Best Tent Camping near Linton, IN

Looking for the best Linton tent camping? Find the best tent camping sites near Linton. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Linton's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Linton, IN (13)

    Camper-submitted photo from Paynetown Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Paynetown Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Paynetown Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Paynetown Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Paynetown Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Paynetown Campground

    1. Paynetown Campground

    29 Reviews
    99 Photos
    183 Saves
    Clear Creek, Indiana

    This recreation area is part of Monroe Lake

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Market
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles C. Deam Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles C. Deam Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles C. Deam Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles C. Deam Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles C. Deam Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles C. Deam Wilderness

    2. Charles C. Deam Wilderness

    9 Reviews
    33 Photos
    125 Saves
    Heltonville, Indiana

    The Charles C. Deam Wilderness offers 36 miles of trails for hiking, backpacking, and horse riding through scenic hardwood forest and varied terrain with views of nearby Monroe Lake. The area was designated a wilderness in 1982 and encompasses nearly 12,953 acres of the Hoosier National Forest. Wilderness designation places this area in a special legal status (subject to the 1964 Wilderness Act). It is managed to preserve a natural condition and provide opportunities for solitude. Since its designation as a wilderness, visitor use in the area increased to a point that significant damage was occurring. Special restrictions are in place to protect the wilderness character. Visitors to this special place are asked to follow these restrictions to lessen your impact and share responsibility in preserving this unique natural resource.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Rattlesnake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rattlesnake
    Camper-submitted photo from Rattlesnake
    Camper-submitted photo from Ransburg Scout Reservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Ransburg Scout Reservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Ransburg Scout Reservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Ransburg Scout Reservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Ransburg Scout Reservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Ransburg Scout Reservation

    4. Ransburg Scout Reservation

    4 Reviews
    13 Photos
    8 Saves
    Harrodsburg, Indiana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest

    5. Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest

    7 Reviews
    29 Photos
    75 Saves
    Martinsville, Indiana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $25 - $55 / night

    • No image available

      6. Pine Loop

      1 Review
      20 Saves
      Harrodsburg, Indiana

      This campground loop is a shady campground with 40 tent and trailer sites. About half of the sites are electric. This area includes a playground for children. There are eight walk-in sites on this campground loop. ACTIVITIES Camping: This is one of six shady campground loops in the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area. It includes 39 sites, about 3/4 of which are electric. Pine Loop is generally open in the summer months but is closed in winter months, though other loops will be open. A maximum of 2 vehicles and 8 people are allowed per site. Recreational Vehicles: This is one of six shady campground loops in the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area. It includes 31 sites appropriate for RVs, about 3/4 of which are electric. Pine Loop is generally open in the summer months but is closed in winter months, though other loops will be open. A maximum of 2 vehicles and 8 people are allowed per site. Wildlife Viewing: Each of the six shady campground loops in the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area provide ample opportunities to see wildlife. While staying in the campground you share the birds and animal's home and are likely to see them come right up to your campsite.

      • Tents
      • No image available

        7. Hickory Ridge

        1 Review
        21 Saves
        Norman, Indiana
        • ADA Access
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Dispersed
        • Alcohol
        • No image available

          8. Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest

          1 Review
          6 Saves
          Martinsville, Indiana

          Primitive camping is available for a fee; campers must register for camping at the forest office. Mason Ridge Campground, located behind the fire tower north of the forest office, has vault toilets and seasonal drinking water available. There is a picnic table and grill located on each of the campground's 19 sites. On busy weekends, overflow camping is available at Oak Ridge Campground. Oak Ridge has 10 sites and the same facilities as Mason Ridge.

          Scout Ridge Youth Tent Campground is available for scouts or other groups. The six sites in Scout Ridge Campground are larger than regular campground sites and there are several picnic tables and grills available. Scout Ridge Nature Preserve is located in this area.

          Backcountry camping is available. All campers must register with State Forest Office via person, email at morgansf@dnr.IN.gov, at the kiosk, or phone (765-792-4654). Please note the phone is not recommended because the office is closed in evenings and on Sundays. Users must indicate the general region of planned camping. During periods of high fire danger the area may be closed by the property manager. Camping groups are restricted to either family units or groups not exceeding six persons. No campsite may be established within ¼ mile of access points into the area. Use of the area is restricted to a maximum of three nights by any individual. Morgan-Monroe State Forest has a carry-in, carry-out trash policy, i.e., what you carry in you must carry out. Additionally, the backcountry area is restricted to only minimal-impact camping/hiking in order to preserve the natural state of Morgan-Monroe State Forest.

