Are you planning a camping trip to Hoosier National Forest with your dog? We've got you covered. Find the best information on pet-friendly camping near Hoosier National Forest, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your RVing experience. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Hoosier National Forest's most popular destinations.
Spring Mill State Park Campground, nestled near Mitchell, Indiana, is a gem for campers looking for a mix of natural beauty and historical charm. This campground operates year-round and offers a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, and cabins.
One of the standout features here is the Pioneer Village, a beautifully preserved slice of history where staff reenact life from a bygone era. It's a must-see, complete with a working blacksmith shop, school, and grist mill. You can even buy freshly ground cornmeal from the mill.
For those who love the great outdoors, the park boasts numerous hiking trails that are well-marked and easy to navigate. There's also a nature center, caves to explore, and an astronaut museum dedicated to Gus Grissom. If you're into sports, you'll find tennis and basketball courts, beach volleyball, and mountain bike trails.
The campground itself is pet-friendly and offers amenities like electric hookups, drinking water, showers, and flush toilets. Some sites are more secluded and shaded, while others are open and sunny. Just be aware that some sites can be a bit uneven, so bringing a leveler might be a good idea.
Visitors have praised the park for its friendly staff and the variety of activities available. Whether you're here for the hiking, the history, or just a peaceful camping experience, Spring Mill State Park Campground has something to offer. And if you're planning to catch the 2024 eclipse, this place is a prime spot for viewing.
$20 - $45 / night
With 26,000 acres of land and water, Patoka Lake campground is a fine example of lake ecology. An 8,800-acre lake provides habitat for freshwater jellyfish and bald eagle nesting sites. River otters and osprey were reintroduced at Patoka by the DNR.
Camping:
-Electric / 455 sites
-Primitive / 45 sites
-Dumping Station
$33 / night
$25 - $40 / night
Hardin Ridge is a 1,200-acre recreational complex located on the shores of Monroe Reservoir in Hooiser National Forest. The complex includes six shady campground loops, two picnic areas with shelters, and two rental cabins. The area offers something for everyone, with activities like camping, picnicking, boat launching, swimming, nature walks, and interpretive programs offered in a forested environment.
A 300-foot swimming beach on Lake Monroe offers a place for children to play and swimmers to sunbathe and enjoy the water. The beach offers a combination of sand and sun, with a shady grass-covered hillside above. There are no lifeguards on duty. No glass containers or pets are allowed in the beach area. The Hardin Ridge Trail is a 2-mile hiking and bicycle trail that runs from the day use area to the various campground loops. This trail roughly follows the main campground road and provides a safe surface for families to hike or bike, as well as a scenic overlook. Fishing is allowed anywhere along the lakeshore within the recreational complex, but several quiet inlets provide secluded fishing holes along the lake's banks. Popular catches include blue gill, striped bass, large mouth bass and crappie. On the Ted T. Turtle interpretive trail, visitors can travel 1.2 miles through a scenic hardwood forest, along a small creek and down to Lake Monroe and back. On the trail, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the history, geology, and wildlife common to southern Indiana. For visitors interested in boating, the lake has a 3-lane launch ramp that is open year-round. A 75 vehicle/trailer parking area is also available as well as a fully accessible loading dock provided at the boat ramp.
A 300-foot swimming beach on Lake Monroe offers a place for children to play and swimmers to sunbathe and enjoy the water. The beach offers a combination of sand and sun, with a shady grass-covered hillside above. There are no lifeguards on duty. No glass containers or pets are allowed in the beach area. The Hardin Ridge Trail is a 2-mile hiking and bicycle trail that runs from the day use area to the various campground loops. This trail roughly follows the main campground road and provides a safe surface for families to hike or bike, as well as a scenic overlook. Fishing is allowed anywhere along the lakeshore within the recreational complex, but several quiet inlets provide secluded fishing holes along the lake's banks. Popular catches include blue gill, striped bass, large mouth bass and crappie. On the Ted T. Turtle interpretive trail, visitors can travel 1.2 miles through a scenic hardwood forest, along a small creek and down to Lake Monroe and back. On the trail, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the history, geology, and wildlife common to southern Indiana. For visitors interested in boating, the lake has a 3-lane launch ramp that is open year-round. A 75 vehicle/trailer parking area is also available as well as a fully accessible loading dock provided at the boat ramp.
Monroe Reservoir spans 10,750-acres and is the largest lake in Indiana. There is an overlook on Hardin Ridge Road that is spectacular in any season and gives visitors a high vantage point of the lake, colorful marinas across the water and a vast expanse of forest. The entire area is forested with hardwoods and is well-shaded to give visitors the feel of being in the deep woods. In spring, the dogwoods and redbuds bring bright color to the forest and in fall, the foliage offers colors in vibrant hues of yellow, orange and red.
Special Places on the Hoosier National Forest Brooks Cabin____ Buffalo Trace____ Carnes Mill Site____ Clover Lick Barrens____ Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower____ Initial Point____ Lick Creek African American Settlement____ The Jacob Rickenbaugh Homestead____ Wesley Chapel Gulf__
$50 - $55 / night
Located 6 miles south of Bloomington and the IU campus, Monroe Lake is the largest in Indiana. Paynetown Campground is a recreation area that is part of Monroe Lake. Activities at Monroe include fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, picnicking, water recreation, bird/eagle viewing, and many others.
