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

28 Reviews of 10 Nineveh Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Steven G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 28, 2025

    Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping

    Hoosier NF (Brown County)

    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. I wouldn’t be trying to pull a travel trailer back into here unless it was very small.

    On the weekends, the activity picked up with a lot of partying and hunting.

    There were a few pickups that patrolled through here regularly, all through the night too. I was never bothered by anyone, but the area is small and I kinda felt like I was on a stage with every passerby.

  • 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

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Nineveh, Indiana, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the hustle and bustle. These locations offer a chance to connect with the outdoors while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Dispersed campers should check out Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

  • Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping is known for its long, secluded road, making it a perfect escape for those seeking peace and quiet.
  • Campers have noted the beauty of the area, with spots that are well off the main road, ensuring minimal disturbance from traffic.
  • You can enjoy a range of amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, but remember to bring your own firewood as it’s not provided.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Nineveh, Indiana

  • Always be prepared to pack in and pack out everything you need, as sites like Hickory Ridge do not offer drinking water or trash services.
  • For those looking for a more primitive experience, Horse Camp Rd Dispersed is a great option, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without the need for reservations or permits.
  • Make sure to check the accessibility of the roads leading to your chosen site, as some areas may have gravel or steep paths that could be challenging for larger vehicles.

The Peninsula Trail for dispersed campers

  • The Peninsula Trail offers marked campsites that are spaced far apart, providing a sense of privacy and solitude.
  • This area is ideal for stargazing due to low light pollution, making it a favorite among campers who appreciate a night under the stars.
  • Be aware of the potential for noise from nearby roads, but the overall remote feeling makes it a worthwhile destination for those seeking adventure.

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.