          Oak Ridge campground is closed Jan. 1 through March 31.
          Scout Ridge campground is closed Jan. 1 through March 31. Special requests can be made during this period through the forest office.
          Marson Ridge campground is open year-round.

          Water is shut off at all campgrounds and shelters Oct. 31 and turned on in March as weather permits. A year-round hydrant is located southeast of the main office.

          Small campfires are allowed while backcountry camping, but the DNR recommends using a portable backpacking stove for cooking instead of a campfire. A portable stove will cook your meal long before a fire is ready. Another advantage is that it helps prevent fire-blackened rocks in areas where people camp. If using a campfire, make sure a campfire is allowed during the time of your trip. Different properties may have different rules regarding campfires. Even properties that generally allow campfires may ban them on a temporary basis because of dry conditions. Use only small dead and downed wood where permitted. Do not break or cut tree limbs or trees, even dead ones. Dead trees provide habitat for many birds and animals. Do not stockpile wood. While this was once considered a friendly gesture in remote areas, today it is one more way of reducing the spirit of solitude and independence that people seek when backcountry camping. Any campfire in a backcountry area should be in a pit 12 inches or less in diameter, and a 3-foot diameter area should be cleared to mineral soil around the fire. Before leaving an area where a campfire was built, mix ashes with the soil (100% extinguished), fill the pit, and cover the cleared area with the humus layer that was originally removed.

          Draper Cabin

          Draper Cabin is a primitive, wooden-floored log cabin that takes visitors 100 years back in time to the days before electricity, vehicles and modern plumbing. Reservations for the cabin are accepted from the first weekend in April to the weekend before Thanksgiving. The cabin may be rented on a day by day basis, depending on weather conditions, during the winter. Click here for rental information and a picture of the cabin .

          Cherry Lake Lodge

          Nestled deep in Morgan-Monroe State Forest you’ll find the solitude you seek, while still having a comfortable bed in which to sleep, hot and cold running water, indoor restroom and shower, and full kitchen facilities. This recently renovated lodge is everything you’d expect in a woodland retreat at a very affordable rental rate. It’s a place where the whole family can explore the woods all day, and relax to a warm fire at night. Click here for rental information and rates.

          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Electric Hookups
          • Phone Service
          • ADA Access
          • Tents
          Camper-submitted photo from Springs Valley Rec Area

          9. Springs Valley Rec Area

          1 Review
          1 Photo
          9 Saves
          French Lick, Indiana

          Due to safety concerns from recent flooding, the Hoosier National Forest’s Springs Valley Campground in Orange County is closed effective 05/11/2017. The vault restroom facilities and boat ramp at Springs Valley Recreation Area will remain open for public use. The 141-acre lake, once known as Tucker Lake, surrounded by scenic hardwood forests features primitive camping with vault toilets. No drinking water is available. A boat ramp and picnic facilities are also available. No fees are charged. Visitors to this area should be aware of a vandalism problem in this area and people are asked to report any suspicious activity or damage. For a downloadable flier with information and a map of this area click here.

          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Phone Service
          • Tents
          • Picnic Table
          • Toilets
          • No image available
          Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

          Recent Tent Reviews in Linton

          423 Reviews of 13 Linton Campgrounds


          • Amanda D.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
            Nov. 13, 2024

            Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

            Brown County State Park stay

            The site we stayed in was lovely. It was backed up to the edge of the woods which made for a lovely view. Driving through the campground it looks like there are some sites pretty close together but ours wasn’t too bad. I would say pay particular attention to the size of the site you’re booking as some were pretty small. Also, some sites were fairly sloped as well. This site was a slight slope and overall I would book it again. We have a full size truck with a small travel trailer that fit perfectly. Camp store was stocked nicely. Staff was friendly. The campground itself was very quiet and you could enjoy being out in nature. The site was walking distance from showers/bathroom. The park as a whole is beautiful and there’s a trailhead that’s walking distance from the campsite that leads down a beautiful trail to a lake.

