier National Forest span over 200,000 acres of forested hills in southern Indiana, with elevations ranging from 450 to 900 feet above sea level. The region features karst topography with limestone caves and sinkholes. Most primitive campgrounds remain open year-round, though seasonal restrictions apply to glamping accommodations and facilities with water hookups during winter months.
What to do
Hiking the Knobstone Trail: The 50-mile Knobstone Trail near Delaney Creek Park offers challenging terrain with significant elevation changes. "The Delaney Loop in about 6 hours (7.5 miles and 2000 ft elevation change) a good challenge for all ages. Trail is well marked and maps at gate," explains James M., who visited Delaney Creek Park.
Cave exploration: Beyond Marengo, several additional caves dot the region. "I was really surprised that in my 30 years of living in Indiana, I had never been to Marengo Cave. It's both great for kids and adults... There are two different parts to explore. The dripslide caverns and the crystal palace cavern," notes Tiffany T. from Sleeping Bear Retreat.
Water activities: Lake Monroe offers multiple boating options through scout camps. "Located on Monroe lake, they have canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing... Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails," reports Margo B. about Ransburg Scout Reservation.
Primitive camping: For those seeking solitude, Young's Creek provides backcountry sites. "Secluded camping area with horse hitch. 5-6 primitive spots with fire rings and tables. Very little privacy. Tents and vans only," shares Michael U. from Young's Creek Horse Camp.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies create excellent viewing conditions throughout the forest. "The chorus frog do roar through the night. 100% worth it, make sure to bring bug spray, and travel carefully up the roads. Lots of wildlife, and kind people," writes Elizabeth W. about Young's Creek.
Affordable yurt camping: Yurt and teepee accommodations in Hoosier National Forest provide budget alternatives to cabins. "All you need to bring is a blanket and food this place has the rest," says Hibbidy D. about the teepees at Sleeping Bear Retreat.
Lakefront sites: Waterfront camping spots are highly sought after. "We stayed in site 21 which was right on the lake. All the lake front spots seem to have a good amount lakefront footage. We probably had at least 40 feet," notes Martin M. about Starve Hollow State Rec Area.
Quiet atmosphere: The less-developed areas offer peaceful settings. "Peaceful camping area with horse, drive in and walk-in camping. There's a privy and water on site. Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables. There is a trail that loops back to the site for easy hiking access," describes David M. from Young's Creek Horse Camp.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly throughout the forest. "There is not a camp store, so make sure you have all the supplies you need or you'll have to make a trip to Salem, which is only about a 20 min drive. There's excellent cell service, no WiFi," reports Kelsie E. about Delaney Creek Park.
Terrain challenges: Many sites feature uneven ground. "Sites for RVs are concrete and you will need to level some on all of them. They have electric and water. Reasonable prices. Our only complaint is you can't get near the water to fish anywhere by the lake due to the weeds," explains Pamela H. about Delaney Creek Park.
Seasonal facilities: Water access points operate seasonally. "Jackson-Washington State forest encompasses 16,500 plus acres in the rolling hills of south central Indiana... The campground consists of 62 primitive class 'C' self registration sites with a picnic table. Potable water is available seasonally and firewood can be purchased at the forest office," notes Stephen & Theresa B. from Jackson-Washington State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Affordable youth activities: Scout facilities open to public during specific periods. "We camp here every time we come to Indiana. We have camped there in a truck camper, and now we tent camp with our Jeep. The sites are large, and there are fire rings available. There are vault toilets and a fresh water pump not far from them," explains Susan A. from Young's Creek Horse Camp.
Educational options: Several campgrounds feature nature programs. "The park also offers boat, canoe, and kayak rental plus an Education Center, fishing, hiking and mountain bike trails that extend into Jackson-Washington State Forest," mentions Stephen & Theresa B. about Starve Hollow.
Family-sized yurts: Alternative lodging accommodations fit groups of 4-6 people. "Cabins look cute. I peeked in one. Double bed with bunks in room. There's a loft for kids. A/C and heat but not bathroom. Bring a mattress or sleeping bags or you will sleep on wood. I recommend the water cabins," advises J.C. from Starve Hollow State Rec Area.
Playgrounds and facilities: Recreation areas for children vary by location. "The beach area was huge and there were a lot of playgrounds. Overall there was nothing bad to report. If you want to rent one of the kayaks, get to the office right at 8 or they will be gone for the day," advises Martin M. from Starve Hollow.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Road conditions and campsite design affect larger vehicles. "Camp sites are pretty small, but are aligned along a small stream. Heavy truck and train traffic can be heard at all hours. Sites equipped with electricity, a gazebo & picnic table, and fire pit," reports Sarah S. from Marengo Cave Campgrounds.
Utility placement: Hookups often require extra equipment. "The electric and water hookups are not in standard locations for RV hookups. Make sure you bring an extension for your electric hookup, otherwise you might not be able to reach the post. Same for water hookup," warns Kelsie E. about Delaney Creek Park.
Winter options: Limited year-round facilities for RVs with full hookups. "There are full hook-up sites and electric. Regular electric sites on the water are beautiful but not sure we could park our 41 ft fifth wheel on a water site," notes J.C. from Starve Hollow State Rec Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping
campsite near Hoosier National Forest?
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Hoosier National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Hoosier National Forest is Youngs Creek Horse Camp with a 4.3-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find
glamping camping near
Hoosier National Forest?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Hoosier National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 glamping camping locations near Hoosier National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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