The forests surrounding Mooresville, Indiana offer diverse camping options across 30,000+ acres of woodland terrain. Elevations range from 600 to 950 feet above sea level, creating varied microclimates throughout the region's camping areas. Dispersed camping locations can be found along gravel roads that wind through dense hardwood forests, with many sites situated near small streams that flow through the rolling hills.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Waveland Park: Located about 45 minutes from Mooresville, this park offers shoreline fishing with multiple access points. "The lake is popular for fishing," notes Mike V., who appreciates the park's amenities including "restrooms and showers" alongside "a large number of camping sites."
Hiking the wilderness trails: Charles C. Deam Wilderness provides extensive trail networks through dense forest. "We visited during mid-April, perfect for finding morels. The trails are well paved and marked, not too strenuous," shares Hannah F., who completed "the sycamore loop, which was around 6 miles."
Canoeing and boating: Water activities are available at Ransburg Scout Reservation which sits on Monroe Lake. According to Margo B., they have "canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing," making it ideal for water enthusiasts camping near Mooresville.
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: At Berry Ridge Road Dispersed Camping, campers appreciate the secluded nature of the sites. Amber R. describes her experience: "Beautiful secluded site that is pretty far off of the road, but not too far. There was no traffic or other people in site."
Clean facilities at established campgrounds: Lake Waveland Park maintains high standards according to Randy A., who notes "Lake Waveland's grounds crew does a very good job keeping the property in order... and that's no small task, there is a TON of green space on this property!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The tent camping areas around Mooresville provide excellent wildlife spotting. Reuben R., who camped at Berry Ridge Road, shares: "Solo camped here with my dogs. First time I've ever been camping but this spot was really cool. Clean. Secluded and peaceful, though every night at around 5pm I would hear rustling in the leaves."
What you should know
Fire regulations vary by location: While most dispersed sites permit fires, established campgrounds have specific rules. Jeremy F. notes about Berry Ridge Road: "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."
Water availability is limited at dispersed sites: When tent camping near Mooresville, plan accordingly. At Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites, Jimmy H. advises: "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!"
Seasonal crowding impacts site availability: Weekends fill quickly at popular campgrounds. William David S. describes Lake Waveland Park: "There are dozens of sites here, drive past the shower house where road bends to the left and down hill. The sites aren't marked, but are indicated by picnic table and fire ring."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds with amenities: Oak Ridge Camping Area — Morgan-Monroe State Forest provides basic facilities that help with younger campers. Ginger T. reports: "At this campground, there are two areas of pit toilets, and a big outdoor sink. Fire wood and maps can be obtained just up the road at the new Morgan Monroe headquarters."
Look for playgrounds and structured activities: Some camping areas near Mooresville include child-friendly features. Ginger T. adds that Morgan-Monroe State Forest has "a playground at the entrance of Mason Ridge campground and a fire tower."
Consider cabin options for easier family camping: For families new to tent camping near Mooresville, cabins provide a transition. Margo B. mentions about Ransburg Scout Reservation: "We have camped here in a cabin, and also tent camped. Beautiful grounds and a great place to enjoy nature."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations at forest campgrounds: Most woodland sites near Mooresville have restrictions. Ron H. cautions about Morgan-Monroe State Forest: "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."
Bring exact payment for self-registration: Many camping areas require cash. Rob R. advises about Morgan-Monroe: "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."
Limited hookup options: Most natural camping areas near Mooresville lack full RV services. Don N. shares his experience at Morgan-Monroe State Forest: "My wife and were at site 15 from 09/02/21- 09/06/21 camping in a Winnebago Micro Minnie 2108 TB. This park is not for large rigs, but we had no trouble fitting into our small camper."
