Camping near Monroe Lake

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Monroe Lake, IN is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Monroe Lake is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Monroe Lake, IN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Monroe Lake (125)

    1. Paynetown Campground

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

    $19 - $32 / night

    "It's a bittersweet type of situation."

    "Paynetown boasts the second largest beach on Lake Monroe, and the primitive sites include a very nice shower house."

    2. Hardin Ridge

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

    $21 - $55 / night

    "This campground is on the south side of Monroe lake and has beach access. I tent camped solo and everything went great!"

    "It is part of Hoosier National so there are unlimited trails, Monroe Lake, a beach and all kinds of playgrounds."

    3. Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    22 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    7 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. Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

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

    $23 / 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."

    5. Charles C. Deam Wilderness

    9 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    7 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."

    "Tent camping only although there are both hike in and drive up sites in the wilderness area. Great place to get away from it all."

    6. Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe

    6 Reviews
    Harrodsburg, IN
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (812) 824-3322

    "Great location and clean camp ground."

    "I had to nearly lower my tongue to the ground to get it level.

    The splash park was fun, even for the teen kids, but the pool was tiny and shallow and disappointing."

    7. Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

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

    $30 / 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."

    8. Peninsula Trail

    7 Reviews
    Clear Creek, IN
    9 miles
    Website

    "The Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge trails both have marked campsites that are very far apart and totally private.  These are dispersed/primitive sites with a fire ring only. "

    "this was a wonderful scenic hike meant for the beauty of indiana"

    9. Yellowwood State Forest

    15 Reviews
    Unionville, IN
    15 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."

    10. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Freetown, IN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "Trails, plenty of dry wood, away from the roads, no running water or electricity, decent amount of spaces we came in at night and counted about 9 very far spread out camp sights."

    "If you are into boondocking at all defiantly check out berry ridge it’s just south of brown county Indiana beautiful country mostly hills tons of camp spots sometimes half mile or more apart haven’t seen"

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Recent Reviews near Monroe Lake

629 Reviews of 125 Monroe Lake Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    Nice Trails & Big Campsites

    I had a great time camping here. The spots in Taylor ridge were mostly well-spaced and felt pretty private. The pit toilets were clean and the showers were nice. Busy campground but it was very quiet still. 262 was the biggest and most private site I saw when walking around. 260 is a pull through site.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Shakamak State Park Campground

    Great State Park

    Most of the spaces that had both water and electric were mostly in the sun. But all the other spaces had plenty of shade and trees around them. Our space was spot on level and nice area around each space to where you didn’t feel like you were camped on top of other people. The showers were adequate. Great hiking trails in the area. Very quiet. Although we were there on a weekday. One downside was we had Verizon as a cell phone carrier and only had one bar.

  • L
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Spring Mill State Park Campground

    Fun, sunny, clean.

    This was an amazing campground! There were amazing trails and a cave, as well as Pioneer Village which was so fascinating and well run. Our campsite wasn't far from the bathrooms and showers house which were pretty clean. We were near water as well. Our campsite was on a small hill so it was well distanced from all the other campers, which was nice and peaceful. 

         There was a sweet place where you could get ice cream down the road from Spring Mill called Dairy Bell. Spring Mill wasn't far from the town were there was a Walmart, Rural King, and several more stores. 

    Very pretty and nice campground!

  • L
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Shakamak State Park Campground

    Clean, pretty, quiet, spacey.

    We had a nice site that was evenly spaced from the other campsites by trees and was nice and close to water, the bathrooms, and the shower houses, which were very clean! The camp store was nice and the paddle boats were fun! The pool was only opened on the weekends in August which was disappointing but there was a large fishing dock and many boating opportunities. Very nice camping spot, but in August beware of the bugs!

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Raccoon Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    the non-RV loop of the three camp areas (I think)

    Our third Indiana state park. Still impressed, they have all been friendly, well maintained with good, spread out sites and good signage everywhere (even the trails). All the rest rooms are spotlessly clean.
    We were there mid-week, so very few of the 480 (!) sites were occupied, except in Buffalo Ridge, the primary RV loop. There are three loops, Buffalo ridge (RV), Raccoon Ridge which is tent sites around the outside, with electric inside the loop. Which would be suitable for RVs. Many of the tent sites are split-level, meaning the fire pit and tent area is down a hill from where you park your car. We have a mini pop-up, and had no problem parking both it and car on the pad, and, these sites have two picnic tables, upper and lower. Check the photos when you reserve!
    We drove through Taylor ridge loop, and it's your best choice for getting away from it all. 
    The camp store is stocked with the basics, but has more souvenirs than food or camp needs. That's okay, as some of their goods are better quality than many other places.
    The park has a classic old CCC lodge (though you enter through the modern addition) so if you don't want to cook, eat at the restaurant (open till 8:PM), great food, generous portions. 
    The park also features an Olympic size pool (capacity 2,000). You cannot walk there from the campground unless you are very hardy and very determined. 
    You may think of Indiana as flat farmland, but this park is VERY hilly, with many scenic overlooks. It has two man-made lakes. Unsure about boating options on the larger one. 
    Another big feature are equestrian trails and a horse campground, see someone else's review for that.
    Nearby is the town of Nashville, which is full of art and craft galleries as well as multiple fudge shops, hand-made soaps, etc... Touristy but quaint. Was surprisingly crowded when we passed through on a Friday morning.   
    We are planning to go back to take advantage of all we missed in the area. Oh, I should point out that there are many private campgrounds nearby, it's a very popular  area.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Brown County-Nashville KOA

    KOA Brown County

    Very nice campground, full hookup up, helpful staff. Small pool with limited hours. Camp store. Very close to Brown County State Park and Nashville, IN. Lots of mature trees.

