Best Tent Camping near Monroe Lake in Indiana
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Monroe Lake? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Monroe Lake with tent camping. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Monroe Lake (21)
1. Paynetown Campground
29 Reviews•99 Photos•187 SavesClear Creek, IndianaThis recreation area is part of Monroe Lake
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Market
- Trash
2. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
13 Reviews•30 Photos•336 SavesFreetown, Indiana- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
3. Charles C. Deam Wilderness
9 Reviews•33 Photos•126 SavesHeltonville, IndianaThe Charles C. Deam Wilderness offers 36 miles of trails for hiking, backpacking, and horse riding through scenic hardwood forest and varied terrain with views of nearby Monroe Lake. The area was designated a wilderness in 1982 and encompasses nearly 12,953 acres of the Hoosier National Forest. Wilderness designation places this area in a special legal status (subject to the 1964 Wilderness Act). It is managed to preserve a natural condition and provide opportunities for solitude. Since its designation as a wilderness, visitor use in the area increased to a point that significant damage was occurring. Special restrictions are in place to protect the wilderness character. Visitors to this special place are asked to follow these restrictions to lessen your impact and share responsibility in preserving this unique natural resource.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
4. Ransburg Scout Reservation
4 Reviews•13 Photos•8 SavesHarrodsburg, Indiana- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
5. Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
8 Reviews•35 Photos•79 SavesMartinsville, Indiana- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$25 - $55 / night
6. Pine Loop
1 Review•21 SavesHarrodsburg, IndianaThis campground loop is a shady campground with 40 tent and trailer sites. About half of the sites are electric. This area includes a playground for children. There are eight walk-in sites on this campground loop. ACTIVITIES Camping: This is one of six shady campground loops in the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area. It includes 39 sites, about 3/4 of which are electric. Pine Loop is generally open in the summer months but is closed in winter months, though other loops will be open. A maximum of 2 vehicles and 8 people are allowed per site. Recreational Vehicles: This is one of six shady campground loops in the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area. It includes 31 sites appropriate for RVs, about 3/4 of which are electric. Pine Loop is generally open in the summer months but is closed in winter months, though other loops will be open. A maximum of 2 vehicles and 8 people are allowed per site. Wildlife Viewing: Each of the six shady campground loops in the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area provide ample opportunities to see wildlife. While staying in the campground you share the birds and animal's home and are likely to see them come right up to your campsite.
- Tents
8. Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites
1 Review•11 SavesNorman, Indiana- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
9. Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
1 Review•6 SavesMartinsville, IndianaPrimitive camping is available for a fee; campers must register for camping at the forest office. Mason Ridge Campground, located behind the fire tower north of the forest office, has vault toilets and seasonal drinking water available. There is a picnic table and grill located on each of the campground's 19 sites. On busy weekends, overflow camping is available at Oak Ridge Campground. Oak Ridge has 10 sites and the same facilities as Mason Ridge.
Scout Ridge Youth Tent Campground is available for scouts or other groups. The six sites in Scout Ridge Campground are larger than regular campground sites and there are several picnic tables and grills available. Scout Ridge Nature Preserve is located in this area.
Backcountry camping is available. All campers must register with State Forest Office via person, email at morgansf@dnr.IN.gov, at the kiosk, or phone (765-792-4654). Please note the phone is not recommended because the office is closed in evenings and on Sundays. Users must indicate the general region of planned camping. During periods of high fire danger the area may be closed by the property manager. Camping groups are restricted to either family units or groups not exceeding six persons. No campsite may be established within ¼ mile of access points into the area. Use of the area is restricted to a maximum of three nights by any individual. Morgan-Monroe State Forest has a carry-in, carry-out trash policy, i.e., what you carry in you must carry out. Additionally, the backcountry area is restricted to only minimal-impact camping/hiking in order to preserve the natural state of Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Oak Ridge campground is closed Jan. 1 through March 31. Scout Ridge campground is closed Jan. 1 through March 31. Special requests can be made during this period through the forest office. Marson Ridge campground is open year-round.Water is shut off at all campgrounds and shelters Oct. 31 and turned on in March as weather permits. A year-round hydrant is located southeast of the main office.
Small campfires are allowed while backcountry camping, but the DNR recommends using a portable backpacking stove for cooking instead of a campfire. A portable stove will cook your meal long before a fire is ready. Another advantage is that it helps prevent fire-blackened rocks in areas where people camp. If using a campfire, make sure a campfire is allowed during the time of your trip. Different properties may have different rules regarding campfires. Even properties that generally allow campfires may ban them on a temporary basis because of dry conditions. Use only small dead and downed wood where permitted. Do not break or cut tree limbs or trees, even dead ones. Dead trees provide habitat for many birds and animals. Do not stockpile wood. While this was once considered a friendly gesture in remote areas, today it is one more way of reducing the spirit of solitude and independence that people seek when backcountry camping. Any campfire in a backcountry area should be in a pit 12 inches or less in diameter, and a 3-foot diameter area should be cleared to mineral soil around the fire. Before leaving an area where a campfire was built, mix ashes with the soil (100% extinguished), fill the pit, and cover the cleared area with the humus layer that was originally removed.
