Dispersed camping near Tennyson, Indiana offers primitive sites within Hoosier National Forest at elevations ranging from 450 to 900 feet, creating varied terrain for backcountry campers. The forest encompasses over 200,000 acres with approximately 260 miles of trails through deciduous forest. Winter camping remains accessible on most forest roads, though seasonal closures can occur during periods of heavy rainfall.
What to do
Explore creek features: The Mitchell Creek area contains interesting rock formations that make for excellent day hiking opportunities. "There are rock outcroppings along this road, which follows Mitchell Creek and lots to explore on foot," according to a camper at Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot local wildlife including turtles, deer, and various bird species. One camper reported, "Lookout for turtles on the road, we spotted and removed 4 of them" while camping at Mitchell Creek Road.
Stargazing: The remote nature of these sites offers minimal light pollution. The thick forest canopy creates partial views, but roadside clearings provide better sky visibility. Coyote vocalizations are common at night, adding to the wilderness experience.
What campers like
Complete solitude: The remote nature of dispersed sites means very little traffic or noise disruption. "Very quiet, only 2 vehicles passed by in the 36 hours I was there," noted one camper at Hoosier National Forest who appreciated the isolation.
Proximity to natural attractions: The dispersed camping areas provide convenient access to notable geological features. "I would camp here again for the quiet and its proximity to Hemlock Cliffs and Yellow Birch Ravine," shared a visitor describing the advantages of this location.
Primitive experience: These sites appeal to those seeking true backcountry camping without infrastructure. "Big spot for almost any type of camper. Deep woods," reported one camper who enjoyed the undeveloped nature of the sites.
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Paper maps are essential as electronic navigation is unreliable. "Have a paper map handy, as there is no cell signal and GPS was spotty," advised a camper at Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed. Several campers report difficulty finding suitable sites without proper directions.
Site limitations: Suitable camping spots are limited and sometimes difficult to identify. "It took me 20 [minutes] from route 64 to find this place... 10 min later I got to the coordinates and there was nothing, not even an opening just more road," reported one visitor attempting to locate designated pull-offs.
Road conditions: Access roads require careful navigation and appropriate vehicles. "A few of the pull offs I didn't explore because they were muddy or washed out after several days of rain," noted a camper, highlighting how weather affects accessibility at Mitchell Creek Road.
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: The remote nature means emergency services are distant. No cell service creates communication challenges if problems arise. Solo travelers should exercise caution, as one camper advised, "If you are solo female traveler don't even waste your time."
Advance preparation: The lack of amenities requires complete self-sufficiency. Carry all water needed for drinking, cooking and cleaning as no potable sources exist nearby. Pack additional supplies for weather contingencies.
Site selection timing: Arriving early provides better opportunities to secure the limited suitable sites. "The hillside spot was taken, so we took that last spot," mentioned a camper, indicating competition for prime locations can occur despite the remote setting.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle size restrictions: Only small, maneuverable vehicles can access most sites. "I did not see any pull offs that would accommodate an RV of any size, and nothing large enough to turn a trailer around. One pull off was nearly too small to turn around my small pick up truck," cautioned a visitor at Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed.
Alternative options: When dispersed sites prove unsuitable, commercial alternatives exist within reasonable driving distance. "I just keep driving till I got back to 64 and found a Cracker Barrel 17 miles away," shared one camper who decided against the primitive camping near Tennyson, Indiana after assessing site conditions.
