Camping near Hoosier National Forest

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.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the many trails in the area. Campers have enjoyed the well-marked paths and scenic views. One visitor mentioned, "The trails had pretty good signage, but the Lake Vista Trail had downed trees every 50 feet."
• Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Starve Hollow State Rec Area, provide access to lakes for fishing and boating. A reviewer noted, "Starve Hollow Lake SRA has full hookups at half the campground and electric water access on the other half."
• Wildlife Watching: The area is home to various wildlife. A camper at Blackwell Campground shared, "Screech owls and active birds made it an exciting evening."

What campers like:

• Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at places like Hardin Ridge. One visitor said, "Beautiful spacious sites. Spread out with plenty of room between sites."
• Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are noted for their cleanliness. A camper at Paynetown Campground remarked, "Restrooms/showers were state park clean. I was impressed with the hard-working staff trying their best to give us a clean bathroom!"
• Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Indian-Celina Recreation Area said, "Quiet. Friendly helpful staff."

What you should know:

• No Water Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Patoka Lake Campground, do not have water hookups. A reviewer advised, "It's worth noting that there are no water hookups, so remember to fill your tank before arriving at your site."
• Busy on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get crowded, especially during summer weekends. A camper at Paynetown Campground noted, "This is known in Indiana as a party park. It's VERY noisy & busy on a summer weekend."
• Limited Shade: Some sites may lack shade, which can be a concern during hot weather. A visitor at Taylor Ridge Campground mentioned, "The sites are too close together. There's too many people crammed in a small space."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose the Right Campsite: Look for sites that offer space and safety for kids. A camper at Buffalo Ridge Campground suggested, "Pay attention to your campsite for slope and camper accessibility."
• Plan Activities: Keep kids entertained with hiking and fishing. One family enjoyed the "lots of hiking trails" at Spring Mill State Park Campground.
• Be Cautious of Wildlife: Remind kids to keep food secured to avoid raccoon visitors. A camper at Fishermans Primitive Campground warned, "MAKE SURE TO PUT AWAY ALL OF YOUR FOOD!!! Even scraps and Yes even DOG FOOD."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level, so it's good to check before setting up. A visitor at Taylor Ridge Campground noted, "The roads are not marked very well and it took a bit to find our site which needed level blocks."
• Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, but not all. A camper at Hardin Ridge mentioned, "There are 4 loops with 30 & 50 amp. 2 loops with no electric."
• Plan for Crowds: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider camping during the week. A camper at Deam Lake State Rec Area said, "Super crowded on the weekends but not too bad during the week."

Camping near Hoosier National Forest, Indiana, has its perks and quirks. With the right planning, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!