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Best Dispersed Camping near Patoka Lake

21 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas exist in Hoosier National Forest near Patoka Lake, Indiana. Mitchell Creek Road offers primitive sites along a gravel road with small pull-offs suitable for tents or compact vehicles. These roadside sites provide minimal amenities - no toilets, water, or designated fire rings. A review noted that "there is no campground, just a couple of sites along the road" and another mentioned it's "perfect for invisible boondocking" in small vehicles.

Additional dispersed options include Horse Camp Road, where tent and RV camping are permitted, and Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites, which accommodate tent camping. Peninsula Trail in the Deam Wilderness area offers more remote backpacking sites with established fire rings. A camper described Peninsula Trail as having "multiple campsites with fire rings but you may also camp anywhere if you are at least 100 ft from the water." Most dispersed areas prohibit large RVs due to narrow access roads and limited turning space. Campers should expect no facilities and pack out all trash. Fire regulations vary seasonally across the forest.

Map showing campgrounds near Patoka Lake, IndianaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Patoka Lake (12)

    1. Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Birdseye, IN
    9 miles

    "This is NOT a campground, but just roadside pull-offs on public land. There are no restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, or other amenities."

    "Spot has a creek and is flat enough for a tent mostly just a single person spot no toilets. Road south coming in was destroyed some time ago have to w yer from east or west road."

    2. Mitchell Creek Road

    Be the first to review!
    Taswell, IN
    9 miles

    3. Peninsula Trail

    7 Reviews
    Clear Creek, IN
    47 miles
    Website

    "The Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge trails both have marked campsites that are very far apart and totally private.  These are dispersed/primitive sites with a fire ring only. "

    "Primitive camping at its finest. Long walk to the water so make sure you bring plenty of drinking water. Springs available in the valleys but watch for timber rattlesnakes."

    4. Hoosier National Forest

    1 Review
    Rome, IN
    36 miles

    5. Knobstone Trail

    4 Reviews
    Borden, IN
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 358-2160

    "Most people, even Hoosiers don't realize the Knobstone Trail exists. It's often referred to The Little AT by those who know about it. It's no walk in the park."

    "The KT is rugged and has lots of elevation gains over short distances. Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail snd creek beds."

    6. Jackson Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Borden, IN
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 294-4306

    "there’s parking after a decrepit gravel road and suitable for camping. there are campsites along the trail just have to find them"

    7. Horse Camp Rd Dispersed

    1 Review
    Norman, IN
    44 miles

    8. Hickory Ridge

    1 Review
    Norman, IN
    45 miles

    9. Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites

    1 Review
    Norman, IN
    46 miles

    "I pulled in at midnight in a sedan in the winter and i was able to safely find my way. Very nice drive during the day, hiking is fantastic!"

    10. BerryRidge Road Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Freetown, IN
    50 miles

    "A hidden gem. Just a few sites along the road minimum traffic encountered"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Patoka Lake

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Patoka Lake

21 Reviews of 12 Patoka Lake Campgrounds

  • Jaymi A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2023

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    Perfect for Invisible Boondocking

    This is NOT a campground, but just roadside pull-offs on public land. There are no restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, or other amenities. However, if you are camping in a self-contained SMALL vehicle, this is quiet, secluded, and beautiful. I did not see any pull offs that would accommodate an RV of any size, and nothing large enough to turn a trailer around.One pull off was nearly too small to turn around my small pick up truck. But the thick forest was beautiful. There are rock outcroppings along this road, which follows Mitchell Creek and lots to explore on foot. While I was exploring and camping on this road, only two vehicles passed during the entire 16 hours. VERY quiet. Have a paper map handy, as there is no cell signal and GPS was spotty. The place I camped had a small graveyard behind it, so if you’re superstitious, this may not be for you. There was also a big white building that was all locked up surrounded by open meadow that a larger vehicle might be able to park behind. A circular “drive” was mown around the building. A few of the pull offs I didn’t explore because they were muddy or washed out after several days of rain. I would camp here again for the quiet and it’s proximity to Hemlock Cliffs and Yellow Birch Ravine.

