Tent camping options near McCordsville, Indiana include several established sites within driving distance. Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort in Pendleton offers tent sites with access to lake activities, while the more secluded Oak Ridge Camping Area in Morgan-Monroe State Forest provides a primitive camping experience approximately 60 miles southwest of McCordsville. Clovis Creek maintains 20 tent-specific sites with boat-in and walk-in access options for campers seeking varied arrival methods.
Primitive tent camping is standard throughout the region, with most sites offering minimal amenities. Morgan-Monroe State Forest provides drinking water, vault toilets, and trash disposal, but sites lack electrical hookups. Campgrounds typically include fire rings and picnic tables, though firewood availability varies by location. Most tent sites are ungraded and set on natural surfaces. Pine Lake accommodates walk-in tent campers but provides fewer amenities than state forest options. Self-registration is common at forest campgrounds, requiring exact change payment at designated stations.
Walk-in tent sites at Morgan-Monroe State Forest offer particular seclusion from other campers. The forest maintains hiking trails directly accessible from tent camping areas, making it popular with backpackers and hikers. Several small lakes provide fishing and kayaking opportunities near camping zones. Oak Ridge Campground section operates as overflow camping during peak seasons, offering additional primitive tent sites when the main campground fills. Sites are generally shaded and provide natural buffer zones between campers. According to one visitor, "Mason Ridge Campground has vault toilets and drinking water available. There are outdoor sinks at the drinking water stations. This campground is for those who like to rough it a little bit."
"This was really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children’s museum. The lake is fabulous, but there didn’t seem to be too many fish available for catching!!"
from $25 - $45 / night
"When tent camping and want something quiet and a place with great trails, this is a good place to go. Even though it’s hot outside today, there’s lots of shade and a breeze."
"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."
from $25 - $55 / night
ScoutMark & Denise are great camp hosts they care about everyone and will help them if they need it. They do so much for the holidays and have some great times together around the campfires. Will miss them this winter but will be thinking of them during the Army Navy game. (A inside joke lol).
Scoutwe arrived during a halloween kids party. the hostess was super nice. the women’s showers and wash rooms clean. the men’s shower was sport locker style.
ScoutClean paved sites, rigs under 35 feet will fit. Water and electricity 50/30 (water is in the ground.
LegendWe stayed for the weekend during a Campout event. Lots of fun seeing all of our camping buddies. I don’t think we would camp here otherwise as it isn’t really our type of camping. Sites are close together, so don’t expect privacy. Porta potties had not been serviced from their previous event… needless to say, it was foul. The country music museum was pretty cool. The guide was very knowledgeable!
ScoutBeautiful, great amenities too. Right off highway to travel anywhere
GuideGreat place to stay. Full hook ups, about 90 percent level sites. 33 RV sites and 3 or 4 primitive camp sites. The main bathhouse is pretty clean, included laundry, and a great host and hostess (Mark and Denise). The only bad is the price hikes here. One would think MWR would throw money towards some things...like a dog park, some leveling, lights at the kids playground, and MWR sponsored and paid for holiday parties/outings for vets, retirees, and all the active here on base. But nope, just collecting revenue without any beanies. Anyway, the host keeps it grounded.
GuideBack in site, along the river, has full hooks! Wonderful bike, walking, you could even see horses on the path! Well taken care of campground, owned by the county. Lots of shade trees, clean bathrooms, playground.
ScoutGreat staff, super helpful! Put us in their “VIP” spots on the “hill”. Access to the family fun zone including in the stay. So much for our littles to do! And totally safe and clean.
TravelerThe good: Hosts are very nice. Bath/shower house clean. Close to the city of Franklin, but rural. Not so good: next to an Indiana National Guard site. Was mostly quiet during the week, but louder on weekend. Revelry playing at 6 am, helicopters, etc. Also, be aware, website does not say, but they do not allow tent camping, car camping, makeshift tent trailers, box truck campers etc. But currently allow pop up campers. I have a Sylvan Sport Go and was told I'd have to leave. Eventually allowed me to stay for my reserved time and decided it was a legit enough camper.