          • Betsy W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest
            Nov. 1, 2024

            Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

            Large, open, and very clean

            Open areas with pit toilets and water available. Shade and sunny locations. Pick a spot and set up with hammock-large rvs spots. No fee, no reservations, no problems. Officers from federal, state, and local patrol. Cell service by various providers is 1-2 bars. Highly recommend.

          • Noah Y.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Charles C. Deam Wilderness
            Oct. 18, 2024

            Charles C. Deam Wilderness

            Great for casual/experienced camping and hiking

            A staple of our state here in Indiana. Unfortunately due to some storm damage, trails were rerouted or straight up inaccessible.

            Great places to find and set up camp. We even discovered a few extra hidden sites just by being forced off trails due to the damage.

            Every dispersed camper should add the hikes to the lake to their checklist.

          • Jeremy K.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Ouabache Trails County Park
            Oct. 8, 2024

            Ouabache Trails County Park

            2 night stay

            We stayed here 2 nights. We came to see the George Rogers Clark National Monument. Campground was nice. Several full time campers living here. Staff was friendly. Was a little noisy on the weekend. Shower house was very clean.

          • Sara W.
            Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Creek
            Oct. 4, 2024

            Prairie Creek

            Prairie creek

            Men's and women's shower house playground few trails rv tent and camper electric a few primitive sites 2 sites r 50 Amp I think the rest r 30 Amp water gets wonderfully hot Verizon works can have door dash and amazon delivered

          • SThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Plainview Campground — Lincoln Trail State Park
            Sep. 20, 2024

            Plainview Campground — Lincoln Trail State Park

            Dog poop in the site and loud neighbors

            I was not a fan. I was tenting and there was not a great spot for the tent and there was dog poop everywhere (tracked some in the tent when setting up so I wasn't pleased). Also a bunch of large Widowmakers in the trees above was nerve-wracking. The people around me were LOUD! One dude listening to a college football game until past 10 and a guy and his kid playing glow Frisbee right in from of my tent past 10 as well. As I was on a road trip and wanted to get to sleep, this was not appreciated.. On th e good side, the bathrooms were very clean. I would NOT stay here again

          • Andriy
            Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hollar Campground
            Aug. 29, 2024

            Hickory Hollar Campground

            alexseen

            Scrolling through my phone, I decided to try something different, and that’s when I found lucky star. The site’s design is simple but nice, and it’s easy to find your way around. I played a few games on lucky star, and they were actually pretty fun and not too complicated, even for someone like me who’s new to this. The bonuses make it feel like you’re getting a little something extra each time, which keeps it exciting. I didn’t expect much going in, but it turned out to be a really good time. I’ll definitely be back when I need a break from everything else.

          • R
            Camper-submitted photo from Fairview Park Campground
            Aug. 23, 2024

            Fairview Park Campground

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          • Josie W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest
            Jul. 12, 2024

            Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

            Spacious Camping

            We really liked the set up of this campsite. The fire rings were spread apart amidst a green hill. There was some shade available around the edges. Plenty of room to spread out from your neighbors; it wasn’t too busy when we were there (a Thursday). Camp accesses two trailheads directly. There were two bathrooms, a place for garbage, and potable water. Screech owls and active birds made it an exciting evening.

          • SThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hills Camp Resort
            Jul. 8, 2024

            Hickory Hills Camp Resort

            Perfect RV Resort south of Indianapolis

            We were so fortunate to have found The Retreat at Hickory Hills and stay there for a month! There’s two pools, a pickle ball court, a basketball half court, farm animals, golf cart trails, kayak/canoe/row boats, exploring creeks, fishing, a dog park, several playgrounds, Gaga ball, tether ball, volleyball, frisbee golf and several weekend activities for everyone. Saturday mornings were our favorite where we could get biscuits and gravy, coffee and the kids had craft time. It’s definitely worth bringing mountain bikes or renting their golf carts to explore their golf cart trails! We went out on these several times and it never got old! Staff and campers were welcoming and friendly. We still haven’t stopped talking about how CLEAN they keep everything. The sites were large and they’re still expanding and adding more sites. There’s a seasonal campers area and an overnight or monthly area. We stayed in the overnight/monthly area. It was peaceful and relaxing throughout the week and lively during the weekend. It was a wonderful balance!! We’ll definitely be back.

          • Jacob A.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Shakamak State Park — Shakamak Prairie Nature Preserve
            Jul. 4, 2024

            Shakamak State Park — Shakamak Prairie Nature Preserve

            One of our favorite parks!

