The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Mitchell, IN

755 Reviews

Spring Mill State Park Campground features full pet-friendly accommodations with tent, RV, and cabin options just minutes from Mitchell. Pets must remain leashed throughout the park grounds while exploring the working frontier village with its blacksmith shop, grist mill, and natural cave system. Dogs are welcome on most trails, though not permitted in buildings or indoor facilities. Hardin Ridge and Free Spirit Campground also accommodate pets with varied amenities including electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Most campgrounds in the area enforce standard leash policies of 6 feet or less and limit pets to 2-3 per site. Martin State Forest offers more primitive camping with pets allowed, featuring basic amenities like drinking water, picnic tables and vault toilets. The primitive spots at Paynetown Campground near Monroe Lake are particularly suitable for camping with dogs away from designated beach areas.

Charles C. Deam Wilderness provides dispersed camping opportunities for hikers with dogs, offering a more secluded experience than established campgrounds. Trails near the lake are especially popular for pets that enjoy swimming. The Mitchell Creek Road area offers several roadside pull-offs suitable for small self-contained vehicles with pets, though these locations lack formal amenities like fire rings or restrooms. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area maintains pet-friendly camping year-round with access to multiple hiking trails totaling over 10 miles throughout the park. Temperatures in summer months can exceed 90°F, requiring extra water for pets and morning or evening exercise schedules. Paynetown provides excellent lake access for dogs at non-beach swimming areas, with ample room despite being located near a college town. Local veterinary services are available in Bedford and Bloomington, both within 30 minutes of most area campgrounds.

Map showing campgrounds near Mitchell, IndianaExplore the Map

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Mitchell, Indiana (102)

    1. Spring Mill State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Mitchell, IN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 849-3534

    $20 - $30 / night

    "There are trails, caves, and a “village” to be explored. The campsite has water and electric hookups (30a) and primitive sites as well."

    "Spring Mill State park is a little piece of history that is in the heart of southern Indiana. Here you will find a working frontier village."

    2. Hardin Ridge

    25 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    19 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."

    3. Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    22 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    20 miles
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "The ground is level and all grass with less bugs than sites directly off trail. We just have a simple backpacking tent set-up and we had a great campfire."

    "Site is a wide open and well-groomed, with trails just a short walk (or ride) away.

    Toilets and covered picnic tables nearby."

    4. Patoka Lake Campground

    36 Reviews
    Birdseye, IN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 338-5589

    $12 - $25 / night

    "Only waterfill location was at the camp store. Shower house was open and warm water was available. Big DNR presence and staff was friendly and helpful. Quiet campground wasn’t many occupants."

    "Patoka has always had a hype about it for years; big lake, tons of boats, and fishing. This was our first trip here. We stayed in the Fishermans Primitive Campground."

    5. Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground

    25 Reviews
    Vallonia, IN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 358-3464

    $23 - $52 / night

    "My husband and I had a nice visit to Starve Hollow recently...we stayed 4 nights in our camper with our 3 dogs. We hiked 10 miles throughout the park, which was clean and pretty."

    "There are lakeside camping lots. Also there are larger full hookup lots away from the lake"

    6. 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."

    7. Youngs Creek Horse Camp

    8 Reviews
    Paoli, IN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    "We camp here every time we come to Indiana. We have camped there in a truck camper, and now we tent camp with our Jeep. The sites are large, and there are fire rings available."

    "Site accommodates both horse, drive in and walk-in camping. There’s a privy and water on site. Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables."

    8. Martin State Forest

    4 Reviews
    Shoals, IN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 247-3491

    $13 / night

    "Generator okay but recommend use away from other campers."

    "This state forest is beautiful, filled with pines and a clear lake. It is a primative campground but is very nice. Has nice hiking trails and 7 miles of mountain bike trails."

    9. Free Spirit Campground

    2 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 834-6164

    10. Charles C. Deam Wilderness

    9 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    20 miles

    "A staple of our state here in Indiana. Unfortunately due to some storm damage, trails were rerouted or straight up inaccessible.

    Great places to find and set up camp."

    "Wonderful trails, dog friendly and nice places to camp off the trail. Can’t wait to go back!

    Heads up! Refill your water when you come across it; the lake is harder to get to than you think."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 102 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Mitchell Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Mitchell, IN

94 Photos of 102 Mitchell Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Mitchell, IN

755 Reviews of 102 Mitchell 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.

  • L
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Tipsaw Lake

    Great Camp Spot for Families

    Besides picking the only weekend where the camp had plumbing issues… my 4 year old daughter and I loved this place. This was my first time camping in Indiana and it did not let me down! The rangers were very nice and was pleased to answer any of my questions, the lake and bathrooms were clean and the place was nice and quiet. I’ll be back again.

  • L
    Jul. 11, 2021

    Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph

    Fun family campground

    This is a great location near the lake, dog park and community center and has excellent internet access.

  • Kelsie E.
    Oct. 16, 2021

    Buffalo Trace Park

    Great lake view

    The sites are well-spaced and there’s a beautiful lake where you can kayak, canoe, fish, let your dog swim, etc. Disc golf is the big activity at this park. Awesome walking path and a petting zoo. The park is exceptionally clean. Sites on the lake view side are noisy due to traffic on the highway.

