Best Tent Camping near Poland, IN

Tent campgrounds near Poland, Indiana include several established options within the state forests and wilderness areas. Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers primitive tent sites at the Oak Ridge Camping Area, with self-registration and first-come, first-served availability. Charles C. Deam Wilderness provides more remote tent camping experiences with access to Lake Monroe. Berry Ridge Road offers dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking a more primitive experience.

Tent sites in the area are typically situated on natural terrain with minimal grading. Most tent campgrounds provide basic amenities such as fire rings and picnic tables, but facilities vary significantly between locations. Morgan-Monroe State Forest campsites include vault toilets and water stations with outdoor sinks. A camper noted, "This campground is for those who like to 'rough it' a little bit." Primitive sites may require campers to bring their own drinking water, as several locations do not provide this amenity. The Rattlesnake campground in Owen-Putnam State Forest offers very basic tent sites with no drinking water available.

The tent camping experience in this region offers significant natural immersion with good tree cover at most sites. Areas like Hickory Ridge provide dispersed tent camping in the Hoosier National Forest with high ratings from visitors seeking seclusion. Tent campers frequently use these locations as bases for hiking on the extensive trail networks. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, Morgan-Monroe State Forest is particularly valued for its quiet atmosphere: "When tent camping and want something quiet and a place with great trails, this is a good place to go." Most tent sites in the region remain reasonably available except during peak summer weekends. For tent campers seeking water access, sites near Lake Monroe in Charles C. Deam Wilderness provide options for combining camping with water activities.

Best Tent Sites Near Poland, Indiana (15)

    1. Rattlesnake

    2 Reviews
    Poland, IN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 829-2462

    2. Oak Ridge Camping Area — Morgan-Monroe State Forest

    9 Reviews
    Martinsville, IN
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 342-4026

    $25 - $55 / night

    "When tent camping and want something quiet and a place with great trails, this is a good place to go. Even though it’s hot outside today, there’s lots of shade and a breeze."

    "Site 13 has a little trail that goes down to a large flooded sinkhole behind the campsite. There were lots of tree frogs singing because of the proximity to water."

    3. Lake Waveland Park

    8 Reviews
    Waveland, IN
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 435-2073

    $25 - $40 / night

    "Nice clean park in west-central Indiana that has a lake and a large number of camping sites along with restrooms and showers."

    "There are dozens of sites here, drive past the shower house where road bends to the left and down hill."

    4. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Freetown, IN
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "Decent sized space to park for 2-3 vehicles."

    "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 haven’t seen"

    5. Charles C. Deam Wilderness

    9 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    42 miles

    "Being in a national forest dispersed camping is allowed if you follow leave no trace principals, but I stayed in a couple of the official sites."

    "The sites are primitive with no amenities. Tent camping only although there are both hike in and drive up sites in the wilderness area. Great place to get away from it all."

    6. Ransburg Scout Reservation

    4 Reviews
    Harrodsburg, IN
    39 miles
    Website

    "Located on Monroe lake, they have canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing.
    Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails. Their mess hall is top notch."

    "Our Boy Scout troop enjoyed visiting this location. It was well maintained and the staff was helpful."

    7. Pine Loop

    1 Review
    Harrodsburg, IN
    39 miles

    "There are campsites from walk-ins to drive-ins to FCFS with or without electricity/water. Plenty of shade in a very quiet surrounding. Access to Monroe lake as well as a small beach for swimming."

    8. Hickory Ridge

    1 Review
    Norman, IN
    45 miles

    10. Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites

    1 Review
    Norman, IN
    44 miles

    "Very nice drive during the day, hiking is fantastic!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Poland, IN

616 Reviews of 15 Poland Campgrounds


  • Jim L.
    Aug. 31, 2017

    Hardin Ridge

    Hospitable Woods Experience

    This campground is nestled on a ridge above Indiana's Lake Monroe. The wooded sites include a fire-ring, a pole for your lantern and generous flat graveled areas to pitch your tent, as well as a couple of picnic tables per site. There are pleanty of RV sites with electric hookup available as well. Each area of the campground has a knowlegeable courteous full time host, and ice is available at the main gate. Foraging for wood is allowed which is a definite bonus in this era of emerald ash-borer awareness and wood import restrictions. The plentiful raccoons seem almost tame, yet keep a safe distance from campers if you allow them to. There is a small beach to beat the summer heat, and nearby showerhouses (even in the non-electric sites) are kept clean with adequately warm water. There is a small interpretive hike with approximately 300 feet of elevation change situated near the ampitheater that can be completed in a couple of hours.

