Dispersed camping areas near Martinsville, Indiana provide ready access to the Hoosier National Forest's rugged woodlands. Located within an hour's drive from town, most primitive camping options sit between 600-750 feet elevation in dense second-growth forests dominated by oak, maple and hickory trees. Seasonal considerations matter greatly here, as spring brings muddy access roads while fall offers cooler temperatures and colorful foliage.
What to do
Hiking on wilderness trails: At Charles C. Deam Wilderness, hikers can explore extensive trail systems ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. One visitor noted, "The trails are well paved and marked, not too strenuous. So many beautiful trees and plants to see, plus lots of creeks to walk through."
Rock collecting opportunities: Creek beds throughout the region's campgrounds offer unique geological experiences. At Charles C. Deam Wilderness, a camper shared: "I walked the creek for hours just looking at all the rocks on the sandbars. I have never encountered so many geodes in my life. Truly magnificent to encounter."
Lake access for paddling: Some dispersed sites provide access to Monroe Lake for canoeing and kayaking. As one visitor to Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites mentioned, "Very nice drive during the day, hiking is fantastic!" The camp's proximity to water adds recreational options beyond hiking.
Wildlife observation: Quiet camping spots allow for wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk. One camper at Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping reported hearing natural sounds: "Just trees knocking, bugs curling and frogs croaking." Wildlife sightings are common throughout the forested camping areas.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer substantial space between campers. A Berry Ridge Road visitor noted, "Each site is fairly far apart," while another mentioned they "found a great pull off spot a lil further. I came across at least 5 lil spots."
Accessibility for standard vehicles: Several primitive sites can be reached without specialized equipment. According to one Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping visitor: "National forest area with 3ish campsites one of which can accommodate a vehicle. Wooded so no solar or starlink."
Natural fire materials: Many wilderness sites offer plentiful downed wood for campfires. A Berry Ridge Road camper mentioned that sites were "clean, fairly flat and had plenty of dead wood around to burn."
Night sky viewing: The secluded nature of these sites provides minimal light pollution. One visitor described their experience: "It's now 10:37 pm, I'm traveling from Chicago to Florida and I kind of love this spot. Easy to find, easy to park."
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Forest access roads can become challenging after rain. One Hickory Ridge camper noted, "I pulled in at midnight in a sedan in the winter and i was able to safely find my way," but conditions worsen during wet seasons.
Water availability is limited: Most dispersed sites require bringing all water needs. At Oak Ridge Camping Area — Morgan-Monroe State Forest, a camper explained, "Mason Ridge Campground has vault toilets and drinking water available. There are outdoor sinks at the drinking water stations."
Self-registration process: State forest camping requires specific check-in procedures. As one Morgan-Monroe camper advised: "When you arrive set up at your site. Then you will need to go WITH EXACT CHANGE to the sign in at the main building... Make sure you take your tag to mark your site."
Seasonal activity fluctuations: Some areas become busier during hunting seasons. A Sundance Lake visitor reported, "On the weekends, the activity picked up with a lot of partying and hunting. There were a few pickups that patrolled through here regularly."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For families seeking amenities beyond wilderness camping, Morgan-Monroe offers structured facilities. A visitor noted: "There is a playground at the entrance of Mason Ridge campground and a fire tower."
Educational opportunities: Some areas provide natural learning environments. At Ransburg Scout Reservation, visitors can enjoy "canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing. Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails."
Scout-friendly locations: Organized youth groups have dedicated facilities in some areas. A Ransburg Scout Reservation visitor commented that "This camp has traditions rooted deep within and is a very beautiful place to be. Highly recommend. Great summer program!!!"
Weather preparation: Families should pack for variable conditions. One camper warned about timing: "The only negative was that we came after a lot of rain. So everything is permanently wet and mosquitos/ticks abounded."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations for larger vehicles: Most dispersed sites accommodate only smaller RVs or trailers. At Morgan-Monroe State Forest, an RVer explained, "There are only about 5 sites we could get in to. Our camper is about 25' and it was tight get in and out of the campground."
Generator restrictions: Many wilderness areas prohibit generators, requiring alternative power sources. One RVer noted, "Although there is no electric hookup we had a generator that we used sparklingly."
Limited dump facilities: RVers should plan for minimal services. A camper mentioned, "The dump station hose did not have a connection to allow me to flush the blackwater holding tank."
Finding level parking: RV campers should scout sites carefully for level ground. One visitor observed, "I was slightly disappointed by the site selections being mostly on a slant, but we did find one on the overfill site that suited our needs."
