Forested areas surrounding Elizabeth, Indiana offer several tent camping options with varying levels of amenities and seclusion. Old Mill Tent and Hammock Camping provides dedicated tent campsites along Blue River, while Happy Hollow Homestead features walk-in tent sites with more developed facilities. For primitive tent camping, Mitchell Creek Road in Hoosier National Forest offers dispersed sites with minimal infrastructure. These locations provide access to southern Indiana's natural landscapes while maintaining proximity to local attractions like Marengo Cave.
Most tent-only sites in the Elizabeth area feature basic amenities with varying access conditions. Old Mill provides fire rings and picnic tables at each site, with portable toilets and trash collection available. Campers report the sites have "great tree canopy" with ample hammock-hanging opportunities, though no running water except the river. At Mitchell Creek Road dispersed sites, surfaces are typically unimproved forest floor with occasional small clearings. A visitor noted these are "not a campground, but just roadside pull-offs on public land" with "no restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, or other amenities." Paper maps are recommended as cell service is limited throughout the region.
Tent campers frequently cite the natural setting as the primary draw to these areas. At Happy Hollow Homestead, sites are well-spaced with composting toilets and shower facilities available. One camper mentioned the property features "a beautiful creek with waterfall, bee hives and sinkholes." Mitchell Creek Road offers deeper seclusion, with a visitor reporting "only two vehicles passed during the entire 16 hours. VERY quiet." The area includes rock outcroppings along Mitchell Creek with opportunities for exploration on foot. Old Mill sites experience periodic activity when kayakers complete river trips that end at the campground, creating a social atmosphere during peak summer days before returning to quieter evenings.
"Sites are relatively close but you still have plenty of your own space. Each site comes with a fire pit and picnic table. Plenty of trees to hang up a hammock and empty space to pitch a tent."
"Nice size site with fire ring and picnic table. Lots of trees- so great tree canopy and plenty of hammock. Nice size pieces of wood and large bundles."
from $20 / night
"He has firewood for purchase and will set up your fire for free with his propane torch, which was very helpful for us after a rainstorm."
"We were nervous about bottoming in the dry creek bed on way to Walnut Grove area, but no problem. Great stay. 20' Ford Transit ModVan. One bar with cell booster."
Available this weekend
from $40 - $65 / night
"This is NOT a campground, but just roadside pull-offs on public land. There are no restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, or other amenities."
"There’s not a lot of designated camp spots but there’s not many people around. Very peaceful"
"Fishing lake. Quite a few locals throughout the day. Big field, camp anywhere. Porta potty, trash can, no other services. No fires. Nice lake, sunset, sunrise, wildlife. Felt very safe."
"the campground is closed for overnight camping, but this is still a beautiful lake for hiking, fishing, and my favorite, kayaking. electric motors only, so nice and quiet."
from $25 - $75 / night
RangerCould never get anyone to contact us about a reservation. Phone or email. I’m glad we didn’t because we stayed not too far down at White acres campground which was a way better set up with more privacy. This is a very small campground and you are packed in like sardines with very little shade. Would not recommend if you’re passing through.
RangerAmber and her family were accommodating from the very beginning! Offered a cash price for a discount. Allowed us to extend our stay without issue. Amber even helped us provide puppy day sitting while we did some of the tours so we would not have to leave our pup in the camper. Very clean and quiet private shaded campsites. We were at the very end site 46 and was very private. Would definitely stay here again! Very convenient place to stay when you’re on the Bourbon Trail.
ScoutNice, quite, and relaxing stay. Fire rings need to be upgraded. They were small and rusted out.
ScoutEach campsite has trees encircling them for mostly shade and a little more privacy. Only thing they could do is add more full hook up sites. Shower houses and restrooms are very well kept.
ScoutHad a great time enjoying nature...
TravelerThere’s not a lot of designated camp spots but there’s not many people around. Very peaceful
GuideGet a lake view side and you won’t regret it. It’s a beautiful place well maintained very clean very safe
ScoutCampground seemed like a tight fit coming in near dark fall. Lots of shaded sites. Storm ran through that night and lots of dead limbs came down all over. Got a hole in my roof. Overall decent stay and had a cool neighbor
ScoutLove taking the kid to hardy lake. Smaller lake to fish on with a trolling motor canoe but big enough they allow gas motors. Have a few favorite sites for the camper.