Tent camping near McCordsville, Indiana offers varied terrain with elevations ranging from 800-900 feet above sea level across the surrounding forests and recreation areas. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 73-86°F from June through August. Most tent sites are set within deciduous forests dominated by oak, maple and beech trees that provide natural shade during warmer months.
Fishing opportunities: Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort provides lake access for anglers seeking panfish and bass. "This was really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children's museum. The lake is fabulous, but there didn't seem to be too many fish available for catching!" notes Debbie S., who recommends the spot for shorter stays.
Trail hiking: Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers extensive hiking networks including two trails over 10 miles long. "This is probably the best state forest in the state of Indiana. The property is well maintained. There are a lot of trails to hike 2 of them are over 10 miles (lower gap and three lakes)," explains Ron H., who notes the Tecumseh trail (40 miles) starts in this forest.
Kayaking access: The area provides multiple watercraft opportunities on smaller lakes. "Three small lakes are on the property for fishing and kayaking," reports Ron H. about Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Most water access points require carrying equipment from parking areas, so collapsible or lightweight craft are recommended.
Natural seclusion: Clovis Creek maintains 20 tent-specific sites with boat-in and walk-in options for those seeking privacy. The campground features fire rings, picnic tables and allows pets, creating a comfortable yet rustic experience away from developed areas.
Shaded sites: Oak Ridge Camping Area provides natural tree coverage that keeps tent areas cooler. "Oak Ridge Campground is a second campground loop in MMSF. It only has a handful of sites but feels very secluded. Most of these sites are suited for tents only, or little teardrop campers," explains Daisy C., noting its overflow status during peak seasons.
Quiet atmosphere: Smaller campgrounds maintain a peaceful environment without crowds. "Even with beautiful weather and the opening of squirrel season, it was relatively light with other campers," reports Rob R. about Morgan-Monroe State Forest, appreciating the tranquility despite favorable conditions that typically draw visitors.
Self-registration process: Most forest campgrounds require self-service payment. "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. It's easy, there is a little box on the side of the firewood shed," explains Rob R., highlighting the importance of bringing correct payment.
Limited amenities: Oak Ridge Camping Area provides basic facilities only. "Mason Ridge Campground has vault toilets and drinking water available. There are outdoor sinks at the drinking water stations. There is a dumpster in the campground for trash," notes Daisy C., adding that firewood availability depends on office hours.
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "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 and we ended up loving it," shares rickie F., indicating the importance of arriving early to secure level sites.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. "There is a playground and fire tower right next to the Mason Ridge campground," mentions Daisy C., though noting these amenities may close seasonally or during special circumstances.
Day trip convenience: Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort serves as a good base for regional attractions. "This was really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children's museum," shares Debbie S., indicating the location works well for combining outdoor camping with urban activities.
Educational opportunities: Natural features provide learning experiences. "Recommend the tree trail," suggests Rob R. regarding Morgan-Monroe State Forest, referencing one of several interpretive trails that identify local flora for educational family outings.
Size restrictions: Most forest campgrounds accommodate only smaller recreational vehicles. "The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is, we are RV campers and 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," warns Ron H. about Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Limited hookups: Prepare for primitive camping conditions. "My wife and were at site 15 from 09/02/21- 09/06/21 camping in a Winnebago Micro Minnie 2108 TB. This park is not for large rigs, but we had no trouble fitting into our small camper. This is a great place to camp and hike, although there is no electric hookup we had a generator that we used sparklingly," shares Don N., noting facility limitations.
Dump station challenges: Morgan-Monroe State Forest provides basic waste disposal. "The only drawbacks were that the vault toilets are in pretty bad condition and the dump station hose did not have a connection to allow me to flush the blackwater holding tank," notes Don N., suggesting RVers bring necessary adapters for proper tank maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near McCordsville, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near McCordsville, IN is Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near McCordsville, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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