Best Dispersed Camping near Loogootee, IN

Dispersed camping near Loogootee, Indiana centers primarily in the Hoosier National Forest, where multiple primitive sites exist along forest roads and trails. Several dispersed camping areas can be found within 30-60 minutes of Loogootee, including Mitchell Creek Road, Berry Ridge Road, Peninsula Trail, and Horse Camp Road dispersed sites. These areas feature no designated campgrounds but instead offer informal pull-offs and clearings where camping is permitted on public land. Most sites provide minimal to no amenities and operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system.

Access to many dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved forest roads that may become difficult after rain. Mitchell Creek Road features narrow gravel passages with limited turnaround space, making it unsuitable for large RVs or trailers. Berry Ridge Road provides better access with multiple campsites spaced far apart along the road, some accessible to smaller RVs. Most areas have no drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire rings exist at some locations, but campers should check current fire restrictions before visiting.

These dispersed sites provide genuine backcountry experiences with varying levels of seclusion. Peninsula Trail offers hiking access to lakeside campsites with established fire rings, though some reviews note occasional disturbance from boaters during summer months. Mitchell Creek Road provides extremely quiet camping with minimal traffic. "Very quiet, only two vehicles passed during the entire 16 hours," noted one camper about Mitchell Creek Road. Berry Ridge Road receives consistent positive feedback for its privacy: "Very secluded, multiple campsites in the area, fairly flat and had plenty of dead wood around to burn. Some sites could fit a pretty good sized camper." Cell service is limited or non-existent in most areas, and campers should bring paper maps for navigation.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Loogootee, Indiana (10)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Loogootee, IN

20 Photos of 10 Loogootee Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Loogootee, IN

32 Reviews of 10 Loogootee Campgrounds


  • Jaymi A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2023

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    Perfect for Invisible Boondocking

    This is NOT a campground, but just roadside pull-offs on public land. There are no restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, or other amenities. However, if you are camping in a self-contained SMALL vehicle, this is quiet, secluded, and beautiful. I did not see any pull offs that would accommodate an RV of any size, and nothing large enough to turn a trailer around.One pull off was nearly too small to turn around my small pick up truck. But the thick forest was beautiful. There are rock outcroppings along this road, which follows Mitchell Creek and lots to explore on foot. While I was exploring and camping on this road, only two vehicles passed during the entire 16 hours. VERY quiet. Have a paper map handy, as there is no cell signal and GPS was spotty. The place I camped had a small graveyard behind it, so if you’re superstitious, this may not be for you. There was also a big white building that was all locked up surrounded by open meadow that a larger vehicle might be able to park behind. A circular “drive” was mown around the building. A few of the pull offs I didn’t explore because they were muddy or washed out after several days of rain. I would camp here again for the quiet and it’s proximity to Hemlock Cliffs and Yellow Birch Ravine.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Tommy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2020

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    Limited dispersed sites

    Mitchell Creek Road in Hoosier National Forest, is just one small section of a road that runs along Mitchell Creek. On the west end, where the road turns right (north), there was a small drive to the right that went down towards the creek bed. There was a small fire ring here, and another fire ring around the back, both set up on the rocks of the dry riverbed. These didn't seem like great camping areas, let alone a "campsite". Towards the middle this road, just east of an intersection for a road to the south, there was a campsite creek side, and a little farther, a campsite on the hillside. The hillside spot was taken, so we took that last spot. Lookout for turtles on the road, we spotted and removed 4 of them.

    The area was rather buggy, and to be honest a little sketchy, so we slept in our van. Only two cars drove by, each time kicking up a big cloud of white dust which covered most of the foliage by the road. It hadn't rained in a while. We went briefly down to the creek, but it was very buggy and not very nice to hike. At night, we heard some loud mysterious crashing in some nearby trees, and what was possibly a large band of coyotes in the distance. Can't imagine I'd ever come back to this area, but it's there as an option for sure!

  • 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.


Guide to Loogootee

Dispersed camping near Loogootee, Indiana primarily occurs in the Hoosier National Forest, which covers over 200,000 acres across nine counties in south-central Indiana. The terrain features sandstone ridges, narrow valleys, and small streams with elevations ranging from 400 to 900 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping often deals with temperature fluctuations and occasional rainfall that can affect forest road conditions.

What to do

Hiking at Peninsula Trail: Peninsula Trail offers multiple campsites with established fire rings along Lake Monroe's shoreline. "There are designated camping sites found in the forest maps," notes one camper. The trail provides both hiking and camping opportunities with varying difficulty levels. "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," explains another visitor who found Campsite #18 particularly spacious.

