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Best Tent Camping near Madison, IN

453 Reviews

Dispersed tent camping is available in the woodlands surrounding Madison, Indiana, with Berry Ridge Road Dispersed Camping offering multiple secluded tent sites in the Hoosier National Forest. This free camping area features several primitive tent campsites spread along a gravel forest road, providing tent campers with natural settings away from developed campgrounds. Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping offers additional tent sites in the Brown County area of the Hoosier National Forest, with a small lake and surrounding forest terrain.

Berry Ridge Road features multiple tent sites separated by substantial distances, providing privacy for tent campers. Sites have established fire rings but no water sources, requiring campers to bring all necessary supplies. The gravel road access requires careful navigation in wet conditions. According to one visitor, "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." These dispersed sites generally accommodate tent camping and small vehicles rather than large recreational vehicles. Pets are allowed at both dispersed camping areas, and reservations are not required.

The tent campsites at Berry Ridge Road offer genuine solitude with sites positioned far enough apart that campers report feeling completely alone in the forest. Areas farther from the main road provide deeper seclusion with natural forest surroundings. A camper wrote that "if you are looking for solitude and peace in the forest, you will find it here." The forest setting provides ample shade and natural windbreaks for tent campers. At Sundance Lake, tent sites are positioned near a small body of water with some hiking trails nearby, though visitors note increased weekend activity with hunting and recreational users. Tent-only areas typically feature flat spots for pitching tents and access to fallen wood for campfires, making these locations suitable for self-sufficient tent camping experiences.

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Best Tent Sites Near Madison, Indiana (8)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Madison, IN

5 Photos of 8 Madison Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Madison, IN

453 Reviews of 8 Madison Campgrounds

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 13, 2021

    Hartig Park & Wildlife Reserve - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Hidden Getaway

    This is an awesome quiet campground tucked away in northern KY along the Ohio River. There are 10-12 dispersed campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. No electric, no water, porti potti at park entrance. Would need to drive if camping at the top of the hill or bring a camp toilet. Great views and semi secluded.

  • Melissa W.
    Jun. 22, 2020

    Clifty Falls State Park Campground

    Standard SP Campground

    All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. However, many of the picnic tables are very short which is fine as long as you have a small group or family. The fire rings are very nice and have a good grill grate. Bathrooms/showers were typical: moderately clean with luke cold water. Tent sites were decent (we were pleased with site 117). Some offer a little more privacy than others with brush growth and trees. RV sites offered less privacy but I was pleased with the separation between the tent and RV sections of the campground. The wood they sold was great and they also have ice for sale. The trails were crazy packed the second weekend in June so we didn't do much hiking (however, we've hiked the entire park trail system in the past and really enjoy it). The park is relatively flat so biking is a fun activity. They charge you to enter the park an additional 7-9$ even if you already reserved camping. A huge bonus is Madison, Indiana nearby (4.5 miles away) which has a couple of wineries (and restaurants) and you can also walk along the Ohio River. Overall, I would tent camp here again.

  • T
    Nov. 9, 2023

    Hartig Park & Wildlife Reserve - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Great Secluded Spot

    Stayed here two nights. The first night at campsite #10, which didn't really have level ground, so we moved to #8 for night two. Each spot has a picnic table and fire ring. The main road was nice to drive on, but the others were pretty rough. Had spots for hammocks, and the portopotty was well maintained. The spots were all pretty secluded. Great remote location!

  • Stephen & Theresa B.
    Jun. 30, 2020

    Shale Bluff Campground — Hardy Lake State Recreation Area

    Just a really nice place to camp and enjoy the lake.

    This is a great State Park offering hiking, swimming, boating, skiing, camping, interpretive naturalist program and the only DNR property in the state of Indiana with a raptor rehabilitation program. The reservoir is 741 acres with boating and fishing plus a huge beach area that is open for swimming. There are four boat launches, fishing piers, fish cleaning stations, archery range, basketball courts, shelter houses, playgrounds, raptor display and more. Hiking trails consist of 5 moderate to easy walks all under 2 miles through Indiana hardwoods, lake shoreline and even a 1700’s cemetery. Camping is in one of two areas; Wooster primitive that has a dozen sites close to the lake and Shale electric consisting of 142 gravel pad sites with 30 amp and 8 premium paved 50 amp sites. Sites are a mix of tree covered and open with most be relatively level providing a picnic table and fire pit. Potable water spigots dispersed throughout the campground and several bathhouse facilities and dump station for your convenience. The campground also has an amphitheater overlooking the lake that offers entertainment and naturalist programs. Convenient location just 15 minutes from the I-65 corridor 38.7766° N, 85.7056° W

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2022

    Follow The River RV Resort

    Florence, IN…Nice campground

    Park is well maintained. Nice sized pool and very clean pool area. Park has a playground and dog park. Lots of space between campers with cement patio, fire pit and picnic table and lots of trees. We had no issue pulling in our 42’ 5th wheel. We came in after hours and our name with sits number was posted on the door and plenty of maps for the park. Nice layout! You could barely hear a train off in the distance which sounded cozy. Campground is about 30 min from Madison and Ohio River is across the street. Only con- trash cans are like in a whole different country and hard to get too. Would stay again!!!!!

  • Stephen & Theresa B.
    May. 12, 2020

    Jackson Washington State Forest

    This is a little gem for tent camping or RVer not requiring shore power.

