Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers primitive camping options near Paragon, Indiana, with two main camping areas. Mason Ridge Campground has around 20 sites while Oak Ridge Camping Area serves as an overflow section with a handful of sites suited mainly for tent camping. The terrain is hilly with elevations ranging from 560 to 800 feet, creating a varied landscape with seasonal hiking conditions that shift from muddy spring trails to dry summer camping.
What to do
Hiking extensive trail systems: Morgan-Monroe State Forest features multiple trails including two over 10 miles long. "The Tecumseh trail (40 miles) starts in Morgan Monroe State Forest passes through Yellowwood State Forest and ends in the Hoosier national Forest. There are some shorter trails also. The trails are very nice and well maintained," notes a visitor at Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Fishing in multiple lakes: Cecil M Harden Lake offers diverse fishing opportunities with multiple access points. "Great place to camp, can be flooded at times," reports one camper at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area, indicating water level variability affects fishing conditions throughout the year.
Local festivals and events: Seasonal activities including live music events occur throughout the summer months. A visitor to Fern Hills Club mentions, "Awesome 3 day weekend with live bands at Fern Hills Club! Put this naturist campground on your must do list. Rock Naked Weekend gets better every year."
Mountain biking access: Trails near Brown County-Nashville KOA provide terrain for various skill levels. "Very close to Brown County State Park and Nashville, IN. Lots of mature trees," writes one reviewer, highlighting the proximity to popular biking trails just minutes from glamping sites near Paragon, Indiana.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers quiet camping away from crowds. "My favorite forest with traditional camping, backwoods camping, and a wonderful secret pioneer cabin for rent. This is the best camping within an hour on Indianapolis and if your looking for free and solitary sites try the backwoods camping area," shares one experienced camper.
Convenience to multiple towns: Luxury glamping sites near Paragon offer proximity to several destinations. "Great location and clean camp ground," notes a visitor to Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe, commenting on the accessibility to Bloomington's amenities while maintaining a camping atmosphere.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and shower facilities. One camper at Turkey Run State Park observed, "The bathrooms were super clean and the showers were hot with good water pressure," showing the attention to comfort even at more rustic sites.
Private wooded sites: Many campsites offer natural separation from neighbors. "We were in a wooded section and it was pretty private however our site was pretty sloped," notes a camper at Turkey Run State Park Campground, highlighting the terrain considerations when selecting a site.
What you should know
Self-registration process: At Morgan-Monroe State Forest, campers must complete registration after selecting a site. "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, it is in the box attached to the payment envelope."
Site leveling challenges: Many glamping options near Paragon have uneven terrain. A camper at Hoosiers On The Ridge shares valuable context: "We have 3 sites that back up to Yellowwood State Forest and can accommodate tents, vans, and trailers under 12ft."
Wildlife considerations: Raccoons are particularly active and bold at several campgrounds. "Watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything," warns a camper about Turkey Run, emphasizing the importance of proper food storage.
Water quality variations: Water supplies at some campgrounds have distinctive characteristics. "Water had a funny smell, however. But, would stay again for sure," mentions a visitor to Cloverdale RV Park, providing practical information for planning your water needs.
Tips for camping with families
Splash parks and pools: Family-oriented glamping sites close to Paragon, Indiana feature water activities for children. "They have a huge splash park, wading pool for toddlers, and a 4 foot pool besides tons of interactive activities for kids," explains a visitor to Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe.
Age-appropriate trail selection: Not all trails are suitable for younger children. A camper at Turkey Run notes, "There are lots of inclines and steps, not much of it was extremely easy hiking, but we did see lots of families with kids doing just fine."
Playground accessibility: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas close to campsites. "There is a playground at the entrance of Mason Ridge campground and a fire tower," shares a visitor to Morgan-Monroe State Forest, though they note these amenities may have seasonal closures.
Timing for trail crowds: Weekday visits offer quieter trail experiences for families. One strategic camper explains, "In order to avoid crowds on the trails, we got there Thursday night so we could hike Friday morning / early afternoon."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations for larger rigs: Many glamping options near Paragon have size restrictions. An RVer at Morgan-Monroe cautions, "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."
Dump station challenges: Some facilities have design issues affecting RV service areas. "The dump station hose did not have a connection to allow me to flush the blackwater holding tank," notes an RVer with a Winnebago Micro Minnie at Morgan-Monroe, providing specific information for other RV users.
Leveling requirements: Many sites require substantial leveling equipment. "I had to nearly lower my tongue to the ground to get it level," reports a camper at Yogi Bear's, explaining the practical challenges of the gravel sites.
Electric hookup considerations: Some campsites offer varied power options. A reviewer at Lake Monroe Village mentions, "We keep our camper here full-time. Close to Lake Monroe. Nice pool. Great people," highlighting the convenience of extended stays at sites with reliable electrical service.
