Best Dispersed Camping near Nineveh, IN

Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Hoosier National Forest near Nineveh, Indiana. Berry Ridge Road offers multiple primitive sites spaced far apart, providing exceptional privacy and solitude. Peninsula Trail features marked campsites with fire rings along Lake Monroe, while Sundance Lake and Hickory Ridge provide additional options for those seeking a true backcountry experience. These free public lands require proper dispersed camping etiquette: pack in, pack out all trash and leave no trace.

The sites follow typical primitive camping protocols with no amenities. No drinking water, electricity, or trash service is available at any location. Several campers noted that Berry Ridge Road sites are "very private with decent sized space to park for 2-3 vehicles" and contain "plenty of dry wood" for campfires. Fire rings exist at most established sites, but visitors must bring their own water and supplies. Roads to these areas are typically gravel and may be steep in sections; some sites require walking in to assess suitability before driving in.

Most dispersed sites accommodate tents and small vehicles, though some can fit modest campers or RVs. According to reviews, the Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge trails have "marked campsites that are very far apart and totally private" with good stargazing opportunities due to low light pollution. Campsites 10-13 on Peninsula Trail are easily accessible with a short hike. Wildlife is present throughout the area; campers should store food properly and be aware of potential timber rattlesnakes in valley areas. Weekends see increased activity, particularly at lakeside locations where boaters sometimes stop along the shore despite restrictions.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Nineveh, Indiana (10)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Nineveh, IN

20 Photos of 10 Nineveh Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Nineveh, IN

29 Reviews of 10 Nineveh Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • j
    Aug. 9, 2021

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Berry ridge campground

    If you are into boondocking at all defiantly check out berry ridge it’s just south of brown county Indiana beautiful country mostly hills tons of camp spots sometimes half mile or more apart haven’t seen any snakes here either and the best part I haven’t seen any people!!!!! Haha camp spot is about 100ft off the main road with thick woods in between the road and the campsite even if someone drove by we wouldn’t see them no water or electric hookups plenty of wood lying around to use for a fire clean campsites all gravel roads

  • Brian S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot

    This was a great place to car camp while driving across USA. The main spot was full but I found a great pull off spot a lil further. I came across at least 5 lil spots. There a nice trail meandering next to road.

  • E
    Apr. 27, 2022

    Peninsula Trail

    Awesome!

    Went there with my kids and wife, we had a really great time. 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. Definitely would make this a must to visit.


Guide to Nineveh

Dispersed camping options in the Hoosier National Forest near Nineveh, Indiana offer rustic outdoor experiences away from developed campgrounds. The area features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 550 to 800 feet, creating varied terrain for camping. Seasonal conditions impact site accessibility, with spring often bringing muddy roads while fall provides optimal weather and stunning foliage colors.

What to do

Hiking opportunities: Several trails provide access to remote campsites and scenic views around Lake Monroe. According to one visitor at Peninsula Trail, "It was an awesome backpacking journey for starters, little bit rough because of the horse riding track but awesome if you love to walk and see nature. Recommend this for sure!!!"

Wildlife observation: The forest areas host diverse animal species that campers regularly encounter. A camper at Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping noted, "On the weekends, the activity picked up with a lot of partying and hunting." Store food properly as various animals frequent these sites.

Stargazing sessions: Limited light pollution makes these camping areas excellent for night sky viewing. One experienced visitor noted, "Light pollution is pretty low however, so good stargazing."

What campers like

Peaceful seclusion: The distance between sites provides genuine privacy. As one camper at Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping described, "Beautiful secluded site that is pretty far off of the road, but not too far. There was no traffic or other people in site."

Natural surroundings: The forested environment offers an authentic outdoor experience. A visitor at Hickory Ridge shared, "Good spot to get some quiet time to learn/hone skills or for some good quality time with the family while being plugged into nature and unplugged from their electronics."

Accessibility for various camping styles: Sites accommodate different preferences and equipment. According to one camper, "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."

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect site conditions significantly. A camper at Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites shared their winter experience: "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!"

Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality and steepness. One visitor observed, "I have a promaster conversion and had no trouble making it to this site, however the road was gravel and steep at times."

Wildlife awareness: Campers should prepare for potential wildlife encounters. A Berry Ridge Road visitor reported, "Did see a rattlesnake dead on the road. No toilet but good reception."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection priorities: Some areas are more suitable for children than others. A camper at Horse Camp Rd Dispersed simply noted, "Cool place," but others have mentioned the importance of choosing sites with flat terrain for setting up family tents.

Water access planning: No potable water exists at these sites. One Peninsula Trail visitor advised, "Long walk to the water so make sure you bring plenty of drinking water. Springs available in the valleys but watch for timber rattlesnakes."

First-time considerations: Even beginners can enjoy these rustic sites with proper preparation. A solo camper shared, "This is my first time camping solo. I was definitely nervous at first and almost debated getting back on the road before sundown. But it's now 10:37 pm, I'm traveling from Chicago to Florida and I kind of love this spot."

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: Most dispersed areas accommodate only smaller recreational vehicles. A visitor to Sundance Lake mentioned, "I wouldn't be trying to pull a travel trailer back into here unless it was very small."

Setup considerations: Level areas for larger vehicles can be limited. A camper observed, "Some sites, at least one, could fit a pretty good sized camper. This is pack in pack out, no amenities camping for free."

Access assessment: Check road conditions before attempting to bring in larger vehicles. One visitor advised, "National forest area with 3ish campsites one of which can accommodate a vehicle. Wooded so no solar or starlink."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Nineveh, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Nineveh, IN is Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping with a 4.8-star rating from 17 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Nineveh, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.