Tent campsites near Paragon, Indiana offer diverse backcountry experiences within the rolling hills of south-central Indiana. The area's mixture of state forests and wilderness areas provides camping opportunities at elevations ranging from 600 to 900 feet above sea level. The region typically experiences moderate rainfall with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: The Charles C. Deam Wilderness features multiple trail systems for day hikes or overnight treks. According to one camper, "The trails are well paved and marked, not too strenuous. So many beautiful trees and plants to see, plus lots of creeks to walk through." Creek-based hikes are particularly popular during spring and summer months.
Geode hunting: Several creek beds within the wilderness areas contain an abundance of these hollow rock formations. A visitor to Charles C. Deam Wilderness reports, "I walked the creek for hours just looking at all the rocks on the sandbars. I have never encountered so many geodes in my life. Truly magnificent to encounter."
Lake-based recreation: Many tent campsites near Paragon connect to Monroe Lake, offering water activities. At Ransburg Scout Reservation, campers can access "canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing." The reservation's waterfront provides multiple options for water-based activities.
Wildlife observation: The wooded campsites around Paragon host diverse bird and animal species. One camper at Berry Ridge Road Dispersed Camping noted the natural sounds: "Just trees knocking, bugs curling and frogs croaking."
What campers like
Seclusion between sites: Many tent campsites near Paragon offer substantial privacy between camping spots. A Berry Ridge Road visitor appreciated that "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."
Authentic wilderness experience: The Oak Ridge Camping Area in Morgan-Monroe State Forest provides a genuine forest camping setting. One reviewer wrote, "This campground is for those who like to 'rough it' a little bit."
Hammock-friendly environments: Several camping areas feature stands of trees spaced well for hammock camping. At Charles C. Deam Wilderness, a camper shared, "There are an abundance of areas to set up a hammock."
Uncrowded camping options: Even during traditionally busy periods, many Paragon-area sites remain relatively uncrowded. A Berry Ridge Road camper mentioned, "The best part I haven't seen any people!"
What you should know
Water availability varies significantly: Most primitive sites require bringing all water supplies. At Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites, there's no drinking water available, while Oak Ridge Camping Area offers "outdoor sinks at the drinking water stations."
Vehicle access considerations: Some dispersed sites require careful navigation. A Berry Ridge Road camper explained, "The road was gravel and steep at times." Another camper added, "I would not bring a RV here especially after rain."
Fire regulations and firewood: Rules vary by site. One Oak Ridge Camping Area visitor noted, "Firewood is available to purchase, but only when the park office is open, and hours are limited. It is also allowed for campers to gather downed wood throughout the forest for campfires. Chainsaws are not allowed."
Registration procedures: Oak Ridge Camping Area requires self-registration. A visitor explained, "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. Make sure you take your tag to mark your site, it is in the box attached to the payment envelope."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Some campgrounds offer recreation facilities for children. Oak Ridge Camping Area has "a playground at the entrance of Mason Ridge campground and a fire tower."
Site selection for groups: Families should look for flatter, more accessible sites. At Lake Waveland Park, "The primitive sites are very secluded and quite but get there fast because spots are first come first serve!"
Educational opportunities: Ransburg Scout Reservation offers structured outdoor learning. A visitor noted, "Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails. Their mess hall is top notch."
Wildlife awareness: Parents should prepare children for possible wildlife encounters. A Berry Ridge camper reported, "I would hear rustling in the leaves, I assumed it was a pack of cayotes and they would leave once I started banging on stuff."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many tent campsites near Paragon have limitations for larger vehicles. One Oak Ridge Camping Area reviewer cautioned, "This park is not for large rigs, but we had no trouble fitting into our small camper."
Dump station considerations: Some campgrounds have limited facilities. A visitor to Oak Ridge Camping Area noted, "The dump station hose did not have a connection to allow me to flush the blackwater holding tank."
Site leveling: Many sites require leveling equipment. An Oak Ridge Camping Area camper mentioned, "I was slightly disappointed by the site selections being mostly on a slant, but we did find one on the overfill site that suited our needs."
