Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Martinsville, IN

Oak Ridge Camping Area in Morgan-Monroe State Forest provides primitive camping sites where pets are permitted on leashes. The campground features 20 sites in the main area and approximately 10 sites in the overflow campground, with vault toilets and outdoor washing stations at water points. Sites work best for tents or small campers under 15 feet, as larger RVs have difficulty navigating the narrow roads. Water and bathrooms are available throughout the campground, but no electric hookups, showers, or dump stations suited for larger vehicles. Several campers note that despite beautiful hiking trails and a secluded atmosphere, pet owners should be prepared for slanted sites and potentially rowdy neighbors on busy weekends.

Yellowwood State Forest's 79 primitive campsites across four campground areas (Red Pine, White-Oak Hickory, Redbud and Black Gum) accommodate pets throughout the property. The forest includes multiple hiking trails ranging from easy to rugged, with several sites having short paths leading to Yellowwood Lake for fishing access. For larger camping units with pets, nearby Brown County State Park offers Taylor Ridge and Buffalo Ridge campgrounds with more amenities including electric hookups, showers, and water access. The campgrounds maintain a $13 per night fee for primitive sites, with spacious, grassy spots that provide adequate room for families camping with dogs. Sites typically include picnic tables and fire rings, though pet owners should bring plenty of water during weekday visits when the camp store may be closed.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Martinsville, Indiana (78)

    1. Oak Ridge Camping Area — Morgan-Monroe State Forest

    9 Reviews
    Martinsville, IN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 342-4026

    $25 - $55 / night

    "This is probably the best state forest in the state of Indiana. The property is well maintained. There is a new visitors center built a few years ago."

    "Site 13 has a little trail that goes down to a large flooded sinkhole behind the campsite. There were lots of tree frogs singing because of the proximity to water."

    2. Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    31 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6406

    $30 / night

    "We have visited Nashville Indiana several times but this is our first time camping nearby. My wife loves to visit Nashville and all the little shops they offer."

    "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."

    3. Yellowwood State Forest

    15 Reviews
    Unionville, IN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-7945

    $225 / night

    "Peaceful little place but unfortunately it rained but we made the best of it, there’s some secluded spots where you can stay away from others or stay in the more general areas, nice lake to fish and we"

    "Drive up, select your site, and then go to the park office to pay using a self-pay envelope. Bring exact change(cash). Current prices are listed on the Indiana DNR website."

    4. Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    22 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6406

    $23 / night

    "This is a beautiful State Park situated in the rolling hills of southern Indiana."

    "I make multiple visits here every year, mainly for the mountain bike trails. There are almost 30 miles of trails inside the park with new trails every year for the past 3+ years."

    5. Paynetown Campground

    29 Reviews
    Clear Creek, IN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 837-9546

    $16 - $25 / night

    "It's a bittersweet type of situation."

    "This campground is busy as it's close to a college, but it has ample room to provide for everyone."

    6. Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park & Campground

    6 Reviews
    Helmsburg, IN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6422

    $12 - $38 / night

    "Bathrooms very far walk from campsites. Showers are pay only. Difficult to navigate/find your camp without a map."

    "This is the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Music Park & Campground near Nashville, IN. Very nice facility with nice stage for events."

    7. Brown County-Nashville KOA

    11 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-4675

    "Nice dog walk and small fenced dog area. Sites level and good for big rigs down to tents. Three cabins also available. Owners are relatively new and have been working on improvements continually."

    "If coming from the north-west, try to arrive before dark as the road over the hills to this place is beautiful, but narrow and forested with some trees very close to the roadway."

    8. Lieber State Recreation Area Campground

    22 Reviews
    Cloverdale, IN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 276-0194

    $16 - $25 / night

    "Cagles Mill Lake borders the southwestern side of the area.

    We arrived to a very quiet campground with few campers."

    "Each campsite is spacious and has plenty of space away from your neighbors. There was plenty of shade even though our pad wasn't tucked back in the woods."

