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Best Dispersed Camping near Norman, IN

40 Reviews

Berry Ridge Road offers multiple secluded dispersed camping sites in the Hoosier National Forest near Norman, Indiana. Sites are spaced far apart along a gravel road, providing privacy and solitude for tent and car camping. Most spots feature established fire rings and flat tent pads, though they lack amenities like water, toilets, or trash service. The primitive sites are free with no reservations required.

The Peninsula Trail provides backcountry camping options for those willing to hike in. Marked campsites with fire rings are available, particularly sites 10-13 which are easily accessible with a short hike. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "the Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge trails both have marked campsites that are very far apart and totally private." Additional off-grid options include Horse Camp Road dispersed sites and Hickory Ridge primitive areas. Vehicle access varies by location, with some reviewers noting, "I pulled in at midnight in a sedan in the winter and I was able to safely find my way." Pack-in, pack-out principles apply throughout all dispersed camping areas, and fire restrictions may be in place seasonally.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Norman, Indiana (14)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Norman, IN

22 Photos of 14 Norman Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Norman, IN

40 Reviews of 14 Norman 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 Norman

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Norman, Indiana, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Norman, Indiana

  • Always bring your own drinking water, as many sites, like Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping, do not provide this essential resource.
  • Be prepared for a more rugged experience; sites such as Peninsula Trail offer primitive camping with only fire rings available.
  • Familiarize yourself with the area’s wildlife and terrain, especially if you’re venturing into places like Horse Camp Rd Dispersed, where encounters with local fauna are common.

Dispersed campers should check out Berry Ridge Road

  • This location is known for its long, secluded roads, making it a great choice for those seeking privacy while camping.
  • The site allows campfires, so you can enjoy cozy evenings under the stars, just like many have at Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping.
  • Pets are welcome here, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

Enjoy hiking and nature while free camping near Norman

  • The Peninsula Trail features marked campsites that are spaced far apart, providing a sense of solitude and connection to nature.
  • For those looking for a challenge, the Grub Ridge trail offers a moderate hike with beautiful views, making it a perfect addition to your camping experience.
  • Many campers have praised the stargazing opportunities at Peninsula Trail, thanks to low light pollution in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Norman, 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 Norman, IN?

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

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