$16 - $30 / night
Sycamore Springs’ 250 acres are home to 10 shelter houses, numerous playgrounds, fishing ponds, a softball field, basketball court, wedding chapel, 35 tent camping sites and 64 RV camping sites. As a bonus, firewood is free for campers. Sycamore Springs is family friendly (alcohol is not allowed) and offers sites for all types of camping. Water views are available and there are fire pits on all sites. Camping cabins are offered at a discounted rate during the week, and the fully furnished House of Annie & Bud also awaits.
Welcome to Taylor Ridge Campground, nestled in the heart of Brown County State Park, Indiana's crown jewel. This place is a camper's paradise, offering a mix of tent and RV sites, all set in a beautifully wooded area. The campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained facilities.
One of the standout features here is the availability of electric hookups, making it a great spot for RV campers. You'll also find drinking water stations conveniently located throughout the campground. The bathhouses are clean and well-kept, with ample stalls and showers to keep you comfortable during your stay.
Visitors rave about the variety of activities available. You can hike the numerous trails, some of which are perfect for mountain biking. If you're into horseback riding, there's a huge horseman's camp nearby that's always bustling. For those who enjoy a bit of fishing, the park boasts two lakes where you can cast a line. And if you're visiting in the summer, don't miss the swimming pool.
The campground itself is divided into several loops, including Taylor Ridge, Buffalo Ridge, and Raccoon Ridge. Each offers a unique experience. Taylor Ridge is heavily wooded and offers a bit more privacy, while Buffalo Ridge is more open and grassy, making it ideal for families with kids who want to play. Raccoon Ridge is perfect for tent campers looking for a more rustic experience.
One thing to note: the roads can be a bit tricky to navigate, so keep your map handy. But once you're settled in, you'll find the sites are spacious and quiet, perfect for a relaxing getaway. And if you need a break from nature, the charming town of Nashville is just a short drive away, offering quaint shops and restaurants.
So pack your gear and head to Taylor Ridge Campground for a memorable outdoor adventure. Whether you're here for the hiking, the horseback riding, or just to soak in the natural beauty, you won't be disappointed.
A primitive campground with vault toilets, hitching racks, and a picnic shelter is available. Around 12 and half miles of trails are available for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding.
The Youngs Creek Campground provides access to the 12.7-mile Youngs Creek multiple use trail for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking.____
The Youngs Creek Campground provides access to the 12.7-mile Youngs Creek multiple use trail for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking.____
Shady trails, scenic hardwood forests and a variety of terrain
The Indian-Celina Lake Recreation Area is a tranquil getaway in the midst of the Hoosier National Forest. Both the Celina and Indian Lakes are within the area, offering camping, boating, fishing and hiking, as well as tours of a historic site.
Indian and Celina lakes are two of four fishing lakes along Highway 37. The lakes offer many miles of shoreline and coves for fishing for pan fish. Boat ramps are open year-round, and an accessible fishing pier is available on Celina Lake. Anglers can expect a variety of catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. The sandstone block, historic Rickenbaugh House was built in 1874 and is open to visitors periodically throughout the year. The home and adjacent historic cemetery are popular among visitors. A variety of hiking trails exist within the area, including the relatively easy, 1 mile Rickenbaugh Interpretive Trail, which is located behind the historic Rickenbaugh House. The Two Lakes Loop National Recreation Trail encircles both Indian and Celina lakes and winds through many acres of natural and peaceful forests. The trail is 16 miles, but can encompass multiple, shorter day hikes.
Indian and Celina lakes are two of four fishing lakes along Highway 37. The lakes offer many miles of shoreline and coves for fishing for pan fish. Boat ramps are open year-round, and an accessible fishing pier is available on Celina Lake. Anglers can expect a variety of catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. The sandstone block, historic Rickenbaugh House was built in 1874 and is open to visitors periodically throughout the year. The home and adjacent historic cemetery are popular among visitors. A variety of hiking trails exist within the area, including the relatively easy, 1 mile Rickenbaugh Interpretive Trail, which is located behind the historic Rickenbaugh House. The Two Lakes Loop National Recreation Trail encircles both Indian and Celina lakes and winds through many acres of natural and peaceful forests. The trail is 16 miles, but can encompass multiple, shorter day hikes.
The area is located in south-central Indiana, in a dense hardwood and pine forest, on 152-acre Indian and 164-acre Celina lakes. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area.
Special Places on the Hoosier National Forest __ Brooks Cabin __ Buffalo Trace __ Carnes Mill Site__ Clover Lick Barrens __ Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower__ Initial Point __ Lick Creek African American Settlement __ The Jacob Rickenbaugh Homestead __ Wesley Chapel Gulf __
$35 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hoosier National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hoosier National Forest is Spring Mill State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Hoosier National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 95 dog-friendly camping locations near Hoosier National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
