Looking for the best campgrounds near Hoosier National Forest, IN? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Hoosier National Forest campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
$20 - $30 / 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."
$12 - $25 / night
"My Aunt loves their trips to Patoka Lake & I can relate as to why after this weekend. We went for a wedding at the marina & ended by a lovely cove."
"By far the best location as we had a trail from our site directly to a rocky beach on the lake."
"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."
"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."
$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)."
$21 - $55 / night
"I grew up in nearby Bloomington, Indiana, and my family were actually the very first campers at Hardin Ridge in 1966."
"This campground is nestled on a ridge above Indiana's Lake Monroe."
"There is also a nice loop trail if you feel like hiking. Be aware that it’s a pretty long drive in with lots of hill and some areas that are strictly gravel."
"Great trails that our kids (ages 2-9) loved. Only reason for 4 stars is no drinking water or fire pit."
"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."
$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."
$13 / night
"Generator okay but recommend use away from other campers."
"This state forest is beautiful, filled with pines and a clear lake. It is a primative campground but is very nice. Has nice hiking trails and 7 miles of mountain bike trails."
"There is a fishing lake and a small river to fish in or wade and swim in. There is a miniature village for the kids along with 20 playgrounds in the campground."
"We were right at the lake edge. The campsite had electric but no water, but the water was just across the road at a shelter."
GuideI had a great time camping here. The spots in Taylor ridge were mostly well-spaced and felt pretty private. The pit toilets were clean and the showers were nice. Busy campground but it was very quiet still. 262 was the biggest and most private site I saw when walking around. 260 is a pull through site.
GuideVery clean and friendly state park. Quick stop over but would definitely stay again if in the area. Would like to do some of the trails there
GuideQuick stop over. Would definitely return if in the area. Would have like to have had more time to do some of the trails. Very clean, friendly. Be aware of an additional $9 feet at the gate besides the camp fee.
TravelerMaybe 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.
TravelerNice facilities. Camping spots not on top of each other. Great hiking. Quiet.
TravelerThis 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!
LegendOur 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.
GuideNice park. Camp store had a lot of souvenirs. Sits are spaced out nicely.
ScoutThis place could be nice but it is full of permanent trailer occupants, which is fine but . It shouldn’t be advertised as a RV park. There were 3 empty spaces, we chose one and we couldn’t hook the sewer up because the pipe is too high off the ground. They charged us 45.95 which is too high for the amenities offered. The spaces are very close, no table, no place to set up a bbq. We should have left but we were very tired.
Camping near Hoosier National Forest, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something to offer.
Camping near Hoosier National Forest, Indiana, has its perks and quirks. With the right planning, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots in Hoosier National Forest?
Hoosier National Forest offers several excellent camping options. Hardin Ridge is a standout with decent-sized sites spaced for privacy, exceptionally clean bathrooms and showers, and beach access for swimming until 8pm. For those seeking free camping, Hickory Ridge Campground is highly recommended, with spacious sites including a horse camp area. Other notable spots include Indian-Celina Recreation Area (clean, quiet, and uncrowded with friendly management) and Tipsaw Lake which offers family-friendly camping with access to a boat ramp, dock, and swimming opportunities. For more secluded experiences, the forest also has dispersed camping options along Mitchell Creek Road and at Sundance Lake.
Can you camp in an RV at Hoosier National Forest?
Yes, RV camping is available at several locations in Hoosier National Forest, though site sizes and amenities vary. Blackwell Campground is particularly RV-friendly with pull-through sites that can accommodate larger rigs. Tipsaw Lake offers family-oriented camping areas suitable for RVs with basic amenities. For dispersed camping with RVs, options are more limited and typically better suited for smaller rigs or trailers. Sundance Lake has a few spots for camping but isn't recommended for larger travel trailers unless very small. Some forest roads may be challenging for large RVs, so it's advisable to research specific campground accommodations before arrival. Most developed campgrounds have at least some sites that can accommodate recreational vehicles.
What amenities are available at Hoosier National Forest campgrounds?
Amenities at Hoosier National Forest campgrounds vary widely by location. Indian-Celina Recreation Area offers clean facilities and on-site management. Hardin Ridge features exceptionally clean bathrooms and showers, plus a beach area for swimming (open until 8pm). The more primitive sites like Hickory Ridge Campground are free but offer minimal amenities. For dispersed camping options such as Mitchell Creek Road and Sundance Lake, expect basic or no facilities beyond established fire rings in some locations. Tipsaw Lake provides a boat ramp with dock, parking, and pit toilets. Most developed campgrounds have picnic tables and fire rings, while water availability differs by location. Some sites have access to hiking trails directly from the campground. Vault toilets are common at more developed sites, but flush toilets and showers are limited to certain locations.
Are there camping options near Hoosier National Forest but outside the forest boundaries?
Yes, several excellent camping options exist near but outside Hoosier National Forest. Buffalo Ridge Campground in Brown County State Park is a popular choice with multiple visitors year-round, particularly for mountain biking enthusiasts. The park offers nearly 30 miles of trails with connectivity to Yellowwood and Hoosier National Forest. Jackson Washington State Forest provides camping with nearby attractions like Skyline Drive and archery facilities, though sites may not all be level. Other nearby options include Oak Ridge Camping Area in Morgan-Monroe State Forest, which features well-maintained property, picnic areas, shelters, cabins for rent, and extensive hiking trails. Paynetown Campground on Monroe Reservoir also offers camping opportunities close to the forest boundaries.
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