Best Dispersed Camping near Linton, IN

The Hoosier National Forest region southeast of Linton, Indiana features primarily dispersed camping options with Peninsula Trail and Hickory Ridge standing out as highly-rated primitive camping areas. Located approximately 45 miles from Linton, these sites offer backcountry experiences along Lake Monroe, with designated campsites featuring fire rings but minimal other amenities. The Deam Wilderness area provides marked trails with secluded camping spots, while Horse Camp Road Dispersed and McPike Branch offer additional options for those seeking primitive camping experiences. Most sites in this region maintain a rustic character with no electric hookups, running water, or modern facilities.

Access to camping areas varies seasonally, with some roads becoming challenging during wet weather. Many campers note that high-clearance vehicles are helpful but not always necessary, as one visitor reported: "I pulled in at midnight in a sedan in the winter and was able to safely find my way." Water availability presents a consistent challenge, with campers advised to bring sufficient supplies. As one visitor cautioned: "Long walk to the water so make sure you bring plenty of drinking water. Springs available in the valleys but watch for timber rattlesnakes." Fire regulations generally permit campfires at established sites, though seasonal restrictions may apply during dry periods.

Campers consistently praise the seclusion and natural beauty of sites throughout the region. The Peninsula Trail receives particular attention for its stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Several visitors mention the privacy between designated campsites, with one noting they are "very far apart and totally private." Lakeside camping spots offer scenic views but come with a caveat about boat traffic during summer months. As one regular visitor observed: "Only downside is the drunk boat people that show up in the summer." Drive-in sites near Tower Ridge Road tend to fill quickly on weekends, while more remote hike-in locations along Grub Ridge Trail offer greater solitude with moderate hiking difficulty.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Linton, Indiana (6)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Linton, IN

10 Photos of 6 Linton Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Linton, IN

10 Reviews of 6 Linton Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • E
    Apr. 27, 2022

    Peninsula Trail

    Awesome!

    Went there with my kids and wife, we had a really great time. 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. Definitely would make this a must to visit.

  • Angela A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2019

    Peninsula Trail

    There is camping

    There are designated camping sites found in the forest maps

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 3, 2025

    Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites

    Very secluded, I got there in a sedan.

    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!

  • Ralph R.
    Jul. 6, 2018

    Peninsula Trail

    hiked this on way out to beautiful lake monroe .

    this was a wonderful scenic hike meant for the beauty of indiana

  • Osiel M.
    Apr. 13, 2021

    Peninsula Trail

    Awesome place FREE

    It was an awesome backpacking journey for starters, little bit rough because of the horse riding track but awesome if you love to walk and see nature. Recommend this for sure!!!

  • Steve D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2021

    Peninsula Trail

    Multiple trips here a year

    LOVE this trail. Just challenging enough to make it worth it. Campsites I’ve great fire pits. Only downside is the drunk boat people that show up in the summer.

  • A
    Apr. 27, 2021

    Peninsula Trail

    Relaxing Campsites on the Lake

    On the peninsula trail, there are multiple campsites with fire rings but you may also camp anywhere if you are at least 100 ft from the water. Campsite #18 has a great view and is large enough for at least 4 tents if you have a big group.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2024

    Hickory Ridge

    Secluded with view

    Good spot to get some quiet time to learn/hone skills or for some good quality time with the family while being plugged into nature and unplugged from their electronics


Guide to Linton

Dispersed camping opportunities near Linton, Indiana center around the Hoosier National Forest located approximately 45 miles southeast. Winter camping requires additional preparation with nighttime temperatures often dropping below freezing between November and March. The forest contains over 200,000 acres with multiple primitive camping areas accessible via Forest Service roads that occasionally become difficult to navigate during spring thaw conditions.

What to do

Backpacking trails: The Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge trails feature marked backcountry sites that require hiking to access. According to Aspen B., "On the peninsula trail, there are multiple campsites with fire rings but you may also camp anywhere if you are at least 100 ft from the water. Campsite #18 has a great view and is large enough for at least 4 tents if you have a big group."

Skill development: Hickory Ridge provides a suitable environment for outdoor skills practice. Jase G. describes it as a "Good spot to get some quiet time to learn/hone skills or for some good quality time with the family while being plugged into nature and unplugged from their electronics."

Lakeside activities: Multiple sites near Lake Monroe offer water access. One regular camper, Osiel M., reports about Peninsula Trail: "It was an awesome backpacking journey for starters, little bit rough because of the horse riding track but awesome if you love to walk and see nature. Recommend this for sure!!!"

What campers like

Seclusion: Many dispersed camping areas provide significant privacy between sites. Matt V. notes that designated sites on Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge "are very far apart and totally private. These are dispersed/primitive sites with a fire ring only. Very remote feeling."

Accessibility: Several free camping areas near Linton remain accessible even with standard vehicles. Jimmy H. shares about Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites: "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!"

Cost-free options: The region offers numerous free camping opportunities. Shane B. simply states about Horse Camp Rd Dispersed: "Cool place" while appreciating the no-cost camping option in Hoosier National Forest.

What you should know

Water planning: Springs exist but require preparation and caution. Elliot F. advises, "Long walk to the water so make sure you bring plenty of drinking water. Springs available in the valleys but watch for timber rattlesnakes."

Seasonal considerations: Summer brings increased recreational boat traffic to lakeside sites. Steve D. notes about Peninsula Trail: "LOVE this trail. Just challenging enough to make it worth it. Campsites have great fire pits. Only downside is the drunk boat people that show up in the summer."

Campsite availability: Drive-in sites fill quickly during peak periods. According to Matt V., the drive-in sites "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."

Tips for camping with families

Nature immersion: McPike Branch Dispersed Camping and other sites provide opportunities for children to disconnect from technology. One camper at Hickory Ridge notes it's perfect for "some good quality time with the family while being plugged into nature and unplugged from their electronics."

Trail difficulty: Peninsula Trail offers relatively gentle terrain suitable for families with children. Osiel M. describes it as "awesome backpacking journey for starters, little bit rough because of the horse riding track" but overall accessible for those new to backpacking.

Group camping: Some sites accommodate larger family groups. Aspen B. points out that "Campsite #18 has a great view and is large enough for at least 4 tents if you have a big group."

Tips from RVers

Access limitations: Most dispersed camping areas near Linton have limited RV accessibility. Tent camping remains the primary accommodation type with vehicle restrictions on many forest roads.

Seasonal road conditions: Spring thaw and heavy rain periods often make roads impassable for larger vehicles. Even smaller RVs should check road conditions before attempting access to remote sites like Starnes Branch on Hickory Grove.

Utilities: No hookups or facilities exist at any dispersed sites. Angela A. confirms about Peninsula Trail: "There are designated camping sites found in the forest maps" but these remain primitive without water or electrical connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Linton, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Linton, IN is Peninsula Trail with a 5-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Linton, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.