Best Dispersed Camping near Shoals, IN

Dispersed camping is permitted across Hoosier National Forest near Shoals, Indiana, with multiple primitive sites located along forest service roads. Berry Ridge Road and Mitchell Creek Road offer established dispersed camping zones, while the Peninsula Trail in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness area provides backcountry tent sites. Most sites are free with no reservations required, featuring only basic fire rings without amenities. Horse Camp Road and Hickory Ridge also contain secluded primitive campsites that provide isolation for those seeking a more remote experience.

Access to many of these sites requires navigating unpaved forest roads that may become challenging after rainfall. Mitchell Creek Road features several small pull-offs suitable only for tents or small vehicles, with limited turnaround space. Berry Ridge Road contains multiple dispersed sites spaced well apart, some accessible with high-clearance vehicles. Most locations lack drinking water, toilets, and trash facilities, requiring visitors to pack out all waste. Several campers report spotty or nonexistent cell service, making paper maps essential. One visitor noted, "These are dispersed/primitive sites with a fire ring only, very remote feeling with low light pollution for good stargazing."

The camping experience varies significantly across locations. Peninsula Trail offers established backcountry sites with lake views, though a visitor mentioned that "drunk boaters tend to stop along the shore even though they are not supposed to." Mitchell Creek Road provides solitude with "only two vehicles passing during the entire 16 hours," according to one camper, who also advised having paper maps as "there is no cell signal and GPS was spotty." Berry Ridge campsites are particularly well-separated, with one camper noting sites are "sometimes half mile or more apart" and "even if someone drove by we wouldn't see them." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the region, with some visitors reporting turtle sightings on roads and cautioning about potential timber rattlesnakes in valley areas.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Shoals, Indiana (12)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Shoals, IN

20 Photos of 12 Shoals Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Shoals, IN

33 Reviews of 12 Shoals Campgrounds


  • Jaymi A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2023

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    Perfect for Invisible Boondocking

    This is NOT a campground, but just roadside pull-offs on public land. There are no restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, or other amenities. However, if you are camping in a self-contained SMALL vehicle, this is quiet, secluded, and beautiful. I did not see any pull offs that would accommodate an RV of any size, and nothing large enough to turn a trailer around.One pull off was nearly too small to turn around my small pick up truck. But the thick forest was beautiful. There are rock outcroppings along this road, which follows Mitchell Creek and lots to explore on foot. While I was exploring and camping on this road, only two vehicles passed during the entire 16 hours. VERY quiet. Have a paper map handy, as there is no cell signal and GPS was spotty. The place I camped had a small graveyard behind it, so if you’re superstitious, this may not be for you. There was also a big white building that was all locked up surrounded by open meadow that a larger vehicle might be able to park behind. A circular “drive” was mown around the building. A few of the pull offs I didn’t explore because they were muddy or washed out after several days of rain. I would camp here again for the quiet and it’s proximity to Hemlock Cliffs and Yellow Birch Ravine.

  • Matt V.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 9, 2024

    Peninsula Trail

    Awesome Place to BackCountry

    The Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge trails both have marked campsites that are very far apart and totally private.  These are dispersed/primitive sites with a fire ring only.  Very remote feeling (except you CAN hear any loud cars/motorcycles at night from the main road over the lake). Light pollution is pretty low however, so good stargazing. 

    Trails are in good shape and the Penninsuala trail is pretty easy. Grub Ridge trail gets moderate the further west you take it.  CAmpsites 10,11,12,13 are very accessible with a short hike and are fantastic spots.   

    Lakeside spots are great also if you hike farther, but as others have said, drunk boaters tend to stop along the shore even though they are not supposed to. A few years ago boat access was limited to non-motoroized but not sure it is being enforced very well.  

    All the same, the Deam Wilderness area is Indianas best for backpacking and backcountry camping. 

    Down tower ridge road, to the east, just past the tower - turn right and the road there has lots of drive-in sites as well. These fill up fast on the weekends.

  • April S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2023

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    This is dispersed at its best!