  • s
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA

    Still developing

    Owners are fantastic. They will get to a 5 as they continue their hard work making it an awesome place. New owners took over 4 months ago. They have many activities (was yogi bear till it was sold) put put, bowling, chess, volleyball, fishing. Dog park, Play ground was nicely done. Lake has lots of algae. Pool is brand new. It is by highway however, that did not bother us personally. I will visit again and would consider seasonal. Service id rate them a 5. Wonderful people and the place as much potential.

  • J
    May. 14, 2022

    Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA

    New Name “Camp Raintree Lake”

    Gorgeous property with such kind and friendly owners. New owners that are making improvements to the property but it is so nice already.

    The lake is GORGEOUS. Sites have mature trees, variety of singing birds. Really nice stay here as we were passing through. There is a sand volleyball net, gah gah ball, dog park, playground, mini golf (not ready for summer yet), and a new pool soon (concrete poured the other day).

    Campground is a few miles from interstate and right off the highway so some highway noise but still a great picturesque place.

    We will definitely stay here again if we are in the area .

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Love's RV Hookup-Leavenworth IN 839

    Last minute

    Rest stops leading up to this RV spot were under construction. This was a last minute decision. It was late and I didn’t want to drive in the dark anymore. The price is HIGH. With discounts for goodsam and loves connect it was $50/night for 30 amp. The dog park at this loves is very nice and the spaces are okay. But it’s loud all night because it’s a truck stop. I like the idea of this for loves but the price needs to reflect it. $25/night. No one is staying longer than that and it’s a better deal.

  • Barry B.
    Jul. 8, 2020

    West Boggs Park

    Nice, clean and friendly

    West Boggs lake is near the heart of Indiana's Amish country. It has a great lake that has good fishing and the ability to put your boat out. Pets are welcome. They have sites for all forms of camping. We tent camped and had electric and water at site. Great place to ride you bike and visit others.

  • Sofia A.
    Oct. 24, 2020

    Marengo Cave Campgrounds

    Near Caves

    I stayed on late October and I was the only one there, except for a family on the cabins. The spots are just near and walking distance from the caves and other attractions. They have two potable water spots (so no water on each spot), picnic tables, fire rings, grills and every spot faces the little river. restrooms and showers too. You can bring small pets inside the cave if you carry them all time. I have a small zuchon and carry her in a doggy backpack 🎒 she loved it!

Guide to Mitchell

Mitchell sits within the rolling hills of southern Indiana where the landscape transitions between deciduous forests and limestone formations. Most campgrounds near Mitchell sit at elevations between 500-700 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between day and night. Summer temperatures regularly reach the mid-80s during the day while dropping to the 60s overnight, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons in the region.

What to do

Kayaking Lake Monroe: Hardin Ridge Recreation Area provides lake access with rental options. "This campground is on the south side of Monroe lake and has beach access. I tent camped solo and everything went great!" according to Christine C.

Cave exploration: Spring Mill State Park Campground offers cave tours by boat. "Some caves are guided by boat. Very neat to see," writes Donald T. The park's Twin Cave tour is particularly popular during summer months.

Hiking and trail exploring: The region offers multiple interconnected trail systems. Starve Hollow trails extend into adjacent forest land. "Starve Hollow has several hiking trails to explore that total approximately 11 miles," notes James L. Some trails feature abundant geodes along creek beds.

Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes provide fishing access for various species. "We went fishing down by the ramp and caught a mess of bluegill which we fried up back at the campsite!!!" shares Sheldon E. about his experience at Hardin Ridge.

What campers like

Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer generous spacing between sites. "The sites are large and well-shaded with tables and fire pits/grates," reports Deb T. who appreciates the roominess at Hardin Ridge campground.

Historical features: Patoka Lake Campground campers appreciate nearby historical structures. "The surrounding communities are full of interesting history; the longest existing (460') covered bridge built in 1875, classic round barns, original iron bridges, and the historic Medora Shale Brick Plant (1904) to name a few," Stephen & Theresa B. note.

Pioneer village: The working village at Spring Mill offers educational opportunities. "There is even an amazing pioneer village to explore where an original corn mill stands and you can buy freshly ground corm mill!" Rachel W. explains.

Lake visibility: Waterfront campsites provide direct views. "All the lake front spots seem to have a good amount lakefront footage. We probably had at least 40 feet," Martin M. shares about his experience at Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground.

What you should know

Campsite leveling challenges: Some sites require preparation. "When we looked at the other site most of the shaded sites that had some privacy where also heavily sloped, the best site we found was #9," explains Thomas U. about Spring Mill State Park.

Weekday versus weekend crowds: Most campgrounds experience significant population shifts. "Stayed during the week, not very crowded," Jerry R. notes, while others mention weekend congestion, especially during summer months.

Generator rules vary: Each campground maintains different policies. "Some of the loops do not allow generators and or have restricted hours of usage," explains Deb T. about Charles C. Deam Wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mitchell, IN is Spring Mill State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 23 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 102 dog-friendly camping locations near Mitchell, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring