Hoosier National Forest offers numerous free dispersed camping options within an hour's drive southeast of Mooresville, Indiana. Most sites are situated within hardwood forest at elevations between 600-800 feet. Weather conditions vary seasonally with hot, humid summers and mild springs and falls, making shoulder seasons ideal for camping comfort.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: The Peninsula Trail features numerous primitive campsites along a moderate hiking route. One visitor noted, "It was an awesome backpacking journey for starters, little bit rough because of the horse riding track but awesome if you love to walk and see nature."
Lake access: Peninsula Trail offers multiple campsites with water views. "On the peninsula trail, there are multiple campsites with fire rings but you may also camp anywhere if you are at least 100 ft from the water. Campsite #18 has a great view and is large enough for at least 4 tents if you have a big group," explains one camper.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location provides good night sky viewing in certain areas. A camper at Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping shared their experience: "Just trees knocking, bugs curling and frogs croaking. Did see a rattlesnake dead on the road. No toilet but good reception."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The dispersed camping areas offer significant separation between campsites. One Berry Ridge camper remarked, "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."
Peaceful environment: The remote settings provide quiet camping experiences. "Beautiful secluded site that is pretty far off of the road, but not too far. There was no traffic or other people in site," notes a visitor to Berry Ridge Road.
Natural surroundings: The undeveloped campsites maintain a wilderness feel. At Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites, a camper shared: "I pulled in at midnight in a sedan in the winter and i was able to safely find my way. Very nice drive during the day, hiking is fantastic!"
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging for certain vehicles. "I have a promaster conversion and had no trouble making it to this site, however the road was gravel and steep at times," notes one Berry Ridge Road camper.
Summer boat traffic: Lakeside sites may experience noise during peak season. A Peninsula Trail camper warns, "LOVE this trail. Just challenging enough to make it worth it. Campsites I've great fire pits. Only downside is the drunk boat people that show up in the summer."
Limited amenities: These are true wilderness sites without facilities. At Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping, a visitor explains: "Free disbursed camping at its best in Indiana. Not another soul camped within earshot. Clean site. Gravel pad for vehicle. Green grass for tent. 14 day limit."
Tips for camping with families
Water logistics: Bring sufficient water supplies, especially for sites away from water sources. A visitor to Peninsula Trail advised, "Went there with my kids and wife, we had a really great time. Primitive camping at its finest. Long walk to the water so make sure you bring plenty of drinking water."
Wildlife awareness: Some areas have reported snake sightings. The same Peninsula Trail camper noted, "Springs available in the valleys but watch for timber rattlesnakes."
Consider short-hike sites: For families with young children, some sites require less hiking. A Peninsula Trail user recommends: "Campsites 10,11,12,13 are very accessible with a short hike and are fantastic spots."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most sites accommodate smaller rigs only. At Horse Camp Rd Dispersed, a camper simply noted it's a "Cool place" but the majority of dispersed sites throughout the area have size restrictions.
Accessibility concerns: Weather impacts access for larger vehicles. A Sundance Lake visitor cautioned, "At the pond there was a pad of concrete leftover from who knows what. I wouldn't be trying to pull a travel trailer back into here unless it was very small."
Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall offer better RV access conditions than summer rain periods. "This site was very well marked," notes a Sundance Lake camper, but many roads become more difficult after rainfall.