  • E
    Jul. 14, 2022

    Lieber State Recreation Area Campground

    Great pool; rough sites and campers

    Pros: Very nice large-size pool with slide, attached playground, green space, and sand-filled soccer pitch all included on the pool grounds. These amenities are great as the pool takes a 15 minute clear-out break about once per hour. There is a concession stand with limited selection, but the benefit is that it takes credit card (and cash). 

    The camp store is not the best we've visited. Very limited supply, but they did keep a stock of bacon in their refrigerator and that made my wife happy. 

    Cons: Typical Indiana State campground. We visited for a weekend and landed in a terrible spot. The grade was severe and despite using all the travel trailer tricks to level my site, I could not get level. We dealt with it, but I noticed 4 or 5 quality spots that sat vacant through the weekend, however, were allegedly reserved. I had terrible anxiety for the entire weekend that we would roll backward into a ravine. 

    We were on an electric side of the park, and the pull-through site across from us was occupied by a tent with a minivan. No judgment here, but they were watching highly taboo movies on a wide screen projector with loud speakers around midnight, well after quiet hours had expired. 

    Verizon and AT&T cell phone service were nil, even with a booster and WiFi pack. Our site was littered with cellophane wrappers and cigarette butts. Clearly the previous campers did not adhere to the "leave no trace" doctrine. 

    DNR was very, very present at the campground, but at many sightings it seemed like they were watching for rule infractions as opposed to upholding the integrity of the park. I know that seems conflicting, but if you visit this park you will understand. 

    Bathrooms were mostly clean. Vault toilets were disgusting, but that's expected for concrete topped port-a-potties.

  • Jennifer T.
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Fowler County Park

    Wonderful Family Campgrounds

    Shaded campground sites at lake's edge on east side of park, 53 electrical hookups including 1 pull-thru, 14 primitive/tent sites. Fire ring and picnic table at each site. Water hydrants nearby. Modern shower houses with rest rooms. Handicapped accessible. Dump station. Pets are welcome but must be kept on leash. Must provide own firewood. Firewood must be purchased from within state. Fishing from campsite. In park, swimming beach (Memorial Day-weekend before school opens in fall), boat ramp, trails, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, pioneer village.

    Campground open May 1 - October 15. Park open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. No reservations. Must check-in between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Night guard on duty. Electrical sites - $20 a night, weekly rate - $120, 2 weeks rate - $200. Primitive sites - $12 a night, weekly rate - $60, 2 weeks rate - $100. Price includes Indiana Sales Tax.

    From I-70, go south on U.S. 41 for 7.2 miles. Turn left onto Oregon Church Road and go .8 mile east to park entrance on left. After entering park, turn right to go to campground.

    Personal Thoughts and Experience: We had a wonderful time. We absolutely loved the pioneer village. it is a must go especially when they are having pioneer days in the fall. There is a mountain bike park close to the campground that is a premier facility. Beginner to advance trails with a practice course. Amazing! My husband competes in the Dyno series and loves to train at the facility then camp at Fowler Park!

  • T
    Aug. 6, 2021

    Shades State Park Campground

    Wooded Sandstone canyon with primitive camping.

    Located north of turkey run state park shades offers all the hiking and scenic terrain with less amenities and less crowds. Sugar creek cuts through the ancient sandstone floor creating canyon walls. The park is connected to a nature preserve that dose allow backpacking but has designated camping within the park separate from the car camping sites, so you can’t set up camp on the trail. The car camping sites, labeled as family camping, are primitive only with vault toilets. There is a shower located in the campsite with flushing toilets. Campsites are close but most have trees separating them for privacy. Avoid sites next to toilets or dumpsters their practically in your site. There’s no cellular signal in the park so heads up. Ice and wood are located for sale at the entrance. If you have little ones there are a few playgrounds located in the park including one in the campsite which is located a short hike in the woods. This park is quite, shaded, rugged at times and the canyon/creek can be breathtaking. Although I would go early or late in the season to avoid Indiana’s humid muggy summer heat.