  • Ax H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Free camping

    Bunch of little spots along this road to pull into. Set up with rent and vehicle. Just trees knocking, bugs curling and frogs croaking. Did see a rattlesnake dead on the road. No toilet but good reception

  • Amber
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Heflen Park

    Heflin Park

    Very Quiet. You can float down the river. There's a kids playground. Blu Canoes right next door. Fast food not far off. The bugs are a little overwhelming. They spray tomorrow so it may be different.


Guide to Monroe Lake

Camping near Monroe Lake, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to fish, hike, or just relax by the water, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Boating and Fishing: At Paynetown Campground, you can enjoy boating and fishing on Lake Monroe. One visitor noted, "This is a boating/fishing park," highlighting the lake's popularity for these activities.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Taylor Ridge Campground where one camper mentioned, "We had a blast. Rode horses, hiked, geocached, lots to do."
  • Swimming: The beach at Starve Hollow State Rec Area is a great spot for a swim. A reviewer said, "Small lake for boating and canoeing and kayaking," making it a fun place to cool off.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Hardin Ridge. One reviewer stated, "Restrooms are clean. Well maintained facility."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Blackwell Campground. A visitor shared, "Plenty of room to spread out from your neighbors; it wasn’t too busy when we were there."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at West Boggs Park. One guest noted, "They host different themed events," which adds to the welcoming atmosphere.

What you should know:

  • Busy Weekends: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the week. A reviewer at Paynetown Campground warned, "It's VERY noisy & busy on a summer weekend."
  • Site Conditions: Some sites may not be level. A camper at Spring Mill State Park Campground mentioned, "Our last site (15) was located on a grade that made setting up camp more difficult than usual."
  • Primitive Camping: If you're looking for a more rustic experience, check out Yellowwood State Forest. A visitor described it as "Primitive camping. Pit toilets only."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds. At Buffalo Ridge Campground, one reviewer said, "One of the playgrounds is right off the site."
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for lively environments, especially on weekends. A family camping at Starve Hollow State Rec Area noted, "The beach was muddy and shallow, but the lake was beautiful!"
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds like West Boggs Park offer plenty of space for games. One camper mentioned, "They have great activities such as outdoor movies, scavenger hunts, and more."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Taylor Ridge Campground advised, "Pay attention to your campsite for slope and camper accessibility."
  • Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Hardin Ridge, offer electric hookups. A visitor shared, "There’s 4 loops with 30 & 50 amp."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Ensure you know where the nearest dump station is located. A camper at Paynetown Campground mentioned, "There's a large dump station."

Camping near Monroe Lake, Indiana, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available at Monroe Lake in Indiana?

Monroe Lake offers diverse camping experiences to suit various preferences. Hardin Ridge on the south side of the lake provides tent and RV sites with beach access, trails, and both electric and non-electric options. For a more rustic experience, Charles C. Deam Wilderness offers dispersed camping with primitive sites. Other options include Paynetown Campground with standard amenities, and specialized camping at Ransburg Scout Reservation which offers cabin and tent camping with water activities. For RVers, there are several campgrounds with full hookups and big-rig friendly sites. Most campgrounds around Monroe Lake are open seasonally with peak availability from spring through fall.

What amenities does Paynetown Campground offer at Monroe Lake?

Paynetown Campground offers a range of amenities for campers seeking comfort while enjoying Monroe Lake. The campground provides electric hookups at many sites, clean restrooms, and shower facilities. While Paynetown can get busy during peak season, it offers a balance of natural surroundings while maintaining access to essential services. Recreational amenities include direct access to Monroe Lake for swimming, fishing, and boating. For those seeking alternatives with similar amenities, Ransburg Scout Reservation nearby offers access to Monroe Lake with canoeing, rowing, sailing, and motorboating options, along with hiking trails and meal services for organized groups.

What visitor reviews say about camping at Paynetown Campground?

Visitors to Paynetown Campground report it can get quite busy, especially during COVID when outdoor recreation surged in popularity. Campers note it can be challenging to find campsites that aren't packed close together while still providing access to nature. For those seeking quieter alternatives with more space, Pine Loop at Hardin Ridge receives excellent reviews for offering various campsite styles including walk-ins and drive-ins, with or without utilities. Campers particularly appreciate Pine Loop's ample shade, quiet surroundings, and easy access to Monroe Lake and a swimming beach, making it a popular choice for visitors seeking a more peaceful camping experience near the lake.

How do I make reservations for camping at Monroe Lake State Park?

To reserve a campsite at Monroe Lake State Park, including Paynetown Campground, make reservations through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website or by calling their reservation line. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, which is recommended for summer weekends and holidays. For alternative options, Yellowwood State Forest located near Monroe Lake has 79 primitive campsites available. Buffalo Ridge Campground at nearby Brown County State Park also offers reservable sites with both electric and non-electric options. Remember that some smaller campgrounds and dispersed sites in the area may operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than through reservations.