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."
