Best Dispersed Camping near North Vernon, IN
Dispersed camping opportunities abound near North Vernon, Indiana, primarily within the Hoosier National Forest. Berry Ridge Road offers multiple primitive sites spaced approximately half a mile apart, providing exceptional privacy and solitude. The Peninsula Trail features designated backcountry sites with established fire rings, while Sundance Lake provides lakeside camping with limited facilities. According to reviews, Berry Ridge sites are "very clean, flat, and have nice fire pits," with campsites positioned far enough apart that visitors "truly feel like they have the woods to themselves."
These dispersed sites operate on a pack-in, pack-out basis with no amenities such as running water, electricity, or waste disposal. Campers must bring all necessary supplies, including drinking water. Fire rings exist at most established sites, and fallen wood collection is permitted for campfires. Several campers noted that Berry Ridge Road has "plenty of dry wood" available around the campsites. Vehicle access varies by location; some sites require high-clearance vehicles due to gravel roads and occasional steep sections, while others accommodate standard passenger cars.
The Knobstone Trail, often called "The Little AT" by experienced hikers, offers challenging backcountry camping with significant elevation changes. Water availability becomes scarce during summer and fall months, requiring careful planning. Peninsula Trail provides more accessible camping with designated sites numbered 10-13 described as "very accessible with a short hike." Hickory Ridge offers secluded primitive camping suitable for tent campers seeking quiet natural surroundings. All dispersed camping in the region requires adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Seasonal considerations include tick activity in spring and early summer, particularly along the Knobstone Trail, where hikers report "loads of them in April."
