Best Dispersed Camping near Martinsville, IN
Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Hoosier National Forest near Martinsville, Indiana. Berry Ridge Road offers multiple primitive campsites spaced far apart, providing exceptional privacy and solitude. The Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge trails feature marked campsites with fire rings only, situated in remote settings. Hickory Ridge and Horse Camp Road also provide free dispersed camping options. According to reviews, many sites at Berry Ridge are "very far spread out" with campsites sometimes "half mile or more apart," ensuring a truly secluded experience.
These primitive sites require self-sufficiency. No drinking water, electricity, or sanitary facilities exist at most locations. Pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all trash. Fire rings are present at established sites, and gathering dead wood from the surrounding forest is permitted. Several campers noted that Berry Ridge has "plenty of dry wood" available near the sites. The gravel roads accessing these areas can be steep and challenging in wet conditions. Standard vehicles can reach most sites, though a sedan may struggle on some routes.
The Deam Wilderness area contains some of Indiana's best backcountry camping opportunities. Peninsula Trail campsites offer good stargazing due to minimal light pollution, though some noise from vehicles on the main road may be audible at night. Campers should be aware of wildlife, including timber rattlesnakes in valley areas. Springs exist in some locations but require treatment. Lakeside campsites along Peninsula Trail provide scenic views, though boaters occasionally approach the shoreline during summer months. Winter camping is possible but requires additional preparation for potentially challenging road conditions.