Wildlife observation: The forest areas surrounding primitive camping spots near Loogootee host diverse wildlife. At Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites, the secluded setting provides opportunities for wildlife viewing. "Very secluded, I got there in a sedan in the winter and i was able to safely find my way. Very nice drive during the day, hiking is fantastic!" reports one camper who visited during winter months when wildlife activity patterns shift.

Stargazing: The remote nature of dispersed camping areas creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. "Light pollution is pretty low however, so good stargazing," mentions a camper about Peninsula Trail. The distance from urban areas combined with the forest canopy openings creates natural viewing windows for astronomical observation.

What campers like

Natural solitude: The separation between sites at many dispersed camping areas provides uncommon privacy. "BerryRidge Road Dispersed Camping is a hidden gem. Just a few sites along the road minimum traffic encountered," writes one reviewer. The spacing between sites allows for private camping experiences even during busier seasons.

Water access: Several primitive camping spots near Loogootee provide opportunities to camp near water features. At Horse Camp Rd Dispersed, campers can find sites relatively close to streams. Although amenities are non-existent, the natural setting compensates for the lack of facilities.

Backcountry experience: The primitive nature of camping appeals to those seeking authentic outdoor experiences. "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," notes a visitor at Hickory Ridge. Many sites require self-sufficiency but reward with undisturbed natural settings.

What you should know

Road conditions vary: Access to dispersed camping areas can become challenging after rainfall. "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," reports a camper at Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping. However, roads are typically gravel or dirt and can deteriorate quickly in wet conditions.

Navigation challenges: Paper maps are essential as cell service is unreliable throughout most dispersed camping areas. "Have a paper map handy, as there is no cell signal and GPS was spotty," advises one camper. Forest roads often intersect without clear signage, making navigation confusing for first-time visitors.

Wildlife awareness: Venomous snakes inhabit the region and require appropriate caution. "Springs available in the valleys but watch for timber rattlesnakes," warns one Peninsula Trail camper. Another visitor reported, "Did see a rattlesnake dead on the road."

Tips for camping with families

Pack extra water supplies: No reliable water sources exist at most dispersed sites. "Long walk to the water so make sure you bring plenty of drinking water," advises a Peninsula Trail visitor who camped with family. The distance to water sources combined with summer heat necessitates carrying substantial water reserves.

Select more accessible sites: Some dispersed areas offer better family access than others. "Campsite #18 has a great view and is large enough for at least 4 tents if you have a big group," notes a Peninsula Trail camper. Families should prioritize sites with adequate space for multiple tents and some distance from potential hazards.

Consider seasonal timing: Summer brings increased recreational traffic on nearby water bodies. "Only downside is the drunk boat people that show up in the summer," mentions a regular Peninsula Trail visitor. Spring and fall typically offer quieter camping experiences with fewer recreational visitors.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions apply: Most dispersed sites accommodate only smaller camping vehicles. "I have a promaster conversion and had no trouble making it to this site, however the road was gravel and steep at times," notes a visitor to Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping. Larger RVs and trailers face significant challenges on narrow forest roads.

Limited turnaround space: Forest roads often lack adequate space for larger vehicles to turn around. "I did not see any pull offs that would accommodate an RV of any size, and nothing large enough to turn a trailer around," cautions a Mitchell Creek Road camper. Scout potential sites without your RV first when possible to avoid difficult backing situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in the Hoosier National Forest near Loogootee?

Dispersed camping in Hoosier National Forest follows pack-in, pack-out principles. At Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed, camping is allowed in designated roadside pull-offs on public land. Most sites are primitive with minimal impact requirements – use existing fire rings where available and properly extinguish all fires. Camping is typically limited to 14 consecutive days. Sites at Horse Camp Rd Dispersed must be at least 150 feet from water sources. No permits are required, but follow Leave No Trace principles and properly dispose of human waste.

Where are the best spots for dispersed camping near Loogootee, Indiana?

Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping offers multiple secluded sites spread far apart, providing excellent privacy in a beautiful forested setting. The road has approximately 9 dispersed campsites, some suitable for car camping or small campers. Another excellent option is Peninsula Trail, which features marked campsites along both Peninsula and Grub Ridge trails. These sites are very private and remote-feeling, though you might hear occasional traffic noise from the main road across the lake.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Loogootee?

Dispersed camping sites near Loogootee are truly primitive with minimal amenities. At Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed, you'll find no restrooms, water sources, picnic tables or established facilities – just small roadside pull-offs suitable for self-contained vehicles. Similarly, Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites offers basic camping with only fire rings. Some locations have natural water sources in valleys, but you should bring plenty of drinking water as most sites require you to pack in everything you need and pack out all waste. Cell service is typically limited throughout the area.