Tent camping options around Elizabeth, Indiana range from developed campgrounds to primitive forest sites within Hoosier National Forest. The region's limestone terrain creates unique hiking opportunities with sinkholes, rock formations, and seasonal creeks throughout the area. Most camping locations sit between 500-700 feet elevation with dense hardwood forest providing natural shelter at most campsites.
Creek exploration: Happy Hollow Homestead offers excellent water features for visitors. One camper noted, "We saw a beautiful creek with waterfall, bee hives and sinkholes." The property includes various natural features to explore, including hiking trails that connect to water features.
Rock formations: Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed provides opportunities for geological exploration. According to a camper, "There are rock outcroppings along this road, which follows Mitchell Creek and lots to explore on foot." The dispersed camping area connects to several forest service trails.
Kayaking: Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping serves as an endpoint for river trips. A visitor mentioned, "The campground is very secluded right off Blue River. A canoe/kayaking company actually ends one of their river trips there." Rental companies operate nearby with trips ranging from 2-6 hours depending on river sections.
Privacy and space: Campers appreciate the well-separated sites at many locations. At Happy Hollow Homestead, one camper reported, "We were all impressed with the land and how spaced out the camp sites were." This allows for a more private experience even when the campground has multiple visitors.
Quiet surroundings: The remote locations provide peaceful camping experiences. A Mitchell Creek Road visitor noted, "While I was exploring and camping on this road, only two vehicles passed during the entire 16 hours. VERY quiet." This makes the area ideal for those seeking to avoid noise pollution.
Natural features: The mature forest provides excellent hammock options at Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping. A reviewer stated, "Nice size site with fire ring and picnic table. Lots of trees - so great tree canopy and plenty of hammock." The established sites balance convenience with natural setting.
Access challenges: Some dispersed sites require careful navigation. One camper at Mitchell Creek Road warned, "Have a paper map handy, as there is no cell signal and GPS was spotty." Forest roads can become difficult after rain events.
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites lack basic amenities. A camper at Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed explained, "This is NOT a campground, but just roadside pull-offs on public land. There are no restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, or other amenities."
Water availability: Bring sufficient water supplies. At Old Mill, a camper noted, "2 port a pots, no running water except the river in front of you." Most sites require carrying in all water for drinking and cooking.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds provide child-specific features. At Happy Hollow Homestead, a family mentioned, "The kids loved the tire swing and tree web. We will definitely be coming back!" The tree web is approximately 15 feet high and provides a unique play experience.
Wildlife awareness: The area hosts diverse wildlife that may interest children. A camper at Mitchell Creek Road observed, "Lookout for turtles on the road, we spotted and removed 4 of them." Box turtles are common in spring and summer months.
Weekend considerations: Busier periods affect the camping experience. At Old Mill, one camper reported, "The end of a kayaking trip is there so the buses to pick up kayakers are in and out and gets pretty busy at the end of the day." Weekdays typically offer quieter camping experiences compared to weekends.
Size restrictions: The forest roads limit RV access significantly. For Mitchell Creek Road, a reviewer cautioned, "I did not see any pull offs that would accommodate an RV of any size, and nothing large enough to turn a trailer around." Most dispersed camping areas cannot accommodate vehicles larger than small truck campers.
Self-contained camping: When boondocking, bring all supplies. A camper with a small vehicle noted, "If you are camping in a self-contained SMALL vehicle, this is quiet, secluded, and beautiful." Toilet facilities are not available at most dispersed sites.
Limited turnaround space: Forest roads often lack proper turnaround areas. One camper reported, "One pull off was nearly too small to turn around my small pick up truck." Scouting ahead on foot before driving down unknown forest roads is recommended for anyone with vehicles larger than passenger cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Elizabeth, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Elizabeth, IN is Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Elizabeth, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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