Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers primitive yurt camping near Morgantown, Indiana, with 40,000 acres of protected woodland across Brown and Morgan counties. The region features a mix of hardwood forest and rolling hills at elevations between 600-800 feet above sea level. Camping options range from basic tent sites to cabin rentals, with several yurt accommodation options available during warmer months.
What to do
Trail hiking: 10+ mile routes. Morgan-Monroe State Forest provides extensive hiking opportunities including two trails over 10 miles long. "There are a lot of trails to hike 2 of them are over 10 miles (lower gap and three lakes). The Tecumseh trail (40 miles) starts in Morgan Monroe State Forest passes through Yellowwood State Forest and ends in the Hoosier national Forest," notes a visitor to Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Fishing: Three small lakes. The forest offers multiple fishing spots within a short drive. "Three small lakes are on the property for fishing and kayaking," reports a Morgan-Monroe camper. For those staying near Nashville, other water recreation options exist. "The lakes aren't bad for fishing and kayaking too! Very glad I went!" mentions a camper at Brown County-Nashville KOA.
Mountain biking: Technical trails. eXplore Brown County offers activities beyond camping with mountain biking trails on their 40-acre property. "Great camp! Covered with trees with great spots near the creek," notes one visitor. For more extensive trails, nearby Brown County State Park has additional biking options within a short drive.
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: Limited crowds. Hoosiers On The Ridge provides a quieter experience than some larger campgrounds. "We loved this spot in Brown County. Far enough away from town to be peaceful but close enough to be convenient," shares one camper. This balance of seclusion and accessibility appears in several reviews.
Cleanliness: Well-maintained facilities. Multiple campgrounds maintain good standards for their amenities. A visitor to Brown County-Nashville KOA noted: "Cleanest campground bathrooms I have ever seen. Friendly staff." Similar comments appear about shower facilities at other sites in the area.
Variety of accommodations: Options beyond tents. For those interested in yurt camping near Morgantown, Indiana or alternative lodging, several locations offer unique structures. "We stayed in the cabins for a couple days. There is always so much to do, one day hiking the next we were shopping," writes a visitor about Brown County-Nashville KOA. Another campground offers "retro campers set up for rent."
What you should know
Site selection: Variable sizes and quality. At Morgan-Monroe State Forest, "This campground is decent if you get one of the few good spots. Many sites are small and can only accommodate a tent." A reviewer notes the importance of choosing carefully: "I was slightly disappointed by the site selections being mostly on a slant, but we did find one on the overfill site that suited our needs."
Seasonal considerations: Limited winter access. Most campgrounds in the area operate with reduced capacity during colder months. Some facilities close entirely between November and April.
Noise levels: Weekend activity. Friends O' Mine Campground & Cabins can have higher noise levels on weekends. According to one visitor, "Their fire pit fellowship is second to none." At eXplore Brown County, a camper warns, "This is the campground for bringing your battery powered hammock string lights and bluetooth speakers to play Glass Animals or Boy Harsher at a reasonable volume."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: On-site recreation. Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At eXplore Brown County, a reviewer mentioned, "Playground for the kiddos was a plus for us." Another noted the "weekend activities made the stay enjoyable for our kids."
Multi-generational camping: Age-appropriate options. Ransburg Scout Reservation offers varied terrain suitable for families. "Located on Monroe lake, they have canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing. Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails," reports a camper who visited with family. The accessibility of multiple activity types makes this area practical for groups with different interests and abilities.
Safety considerations: Choose sites away from roads. Some campgrounds have sites close to roadways. A review of one property notes, "The dog walk is a strip of grass by the very busy street. You hear all the traffic noise." Families should request interior sites when possible.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Check before booking. Morgan-Monroe State Forest has limited spaces for larger vehicles. "The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is, we are RV campers and there are only about 5 sites we could get in to. Our camper is about 25' and it was tight get in and out of the campground," advises an RVer.
Leveling requirements: Bring blocks. Uneven terrain affects several campgrounds. One RV camper reports: "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."
Hookup quality: Varies by site. For those needing full hookups, Friends O' Mine offers complete amenities. "Big rig friendly sites, Tmobile worked perfectly," notes a reviewer. Some campgrounds offer electric and water but lack sewer connections, requiring use of dump stations.