Johnson County Park offers 58 RV campsites with 30-amp and 50-amp electrical hookups, water connections, and level gravel pads. Located 7 miles east of Edinburgh, the park spans 622 acres with multiple recreation areas including fishing lakes, hiking trails, and a disc golf course. Equestrian campers have several options within 30 miles of Edinburgh, with most facilities providing direct access to trail systems.
What to do
Visit Pioneer Village: Spring Mill State Park features a fully restored pioneer settlement with working gristmill. "The village, twin cave tour, and trail 4 were fun. But we weren't fond of the other trails we were on, they didn't have many view but trees," notes Thomas U. at Spring Mill State Park Campground.
Explore Multiple Cave Systems: The region offers several accessible cave formations. "We did however pack a lot of fun into 1 day! They had a Smokey the Bear program for the kids and some really fun activities at the nature center while we were there. We were able to rent a paddle boat for $8/hr and saw tons of turtles! We also went for a hike to see Donaldson cave and the kids absolutely loved it," shares Jessie W.
Find Geodes: Searching creek beds yields impressive mineral specimens. "I had the awesome experience to hammock camp on the Patton cave trail, along the creek that winds the length of that trail. 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," reports Sarah R. from Charles C. Deam Wilderness.
What campers like
Free Dispersed Camping: Several free sites exist on public lands. "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. This is pack in pack out, no amenities camping for free," reports Jeremy F. from Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping.
Secluded Campsites: Many areas offer privacy despite proximity to roads. "Beautiful secluded site that is pretty far off of the road, but not too far. There was no traffic or other people in site. I have a promaster conversion and had no trouble making it to this site, however the road was gravel and steep at times," notes Amber R.
Affordable Equestrian Facilities: Several dedicated horse campgrounds provide budget options. "Great boondocking spot, plenty of flat land making leveling easy. Wide open so solar charging was easy. We were there for 7 days and while they have room for probably 50 or 60 rigs there was only 3 or 4 of us there most of the time," shares The Wandering Shores from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest.
What you should know
Limited Water Access: Some primitive sites lack reliable water sources. "If you are into boondocking at all defiantly check out berry ridge it's just south of brown county Indiana beautiful country mostly hills tons of camp spots sometimes half mile or more apart... no water or electric hookups plenty of wood lying around to use for a fire clean campsites all gravel roads," explains Jacob.
Weather Affects Road Conditions: Access roads can become challenging after rain. "We came after a lot of rain. So everything is permanently wet and mosquitos/ticks abounded," reports Sarah R.
Site Leveling Challenges: Many forest campsites require adjustment. "The site we where at was heavily sloped, the only flat part was where they put the fire pit at. When we looked at the other site most of the shaded sites that had some privacy where also heavily sloped, the best site we found was #9," notes Thomas U. from Yellowwood State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Reserve Early for Holiday Weekends: High-demand periods fill quickly. "Very quiet and peaceful!! Clean bathrooms/showers!!! Park is nice and clean too!! Very reasonable!!" shares Janet F. about Johnson County Park.
Check Campground Rules Before Arrival: Policies vary by location. "They used to have awesome tent camping sites, but they stopped allowing tent camping. RV/camper's are the only thing they allow now," warns Chris W.
Look for Educational Programs: Many parks offer ranger-led activities. "Our Boy Scout troop enjoyed visiting this location. It was well maintained and the staff was helpful. The downside was that the aquatics area was hard to get to from our site because it was so far away. It is quite a large campground," shares Na J. about Ransburg Scout Reservation.
Tips from RVers
Electrical Service Varies: Check amperage availability when booking. "The cost of the spot was excellent. This is where we moved to after leaving Camp Atterbury. There are very few 50 amp spots, so we were in a 30 amp spot. The camp host was nice and helpful," mentions Sheila B.
Dump Station Availability: Plan for potential lines during peak checkout times. "I would also note that there is only one dump station for the three campgrounds so there can be quite the line when trying to get out of there on a Sunday afternoon," advises Jessie W. about Versailles State Park Campground.
Consider Site Leveling Needs: Many forest campgrounds have uneven terrain. "B & C have lots of shade but the sites are either not very level or not very big. Clean bathrooms with push button showers. We went on one of the easy trails. Be aware this area is very rocky so easy is relate to the surroundings," notes Kristene B.