  • Dave E.
    Aug. 16, 2017

    Knobstone Trail

    Best backpacking in Indiana!

    Most people, even Hoosiers don't realize the Knobstone Trail exists. It's often referred to The Little AT by those who know about it. It's no walk in the park. There are continuous ups and downs that will challenge your leg strength and footing at times. There are plenty of great places to camp along the trail. Water can become scarce in the summer/fall months, but if you walk far enough, you're likely to come by a stream of some sort. Be respectful of the leave no trace rules and if you see any dickheads out there on 4 wheelers, take their picture and report them.

  • Maris H.
    Oct. 29, 2020

    Knobstone Trail

    The KT earns its nickname 'little AT'

    The KT is rugged and has lots of elevation gains over short distances. Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail snd creek beds. You're never too far from water, although the quality may differ depending on the time of year.

    Watch out for ticks. My dogs and I got loads of them in April 2020 from Leota to Spurgeon Hollow. There are road crossings every 5 to 10 miles, so if you run out of something or need to bail you can. The KT asks that you respect leave no trace philosophy, and I felt most hikers did.

    There is occasional trail magic but don't depend on it if thru hiking. I have not stayed in any campgrounds near the trail, so I can't review those, but the trailheads all have adequate parking and signage, and I found topo maps online for free.

    Let someone know your itinerary, have a means for filtering water, and enjoy!

  • Matt V.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 9, 2024

    Peninsula Trail

    Awesome Place to BackCountry

    The Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge trails both have marked campsites that are very far apart and totally private.  These are dispersed/primitive sites with a fire ring only.  Very remote feeling (except you CAN hear any loud cars/motorcycles at night from the main road over the lake). Light pollution is pretty low however, so good stargazing. 

    Trails are in good shape and the Penninsuala trail is pretty easy. Grub Ridge trail gets moderate the further west you take it.  CAmpsites 10,11,12,13 are very accessible with a short hike and are fantastic spots.   

    Lakeside spots are great also if you hike farther, but as others have said, drunk boaters tend to stop along the shore even though they are not supposed to. A few years ago boat access was limited to non-motoroized but not sure it is being enforced very well.  

    All the same, the Deam Wilderness area is Indianas best for backpacking and backcountry camping. 

    Down tower ridge road, to the east, just past the tower - turn right and the road there has lots of drive-in sites as well. These fill up fast on the weekends.

  • Tommy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2020

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    Limited dispersed sites

    Mitchell Creek Road in Hoosier National Forest, is just one small section of a road that runs along Mitchell Creek. On the west end, where the road turns right (north), there was a small drive to the right that went down towards the creek bed. There was a small fire ring here, and another fire ring around the back, both set up on the rocks of the dry riverbed. These didn't seem like great camping areas, let alone a "campsite". Towards the middle this road, just east of an intersection for a road to the south, there was a campsite creek side, and a little farther, a campsite on the hillside. The hillside spot was taken, so we took that last spot. Lookout for turtles on the road, we spotted and removed 4 of them.

    The area was rather buggy, and to be honest a little sketchy, so we slept in our van. Only two cars drove by, each time kicking up a big cloud of white dust which covered most of the foliage by the road. It hadn't rained in a while. We went briefly down to the creek, but it was very buggy and not very nice to hike. At night, we heard some loud mysterious crashing in some nearby trees, and what was possibly a large band of coyotes in the distance. Can't imagine I'd ever come back to this area, but it's there as an option for sure!

  • E
    Apr. 27, 2022

    Peninsula Trail

    Awesome!

    Went there with my kids and wife, we had a really great time. Primitive camping at its finest. Long walk to the water so make sure you bring plenty of drinking water. Springs available in the valleys but watch for timber rattlesnakes. Definitely would make this a must to visit.

