Camping spots near Paragon, Indiana range from rustic forest sites to more developed recreation areas across central Indiana's rolling terrain. Seasonal conditions vary significantly, with summer bringing higher humidity and occasional severe weather while fall brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage. Campers should plan for elevation changes on hiking trails, with most camping areas situated between 600-900 feet above sea level.
What to do
Lake activities at Cagles Mill Lake: The recreation area offers swimming, fishing and boating opportunities at the 1400-acre lake. "This wonderful hidden gem is 14 miles away from McCormick's Creek State Park. It is a DNR state operated and has some pretty cool fishing. There are rapids by a huge ridge near the lake," notes a camper at Cagles Mill Lake.
Mountain biking at Brown County State Park: The park features nearly 30 miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails ranging from beginner to expert level. "The mountain biking is excellent, with purpose built trails for beginner to expert (flow, berms, rollers, jumps...)," shares a visitor at Buffalo Ridge Campground, which provides easy trail access.
Attend bluegrass events: Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park hosts regular bluegrass performances throughout their season. "This is the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Music Park & Campground near Nashville, IN. Very nice facility with nice stage for events. Sites are variable, some shaded & some full sun but it's really all about the music!" comments a music enthusiast.
Kayak rental options: Multiple locations offer boat rentals for water exploration. "We have also had lots of fun renting a rowboat, and being out on the water," mentions a visitor at Yellowwood State Forest, which provides affordable rental options at their forest office.
What campers like
Solitude in less-visited areas: Some state forest campgrounds remain relatively uncrowded even during peak season. At Yellowwood State Forest, a camper notes, "The only time we have ever seen the campground busy is over big holiday weekends like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and 4th of July. Otherwise use is light. We have several times been one of two or three campers in the loop."
Multi-day hiking opportunities: The Tecumseh Trail connects multiple state forests. "Yellowwood offers 79 primitive class c sites in four campground areas adjacent to the 133 acre Yellowwood Lake; Red Pine, White-Oak Hickory, Redbud and Black Gum," shares a reviewer who highlighted the trail access.
Family-friendly weekend activities: Several campgrounds organize regular events. At Lieber State Recreation Area Campground, "We love going to this park several times a year. We especially like camping in the fall for their Goblins weekend," mentions a repeat visitor.
Swimming options beyond lakes: Recreation areas often maintain pools as alternatives to lake swimming. "The pool was excellent! Skip the lake and enjoy the pool," advises a camper at Lieber State Recreation Area, highlighting an amenity many visitors overlook.
What you should know
Self-registration procedures: Many state forest campgrounds require self-registration. At Hardin Ridge, a camper advises, "When you arrive set up at your site. Then you will need to go WITH EXACT CHANGE to the sign in at the main building. It's easy, there is a little box on the side of the firewood shed. Make sure you take your tag to mark your site."
Limited shower facilities: Many campgrounds have vault toilets only. "This is a State Forest campground near Nashville, Indiana. Primitive camping. Pit toilets only," notes a visitor at Yellowwood State Forest. Plan water usage accordingly.
Cell coverage gaps: Most forest campgrounds have minimal connectivity. Bring printed directions and camping information as you may lose navigation services.
Seasonal operating limitations: Some campground loops close outside summer months. "Oak Ridge is only open as an 'overflow' campground, so only bet on it being open during summer," cautions a visitor describing Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds at state parks: Many campgrounds offer more than one play area. At Taylor Ridge Campground, "The nature center is really fun with animals and a bee hive that the children really enjoyed! There are a lot of diverse hiking trails for all."
Beach access at larger lakes: Several campgrounds offer dedicated swimming areas. "Paynetown has the most to offer for families to have a great camping trip," notes a visitor at Paynetown Campground, which features a designated beach.
Activity centers with programming: Some parks provide structured activities. "The activity center has programs all the time and there is always something going on there," mentions a camper describing regular events for children.
Geocaching opportunities: Several trails feature geocaching locations. "The beach, the trails, the geocaches on the trails, kayak and boat rentals, the activity center. There is something for everyone and enough to fill up your days," explains a repeat visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have sloped sites requiring additional equipment. A camper at Morgan-Monroe State Forest explains, "We had no trouble fitting into our small camper. This is a great place to camp and hike, although there is no electric hookup we had a generator that we used sparklingly."
Limited large rig access: Most forest campgrounds accommodate smaller units only. "The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is, we are RV campers and there are only about 5 sites we could get in to. Our camper is about 25' and it was tight get in and out of the campground," advises an RVer at Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Water connection limitations: Even when water is available, hookups can be problematic. "Despite the fact that we chose our site based on being next to water, they have the spickets hacked off. So you couldn't attach a hose," warns a camper at Lieber State Recreation Area.
Dump station access issues: Some campgrounds have challenging dump station configurations. "There is a dump station, but I barely got in to dump. So not real RV friendly," cautions an RVer describing tight turning radiuses.
