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Best Dispersed Camping near New Pekin, IN

40 Reviews

Hoosier National Forest offers several dispersed camping areas within driving distance of New Pekin, Indiana. The Knobstone Trail provides backcountry camping opportunities along what some reviewers call "The Little AT" due to its challenging terrain with "continuous ups and downs." Several primitive sites exist along Berry Ridge Road, described in reviews as "secluded and peaceful" with campsites "half mile or more apart." These free sites typically feature minimal amenities - some have established fire rings but no facilities or water sources.

Mitchell Creek Road and Jackson Trailhead offer additional dispersed camping options, though reviews indicate these can be difficult to locate. A reviewer notes Mitchell Creek has "just a couple of sites along the road" that are "basically make your own campsite." Most sites accommodate tents only, though some Berry Ridge locations can fit small vehicles. The terrain throughout is primarily wooded with creeks nearby, making water filtration possible during wet seasons. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply throughout these public land camping areas, with no trash collection services available.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near New Pekin, Indiana (14)

    1. Knobstone Trail

    4 Reviews
    Borden, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 358-2160

    "Most people, even Hoosiers don't realize the Knobstone Trail exists. It's often referred to The Little AT by those who know about it. It's no walk in the park."

    "The KT is rugged and has lots of elevation gains over short distances. Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail snd creek beds."

    2. Jackson Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Borden, IN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 294-4306

    "there’s parking after a decrepit gravel road and suitable for camping. there are campsites along the trail just have to find them"

    3. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Freetown, IN
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "Free camp ground. Very private. Decent sized space to park for 2-3 vehicles."

    "Multiple campsites in the area, I've stayed at two both of which were away from others, clean, fairly flat and had plenty of dead wood around to burn."

    4. Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Birdseye, IN
    37 miles

    "This is NOT a campground, but just roadside pull-offs on public land. There are no restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, or other amenities."

    "Spot has a creek and is flat enough for a tent mostly just a single person spot no toilets. Road south coming in was destroyed some time ago have to w yer from east or west road."

    5. Peninsula Trail

    7 Reviews
    Clear Creek, IN
    44 miles
    Website

    "The Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge trails both have marked campsites that are very far apart and totally private.  These are dispersed/primitive sites with a fire ring only. "

    "Primitive camping at its finest. Long walk to the water so make sure you bring plenty of drinking water. Springs available in the valleys but watch for timber rattlesnakes."

    6. Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Freetown, IN
    39 miles

    "Free disbursed camping at its best in Indiana. Not another soul camped within earshot. Clean site. Gravel pad for vehicle. Green grass for tent. 14 day limit. No reservations needed or available."

    "A quiet little lake/ big pond in the Hoosier National Forest with a few spots to camp. At the pond there was a pad of concrete leftover from who knows what."

    7. Horse Camp Rd Dispersed

    1 Review
    Norman, IN
    37 miles

    8. Hickory Ridge

    1 Review
    Norman, IN
    40 miles

    9. BerryRidge Road Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Freetown, IN
    40 miles

    "A hidden gem. Just a few sites along the road minimum traffic encountered"

    10. Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites

    1 Review
    Norman, IN
    40 miles

    "I pulled in at midnight in a sedan in the winter and i was able to safely find my way. Very nice drive during the day, hiking is fantastic!"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near New Pekin, IN

22 Photos of 14 New Pekin Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near New Pekin, IN

40 Reviews of 14 New Pekin Campgrounds

  • Jaymi A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2023

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    Perfect for Invisible Boondocking

    This is NOT a campground, but just roadside pull-offs on public land. There are no restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, or other amenities. However, if you are camping in a self-contained SMALL vehicle, this is quiet, secluded, and beautiful. I did not see any pull offs that would accommodate an RV of any size, and nothing large enough to turn a trailer around.One pull off was nearly too small to turn around my small pick up truck. But the thick forest was beautiful. There are rock outcroppings along this road, which follows Mitchell Creek and lots to explore on foot. While I was exploring and camping on this road, only two vehicles passed during the entire 16 hours. VERY quiet. Have a paper map handy, as there is no cell signal and GPS was spotty. The place I camped had a small graveyard behind it, so if you’re superstitious, this may not be for you. There was also a big white building that was all locked up surrounded by open meadow that a larger vehicle might be able to park behind. A circular “drive” was mown around the building. A few of the pull offs I didn’t explore because they were muddy or washed out after several days of rain. I would camp here again for the quiet and it’s proximity to Hemlock Cliffs and Yellow Birch Ravine.

  • Dave E.
    Aug. 16, 2017

    Knobstone Trail

    Best backpacking in Indiana!

    Most people, even Hoosiers don't realize the Knobstone Trail exists. It's often referred to The Little AT by those who know about it. It's no walk in the park. There are continuous ups and downs that will challenge your leg strength and footing at times. There are plenty of great places to camp along the trail. Water can become scarce in the summer/fall months, but if you walk far enough, you're likely to come by a stream of some sort. Be respectful of the leave no trace rules and if you see any dickheads out there on 4 wheelers, take their picture and report them.

