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Best Dispersed Camping near Indianapolis, IN

18 Reviews

Hoosier National Forest southeast of Indianapolis offers several dispersed camping options along Berry Ridge Road. These primitive sites are set back from the gravel road at varying distances, providing secluded spots for tent camping and small vehicles. The sites are spread far apart, creating private woodland camping experiences. Most locations feature established fire rings but no other amenities. This is true pack-in, pack-out camping with no drinking water, restrooms, or trash service, though some sites have picnic tables.

The dispersed area includes both Berry Ridge Road sites and nearby Sundance Lake. Campsites along Berry Ridge Road receive consistently positive reviews for their seclusion and natural setting. As one camper noted, "The sites are far enough apart that I truly felt like I had the woods all to myself." Access requires navigating gravel roads that can be steep in sections, with several sites requiring walking to fully assess before attempting to drive in. Sundance Lake offers fewer camping spots but provides lakeside options. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, and visitors should be prepared for wildlife encounters, including possible coyotes and snakes in the area.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Indianapolis, Indiana (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Indianapolis, IN

10 Photos of 4 Indianapolis Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Indianapolis, IN

18 Reviews of 4 Indianapolis Campgrounds

  • April S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2023

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    This is dispersed at its best!

    Free camp ground. Very private. Decent sized space to park for 2-3 vehicles. Trails, plenty of dry wood, away from the roads, no running water or electricity, decent amount of spaces we came in at night and counted about 9 very far spread out camp sights. Good ground to pitch a tent to. There was other camp grounds bigger than the one we stayed at and had several people at them with a big bonfire going but what’s great is when we found our spot we couldn’t see their fire or even hear them! One thing to note is that some of the camp sites are tucked back into the trees a little and can be hard to spot. At night we thought one was open but there was actually someone there and just couldn’t see them from the road so we had to back out and go to the next site (sorry whoever that was lol). It is also a ways off the beaten path for through car camping but honestly if we were ever coming back through this way I would make the hour detour to stop here again!

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping

    Camping area

    National forest area with 3ish campsites one of which can accommodate a vehicle. Wooded so no solar or starlink. Small lake nearby with what looks like some trails.

  • Jeremy F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 20, 2020

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Greatbdispersed sites.

    Multiple campsites in the area, I've stayed at two both of which were away from others, clean, fairly flat and had plenty of dead wood around to burn. Some sites, at least one, could fit a pretty good sized camper. This is pack in pack out, no amenities camping for free

  • K
    Dec. 30, 2023

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Pretty Forest Spot

    Huge sinkhole that makes for a cool look. Dry area for tent, not big enough for a camper but cool for car camping!

  • j
    Aug. 9, 2021

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Berry ridge campground

    If you are into boondocking at all defiantly check out berry ridge it’s just south of brown county Indiana beautiful country mostly hills tons of camp spots sometimes half mile or more apart haven’t seen any snakes here either and the best part I haven’t seen any people!!!!! Haha camp spot is about 100ft off the main road with thick woods in between the road and the campsite even if someone drove by we wouldn’t see them no water or electric hookups plenty of wood lying around to use for a fire clean campsites all gravel roads

  • Brian S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot

    This was a great place to car camp while driving across USA. The main spot was full but I found a great pull off spot a lil further. I came across at least 5 lil spots. There a nice trail meandering next to road.

  • Steven G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 28, 2025

    Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping

    Hoosier NF (Brown County)

    A quiet little lake/ big pond in the Hoosier National Forest with a few spots to camp.

    At the pond there was a pad of concrete leftover from who knows what. I wouldn’t be trying to pull a travel trailer back into here unless it was very small.

    On the weekends, the activity picked up with a lot of partying and hunting.

    There were a few pickups that patrolled through here regularly, all through the night too. I was never bothered by anyone, but the area is small and I kinda felt like I was on a stage with every passerby.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2024

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Secluded in the woods

    Beautiful secluded site that is pretty far off of the road, but not too far. There was no traffic or other people in site. I have a promaster conversion and had no trouble making it to this site, however the road was gravel and steep at times. I have lived in Indiana for ever and have made many trips this way, but I never knew sites like this existed.

  • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Perfect

    The perfect dispersed site for my way through, quiet and peaceful. Good spot for tent camping , we enjoyed our stay.

Guide to Indianapolis

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Indianapolis, Indiana, where nature meets tranquility. These spots offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle while enjoying the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Indianapolis, Indiana

Dispersed campers should check out Berry Ridge Road

  • Berry Ridge Road is well-reviewed for its peaceful environment, making it an ideal choice for tent camping enthusiasts who appreciate solitude and natural beauty.

Unique features of Sundance Lake for dispersed campers

  • While not much information is available, Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping is a drive-in site that promises a serene experience for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the need for permits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules for primitive camping around Indianapolis?

Primitive camping around Indianapolis follows standard dispersed camping regulations. At Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping, like other dispersed sites in Hoosier National Forest, pack-in/pack-out principles are strictly enforced. Campers must carry out all trash and leave no trace of their stay. Campfires are generally allowed in established fire rings, but always check current fire restrictions. Sites are typically first-come, first-served with no reservations or fees. Most primitive areas have no facilities—no running water, electricity, or restrooms. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. Respect quiet hours and maintain distance from water sources (at least 200 feet). Always use existing sites rather than creating new ones to minimize environmental impact.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Indianapolis?

Free dispersed camping options near Indianapolis can be found primarily in the Hoosier National Forest area. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping offers multiple free campsites spread far apart, providing privacy and solitude. The sites are primitive with no amenities, following pack-in/pack-out principles. Most spots have established fire rings, flat tent pads, and plenty of surrounding deadwood for fires. The area features multiple sites along the road, some as far as half a mile apart, making it perfect for those seeking a true wilderness experience without facilities. When arriving, it's recommended to park on the main road and scout potential sites on foot before driving in to ensure they meet your needs.

Can I boondock with my RV in the Indianapolis area?

RV boondocking options exist near Indianapolis, but site accessibility varies. BerryRidge Road Dispersed Camping can accommodate smaller RVs at select sites, though larger rigs may find it challenging. When boondocking with an RV in this area, be prepared for gravel roads that can be steep in places. Most dispersed sites have no hookups, dump stations, or potable water, so arrive self-contained with full water tanks and empty waste tanks. Some reviewers have successfully used small to medium-sized campers, but larger travel trailers are not recommended due to road conditions and site limitations. Scout locations in advance if possible, as site sizes and access points vary considerably.

Is overnight car camping allowed in free sites near Indianapolis?

Overnight car camping is allowed and quite popular at free dispersed sites near Indianapolis. Ogala Horse Camp and other nearby dispersed areas welcome car camping as a practical approach to overnight stays. Many sites are perfectly suited for car camping, with space to park alongside flat areas for activities. Car campers should follow the same principles as other dispersed campers: pack out all trash, use existing fire rings, and leave no trace. Some sites offer pull-off spots specifically convenient for vehicles, making them ideal for road-trippers. These locations provide a simple, no-cost option for overnight stays while traveling through the area. Always park in designated pull-offs or established sites to minimize environmental impact.

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