Camping cabins near Morgantown, Indiana provide access to the rolling hills and hardwood forests of southern Indiana at elevations between 600-800 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers reaching 85°F and winter lows near 20°F. Fall camping season brings vibrant foliage from late September through early November.
What to do
Hiking trails: Yellowwood State Forest provides multiple hiking options including the Tecumseh Trail. "Yellowwood State Forest is a great area for camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, etc. It's just a couple minutes drive from the more popular Brown County State Park," notes visitor Dave E.
Fishing opportunities: Yellowwood State Forest features a 133-acre lake for anglers. "Yellowwood lake is adjacent to the campground and there is a boat ramp, but there are limitations on boating (motor size). Check with the DNR website," advises Daisy C.
Adventure activities: Visitors seeking more excitement can find ziplines and paintball at eXplore Brown County. "They have zip lines, paintball, arrow tag, ATVs, off-road tours, mountain biking, hiking, cabins," explains Georgeann D., highlighting the diverse activity options.
Gold panning: Yellowwood State Forest offers an unusual activity for the area. "Believe it or not- gold panning is a thing here! You need a permit," mentions Cynthia K., showing there are unique recreational opportunities beyond standard camping activities.
What campers like
Privacy and quiet: Many campsites offer secluded spots away from crowds. "Yellowwood State Forest campground does not accept reservations. It is first come, first served. The only time we have ever seen the campground busy is over big holiday weekends. Otherwise use is light. We have several times been one of two or three campers in the loop," reports Daisy C.
Swimming areas: Hardin Ridge provides access to Monroe Lake with beach facilities. "This campground is on the south side of Monroe lake and has beach access. I tent camped solo and everything went great!" says Christine C.
Well-maintained facilities: Brown County-Nashville KOA earns praise for cleanliness. "This is our go to campground. Not overly large but it's clean and quiet. The owners are friendly and helpful. Bathrooms/showers are clean. Laundry on site. Small store and library where you can borrow books," explains Cherie B.
Natural setting: The wooded environment creates an appealing atmosphere. "Very beautiful yet primitive campground. All the campgrounds are numbered and have their own names. Sites can hold 6 people total and come with a fire pit with a grill attachment which is awesome!" notes Sammii D.
What you should know
Reservation policies vary: While some campgrounds require advance booking, others operate differently. "Yellowwood State Forest campground does not accept reservations. It is first come, first served. Drive up, select your site, and then go to the park office to pay using a self-pay envelope. Bring exact change (cash)," explains Daisy C.
Site conditions: Be prepared for rustic accommodations at some locations. "All sites are primitive. We have only tent camped at Yellowwood, so I can't say what size travel trailers would fit in the sites," warns an experienced camper.
Water access: Camp Buckwood in Morgantown offers drinking water and shower facilities. "Stayed two nights, tent camping. It was a great time meeting new people and exploring the surrounding area," notes Jerry D.
Seasonal factors: Fall brings increased visitation to the area. "The park has 5 hiking trails ranging from easy to rugged and access to the Tecumesh Trail (43 miles) originally proposed to span from Florida to Canada," mentions Stephen & Theresa B., highlighting popular activities during peak seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer facilities specifically for children. "Great camp! Covered with trees with great spots near the creek. Great prices on cabins and campers. Playground for the kiddos was a plus for us," shares Carter T. about their experience at eXplore Brown County.
Swimming options: Families can cool off during summer months. "This campgroung has lots of amenities to offer all the way down to a beach. The only issue we had was having to drive everywhere because the campground is so vast," mentions Johnathan H. about Hardin Ridge.
Cabin accommodations: Hoosiers On The Ridge offers convenient lodging options for families near Yellowwood State Forest. "We loved this spot in Brown County. Far enough away from town to be peaceful but close enough to be convenient. Riley has made a great spot to camp and relax," says Jesse F.
Pool facilities: Some locations provide swimming pools for families. "Best place for camping, fishing, and relaxing. Pool onsite, rec room, firepits, showers, campstore, ect. You can get tent site or pull through sites," reports Miles G. about Friends O' Mine Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV campers should research site specifications before arrival. "The pull through sites are spacious. Tress are young, across the road from Brown County national forest so hiking galore," notes Derrick P. about Brown County-Nashville KOA.
Leveling requirements: Some sites may require additional equipment. "Pads are gravel and we did need to use several leveling blocks on our site, which made for a doosey of a bottom step into and out of our trailer," warns GP about their experience at Hardin Ridge.
Seasonal considerations: Water availability changes throughout the year. "Campgrounds have vault toilets and drinking water access. I do not know if water is turned on year-round. There are no modern restrooms," mentions Daisy C., highlighting the need to plan for seasonal utilities.
Noise levels: Highway proximity affects some sites. "I stayed at this area before it was renamed to Friends O' Mine. Was a nice place for a quick stop but being so close to the highway, was extremely loud. Half of the sites have shade and half do not," reports Jennifer H.