Best Dispersed Camping near Morgantown, IN
Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Hoosier National Forest near Morgantown, Indiana. Berry Ridge Road offers multiple primitive campsites with established fire rings and flat tent pads. The Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge Trail feature marked backcountry sites spaced far apart for privacy, while Sundance Lake and Hickory Ridge provide additional free camping options. Several campers note that Berry Ridge sites are "very far spread out" with some located "100ft off the main road with thick woods in between."
These primitive sites operate on a pack-in, pack-out basis with no amenities. No drinking water is available; campers must bring all necessary supplies. Most sites permit fires in established rings, and fallen wood can be gathered for fuel. Roads accessing these areas are primarily gravel and may become steep in sections. According to reviews, some sites can accommodate small campers or vans, but most are best suited for tent camping. A visitor reported successfully navigating to Hickory Ridge "in a sedan in the winter," though higher clearance vehicles are recommended during wet conditions.
The Deam Wilderness area contains Indiana's premier backpacking opportunities. Peninsula Trail offers both lakeside and inland camping options with established fire rings. Campsites 10-13 are particularly accessible with short hikes from trailheads. Light pollution is minimal, providing excellent stargazing conditions. Wildlife sightings are common; campers should be aware of timber rattlesnakes in valley areas near springs. During summer months, motorized boat traffic may affect the tranquility of lakeside sites. Winter camping remains possible but requires additional preparation for potentially challenging road conditions.