            We have been coming here every year since 2016. Most of the sites are shady. Our favorite site is 72. It is close to a water hookup if you need to top off your fresh water tank, shady, and not too close to other sites. They added a new shower house close by in 2022 or 2023.

          • Cynthia K.
            Camper-submitted photo from Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
            Jun. 28, 2024

            Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

            Meh

             First off- Brown County is a lovely park. This review is only for the campground. 

            The only time we ever camped here was in 2003 when we had 3 kids & a popup. New to the park I thought the Racoon Ridge Loop looked good & picked site 121. Bad mistake! We stayed 3 nights & every night we had a weird thing happen. The worst was the bat that found it's way into the popup one night. None of it was in any way Brown County's fault, but we never went back. 

            We were staying at Paynetown recently & decided to visit Brown County & the campground. The mirror tag helped with this. We visited on a Saturday morning in late June. The whole campground was full & it was jumpin'!

             We skipped Buffalo Ridge. Raccoon Ridge is the smallest loop. Close sites. Our former site 121 has a pit toilet right next to it now. There's several sites along the main road, also very close to each other & right on the road.

             I thought that Taylor Ridge was the best loop based on my memories from 2003. It's really a long warren of close sites, some with terrible inclines.

             I was able to write down a few sites I thought would work- Sites with no one close by: 193/194/266. 

            265 was the only pull thru I saw, but there may be others. 

            End of loop: 317/318 

            Ridge view from your site: 310/311/312/313/314 

            Random sites that looked ok: 179/188/215/223/225/242/259/260/265/277/280/287/422- these sites are just what I eyeballed while the husband was cruising down the main road. 

            We decided we were never going to camp here again. The sites are too close together. There's too many people crammed in a small space. If you go be aware that summer weekends & leaf peeper season will be very busy. The middle of the week or shoulder season would probably be your best bet for a more relaxing experience.

          • Cynthia K.
            Camper-submitted photo from Yellowwood State Forest
            Jun. 27, 2024

            Yellowwood State Forest

            Just did a drive thru

             This is a State Forest campground near Nashville, Indiana. Primitive camping. Pit toilets only. This is by Yellowwood Lake, so boating & fishing opportunities. 

            All these sites are first come, first serve. No reservations. 

            There's a Forest Office with area information & a small display. 

            There's several trails of varying length. 

            Believe it or not- gold panning is a thing here! You need a permit.

            They rent boats at the Forest Office. Electric motor only.

             There's several camping loops. There's a horse camp also. 

            The boat ramp is near the horse camp loop.

             We didn't go down the Red Pine Loop, but did check out White Oak/Redbud& Black Gum.

             Hickory loop is right off the road & the sites are visible from the road. They looked nicely spaced.

            White oak loop had several nice sites. Redbud is close to a building they call a camp store. It may have been many years ago, but not open now.

             Several picnic spots by the lake. The best site in Redbud would be 39. Large site with some shade. I would also say 38, but site 37 is directly behind it. This is the camp host spot, so occupied. These sites are near the pit toilets.

            The best spot in Black Gum would be site 75. Large site at the end of the loop & right by the lake.

             If you go back to Hwy 46 where the road split on your way in, follow the sign to the dam. Just a large earthen dam, but there's trail heads here. There's the Scarce O' Fat Trail which has been mentioned on the Facebook Indiana Hiking page.

            $13 per night regular camping.$16 per night for horseman's.

          • Cynthia K.
            Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Ridge
            Jun. 25, 2024

            Hardin Ridge

            National Forest

             We did a drive through to check out the campground. It was $8 for day use, self pay.

            This is a beautiful campground. There's 4 loops with 30 & 50 amp. 2 loops with no electric.

             Well spaced all tucked into the trees on a ridge. Also some carry in sites.

             If we tented camped still I'd be in heaven! 

            You can reserve sites, or some are first come first served.

            Shower/restroom with pit toilets scattered around. 

            3 trails. A beach, picnic areas& a boat launch. 

            This seems less popular than Paynetown, but a lot quieter!!

          • Cynthia K.
            Camper-submitted photo from Paynetown Campground
            Jun. 25, 2024

            Paynetown Campground

            Crazy busy on a summer weekend

             This is a SRA on the shores of Lake Monroe by Bloomington Indiana. This is a boating/fishing park. We went on a hot weekend the 4rth weekend in June & it was completely full. 