Draper Cabin
Draper Cabin is a primitive, wooden-floored log cabin that takes visitors 100 years back in time to the days before electricity, vehicles and modern plumbing. Reservations for the cabin are accepted from the first weekend in April to the weekend before Thanksgiving. The cabin may be rented on a day by day basis, depending on weather conditions, during the winter. Click here for rental information and a picture of the cabin .
Cherry Lake Lodge
Nestled deep in Morgan-Monroe State Forest you’ll find the solitude you seek, while still having a comfortable bed in which to sleep, hot and cold running water, indoor restroom and shower, and full kitchen facilities. This recently renovated lodge is everything you’d expect in a woodland retreat at a very affordable rental rate. It’s a place where the whole family can explore the woods all day, and relax to a warm fire at night. Click here for rental information and rates.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
Recent Tent Reviews near Monroe Lake
569 Reviews of 21 Monroe Lake Campgrounds
- CChristine C.
Scout
Hardin Ridge
Love location, Swim at Monroe lake
This campground is on the south side of Monroe lake and has beach access. I tent camped solo and everything went great!
Margo B.
Guide
Ransburg Scout Reservation
Cabin and Tent Camping
Located on Monroe lake, they have canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing.
Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails. Their mess hall is top notch. We have camped here in a cabin, and also tent camped.Beautiful grounds and a great place to enjoy nature.
Chris W.
Traveler
Johnson County Park
No more tent camping
They used to have awesome tent camping sites, but they stopped allowing tent camping. RV/camper's are the only thing they allow now.
- NNicole S.Scout
Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
Great time
Tent camping & hiking
- Sara W.Scout
Hardin Ridge
Gorgeous, wooded area
Campsites are all wooded and private. A beautiful area any time of year. Hosts are friendly and frequently make the rounds. This is our go to area. We like Bluegill loop for the playground and pond but white oak has a pond too. Lake Monroe access is a short drive or hike away. We camp in a pop up but have tent camped as well. For tent camping, check out the walk in sites, they're beautiful and very secluded. You can't go wrong with any of the sites at Hardin Ridge.
- Barry B.Guide
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.
- JJerry D.Scout
Camp Buckwood
Very Nice and Freindly
Stayed two nights, tent camping. It was a great time meeting new people and exploring the surrounding area.
samuel C.
Ranger
Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
Perfect
The perfect dispersed site for my way through, quiet and peaceful. Good spot for tent camping , we enjoyed our stay.
- JJohn Z.Scout
Yellowwood State Forest
Wonderful place
So many great tent sites. Wooded. Row boats, kayaks.
- Ralph R.Guide
Muscatatuck
Great rural camping
Awesome tent camping area. I was able to find a great spot to really kick back and chill.
- JJordan C.Scout
Clark State Forest
Nice and cheap
We tent camped and it was not a bad time. Very dead and very quiet, and we met a friendly raccoon.
- CClay L.Scout
Johnson County Park
NO TENT Sites According To The Rules
The Rules sheet that is included in some of the pictures indicates that no tent camping is allowed. Someone should update the icons on the page for this site.
Miles G.Ranger
Friends O' Mine Campground & Cabins
All-in-one adventure
Best place for camping, fishing, and relaxing. Pool onsite, rec room, firepits, showers, campstore, ect.
You can get tent site or pull through sites.
Barb N.Ranger
Hoosier National Forest White Oak Loop Campground
Room to roam
Level RV and tent sites, only some have water and electric. Large sites, clean amenities. Main road lead to the lake. Visited mid May and it was self checkin.
- Ruth K.Guide
Sycamore Springs Park
Clean, friendly staff, quiet, affordable, family-friendly.
This campground has RV sites and tent sites, pond to fish in and plenty of playgrounds for the children. Clean showers and bathrooms and friendly staff.
- Susan A.Traveler
Youngs Creek Horse Camp
Great Camping Spot
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. There are vault toilets and a fresh water pump not far from them. The only time this camp is full is when a trail ride is going on, then it fills up fast. It is only five miles from Paoli, and there is a Walmart there if you need supplies..
Lerin P.Ranger
Greene Sullivan State Forest
Perfect for chilly nights!
We originally planned to tent camp the first weekend in October but with 30 degree temps and children, we decided to check out the cabins at Greene Sullivan. They did not disappoint. Heat was phenomenal. Vault toilets were well maintained. Beautiful views.
Cory H.Traveler
Charles C. Deam Wilderness
Great for roughing it
We love this area for roughing it. We usually choose a site far back into the wilderness area. The sites are primitive with no amenities. 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.