    Free camp ground. Very private. Decent sized space to park for 2-3 vehicles. Trails, plenty of dry wood, away from the roads, no running water or electricity, decent amount of spaces we came in at night and counted about 9 very far spread out camp sights. Good ground to pitch a tent to. There was other camp grounds bigger than the one we stayed at and had several people at them with a big bonfire going but what’s great is when we found our spot we couldn’t see their fire or even hear them! One thing to note is that some of the camp sites are tucked back into the trees a little and can be hard to spot. At night we thought one was open but there was actually someone there and just couldn’t see them from the road so we had to back out and go to the next site (sorry whoever that was lol). It is also a ways off the beaten path for through car camping but honestly if we were ever coming back through this way I would make the hour detour to stop here again!

  • Jeremy F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 20, 2020

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Greatbdispersed sites.

    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

  • K
    Dec. 30, 2023

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Pretty Forest Spot

    Huge sinkhole that makes for a cool look. Dry area for tent, not big enough for a camper but cool for car camping!

  • j
    Aug. 9, 2021

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Berry ridge campground

    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 any snakes here either and the best part I haven’t seen any people!!!!! Haha camp spot is about 100ft off the main road with thick woods in between the road and the campsite even if someone drove by we wouldn’t see them no water or electric hookups plenty of wood lying around to use for a fire clean campsites all gravel roads

  • Brian S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot

    This was a great place to car camp while driving across USA. The main spot was full but I found a great pull off spot a lil further. I came across at least 5 lil spots. There a nice trail meandering next to road.

  • Tommy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2020

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    Limited dispersed sites

    Mitchell Creek Road in Hoosier National Forest, is just one small section of a road that runs along Mitchell Creek. On the west end, where the road turns right (north), there was a small drive to the right that went down towards the creek bed. There was a small fire ring here, and another fire ring around the back, both set up on the rocks of the dry riverbed. These didn't seem like great camping areas, let alone a "campsite". Towards the middle this road, just east of an intersection for a road to the south, there was a campsite creek side, and a little farther, a campsite on the hillside. The hillside spot was taken, so we took that last spot. Lookout for turtles on the road, we spotted and removed 4 of them.

    The area was rather buggy, and to be honest a little sketchy, so we slept in our van. Only two cars drove by, each time kicking up a big cloud of white dust which covered most of the foliage by the road. It hadn't rained in a while. We went briefly down to the creek, but it was very buggy and not very nice to hike. At night, we heard some loud mysterious crashing in some nearby trees, and what was possibly a large band of coyotes in the distance. Can't imagine I'd ever come back to this area, but it's there as an option for sure!

  • E
    Apr. 27, 2022

    Peninsula Trail

    Awesome!

    Went there with my kids and wife, we had a really great time. Primitive camping at its finest. Long walk to the water so make sure you bring plenty of drinking water. Springs available in the valleys but watch for timber rattlesnakes. Definitely would make this a must to visit.


Guide to Shoals

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Shoals, Indiana, where nature lovers can find secluded spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll find the perfect place to pitch your tent and enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Shoals, Indiana

  • When visiting Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed, be prepared for a spartan experience with no amenities like toilets or drinking water, making it essential to bring everything you need.
  • The area is known for its quiet surroundings, so if you're looking for solitude, this spot is ideal, especially if you enjoy hiking and exploring the nearby trails.
  • Keep in mind that access can be tricky; some roads may be washed out or muddy, so a reliable vehicle is recommended for reaching these remote locations.

Enjoy hiking and exploring while free camping near Shoals

  • The Peninsula Trail offers marked campsites that are spaced far apart, providing a sense of privacy and a chance to immerse yourself in nature while hiking.
  • This trail features beautiful lakeside spots, perfect for those who enjoy fishing or simply relaxing by the water after a day of hiking.
  • Be aware of the potential for noise from nearby roads, but the low light pollution makes it a fantastic spot for stargazing at night.

Dispersed campers should check out Hickory Ridge

  • Hickory Ridge is a well-reviewed spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat, with stunning views and a chance to unplug from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
  • This area is perfect for families looking to bond over outdoor activities, as it provides ample space for setting up tents and enjoying quality time together.
  • Remember to bring your own drinking water, as this site does not offer any water sources, ensuring you stay hydrated during your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Shoals, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Shoals, IN is Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed with a 2.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Shoals, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Shoals, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.