  • Sofia A.
    Oct. 23, 2020

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    Nice but nope

    It took me 20 from route 64 to find this place. If you are solo female traveler don’t even waste your time. After 5 min of driving on the very skinny gravel road y saw what it look like spots but Iam not sure really. 10 min later I got to the coordinates and there was nothing, not seven an opening just more road. Y just keep driving till I got back to 64 and found a Cracker Barrel 17 miles away.

  • Desert B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Knobstone Trail

    not accessible

    Maybe Google Maps took me to the wrong place (probably not).  I drove back and forth on the road several times looking for this place  The only thing I found was what I believe was the entrance with a cable across it.  There was no place to park otherwise.

  • Angela A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2019

    Peninsula Trail

    There is camping

    There are designated camping sites found in the forest maps

Guide to Patoka Lake

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Patoka Lake in Indiana, where nature lovers can enjoy a more rugged and secluded outdoor experience. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Dispersed campers should check out Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

  • This area offers a unique experience with roadside pull-offs along Mitchell Creek, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. The thick forest and rock outcroppings provide a beautiful backdrop for your camping adventure at Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed.
  • While amenities are limited, the tranquility of the location makes it ideal for small, self-contained vehicles. Campers can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and explore the nearby trails, as noted by visitors who appreciated the quiet atmosphere.
  • Keep in mind that this spot is not suitable for larger RVs, but if you're traveling solo or with a small group, the secluded nature of this area can be quite rewarding.

Hiking and exploring at Jackson Trailhead

  • The Jackson Trailhead is a fantastic starting point for those who love to hike and explore. The area features a network of trails that lead to beautiful natural scenery, making it a great choice for adventurous campers.
  • Campers can find suitable spots along the trail, but they may need to do a bit of searching to locate the best sites. The journey to find a perfect camping spot adds to the adventure and excitement of the experience.
  • With no permits required, this location allows for a more spontaneous camping experience, appealing to those who prefer to go with the flow.

Enjoying the serenity at Hickory Ridge

  • For those seeking a peaceful retreat, Hickory Ridge offers a secluded environment where you can unplug and reconnect with nature. The area is perfect for families looking to spend quality time together away from electronic distractions.
  • The lack of amenities encourages campers to embrace a more primitive style of camping, which can be refreshing for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • Visitors have noted the stunning views and the opportunity to hone outdoor skills, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced campers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does dispersed camping differ from staying at Patoka Lake's modern campground?

Dispersed camping at Patoka Lake offers a more primitive experience compared to the modern campground. At areas like BerryRidge Road Dispersed Camping, you'll find minimal or no amenities - no restrooms, fire rings (in some areas), picnic tables, or other facilities. Sites are often just roadside pull-offs on public land. Self-containment is essential as you need to bring all supplies including water, as dispersed sites may be a long walk from water sources. Grub Ridge trails feature widely separated, primitive sites with only fire rings, providing extreme privacy unlike the more developed, closer-together sites at modern campgrounds. Be prepared for true backcountry camping with no services.

Where are dispersed camping areas located at Patoka Lake?

Dispersed camping areas at Patoka Lake are located in several areas around the lake. Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed offers roadside pull-offs on public land, with small sites along the gravel road and near creek crossings. Some sites are located at trail crossings for horses, hikers, and bikers. Peninsula Trail provides marked campsites that are spaced far apart for privacy, offering a remote feel despite occasional sound from the main road over the lake. These dispersed sites are primarily suited for small vehicles or tent camping, with limited space for larger RVs.

Is there a map available for dispersed camping sites at Patoka Lake?

Yes, forest maps are available that show designated dispersed camping sites around Patoka Lake. Knobstone Trail and its camping areas are marked on these maps, which helps hikers locate appropriate camping spots along the challenging trail system. Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites are also included on these maps, making them accessible even for late-night arrivals. Contact the Hoosier National Forest office or visit their website to obtain the most current maps before your trip, as these resources are essential for locating the unmarked and sometimes difficult-to-find dispersed sites.

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