Monroe Lake spans 10,750 acres and sits at an elevation of 538 feet in the hills of south-central Indiana. The lake's shoreline stretches 103 miles through hardwood forests and limestone outcroppings. Campgrounds around Monroe Lake average 72% occupancy on summer weekends, with significantly lower rates midweek.
What to do
Hiking trails with water views: The Charles C. Deam Wilderness offers multiple trail options ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. "This area is so beautiful! We visited during mid-April, perfect for finding morels. 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," notes Hannah F. about the Charles C. Deam Wilderness.
Boat rentals: At Yellowwood State Forest, campers can rent rowboats and kayaks directly from the park office. "Row boats, kayaks. They have outhouses for toilets. Some sites have water fountains. There is a picnicing area for day use only right off the water which is beautiful," says Sammii D. about Yellowwood State Forest.
Mountain biking: Brown County State Park offers nearly 30 miles of dedicated mountain biking trails. According to Frank M., "There are almost 30 miles of trails inside the park with new trails every year for the past 3+ years. Connectivity to Yellowwood and Hoosier National Forest is also available for those adventurous individuals with lots of gas in the bike tank."
What campers like
Fire tower access: Near Berry Ridge Road dispersed camping areas, visitors can explore the local fire tower. "If you go back to Hwy 46 where the road split on your way in, follow the sign to the dam. Just a large earthen dam, but there's trail heads here," explains Cynthia K. when reviewing Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping.
Geode hunting: Many Monroe Lake streams contain geodes for those interested in rock collecting. "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," reports Sarah R. after camping near Charles C. Deam Wilderness.
Secluded free camping: Berry Ridge Road offers multiple free dispersed camping sites spaced far apart. "Multiple campsites in the area, I've stayed at two both of which were away from others, clean, fairly flat and had plenty of dead wood around to burn. Some sites, at least one, could fit a pretty good sized camper," writes Jeremy F.
What you should know
Pet waste stations: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds near Monroe Lake provide facilities for pet waste disposal. Blackwell Campground accommodates pets while maintaining clean facilities. "Large, open, and very clean. Open areas with pit toilets and water available. Shade and sunny locations. Pick a spot and set up with hammock-large rvs spots. No fee, no reservations, no problems," notes Betsy W. about Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest.
Solo camper security: Park rangers and camp hosts regularly check on those camping alone. "The camp hosts have always been great to me and since I usually camp alone, someone checks on me each day. That includes when I pick the most secluded hike in spot," reports Deb T. about Hardin Ridge.
Reservations vs. walk-up: Many campgrounds offer both reservation and walk-up options. "You can reserve sites, or some are first come first served. Shower/restroom with pit toilets scattered around," explains Cynthia K. Yellowwood State Forest operates entirely on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration at the park office.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Paynetown Campground offers multiple water recreation options for families with pets. "There are beaches everywhere besides the4 designated one so it's easy to swim with your dogs or find private spots. Alot of college kids and it is a very busy place, but they have plenty of space," notes Rebecca J. about Paynetown Campground.
Campground activities: Some locations offer organized events for children. "We went around Halloween time so the kids participated in a costume contest, pumpkin decorating contest, and trick or treat. The water park was a huge hit with the kids as well, even though it was a little chilly out," shares Ryan G. about Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe.
Site selection for privacy: For families with pets seeking more separation from neighbors, Taylor Ridge Campground offers well-spaced sites. "The site we stayed in was lovely. 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," reports Amanda D.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds around Monroe Lake feature uneven terrain. "I had to nearly lower my tongue to the ground to get it level," notes Joe M. about Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe. At Taylor Ridge, "some sites were fairly sloped as well. This site was a slight slope and overall I would book it again," reports Amanda D.
Dump station access: Several pet-friendly campgrounds provide sanitary dump stations. "Great boondocking spot, plenty of flat land making leveling easy. Wide open so solar charging was easy. We were there for 7 days and while they have room for probably 50 or 60 rigs there was only 3 or 4 of us there most of the time," shares The Wandering Shores about Blackwell Campground.
Entry access limitations: For larger RVs with pets, entry point selection matters. "Large rigs must access the park through the West entrance due to a low clearance covered bridge at the North entrance," advises Stephen & Theresa B.
Traveler