- Margo B.Guide
Yellowwood State Forest
Great Tent Camping
We have tent camped in Yellowwood several times and have always enjoyed our stay.
We have also had lots of fun renting a rowboat, and being out on the water. A few times we have camped in groups and rented an area, and that was also a great time camping with friends.
- Leah S.Scout
Hardin Ridge
Loved this campground
It has nicely shaded, private tent sites! Great place for bike riding and, also very family friendly! The staff at the camp store/entrance and the campground hosts were so friendly and very helpful!! Plus, the bathrooms and shower houses were so clean!!
- Laura G.Scout
Hardin Ridge
Private, immersed in nature
tgere are some really great tent sites at this campground. We always go to the walk in sites which are incredibly secluded and overlook down a ridge line. Close to lake Monroe with plenty to do. Could use some more trashcans and bathroom facilities.
Clifford W.Traveler
Martin State Forest
Good tent camping site
Great trials. Tent campsites were well spaced out. Bathrooms was a porta potty. Water was available at public playgrounds but did not see any near our campsite. New playground equipment for the kids.
Sarah S.Guide
Paynetown Campground
Great place to camp!
Probably my favorite place to camp so far (newbie camper). We had a site within a short walk to the water. Our tent site was spacious. Vault toilets. Camp store. Playground, boating, fishing, and boat rentals. There is a lot to offer at the park itself and being a college town, quite a few great bars and restaurants.
Ron H.GuideYellowwood State Forest
Hidden Gem
Very nice place! Hiking, fishing, kayaking, and horse riding trails. It is located just a few minutes from Brown County State park and Nashville In. There is a few RV sites (9 or 10) mostly tent camping sites. There is water available and outhouses, there is a dump station for RVs. I would have given 5 stars, but need some more sites for RVs (some of the sites are not real level). There is NO reservation.
Micah N.Guide
Starve Hollow State Rec Area
Beautiful lake
My family enjoyed the campground a lot. We rented boats, hiked and swam. We stayed in site 54 and though we couldn’t see the lake we loved the privacy. We arrived on a Sunday and it cleared out nicely. I wouldn’t want to come on a weekend, too busy. A few to many RVs for my tent camping taste. The facilities were nice and clean. Some playgrounds were a bit dated, but kids still enjoyed them. Plenty of bugs, but not insufferable.
Jim L.TravelerPaynetown Campground
Lake Monroe Living
Paynetown boasts the second largest beach on Lake Monroe, and the primitive sites include a very nice shower house. If you are tent camping there aren't many places to tie a tarp, so bring a free standing tarp if you like to have some space out of the occasional rain. There is an interpretive Nature Center and another shower house by the beach, and ample parking for day use. Boat rentals are available as well. Expect to see Canadian geese as the resident scavenger here instead of the usual raccoons found at Indiana parks. Other notable birds to keep an eye out for include swifts, killdeers, turkey buzzards, bald eagles, golden eagles, and great blue herons. Fishing for small and largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and an assortment of bream is successful near the boat slips and along the shore.
- JJoshTraveler
Paynetown Campground
Busy Place
We've tent camped here several times over the years. This was the first time in our new 30ft travel trailer. It's always been a busy place. The sites on the outer areas are not very level. Sites on the inner loops appear fairly level. Sites are packed in fairly tight. Not very difficult to get parked, however. Over the years the campers have always been very diverse. Typically lots of families with young kids, young adults acting like kids and older travelers. Families are pretty respectful. Lots to do, hike, fish, boat and hit the beach.
Guide to Monroe Lake
Monroe Lake in Indiana offers a fantastic backdrop for tent camping, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation.
Tent campers should check out Paynetown Campground
- Located on the shores of Lake Monroe, Paynetown Campground is a popular spot for boating and fishing, making it ideal for water lovers.
- This campground features a large Class B area with pit toilets and a dump station, ensuring basic amenities are available for a comfortable stay.
- While it can get busy during summer weekends, the campground offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for those who enjoy a lively camping experience.
Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $30
- At Morgan-Monroe State Forest, tent camping is affordable, with sites available for around $20, making it a budget-friendly option for families and solo campers alike.
- The Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping area offers free camping, allowing you to enjoy nature without breaking the bank.
- For those seeking a unique experience, Ransburg Scout Reservation provides tent sites with access to various activities, all at reasonable rates.
Tips for tent camping near Monroe Lake
- When camping at Charles C. Deam Wilderness, be prepared for a more rugged experience, as it offers beautiful sites but lacks many amenities.
- Arrive early at Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest to secure a good spot, especially during peak seasons when the campground can fill up quickly.
- If you're looking for a quieter experience, consider visiting Hickory Ridge during weekdays, as weekends tend to attract larger crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Monroe Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Monroe Lake is Paynetown Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Monroe Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Monroe Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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