Best Tent 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 Tent Sites Near Monroe Lake (21)

    1. Paynetown Campground

    29 Reviews
    Clear Creek, IN
    6 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Paynetown SRA is right on Lake Monroe about 10 minutes from Bloomington, IN. Campsites have a gravel parking pad, picnic table, fire-ring, and electrical hookups."

    2. Charles C. Deam Wilderness

    9 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    7 miles

    "Being in a national forest dispersed camping is allowed if you follow leave no trace principals, but I stayed in a couple of the official sites."

    "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."

    3. Ransburg Scout Reservation

    4 Reviews
    Harrodsburg, IN
    5 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Our Boy Scout troop enjoyed visiting this location. It was well maintained and the staff was helpful."

    4. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

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

    "Decent sized space to park for 2-3 vehicles."

    "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"

    5. Pine Loop

    1 Review
    Harrodsburg, IN
    3 miles

    "There are campsites from walk-ins to drive-ins to FCFS with or without electricity/water. Plenty of shade in a very quiet surrounding. Access to Monroe lake as well as a small beach for swimming."

    6. Hickory Ridge

    1 Review
    Norman, IN
    11 miles

    7. Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites

    1 Review
    Norman, IN
    10 miles

    "Very nice drive during the day, hiking is fantastic!"

    8. Oak Ridge Camping Area — Morgan-Monroe State Forest

    9 Reviews
    Martinsville, IN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 342-4026

    $25 - $55 / night

    "When tent camping and want something quiet and a place with great trails, this is a good place to go. Even though it’s hot outside today, there’s lots of shade and a breeze."

    "Site 13 has a little trail that goes down to a large flooded sinkhole behind the campsite. There were lots of tree frogs singing because of the proximity to water."

    9. Cedar Ridge Camping Resort

    Be the first to review!
    Harrodsburg, IN
    1 mile
    +1 (812) 824-3317
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Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Monroe Lake

574 Reviews of 21 Monroe Lake Campgrounds



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

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.