Brown County State Park spans over 15,000 acres of forested hills and deep ravines about 20 miles from Morgantown, Indiana. With multiple camping loops catering to different preferences, campers can choose from more than 400 sites across various terrains with elevations reaching 1,000 feet above sea level. Winter camping options remain limited, with some sites closing seasonally and water connections typically shut off during freezing temperatures.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Explore nearly 30 miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails within Brown County State Park. "The mountain biking is excellent, with purpose built trails for beginner to expert (flow, berms, rollers, jumps...)," notes a visitor at Buffalo Ridge Campground. Another camper mentioned that "the mountain bike trails are fantastic, something for every skill level."
Trail riding with horses: Book guided rides or bring your own horses to explore the dedicated equestrian trails. "I have only been twice and we took our hours to trail ride! There are a lot of fun hills and trails that you can ride for hours which we love to do," shared a visitor at Horsemen's Campground. The park offers dedicated horse camping facilities with tie-up areas for horses.
Swimming and water activities: Cool off at the Olympic-sized pool with unique features. "Pool area is super nice with a waterslide, diving boards and a unique rock climbing wall in the deep end," explains a camper from CERA Sports Corporation. For gentler water activities, "we love the beautiful peaceful lake...the paddle boats" are popular with families.
Hiking to scenic overlooks: Walk to panoramic vistas on trails accessible from camping areas. "The park is in close proximity to the artist village of Nashville, shopping, good dining and groceries. Autumn is the heavy tourist season with the changing of the leaves...breathtaking vistas from the parks elevated vantage points!" notes a Buffalo Ridge visitor. A short walk leads to Hesitation Point, offering views across the forested hills.
What campers like
Varied camping environments: Choose between open or heavily wooded sites based on your preferences. "There are 3 separate campgrounds in the park Buffalo Ridge, Raccoon, and Taylor Ridge. We stayed in Taylor which was dubbed 'wooded' and the one I would most suggest. The others were pretty cleared out and too close together," shares a camper at Taylor Ridge Campground.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention the clean restrooms and shower facilities. "Very clean bathrooms and shower houses," reports a Taylor Ridge visitor. Another camper notes, "The pit toilets at the back of the loop were probably the cleanest pits I've ever used. Bonus that there are dedicated mens/womens pits," at Raccoon Ridge Campground.
Nature center programming: Educational activities and wildlife viewing opportunities enhance camping trips. "We also went to a Raptor show that was put on at the nature center where we got to look at some interesting raptors," mentions a Buffalo Ridge camper. The nature center offers regular programs for visitors of all ages.
Convenient location: Easy access to Nashville, Indiana provides shopping and dining options. "Nashville is only a 5 minute drive from the campgrounds, and it's a blast going to all of the different shops and restaurants located in town," notes a Taylor Ridge visitor who enjoys combining camping with town exploration.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Many campsites have significant slopes that require careful selection. "I would say pay particular attention to the size of the site you're booking as some were pretty small. Also, some sites were fairly sloped as well," advises a visitor at Taylor Ridge Campground. Research site-specific details before booking.
Park size navigation: The extensive park layout requires additional travel time between locations. "The park is gigantic! It takes a long time to get from the entrance of the park to the actual campground, but the drive is beautiful," explains a Taylor Ridge camper. Consider bringing bikes for easier exploration.
Entrance restrictions: Large RVs must use specific park entrances due to infrastructure limitations. "Large rigs must access the park through the West entrance due to a low clearance covered bridge at the North entrance," warns a Buffalo Ridge visitor. The covered bridge has a 9-foot clearance and 3-ton limit.
Weather impacts: Rain can significantly affect camping conditions in certain areas. "The campground is notorious for flooding in heavy rains. We have had as much as 4 in of water draining through our campsite," cautions a Horsemen's Campground visitor about specific areas. Select higher ground sites during wet seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple playgrounds, nature programs, and swimming options keep children engaged. "The nature center is really fun with animals and a bee hive that the children really enjoyed! There are a lot of diverse hiking trails for all," shares a camper from Taylor Ridge Campground. Family-oriented programs run regularly during peak season.
Rally group camping: Consider group sites when camping with multiple families. "We generally use the Rally group campsite and invite our friends to join us. This site is great due to the extra room for tents," recommends a visitor at Rally Group Campground. Note that rally sites have different fee structures and facility access rules.
Fall camping experiences: Book early for popular Halloween weekend events. "Went for fall break & their Halloween week! So much fun," reports a Raccoon Ridge camper. Seasonal programming includes themed weekends with activities for children.
Bicycles for park navigation: Bring bikes to help families explore the extensive grounds. "It's nice to have a bike to explore since the park is so big," advises a Raccoon Ridge visitor. Paved roads throughout the park provide safe cycling routes for families.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness considerations: Prepare leveling equipment for most rv sites near Morgantown, Indiana. "Best option in the park and quietest. Some spots are uneven and tight, but also some very large (back of loop and some of the spots on side of loop in the front)," explains a Raccoon Ridge camper about site options. Taylor Ridge sites often need leveling blocks.
Alternative RV campgrounds: Several private options exist within 30 miles when state park campgrounds fill. "This easy-access-from-the-highway RV park is really nice. The spots are accessible, the bathrooms are AMAZING (no...seriously), the little attractions are adorable and the host is terrific," reports a visitor at Cloverdale RV Park, about 30 miles from Morgantown.
Seasonal considerations: Expect crowding during fall color season when many RVers visit the area. "Large rigs must access the park through the West entrance due to a low clearance covered bridge at the North entrance," reminds a Buffalo Ridge camper. Early reservations become essential during peak foliage season.
Utility considerations: Plan for potential limited hookups during off-season camping. "We drove through Taylor ridge loop, and it's your best choice for getting away from it all," suggests a Raccoon Ridge visitor describing the more remote camping options with fewer amenities.