  • D
    Jul. 17, 2019

    Charles C. Deam Wilderness

    A couple nights on the sycamore trail

    Wonderful place. Excellent trail following a nice little stream along the one side. Being in a national forest dispersed camping is allowed if you follow leave no trace principals, but I stayed in a couple of the official sites. The official sites all had rock fire rings and bushcraft furniture.

    The one negative was I did have to pack out previous campers trash along with my own. Being close to the college there was evidence that less than mature campers may frequent the area. That being said once on trail I didn’t see another soul past a couple hundred feet of the trail head and only heard a pair of hikers on the trail pass my camp site as I ate my breakfast the one morning.

    A wonderful backpacking area!

  • Randy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2023

    Happy Campers Campground

    Off the beaten path by a lake

    See all 3

    Approx $35 / day

    Happy Campers Campground

    5.0 (1 reviews)

    Directions

    Share

    Add to trip

    Roam with care

    Remember to enjoy these campgrounds in a sustainable, respectful way. Clean up after yourself, be friendly with others, and don't overstay your welcome :)

    Read more

    Got it

    Details

    Call 812-239-6263 for reservation. Plan to arrive before dark.

    5 full hook-up sites, 1 primitive site, and one primitive cabin. On a lake stocked with fish. Port-a-potty and shower house available.

    Location

    Contact

    39.4931, -87.0188

    https://happycamperscampgroundinc.com

    Cell signal

    Verizon LTE

    AT&T LTE

    T-Mobile LTE

    Sprint LTE

    Weather

    Averages

    Forecast

    Jan

    2.57"

    34.6°

    16.8°

    Feb

    2.48"

    39.6°

    20°

    Mar

    3.39"

    50.5°

    28.6°

    Apr

    3.99"

    62.9°

    39.4°

    May

    5.41"

    72.4°

    49.3°

    Jun

    4.67"

    81.1°

    58.7°

    Jul

    5.19"

    84.2°

    61.7°

    Aug

    3.37"

    83.2°

    60.2°

    Sep

    3.73"

    77.3°

    52.3°

    Oct

    3.49"

    65°

    41.2°

    Nov

    3.98"

    52°

    31.8°

    Dec

    3.26"

    38.3°

    20.7°

    Seasonal scales

    Spring

    Summer

    Fall

    Winter

    Crowdedness

    Others between 10 and 50 feet away

    Fullness

    Almost full

    Noise

    Occasional man-made noise (trains, cars, etc...)

    Shade

    Mostly shaded, but still some spots with sunlight

    Cleanliness

    Pristine, no trash at all

    Safety

    Very safe

    Road difficulty

    No problems with any vehicle

    Features and amenities

    Water hookup

    Sewer hookup

    50A Electric

    Showers

    Picnic tables

    Toilets

    Pets allowed

    Wifi

    Fire pits

    randyorsusan

    Great place to stop overnight or for a few days. Can hear the highway; but it's not very loud or intrusive. Camp host/owner is very friendly. Plenty of room for kids or pets to roam and play. Very clean and safe.

  • Mary S.
    Sep. 8, 2018

    Mccormick's Creek State Park Campground

    Beautiful state park but sites are too close/visible to each other

    There is just one thing that keeps me from rating this a 5 star campground. It's the sites!  So....4 stars...but read on for my thoughts on the sites.

    What's up with these sites?

    • If you want to be be able to see what your neighbors are eating and hear their conversations, you'll love the electric sites (1 through 189).

    • If you like to feel like you're alone in the woods, you won't like most of the electric sites. 

    • There is a partial solution. Sites 190-202 have no electricity, but most are fairly private/secluded. Sites 203-222 are additional primitive sites on a loop but they are not at all private; you can see lots of neighboring sites. There's a lot of shade, but you could probably set up solar panels if you require electricity.

