Primitive camping options dominate the landscape around Mooresville, Indiana where elevations range from 600-900 feet within a mix of hardwood forest and open farmland. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F, while winter conditions often limit camping access at more rustic sites. Johnson County Park serves as a convenient basecamp for exploring the broader region.
What to do
Hiking trail access: At Morgan-Monroe State Forest, multiple trail options exist ranging from easy to challenging terrain. "This is the best camping within an hour on Indianapolis and if your looking for free and solitary sites try the backwoods camping area for the low gap trail theres a parking lot there," explains one camper at Oak Ridge Camping Area.
Disc golf course: Johnson County Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course among its 622 acres of recreational land. "Johnson County Park is an interesting conglomeration of activity. The park is 622 acres that include two campgrounds, approximately 5 miles of hiking trails, equestrian school, 18 hole disc golf course, shelter houses, amphitheater, lakes, fishing and more," notes a visitor to Johnson County Park.
Horseback riding opportunities: Brown County State Park provides paid horse guide services about 45 minutes from Mooresville. "There are many activities and even paid horse guides/rides. The mountain biking is excellent, with purpose built trails for beginner to expert (flow, berms, rollers, jumps...)," reports a camper at Buffalo Ridge Campground.
What campers like
Fishing access: The smaller lakes at 3-Point Lake Campgrounds provide fishing opportunities closest to Mooresville. While limited reviews exist, nearby Lieber State Recreation Area offers similar water activities: "We stayed for 4 nights and it was very quiet and relaxing... Our site had a nice grass lawn near the water. But, near the water there was the resident Canadian geese and the 'mess' they leave," mentions a visitor to Lake Haven Retreat.
Mountain biking trails: Purpose-built trails at Brown County State Park range from beginner to expert level with technical features. "Wonderful park, easily mistaken for Appalachia! Variable site options for all sizes of vehicles and modes of camping. The mountain biking is excellent, with purpose built trails for beginner to expert (flow, berms, rollers, jumps...)," reports a Buffalo Ridge Campground visitor.
Playground facilities: For families with children, Indianapolis KOA offers extensive play facilities just 30 minutes from Mooresville. "The perks of this KOA are a very nice playground and wading pool area. So if you have younger children, ideal for you. There is a nice size dog park and you can get a nice walk in around the campground," shares a camper at Indianapolis KOA.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Winter camping requires preparation as water facilities may be winterized. "The park offers year around camping with reduced services in the winter months (they do have a heated bath house in the off season)," notes a Buffalo Ridge Campground visitor regarding Brown County State Park.
Self-registration systems: Most primitive campgrounds require exact change for self-registration. "When you arrive set up at your site. Then you will need to go WITH EXACT CHANGE to the sign in at the main building. It's easy, there is a little box on the side of the firewood shed. Make sure you take your tag to mark your site, it is in the box attached to the payment envelope," explains a visitor to Oak Ridge Camping Area.
Site limitations: Many campgrounds have restrictions on tent camping or size limitations. "They used to have awesome tent camping sites, but they stopped allowing tent camping. RV/camper's are the only thing they allow now," reports a Johnson County Park visitor about policy changes.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools for children during summer months. "The pool is delightful especially for littles who will enjoy the fountains and big pouring bucket. Our favorite part is visiting with Fred and Rain, the friendly onsite horses who are always ready for head rubs and snacks," shares a visitor to Indianapolis KOA.
Size-appropriate sites: Select sites based on camping unit size and levelness requirements. "This campground is decent if you get one of the few good spots. Many sites are small and can only accommodate a tent. Has water and vault toilets. This campground typically remains available as an overflow camping area but is still a good spot," notes a camper at Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Educational opportunities: Nature centers at state parks provide programming for children. "We also went to a Raptor show that was put on at the nature center where we got to look at some interesting raptors," reports a visitor to Buffalo Ridge Campground.
Tips from RVers
Access restrictions: Large RVs have limited options at certain campgrounds. "The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is, we are RV campers and there are only about 5 sites we could get in to. Our camper is about 25' and it was tight get in and out of the campground. If you have a small camper (15' or smaller) there would more sites," explains a camper at Oak Ridge Camping Area.
Hookup availability: Full-service RV sites are limited near Mooresville. "We have been here for 6 months and it has been amazing! Clean, friendly staff, and safe!" reports a long-term visitor to Indy Lakes Campground, which offers electric, water and sewer hookups about 20 minutes from Mooresville.
Dump station access: Know where dump stations are located if staying at partial-hookup sites. "The only drawbacks were that the vault toilets are in pretty bad condition and the dump station hose did not have a connection to allow me to flush the blackwater holding tank," notes a camper with a small RV at Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
