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Best Dispersed Camping near Beech Grove, IN

28 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping areas exist in the Hoosier National Forest south of Beech Grove, Indiana. Berry Ridge Road offers multiple secluded primitive sites along a gravel forest service road, with campsites spaced far enough apart to provide privacy. These sites accommodate tents and small vehicles, with at least one site suitable for small campers. Most sites feature established fire rings and flat areas for tent setup, though no amenities are provided.

Peninsula Trail in the Deam Wilderness area provides hike-in backcountry camping with designated sites containing fire rings. The trail follows Monroe Lake with both lakeside and forest sites available. According to one visitor, "Campsites are very far apart and totally private with only a fire ring." Sundance Lake area offers a few tent sites near a small lake, though reviews indicate limited privacy with one camper noting, "There were a few pickups that patrolled through here regularly." All dispersed sites require pack-in, pack-out practices with no facilities, drinking water or trash collection available.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Beech Grove, Indiana (7)

    1. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Freetown, IN
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "Free camp ground. Very private. Decent sized space to park for 2-3 vehicles."

    "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."

    2. Peninsula Trail

    7 Reviews
    Clear Creek, IN
    47 miles
    Website

    "The Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge trails both have marked campsites that are very far apart and totally private.  These are dispersed/primitive sites with a fire ring only. "

    "Primitive camping at its finest. Long walk to the water so make sure you bring plenty of drinking water. Springs available in the valleys but watch for timber rattlesnakes."

    3. Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Freetown, IN
    45 miles

    "Free disbursed camping at its best in Indiana. Not another soul camped within earshot. Clean site. Gravel pad for vehicle. Green grass for tent. 14 day limit. No reservations needed or available."

    "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."

    4. BerryRidge Road Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Freetown, IN
    46 miles

    "A hidden gem. Just a few sites along the road minimum traffic encountered"

    5. Hickory Ridge

    1 Review
    Norman, IN
    49 miles

    6. Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites

    1 Review
    Norman, IN
    49 miles

    "I pulled in at midnight in a sedan in the winter and i was able to safely find my way. Very nice drive during the day, hiking is fantastic!"

    7. Ogala Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Freetown, IN
    45 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Beech Grove, IN

20 Photos of 7 Beech Grove Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Beech Grove, IN

28 Reviews of 7 Beech Grove Campgrounds

  • J
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping

    Disbursed camping at its Indiana best

    Free disbursed camping at its best in Indiana. Not another soul camped within earshot. Clean site. Gravel pad for vehicle. Green grass for tent. 14 day limit. No reservations needed or available. Just show up and camp if a site is open. This site was very well marked.

  • Matt V.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 9, 2024

    Peninsula Trail

    Awesome Place to BackCountry

    The Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge trails both have marked campsites that are very far apart and totally private.  These are dispersed/primitive sites with a fire ring only.  Very remote feeling (except you CAN hear any loud cars/motorcycles at night from the main road over the lake). Light pollution is pretty low however, so good stargazing. 

    Trails are in good shape and the Penninsuala trail is pretty easy. Grub Ridge trail gets moderate the further west you take it.  CAmpsites 10,11,12,13 are very accessible with a short hike and are fantastic spots.   

    Lakeside spots are great also if you hike farther, but as others have said, drunk boaters tend to stop along the shore even though they are not supposed to. A few years ago boat access was limited to non-motoroized but not sure it is being enforced very well.  

    All the same, the Deam Wilderness area is Indianas best for backpacking and backcountry camping. 

    Down tower ridge road, to the east, just past the tower - turn right and the road there has lots of drive-in sites as well. These fill up fast on the weekends.

  • 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.

Guide to Beech Grove

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Beech Grove, Indiana, where nature lovers can find solitude and adventure away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, it's the perfect way to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

  • This spot offers a long, secluded road that leads to multiple camping sites, making it ideal for those seeking privacy and tranquility.
  • Visitors have noted the beautiful surroundings and the absence of traffic, providing a peaceful atmosphere for tent camping.
  • With no permits required and the ability to have campfires, Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping is a fantastic choice for a spontaneous getaway.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Beech Grove, Indiana

  • Always bring your own drinking water, as many sites, like Peninsula Trail, do not provide this essential resource.
  • Be prepared for primitive conditions; sites often feature only a fire ring, so pack accordingly for a comfortable stay.
  • Familiarize yourself with the area, as some locations, such as Hickory Ridge, are known for their secluded spots that are perfect for honing outdoor skills or enjoying quality family time.

Top activities while free camping near Beech Grove

  • Hiking is a popular activity, especially along trails like those found at Peninsula Trail, where you can explore marked campsites that offer privacy and stunning views.
  • Stargazing is a must, as many dispersed camping areas have low light pollution, allowing for breathtaking night skies.
  • For those who enjoy wildlife, sites like Hickory Ridge provide opportunities to observe nature up close, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Beech Grove, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Beech Grove, IN is Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping with a 4.8-star rating from 17 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Beech Grove, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Beech Grove, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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