    • If you want privacy in the electric section (1-189), I don't have a great recommendation other than you should stay on the outside of the loops. Then you'll only have people beside you rather than beside and across from you.

    Good luck! Stay one night when there aren't many people and scope out sites for your next stay. If you're from the area, this could be a park worth returning to over and over if you are able to stay on a site you enjoy.

    I've included a map of sites 1-189 and photos that show some sites I like and sites I don't like. In my opinion, a site is not one for me if I can see 3 other picnic tables while sitting at the table at my site. If you camp with other families, this would be good because you can make your own 'group' site.

    Something you need to know: Indiana state parks have a $7 entry fee but you'll only pay it once (unlike some states that make you pay every day). It's supposed to be $9 for non-residents, but we were only charged $7. The hang tag for your vehicle will get you in the main entrance for the rest of your stay.

    If you come without a reservation: The registration attendant assigned a site to us but maybe you can choose one. Since it was the day after Labor Day and the park was sparsely populated, there was no one near us. Privacy was not an issue for our stay, but we wouldn't have enjoyed our site on a busy weekend...although there were many sites we would have liked even less.

    The basics: picnic tables, fire rings, dump station, potable water, flush toilets and sinks in the bathrooms, separate shower facility. There are vault toilets closer to sites 190-222. Sites 1-189 have electricity.

    Activities: Nearby swimming pool and playground. There are almost 11 miles of hiking trails. The longest one is 2 miles, but you can combine some trails and wander in the woods for quite a while. You can also wade in McCormick's Creek; the water was low in early September. You can stay busy in this park for quite a while. And if you want to go to Bloomington, it's only about 25 minutes away

  • Daisy C.
    Jun. 5, 2020

    Yellowwood State Forest

    Quiet, Peaceful, and Primitive

    Yellowwood state forest campground does not accept reservations. It is first come, first served. Drive up, select your site, and then go to the park office to pay using a self-pay envelope. Bring exact change(cash). Current prices are listed on the Indiana DNR website. The park office does have firewood for sale, but only during open hours, which are limited. There is no camp store, no playgrounds, and no pool. Swimming is not allowed in Yellowwood lake. Each site has a fire ring with grill grate and picnic table. There are four campground loops and a horseman’s campground. Campgrounds have vault toilets and drinking water access. I do not know if water is turned on year-round. There are no modern restrooms. Sites are wooded and fairly level. All sites are primitive. We have only tent camped at Yellowwood, so I can’t say what size travel trailers would fit in the sites. Yellowwood road changes over to gravel once you enter the state forest. It is well maintained. You can also access the forest by Jackson Creek road, but you’re on gravel for longer, and I seem to remember it being a bit rougher. We have camped at Yellowwood several times between 2011-2018. The only time we have ever seen the campground busy is over big holiday weekends like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and 4th of July. Otherwise use is light. We have several times been one of two or three campers in the loop. Several trails are nearby in the state forest, including the Tecumseh Trail. Horse trails are also available. Yellowwood lake is adjacent to the campground and there is a boat ramp, but there are limitations on boating(motor size). Check with the DNR website. Camp here if you like quiet, peaceful camping. You won’t run into a bunch of loud partiers.

  • G
    Jun. 28, 2019

    Oak Ridge Camping Area — Morgan-Monroe State Forest

    Quiet, just right!

    I’ve camped here several times and have always enjoyed it. When tent camping and want something quiet and a place with great trails, this is a good place to go. Even though it’s hot outside today, there’s lots of shade and a breeze. At this campground, there are two areas of pit toilets, and a big outdoor sink. Fire wood and maps can be obtained just up the road at the new Morgan Monroe headquarters. A self pay station is set up there. You select your site, set up, then go pay. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and plenty of room for tenting with most sites big enough for a trailer. There’s a playground at the entrance of Mason Ridge campground and a fire tower.


Guide to Poland

Dispersed camping sites near Poland, Indiana offer opportunities for primitive outdoor stays within the Hoosier National Forest and surrounding areas. The region features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 600 to 900 feet above sea level and mixed hardwood forests. Several areas permit backcountry camping with variable terrain conditions that can become muddy after rainfall.