    Jackson-Washington State forest encompasses 16,500 plus acres in the rolling hills of south central Indiana and neighbors Starve Hollow State Recreation Area (see review). The property offers several stunning hiking trails and some are of the more challenging nature due to the elevation changes. The park also has an amazing scenic drive, Skyline Drive, which lives up to its name with spectacular panoramic vistas showcasing Indiana's gorgeous farms. The campground consists of 62 primitive class "C" self registration sites with a picnic table. Potable water is available seasonally and firewood can be purchased at the forest office. A number of the sites are waterfront offering a relaxing view...but definitely geared for the tent camper or RVer not requiring shore power. Just 2.5 miles from the town of Brownstown which has grocery shopping, restaurants and sundries. lat:38.8451 lon:-86.0519

  • Stephen & Theresa B.
    Apr. 11, 2019

    Versailles State Park Campground

    “One of Indiana's Finest”

    This is a great southern Indiana State Park with easy access from US 50. Plenty of sites to accommodate larger rigs with paved pads, picnic tables, fire rings, 30 amp, dump station and very clean restroom & shower facilities. The park offers great hiking trails, mountain bike trails, seasonal nature center, seasonal swimming pool, horse trails and 230 acre lake. Mapping Address: 1387 US 50 East, Versailles, IN 47042 | Phone: 812-689-6424 | Reservations: https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com/welcome.do

  • J
    Jun. 17, 2019

    Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground

    Good variety

    Starve Hollow offers camping from full hookup, electric only (by the lake), tent camping, and cabins.  The lake has a swimming area (no lifeguards), playgrounds, and bathhouse.  The lake allows boats with electric trolling motor only. 

    We stayed in the full hookup section (camping facilities: electric, sewer, and water hookup as well as fire ring, picnic table, and parking spur at each site. Modern restrooms/showers(wheelchair accessible) are available nearby. 53 sites available, sites 222, 232, and 234 are wheelchair accessible).  The bathhouse was clean (even though it rained most of the weekend).  these sites are a good size and able to get any size Trailer or RV into these sites.  There is mostly grass on most of the sites in this area.

    The campground also offers electric only sites (camping facilities: electric hookup, fire ring, picnic table and parking spur at each site. Drinking water is available in area. Modern restrooms/showers(wheelchair accessible) are available nearby. Dumping station is available. There are 87 sites available. Sites 28, 44, 65, 75 and 90 are wheelchair accessible).  They have about 20 sites that back up right to the lake allowing fishing from your campsite.  Keep in mind that a lot of the electric only sites are very tight with a lot of trees in the area.  I can probably only get my 36 ft 5th wheel into a third of the sites, but there are many of sites that had shorter units on them.   

    Cabins:  Starve Hollow has 13 rent-a-camp cabins available March-Nov.(closed Dec.-Feb.)(NOTE: Local sales only during off season/winter months, contact property for details). Each cabin has a front porch with a swing, outside electric outlet and front porch light. Inside there are two small rooms each providing a ceiling fan with light, a heating/cooling unit and electrical outlets. The front room offers a small table with bench seats, corner shelf, chair, rocking chair, and a loft. The back room offers a bunk bed(single) and a double bed(NO LINENS or MATTRESS PROVIDED). Air mattress recommended.

    Fishing/Boating Starve-Hollow Lake has three boat ramps to choose from, one at the dam and two in the electric campground. Kayak, rowboat and canoe rental is available. A valid Indiana fishing license is required. Rowboat and canoe rental is available from mid April through October. Starve-Hollow Lake is a trolling motor only lake. For campers a fish cleaning station is available.

    Swimming A large beach is available for swimming from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Restrooms, dressing facilities, showers, and food concessions are available to visitors. Wheelchair ramps allow access to beach and concession area.

    Picnicking There are picnic areas and picnic shelters that can be reserved. Both shelters can be accessed by wheelchair. The East shelter has an electrical outlet. Picnic tables and grills are located at the picnic sites. A wheelchair accessible playground, basketball goals, softball fields, horseshoe pits and a sand volleyball court are located on or near the swimming beach.

    Hiking Trails Starve Hollow has several hiking trails to explore that total approximately 11 miles.

  • D
    Oct. 9, 2023

    Hartig Park & Wildlife Reserve - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Perfect offgrid campsite

    It's quiet, and each of the 10 campsites are easy to find.  There is no hookup, but each site has a picnic table and fire ring.    Most smaller rigs won't have a problem, and we saw several cars on the narrow and rough gravel road.    We look forward to exploring the miles of trails on this park.

Guide to Madison

Tent camping near Madison, Indiana offers a variety of unique experiences, from serene natural settings to well-equipped facilities, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Birdsell Castle, you'll find essential amenities like drinking water, electric hookups, and toilets, making your stay comfortable.
  • Deam Lake State Rec Area features a range of facilities including showers, picnic tables, and a sanitary dump station, ideal for families and groups.
  • For a more rustic experience, Drakes Ridge Rustic Nudist Retreat offers a unique atmosphere with tent camping in a private setting.

Tent campers should check out local activities

  • Enjoy swimming and kayaking at Deam Lake State Rec Area, where the lake provides a refreshing escape during hot summer days.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping, known for its secluded spots perfect for casting a line.
  • Explore the rugged trails at Deam Lake State Rec Area, which connects to the famous Knobstone Trail, offering a challenging hike for adventurers.

Unique features of the campgrounds

  • Birdsell Castle allows pets, making it a great choice for families who want to bring their furry friends along.
  • The Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping site is free and requires no permits, perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly camping experience.
  • Mimsey's Mayhem offers a private camping experience with the option to have campfires, creating a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Madison, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Madison, IN is Drakes Ridge Rustic Nudist Retreat with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Madison, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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