Best Tent Camping near Mooresville, IN
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Mooresville? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Mooresville with tent camping. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Mooresville, Indiana (18)
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. 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
3. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
13 Reviews•30 Photos•334 SavesFreetown, Indiana- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
4. 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
5. 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
6. Lake Waveland Park
8 Reviews•7 Photos•42 SavesWaveland, Indiana- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
$25 - $40 / night
8. Ransburg Scout Reservation
4 Reviews•13 Photos•8 SavesHarrodsburg, Indiana- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
10. 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
Recent Tent Reviews near Mooresville, Indiana
598 Reviews of 18 Mooresville Campgrounds
- Ryan H.
Traveler
Sugar Creek Campground
Sugar creek
Fantastic place to camp. Full hookup sites, and tent camp sites on sugar creek. The creek is loaded with small mouth bass, some large mouth, gar, bluegill, and carp. The campground offers tubing excursions, but I advise booking that in advance, as they sell out of spots often. Love going there at least once every year.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- JJohn Z.Scout
Yellowwood State Forest
Wonderful place
So many great tent sites. Wooded. Row boats, kayaks.
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.
- 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!
- 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.
Barry S.Scout
Old Mill Run Park
Clean and Comfortable
Not a lot of tent-camping options, but we found a nice open area not far from the showers. Quiet campground in September. I would do this again...
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.
- EElisha E.Scout
Old Mill Run Park
Not what it used to be
Not many sites for "tent" camping. This place used to be so nice, but now it is over priced and over run with campers. You should just get a hotel. There is a crazy long waiting list for no reason.
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.
- DDom C.Traveler
Indianapolis KOA
KOA Indianapolis is just OK.
Passing through east to west and tent camping....large site comfortable for 2 tents. Nice property and friendly staff, but average to below average KOA from this camper's perspective. Convenient location just off I70 is the draw here, with road noise in the background. Bathrooms/showers need improvement. Nice pool and small general store onsite.
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.
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.
Gedy M.Traveler
Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC
Great place
I am tent camper and stayed at tent primitive section right by the creek. They have RV section, electric tent sites and primitive and those do not mix - no tents at rv section and vice versa. I camp weekdays so I had all section to myself for three days. You can carry your chair right to the creek and hang out in the shade. There are few trails looping around for the walks. Most of tent sites got shade. Rv sites all seem to be level, although kind of close together. Nice and clean bathrooms and shower facility. I have not tried renting canoe because they were closed for a season, due to low water level in the creek. There are a lot of nice places around to visit Turkey Run and Shades state parks are not far as well as numerous covered bridges to explore. Campground stays quiet at night - haven’t seen partying or noise. They also have few cute cabins for rent right by the creek. Will definitely be back and would recommend this place to anyone.
Mike V.Ranger
Lake Waveland Park
Waveland Lake and Park, near Waveland, Indiana
Nice clean park in west-central Indiana that has a lake and a large number of camping sites along with restrooms and showers. The primitive tent camping sites don't require reservations, and each have a picnic table. There are modern campsites that have water and electrical hook-ups, and there are some small cabins that can be rented. The bath house was clean, and the grounds crew does a great job keeping the grass cut. Camp sites seem more spread out here compared to most state parks. Location is fairly close to Sugar Creek and other parks such as Turkey Run and Shades State Park. The lake is popular for fishing.
Gretchen G.GuideSugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC
Great family spot
This campground is great! The creek is awesome for catching tadpoles and minnows. And definitely take time to float or kayak down the river. The pond is stocked with GIANT fish (catch and release only) and definitely go for a hike over at Turkey Run. Our site (4) was a good location for us, although we tent camped in 25 before and you can't beat those views
- HHelen M.Scout
Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area
Tent camping during XC road trip
Super easy reservations online, and if it’s a weekday or a Sunday you could likely just roll up. $16/night for a tent site plus $9 out of state car fee. Security is at the main gate until midnight so later check-ins are possible. Great set-up after driving 11+ hours!
- Hope H.Scout
Crawfordsville KOA
Good Campground, horrible tent sites
The staff was great, all the amenities were fantastic. This campsite would be great if you were staying in an RV, camper, or one of the cabins, but the tent sites are terrible. They are right next to the highway, and they are all very exposed, and have little protection from mosquitoes.
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.
- Mark R.Scout
Peaceful Waters Campground
Nice place close to Turkey Run State Park
I stayed at one of the primitive tent sites. It was nice and shaded. As the other reviewer pointed out, further away from the entrance will get you away from the road noise. The shower house was very clean and well kept.
I would definitely stay here again. I would just select a site toward the back.
Sarah R.Guide
Glo Wood Campground
Decent site for amphitheater camping
I stayed here in June and it was a pretty nice place. Several spots for tent camping, but several electric hookups were not functional. Bathrooms were not impeccable, but they were fairly updated. The only real problem we encountered was the dirt road through the site was difficult to navigate, even though it hadn’t rained for a few days. Just a lot of wear and tear. But super friendly campground, and will definitely return!
Guide to Mooresville
Mooresville, Indiana, offers a variety of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With well-maintained campgrounds and scenic surroundings, it's a great spot for a weekend getaway.
Tips for tent camping near Mooresville
- Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest provides a serene environment with drinking water and picnic tables, making it ideal for families and groups.
- Mason Ridge Campground features vault toilets and outdoor sinks, ensuring basic amenities are within reach while you enjoy the great outdoors.
- Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping offers a secluded experience, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more primitive camping style.
Tent campers should check out Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
- This campground allows pets and has firewood available for purchase, enhancing your camping experience with cozy campfires.
- With numerous hiking trails nearby, including the Tecumseh Trail, you can explore the beautiful landscapes and enjoy outdoor activities.
- The campground is first-come, first-served, providing a sense of adventure as you find your perfect spot.
Enjoy local attractions while camping
- Lake Waveland Park features both primitive and modern sites, along with opportunities for fishing and boating, making it a versatile destination for campers.
- Charles C. Deam Wilderness is known for its beautiful lakeside camping and extensive hiking trails, perfect for those who love to explore nature.
- Ransburg Scout Reservation offers a variety of activities, including canoeing and hiking, ensuring there's something for everyone in your group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mooresville, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mooresville, IN is Paynetown Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Mooresville, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Mooresville, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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