What to do

Hiking on forest trails: Berry Ridge Road Dispersed Camping connects to multiple walking trails. One visitor noted, "There are a couple walking trails around, as well each site is fairly far apart. It's really quite only seen a handful of cars drive by and I've stayed here for 2 nights."

Paddling at Lake Monroe: Charles C. Deam Wilderness offers access to water activities. A camper shared their experience: "I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking to do some light backpacking for an overnight/weekend trip! Wonderful trails, dog friendly and nice places to camp off the trail." They also advised, "Heads up! Refill your water when you come across it; the lake is harder to get to than you think."

Rock collecting: Creek beds in the area contain interesting geological features. One camper at Charles C. Deam Wilderness recounted, "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."

Fishing opportunities: Lake Waveland Park provides spots for fishing enthusiasts. A visitor mentioned, "Nice clean park in west-central Indiana that has a lake and a large number of camping sites along with restrooms and showers. The lake is popular for fishing."

What campers like

Natural seclusion: Campers value the privacy at primitive sites. At Hickory Ridge, one visitor appreciated the "Good spot to get some quiet time to learn/hone skills or for some good quality time with the family while being plugged into nature and unplugged from their electronics."

Easy access for beginners: Some dispersed camping areas are suitable for first-timers. A solo camper at Berry Ridge Road shared, "Solo camped here with my dogs. First time I've ever been camping but this spot was really cool. Clean. Secluded and peaceful."

Wildlife viewing: The forests around tent camping areas near Poland support diverse wildlife. One camper noted seeing "more deer and other wildlife here than even at Brown County State Park!"

Variety of tent site options: Ransburg Scout Reservation offers both cabin and tent camping options. A visitor explained, "Located on Monroe lake, they have canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing. Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails."

What you should know

Water availability varies: Many primitive sites require bringing your own water. At Oak Ridge Camping Area, a visitor explained, "This campground is decent if you get one of the few good spots. Many sites are small and can only accommodate a tent. Has water and vault toilets."

Site selection timing: For tent camping near Poland, Indiana, early arrival improves options. One camper at Lake Waveland Park advised, "The primitive sites are very secluded and quite but get there fast because spots are first come first serve!"

Road conditions: Access to some dispersed camping areas requires navigating unpaved roads. A visitor to Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites shared, "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!"

Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts site conditions significantly. A camper at Charles C. Deam Wilderness cautioned, "The only negative was that we came after a lot of rain. So everything is permanently wet and mosquitos/ticks abounded."

Tips for camping with families

Pack in all necessities: Most primitive sites require complete self-sufficiency. One camper at Berry Ridge Road advised, "This is pack in pack out, no amenities camping for free."

Choose sites with activities: Lake Waveland Park offers family-friendly amenities. A visitor noted, "The staff is very friendly and helpful! The campground is located within close proximity of both Turkey Run and Shades State Park."

Consider skill-building opportunities: Camping areas provide learning experiences for children. A visitor to Hickory Ridge commented it's a "Good spot to get some quality time with the family while being plugged into nature and unplugged from their electronics."

Check site sizes: Many tent sites accommodate limited setups. A camper at Oak Ridge Camping Area observed, "Many sites are small and can only accommodate a tent."

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most primitive camping areas near Poland limit RV access. At Oak Ridge Camping Area, a camper in a small RV reported, "My wife and were at site 15 from 09/02/21- 09/06/21 camping in a Winnebago Micro Minnie 2108 TB. This park is not for large rigs, but we had no trouble fitting into our small camper."

Alternative services: Limited amenities mean planning for service stops. One RVer mentioned, "The only drawbacks were that the vault toilets are in pretty bad condition and the dump station hose did not have a connection to allow me to flush the blackwater holding tank."

Campsite selection for vehicles: Some dispersed sites can accommodate small campers. At Berry Ridge Road Dispersed Camping, a visitor observed, "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Poland, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Poland, IN is Rattlesnake with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Poland, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Poland, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.