    9. Hoosiers On The Ridge

    2 Reviews
    Helmsburg, IN
    14 miles
    Website

    "We are very close to the Brown County frisbee golf course as well as the brown county state park where mountain biking and hiking is top notch.

    Yellowwood lake is ~10 minutes away as is Lake Lemon."

    "Far enough away from town to be peaceful but close enough to be convenient. Riley has made a great spot to camp and relax."

    10. Hardin Ridge

    25 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 837-9453

    $21 - $55 / night

    "This campground is nestled on a ridge above Indiana's Lake Monroe."

    "Hardin Ridge is a fantastic place to camp, and is very close to lake Monroe. But it's also quite a ways away from any stores in case you forget anything."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Martinsville, IN

621 Reviews of 78 Martinsville Campgrounds


  • Brady R.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Paynetown Campground

    Lake Views - Good for Covid

    With COVID, it seems that everyone...and then more people are going camping. It's a bittersweet type of situation. Nevertheless, it's been very hard to find decent camping in Indiana that isn't packed in like sardines, while also trying to escape the city and get into nature - not around more people.

    Luckily, a friend and I came here last October and this place was great. We got a non electric site and were in the middle of the sites. We had a great lake view and were very happy with our setup. It was a pull-through site, although not all are like that. We were able to set up in no time. 

    We had lots of space, away from our neighbors. The campstore had wood and random items that you might need should you forget. We were just steps away from the lake and enjoyed walking down there every morning. There aren't the best hiking trails around, so you'll need to drive to the nearby Brown County or National Forest to hike on trails that are actually worth the time. 

    I will add that the setup is a bit odd for non-electric. You basically had to pull up to the gatehouse, get your reservation info, then do a U-turn and go back out past the campstore in order to get to your campground. Very odd setup to say the least.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2017

    Terre Haute Campground

    Great location to I-70 and Terre Haute

    This campground is great proximity to I-70 for an easy on/off the interstate and just outside of downtown Terre Haute (approximately eight miles). The park is nice and shady with large trees. When we were there in November, there were very few other campers and most appeared to be transients there for just one night. With all the amenities in this place there is probably a lot going on in the summer. Downtown Terre Haute has plenty of activities including live music, sporting events, museums, restaurants, and historic sites.

    RV sites are pull thrus and back-ins that vary from 50 amp full hook-up with deluxe patio to 30 amp water/electric. All sites were level. There are definitely sites big enough for big-rigs with tow vehicles so you don’t have to unhook if you are just stopping for a night. Water, sewer and electric hook-ups were well-placed and easy to reach. In addition to the RV sites, there are kamping cabins with deluxe accommodations (including air conditioning, kitchens, and bathrooms) capable of sleeping up to 6 people to rustic cabins without bathrooms. Tent sites are available as is a “teepee.”

    Amenities at the park include: swimming pool, camp store (with fire wood), full service restaurant (May – November), propane fill, bike rental, basketball courts, playground, horseshoes, petting zoo, and coin laundry. The restroom and shower house was clean. There is a dump station located at the exit of the park. Our Verizon 4G phone and hotpsot had great service. Our antenna picked up about two dozen television channels

    If you have a dog, there is an off-leash dog park and you are free to walk dogs around the property and there is a long road leading into park. The only problem we had with the park was that some of the trees were not trimmed and the roads where narrow and would rub against our RV.

  • Lesley E.
    Nov. 20, 2021

    Indianapolis KOA

    Great campground

    We stayed here on our way to Maine and loved the campground so much we chose to stay again on our way back. Everything was clean and well maintained, staff was very friendly and helpful. The pup loved the dog park.

  • Sammii D.
    Jul. 27, 2019

    Lake Haven Retreat

    Mighty fine campground for a city

    This place is pretty awesome. It's doesn't have any of the typical summer amenities like a pool but the ones it does have are in tip top shape. Campsites also don't have fire rings but there are a bunch of communal ones around the lake. Plus free communal firewood. The laundry and bathhouse is really stellar too. Clean and open 24/7. Plenty of washers and dryers. There are easy back-ins and pull-thrus. Think some of the pull-thrus are for group camping too the way it's set up. Dog park, free cable (like 60 channels!) and internet (haven't tested strength yet)! I dig it!

