The Edinburgh area offers camping options within proximity of both the military training grounds of Camp Atterbury and the rolling hills of south-central Indiana. Elevation changes are more pronounced south of Edinburgh, where campsites transition from flat farmland to the undulating terrain characteristic of Brown County. Most dispersed camping sites remain accessible from April through October, though seasonal closures often extend into early November when temperatures typically drop below freezing at night.
What to do
Kayaking and tubing: Hidden Paradise Campground provides river access for water activities. "Great riverside sites. We take our own rafts and kayaks, although both are available for rent/purchase at the camp store. Our boys & friends spend most of their time in the river, but also enjoy the quarry lake with inflatables & paddle boats," notes Angela H.
Disc golf courses: Johnson County Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course among its recreational facilities. The park spans 622 acres and includes "approximately 5 miles of hiking trails, equestrian school, 18 hole disc golf course, shelter houses, amphitheater, lakes, fishing and more," according to Stephen & Theresa B.
Mountain biking: Brown County State Park maintains extensive trail systems for cyclists of all abilities. "The mountain biking is excellent, with purpose built trails for beginner to expert (flow, berms, rollers, jumps...)," writes TMB about Buffalo Ridge Campground.
Bluegrass festivals: Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground hosts music events throughout the camping season. "This is the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Music Park & Campground near Nashville, IN. Very nice facility with nice stage for events," reports Cinda A.
What campers like
Natural swimming options: Many campers appreciate the unique swimming opportunities beyond standard pools. "A quarry full to swim with an aqua playground, with use of free life preservers, a creek to kayak or float and a clean campground! Life is good," writes Kimberly W. about Hidden Paradise Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Taylor Ridge Campground offers habitat for observing local fauna. "The site we stayed in was lovely. It was backed up to the edge of the woods which made for a lovely view," shares Amanda D.
Quiet woodland sites: Many campers seek the more secluded options available in the region. "There are very few 50 amp spots, so we were in a 30 amp spot. The camp host was nice and helpful. The bathroom is adequate. There are no laundry facilities. There's lots of shade trees and the area is lush and green," Sheila B. notes about Johnson County Park.
Family recreation centers: CERA Sports Corporation combines camping with extensive recreation opportunities. "This campground is amazing. All sites are well maintained and nice. Bathhouse is clean. Lots to do and nice paved roads for bike riding. Pool area is super nice with a waterslide, diving boards and a unique rock climbing wall in the deep end," according to tricia B.
What you should know
Campsite size variations: Sites at Brown County State Park campgrounds vary significantly in size and slope. "I would say pay particular attention to the size of the site you're booking as some were pretty small. Also, some sites were fairly sloped as well," advises Amanda D. about Taylor Ridge.
Tent camping limitations: Several campgrounds near Edinburgh have restricted tent camping in recent years. "They used to have awesome tent camping sites, but they stopped allowing tent camping. RV/camper's are the only thing they allow now," reports Chris W. about Johnson County Park.
Military training noise: Camp Atterbury operations can impact camping experiences in the immediate vicinity. "If you don't mind fireing guns 24/7 it's a great little place," mentions Jeff G. about Camp Atterbury Campground.
Seasonal closures: Operating schedules vary widely but typically run April through October. "This was our first family visit to Brown County State Park and we really loved it. The park is gigantic! It takes a long time to get from the entrance of the park to the actual campground, but the drive is beautiful," notes Jessie W. about Taylor Ridge.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options for children: CERA offers extensive child-friendly amenities. "We spent a week there and the kids never got bored. Everyone had a blast. Will be going back soon!" says Greyson S.
Nature center programs: Taylor Ridge Campground provides educational opportunities. "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," according to Jessie W.
Off-site attractions: The region offers additional family activities beyond camping. "Nashville is only a 5 minute drive from the campgrounds, and it's a blast going to all of the different shops and restaurants located in town," mentions Chris W.
Dispersed camping safety: When using more remote sites like Berry Ridge Road, take appropriate precautions. "Solo camped here with my dogs. First time I've ever been camping but this spot was really cool. Clean. Secluded and peaceful, though every night at around 5pm I would hear rustling in the leaves, I assumed it was a pack of cayotes," warns Reuben R.
Tips from RVers
Site selection concerns: Check site details carefully before booking. "The roads are not marked very well and it took a bit to find our site which needed level blocks and is just wide enough for the Rv. Nice to have water supply within 10 feet. Very quiet, shady paved sites in Taylor's Ridge loop," advises Wendy T.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have complicated layouts or limited signage. "We came in at 10 pm in search for our site. It's about a 1/2 mile from the main road. It's a big place we noticed at daylight... Had there been arrows or signs it would have made it SO much easier. Day or night," shares Douglas T. about Hidden Paradise.
Access restrictions: Berry Ridge Road offers free dispersed camping but has limitations. "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. Some sites, at least one, could fit a pretty good sized camper," notes Jeremy F.
Bridge clearance warning: Large RVs must plan routes carefully in the Brown County area. "The north entrance is through a covered bridge with a 9 foot clearance and 3 ton limit! Otherwise, use the easily accessible west entrance, just a few miles 'around the corner,'" warns TMB about Buffalo Ridge.
