78 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Hoosier National Forest campgrounds near Rome welcome pets with specific guidelines at each location. German Ridge Campground provides campsites with fire rings and picnic tables where dogs can join their owners during overnight stays. The sites at Saddle Lake Campground offer ample space for multiple vehicles and pets, with each site featuring a picnic table, fire ring with swiveling grate, and lantern hooks. Most campers note the sites are somewhat open to each other, providing limited privacy between neighboring campers and their animals. Buzzard Roost Campground maintains five pet-friendly sites along the Ohio River where dogs must remain leashed. The primitive self-serve campgrounds operate on an honor system with fees typically around $5 per night.
Dogs enjoy access to multiple trail systems throughout the area, including the 2.2-mile Saddle Lake Trail and the more extensive 24-mile multi-use trail system at German Ridge shared with hikers, mountain bikers, and horses. The trails feature beautiful views and some creek crossings where dogs can cool off, though several visitors report encountering ticks during warmer months, making preventative treatments advisable. Vault toilets are available at all locations, but campers should bring their own water for themselves and their pets as potable water is not provided at most primitive sites. The campgrounds remain generally quiet and dark at night, offering peaceful experiences for campers and their pets away from busy developed areas.
"Saddle Lake Recreation Area and Campground is located of IN37 right outside Tell City, IN in Hoosier National Forest. "
"There are 8-10 spots available, all but one of which are drive-in."
from $5 / night
"I wrongfully assumed the horses would be at Saddle Lake across IN37, but then I rolled into German Ridge. "
"We also found a bunch at the host at the Tipsaw Campground a short drive away. We were at site 19 and pitched 3 tents, and it was tight quarters but doable."
from $8 / night
"It used to have a sweet little walk in spot down the bouldering trail that looked over the river. Now it is overgrown and you can't get back there."
"There actually wasn’t any camp grounds open when we got there but we were so exhausted from the drive and it was 4am so we parking at the trail head and got a 3 hour nap in."
"This was a very quiet campsite in southern Indiana. We had a hard time finding dispered camping in the national Forest so we settled for this site."
"Indian Lake is co-located with Celina Lake and two campground. Once you turn off of IN37 you just keep straight to get to Indian Lake."
from $24 - $52 / night
Check Availability"This was my first time camping in Indiana and it did not let me down!"
"Located in the beautiful rolling hills of southern Indiana not far from I-64 (exit 79)."
from $24 - $80 / night
Check Availability"This is a great location near the lake, dog park and community center and has excellent internet access."
"Pets are allowed and the sites are gravel or concrete. Relax at the pool, enjoy mini golf, playing at the game room, mining for gems, or shooting some hoops."
from $45 - $101 / night
Check Availability"There is also no sewer hookup at the site which I assumed was wrong, because I have never been to an Indiana state park with sewer hookup on site."
"The campground is near the trail to the old abandoned bridge which is well worth the hike. The fire tower has a commanding view."
from $23 - $496 / night
Check Availability"Axtel is located on the shore of Rough River Lake and has over 150 camp sites. Almost every site has quick access and/or views of the lake. There is a designated swimming and beach area."
"Lake really low, water warm - but able to kayak. The weekend was close to 100% occupancy, and although busy- the activity and noises were all happy sounds of kids playing."
from $20 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful lakeside campsites. Great for small groups or individuals."
"Park features playground, paved biking and walking trails, disc golf, plenty of shade, lake with boat dock (non-motorized boats only), bath house, and dump station."
from $8 - $20 / night
Check Availability"Tipsaw features a nice beach facility(no dogs on beach) with small picnic pavilions on cement walkways. "
"Wildlife is everywhere, as it is not unusual to have a Momma deer and her little one walk through the woods by your campsite or down by the boat launc, often followed by a turkey or two."
GuideThere was lots to do at this KOA. There was corn hole, ladder ball, pool, walking trails, access to the river, cat fish pond, small dog park, and washers & dryers. You could bring your RV, travel trailer, tent camp, or rent a cabin. I’m sure I’m forgetting something. The spots were close together. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The park was clean and well maintained.
ScoutBesides picking the only weekend where the camp had plumbing issues… my 4 year old daughter and I loved this place. This was my first time camping in Indiana and it did not let me down! The rangers were very nice and was pleased to answer any of my questions, the lake and bathrooms were clean and the place was nice and quiet. I’ll be back again.
ScoutThis is a great location near the lake, dog park and community center and has excellent internet access.
GuideThe staff are super helpful. The site we had was for a 38’ RV. Full hookups, dog park, lots of places to walk, even trails. We had a great stay here and will most likely come back next time we’re near Louisville.
GuideThe sites are well-spaced and there’s a beautiful lake where you can kayak, canoe, fish, let your dog swim, etc. Disc golf is the big activity at this park. Awesome walking path and a petting zoo. The park is exceptionally clean. Sites on the lake view side are noisy due to traffic on the highway.
GuideMoutardier Campground is a fisherman’s paradise. It is located on Nolin River Lake. Our site was lakeside which was beautiful (Site D6). This campsite offered electric/water hookup, fire pit, picnic table, filet table, bathrooms, and showers. There were boat ramps, a marina nearby to rent boats, and also offered a playground. Pets were welcomed (we have a dog and a hiking cat). We also had cell service (Verizon).
The view of the lake from the teardrop camper was awesome. We kayaked around the lake which was very enjoyable - saw ducks, and birds such as a grey heron. Also lots of fish jumping. There are power boats allowed in the lake. Many people were fishing from their boats, kayaks, or from the shore.
There is also a two mile hike that is in the campground called Shady Creek Trail. It looked like it had not been hiked in a while but it went through woods, small stream and had a cool rock formation at one part that you would swear is a haven for snakes. Pets enjoyed it but beware if you do not like spiders. This trail was covered in spiders and webs. No exaggeration that we cleared about a hundred spiders out of our path.
