Best Dispersed Camping near Paoli, IN
Several dispersed camping opportunities exist in the Hoosier National Forest near Paoli, Indiana. Berry Ridge Road offers multiple primitive sites with established fire rings and widely spaced camping locations. Mitchell Creek Road provides roadside pull-offs on public land, while Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge Trail feature marked backcountry campsites with minimal amenities. Hickory Ridge and Horse Camp Road also contain dispersed camping zones for self-sufficient campers seeking free overnight options on public land.
Most access routes consist of gravel or dirt roads that may become difficult after rain. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for Mitchell Creek Road, while Berry Ridge Road has steep sections but remains accessible to most vehicles. These are true primitive sites with no running water, electricity, or restroom facilities. Campers must practice pack-in, pack-out principles and observe fire safety regulations. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in many areas, particularly along Mitchell Creek Road where GPS coverage can be spotty. Camping duration follows standard National Forest guidelines.
The dispersed sites provide varying levels of seclusion and natural surroundings. "If you are looking for solitude and peace in the forest, you will find it here," noted one Berry Ridge Road visitor, highlighting that "sites are far enough apart that I truly felt like I had the woods all to myself." Peninsula Trail campsites offer good stargazing opportunities despite occasional noise from the main road. Mitchell Creek Road provides a quieter experience—one camper reported that "only two vehicles passed during the entire 16 hours." Visitors should be prepared for wildlife encounters including turtles on roads and potential coyote activity at night. The areas feature interesting terrain elements including rock outcroppings, creek beds, and in some locations, sinkholes.