  • Erika N.
    Apr. 4, 2021

    Terre Haute Campground

    Beautiful Little Camp

    It use to be KOA New owners 2 year it is pet friendly But for there feet the Campsite is jacket rocks rough on the dog's paws and a little to close to the freeway But everything else was nice clean very friendly staff hot showers no breakfast

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 31, 2022

    Terre Haute Campground

    Nice campground for a short-term stay

    This review is based on a short-term stay versus a destination campground(CG). It was an interesting drive to the CG off I-70 through 2 traffic circles and into the CG as it's close to I-70 but not right off the highway. There was good signage to the CG. The office was closed on a Monday at about 5:00 PM but our paperwork was in the slots outside the office. We followed the provided CG map to pull through site 51 with FHUs. On our second stay two days later we were guided into site 47 with FHUs. Two sites share utilities. This was a nice CG for an overnighter on the way to and from Elkhart, IN for RV maintenance. They have a good-sized dog park. We got 4 bars each on Verizon and T-Mobile. There are mature trees in this CG, but you should not have a problem getting a satellite signal. We got a lot of OTA channels as the CG does not have cable. WiFi performed well for a CG this size. The water pressure was decent. For site 47, watch the tree to the right as you turn in as we brushed our awning. They have tent sites and cabins. There were permanent/transit/seasonal parties here and their sites for the most part were well maintained. The goats and donkeys were a pleasant addition. If you're active or retired military, you should call versus going online to make a reservation to get the military discount. We found out about the discount after we arrived and were supposed to get the discount applied to both stays, but that never happened.

  • Caroline S.
    Sep. 8, 2023

    Terre Haute Campground

    Not big Rig Friendly

    Cost was$60 a night for a full hook up site. You pay for your whole site cost at the time of the reservation. Most sites are gravel. The campground had WIFI that was fast enough to stream. When I made our reservation, they were given the type and size of our RV and truck. When we arrived, we were told that we would not be able to get into that site due to the turns(too tight). They were able to move us to another site. What was the purpose of asking at reservation time the information about our RV and truck if you are not going to use it? We had to unhook and was not able to park our truck on our site. We had to leave it in the parking lot. There is only water hooks on every other site so depending what site you get, you might have to run your water hose under your RV to hook up. Sites are very close together. I would concern if our neighbor had a fire in their fire pit as it was under our bedroom slide. Our firepit had cigarette butts in it. There is an enclosed dog park. Many areas for children to play– bounce pillow, playground, gem mining, etc. I would not stay here again as they cannot handle large RVs and the sites are too close together. Due to the small site, as we were hooking up to leave, we blocked the road. This meant others had to drive through other sites to get around.

  • Rebecca J.
    May. 16, 2018

    Paynetown Campground

    Busy college town campground with ample room and huge lake area

    This campground is busy as it's close to a college, but it has ample room to provide for everyone. Lots of water access near campsites so you can swim with pets in areas that aren' the designated beach. There is also the convenience of a camp store for firewood and forgotten items. Primitive spots are awesome and interspersed with the electric so bathrooms are close as well as showers.


Guide to Martinsville

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Martinsville, Indiana, opens up a world of adventure for you and your furry companions. With a variety of campgrounds that welcome pets, you can enjoy the great outdoors without leaving your pets behind.

Pet owners like the amenities available for their furry friends

Tips for camping with dogs near Martinsville

Dog owners appreciate the variety of activities available

  • Yellowwood State Forest offers numerous trails for hiking, perfect for active dogs who love to explore.
  • Enjoy fishing and boating at Cagles Mill Lake, where your pet can join you on the water for a fun day out.
  • Indy Lakes Campground provides a peaceful setting with walking paths, ideal for leisurely strolls with your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Martinsville, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Martinsville, IN is Oak Ridge Camping Area — Morgan-Monroe State Forest with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Martinsville, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 78 dog-friendly camping locations near Martinsville, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.