            There's only 3 short trails. The longest is 1.25 miles. Not a hiking park. 

            There's a visitor center off State Road 446. This is NOT a nature center! Just a place to pick up some information. 

            The marina & boat launch get the most use. There's also a beach. 

            There's a large Class B campground closer to the marina. There's some pit toilets & one flush toilet building. No showers. No electricity.

             There's a large dump station. 

            The electric campground has 227 sites. 3 are handicap accessible. There's also 27 pull throughs. Many have lake access due to camper made trails to the lake.

            We had site 137 which was a good site due to the fact we had no one on the left. There was a woods view.

            Many of these sites have a bad incline & people were putting their rigs sideways on the site close to the road. Our site was no exception, but we were able to make it work. This site also had afternoon sun.

             Restrooms/showers were state park clean. I was impressed with the hard working staff trying their best to give us a clean bathroom!

             The best sites in the campground are 171/172& 153/154. These have a lot of sun, but a stellar view of the lake. 

            132-137 have a trail to the lake. Very bad inclines though. 

            120-124 have trails to the lake & are in the woods. 

            103 is a large site& fairly even with lots of shade. 

            The sites from 180-227 are asphalt with concrete pads. The rest of the campground is gravel. 

            There's 4 carry in campsites for tents that looked very nice. Campsites in the E area have access to a sandy peninsula that was very popular for swimmers. 

            This is known in Indiana as a party park. There's some truth to that. It's VERY noisy & busy on a summer weekend. If you like a quieter experience come Monday through Wed. or wait until the off season.

          • rickie F.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
            Jun. 10, 2024

            Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest

            Beautiful as it should be.

            We stayed pretty much on our site. Generally, we aim to do a bit of exploring, but we used their camping as a rendezvous. I was slightly disappointed by the site selections being mostly on a slant, but we did find one on the overfill site that suited our needs and we ended up loving it. I do plan on returning specifically to update a better review on the available views.

          • KingDredd The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Fowler County Park
            Jun. 2, 2024

            Fowler County Park

            Amazing view and fishing

            Got in late after a spurratic decision to camp. Got here and found that point 5 was open and we tried it. Beautiful view, nice people, and great lake access. Mossy but we casted over it no problem and never had any issues.

          • Sandie R.
            Camper-submitted photo from Oblong Park and Lake
            May. 31, 2024

            Oblong Park and Lake

            Beautiful, well maintained

            Beautifully maintained, would like to see a small concession stand for soft drinks and ice cream for the kiddos.

          • Brett B.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Yellowwood State Forest
            Apr. 29, 2024

            Yellowwood State Forest

            Great Camping & Fishing Combo

            Lots of primitive campsites here. Many have short trails from them to the lake edge, making for some great night fishing with a cozy fire to return to.

          • DThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Ridge
            Apr. 14, 2024

            Hardin Ridge

            Hoosier National Forest

            This place is deluxe. Sites are spacious. Good space between campsites. Restrooms are clean. Well maintained facility

            Staff are very friendly and helpful

          • Bob C.
            Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mill State Park Campground
            Apr. 13, 2024

            Spring Mill State Park Campground

            Perfect location for the 2024 eclipse

            In January we found a couple of available sites at Spring Mill when trying to plan where we'd go for the eclipse, so we took them and then started looking at what the park had to offer. We started to really look forward to the park as much as the eclipse. The park lived up to expectations. We were able to do a lot of hiking. Our dog was welcome in most areas of the park (pioneer village being the only significant exception). They were planning for a ton of folks to be there for the eclipse, but the numbers were lower than expected. We had the perfect spot for viewing it right across the lane from our campsite, so it didn't really matter how many people came into the park for it. 

            The only possible negative was that our site wasn't very level for our pop up. We had our leveler with us, so it didn't matter. My wife and I decided that the eclipse was simply the cherry on top of a very good sundae. We loved the park and will likely return again.

          • Andrew D.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hollar Campground
            Apr. 8, 2024

            Hickory Hollar Campground

            Nice short term camp

            Very friendly and helpful owners. Very accommodating. We were here for the eclipse and was fantastic for that. Some of the facilities such as kayaking etc not open yet due to time of year.

          • JThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Ridge
            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



          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Linton, IN?

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Linton, IN is Paynetown Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.

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

            TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Linton, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.