  • Maris H.
    Oct. 29, 2020

    Knobstone Trail

    The KT earns its nickname 'little AT'

    The KT is rugged and has lots of elevation gains over short distances. Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail snd creek beds. You're never too far from water, although the quality may differ depending on the time of year.

    Watch out for ticks. My dogs and I got loads of them in April 2020 from Leota to Spurgeon Hollow. There are road crossings every 5 to 10 miles, so if you run out of something or need to bail you can. The KT asks that you respect leave no trace philosophy, and I felt most hikers did.

    There is occasional trail magic but don't depend on it if thru hiking. I have not stayed in any campgrounds near the trail, so I can't review those, but the trailheads all have adequate parking and signage, and I found topo maps online for free.

    Let someone know your itinerary, have a means for filtering water, and enjoy!

  • J
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping

    Disbursed camping at its Indiana best

    Free disbursed camping at its best in Indiana. Not another soul camped within earshot. Clean site. Gravel pad for vehicle. Green grass for tent. 14 day limit. No reservations needed or available. Just show up and camp if a site is open. This site was very well marked.

  • Matt V.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 9, 2024

    Peninsula Trail

    Awesome Place to BackCountry

    The Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge trails both have marked campsites that are very far apart and totally private.  These are dispersed/primitive sites with a fire ring only.  Very remote feeling (except you CAN hear any loud cars/motorcycles at night from the main road over the lake). Light pollution is pretty low however, so good stargazing. 

    Trails are in good shape and the Penninsuala trail is pretty easy. Grub Ridge trail gets moderate the further west you take it.  CAmpsites 10,11,12,13 are very accessible with a short hike and are fantastic spots.   

    Lakeside spots are great also if you hike farther, but as others have said, drunk boaters tend to stop along the shore even though they are not supposed to. A few years ago boat access was limited to non-motoroized but not sure it is being enforced very well.  

    All the same, the Deam Wilderness area is Indianas best for backpacking and backcountry camping. 

    Down tower ridge road, to the east, just past the tower - turn right and the road there has lots of drive-in sites as well. These fill up fast on the weekends.

  • April S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2023

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    This is dispersed at its best!

    Free camp ground. Very private. Decent sized space to park for 2-3 vehicles. Trails, plenty of dry wood, away from the roads, no running water or electricity, decent amount of spaces we came in at night and counted about 9 very far spread out camp sights. Good ground to pitch a tent to. There was other camp grounds bigger than the one we stayed at and had several people at them with a big bonfire going but what’s great is when we found our spot we couldn’t see their fire or even hear them! One thing to note is that some of the camp sites are tucked back into the trees a little and can be hard to spot. At night we thought one was open but there was actually someone there and just couldn’t see them from the road so we had to back out and go to the next site (sorry whoever that was lol). It is also a ways off the beaten path for through car camping but honestly if we were ever coming back through this way I would make the hour detour to stop here again!

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping

    Camping area

    National forest area with 3ish campsites one of which can accommodate a vehicle. Wooded so no solar or starlink. Small lake nearby with what looks like some trails.

  • Jeremy F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 20, 2020

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Greatbdispersed sites.

    Multiple campsites in the area, I've stayed at two both of which were away from others, clean, fairly flat and had plenty of dead wood around to burn. Some sites, at least one, could fit a pretty good sized camper. This is pack in pack out, no amenities camping for free

  • K
    Dec. 30, 2023

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Pretty Forest Spot

    Huge sinkhole that makes for a cool look. Dry area for tent, not big enough for a camper but cool for car camping!

Guide to New Pekin

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near New Pekin, Indiana, where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Scenic Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • The Knobstone Trail offers rugged terrain and stunning vistas, making it a favorite for those who enjoy challenging hikes while camping.
  • Along the trail, you'll find plenty of opportunities to explore creek beds filled with fossils, adding an educational twist to your outdoor adventure.
  • Be prepared for elevation changes and remember to bring water filtration gear, as water sources can vary in quality depending on the season.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near New Pekin, Indiana

  • When visiting the Jackson Trailhead, be ready to navigate a gravel road to find suitable camping spots, as they may not be immediately visible.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the area and ensure a pleasant experience for future visitors.
  • Keep an eye out for ticks, especially during warmer months, as they can be prevalent in certain areas.

Unique Wildlife Viewing Opportunities for Dispersed Campers

  • The Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping area is known for its secluded spots, perfect for observing local wildlife in their natural habitat.
  • With minimal human traffic, you might encounter various species, including deer and a variety of birds, making it an ideal location for nature photography.
  • The peaceful environment allows for quiet reflection and a chance to connect with the sounds of nature, enhancing your camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near New Pekin, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near New Pekin, IN is Knobstone Trail with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near New Pekin, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near New Pekin, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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