The campground was very well manicured and clean. Many of the sites were right on the lake. They were close together but did not seem it as they were on different levels and angles. Everyone was quiet and courteous. Bathrooms were very clean and well lit. The showers were “dated” - water stains but clean. Great water pressure and hot water.
There was no store on the campground but 5 minutes away was a great little restaurant called Sherry’s that we had both lunch and breakfast at. Food was delicious (fried dill pickle chips!) and one could buy bags of ice.
Overall this was a very relaxing campground. We met some wonderful people who have been coming to the campground for years. It is about 30 minutes from Mammoth Caves which was a great place to explore. Overall we gave the campground a 4 - lakeside and if you love to fish - it’s paradise.
LegendWe received an information email the day before prior to arrival with general info and wifi password plus how to pre check in. The morning of arrival, we received another email with specific instructions to not trust GPS and follow their instructions. Our Trip Wizard and Waze GPS instructions actually brought us right to the campground (CG). Since we had pre checked in, we were instructed in the directions email to go directly to deluxe pull-through site 78, where our welcome package would be in the electrical box. The site was plenty long enough for our 40’ toy hauler and F450. Not sure why this is a deluxe site as its gravel with a picnic table and portable fire pit? The utilities were more towards the front of the pad with no issues reaching the connections. It was a nice touch to see a small cement circle pad on the sewer connection. This is a new CG, so amenities like the laundry and gift shop were not opened yet. Water pressure was good. We got 4 bars on Verizon and 3 bars 5G on T-Mobile. We used our T-Mobile Internet versus Starlink. It would not have been an issue to use satellite as there are no mature trees in the campground. They have one large(about 1/4 acre) fenced dog area. The dog park slopes down a hill and connects with a fence that goes around the property. Do not throw small balls down the hill as they can go through the fence and there’s no way to recover the ball due to no openings/gates near by to get to the back of the dog park. There’s also a smaller fenced dog area near the front of the CG. Great customer service before and during our stay.
GuideRest stops leading up to this RV spot were under construction. This was a last minute decision. It was late and I didn’t want to drive in the dark anymore. The price is HIGH. With discounts for goodsam and loves connect it was $50/night for 30 amp. The dog park at this loves is very nice and the spaces are okay. But it’s loud all night because it’s a truck stop. I like the idea of this for loves but the price needs to reflect it. $25/night. No one is staying longer than that and it’s a better deal.
TravelerThis was our first time camping and I must say I absolutely loved our site. We were on a primitive site number 109. Though the ground was a little rocky the lake views were spectacular. There was a porto potty in walking distance. When we first arrived it was pretty clean but after the weekend it was really bad and ran out of toilet paper. But the bathroom facilities by the slide were great you just had to drive to it from the primitive sites. Water slide was a blast and loved the petting zoo, also the volleyball court was a fun addition too. Though a little close to the road. All in all we will definitely be staying there again.
Camping opportunities abound within the Hoosier National Forest region near Rome, Indiana. The area sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level with rolling terrain characterized by limestone bedrock and dense deciduous forest. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall offer milder conditions between 50-70°F. Most dog friendly campgrounds near Rome operate on a first-come, first-served basis with limited cell service throughout the forest.
Trail exploration: 5.9-mile Tipsaw Lake Trail offers a moderately challenging hiking experience with various terrain features. "The trail is not difficult, it's hilly and technical, but an enjoyable excursion," notes a visitor to Tipsaw Lake. The trail requires proper footwear as it can become muddy after rainfall.
Swimming at lakeside beaches: $5 entry fee provides access to designated swimming areas during summer months. A camper at Vastwood County Park mentioned, "Nice lake, trails, swimming area. Etc. Sites have water and electric, dump station on site. Weekends are busy." Most beaches prohibit pets in designated swimming areas.
Fishing opportunities: Electric motors only are permitted on many of the smaller lakes, making them ideal for quiet fishing experiences. "The lakes are nice for fishing in a boat. Not much bank space to fish," reports a visitor to Indian-Celina Recreation Area. Spring and fall typically yield the best fishing results for bass and bluegill.
Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk provide optimal viewing times for native wildlife. "Wildlife is everywhere, as it is not unusual to have a Momma deer and her little one walk through the woods by your campsite or down by the boat launch, often followed by a turkey or two," shares a camper at Jackpine Loop.
Affordability: $5 nightly fee at several primitive sites represents exceptional value. "For $5 per night it sure is a good deal," writes a camper about Saddle Lake Campground. The self-service payment system uses honor boxes at most locations.
Dark night skies: Minimal light pollution creates ideal stargazing conditions. "Very dark at night and quiet, nice!" comments a visitor. Many campers recommend bringing red-light headlamps to preserve night vision while moving around camp after dark.
Swimming holes: Non-designated areas provide alternatives to official beaches. A camper at Buzzard Roost Campground noted, "The beach was closed but we found a swimming hole off the beaten path. The primitive campgrounds are very clean. The lake water is very clean and the fish are bountiful!"
Privacy between sites: Loop selection matters when seeking seclusion. "Each site was spacious and not jammed up against other sites. It is very family oriented with plenty of friendly campers," explains a visitor to Indian-Celina Lake. Sites along the outer edges of loops typically offer the most privacy.
Insect preparation: Tick prevention essential during warmer months. "The mosquitoes weren't bad when we visited, they might get worse as the summer progresses with all the stagnant water," warns a camper. Long pants, closed shoes, and permethrin-treated clothing are recommended for hiking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Rome, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Rome, IN is Saddle Lake Campground — Hoosier National Forest with a 4-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Rome, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 78 dog-friendly camping locations near Rome, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
