Tent camping options near Shoals, Indiana blend the Hoosier National Forest's diverse terrain with primitive camping experiences. The region sits at elevations between 400-900 feet with limestone creek beds and mixed hardwood forests. Seasonal conditions vary dramatically, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and frequent thunderstorms making some unpaved access roads temporarily impassable.
What to do
Wildlife observation: Berry Ridge Road dispersed camping provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. One camper reports, "I would hear rustling in the leaves, I assumed it was a pack of cayotes and they would leave once I started banging on stuff and primally yelling."
Kayaking access: Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping sits directly on Blue River, making it ideal for water activities. A visitor noted, "A canoe/kayaking company actually ends one of their river trips there so during the day it could be a bit noisy when those groups come in."
Hiking to geologic features: Charles C. Deam Wilderness offers numerous trails with unique geological formations. One backpacker shared, "The cave is amazing, and if you're interested in backwoods camping, there are an abundance of spaces to do so... I have never encountered so many geodes in my life."
Rock climbing: Ransburg Scout Reservation provides supervised climbing opportunities on their wall. A visitor mentioned, "The climbing wall was nice. Restrooms were decent. Lots of trees in the area so it was pretty."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping offers exceptionally secluded camping. Campers appreciate that "each site is fairly far apart" and that "sites [are] sometimes half a mile apart." One camper observed, "Beautiful secluded site that is pretty far off of the road, but not too far. There was no traffic or other people in site."
Natural shade coverage: Most tent sites feature substantial tree canopy. At Old Mill, a camper noted, "Nice size site with fire ring and picnic table. Lots of trees- so great tree canopy and plenty of hammock."
Lake access: Tent campers at Ransburg Scout Reservation enjoy water activities on Monroe Lake. A visitor shared, "Located on Monroe lake, they have canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing. Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails."
Flat tent sites: Despite the hilly terrain, many sites offer level spaces for setting up camp. A Mitchell Creek camper noted, "Spot has a creek and is flat enough for a tent mostly just a single person spot no toilets."
What you should know
Variable road conditions: Access to several camping areas requires navigating gravel roads that can be challenging after rainfall. At Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed, one camper warned, "After 5 min of driving on the very skinny gravel road y saw what it look like spots but Iam not sure really."
Limited vehicle access: Many sites accommodate small vehicles only. One visitor to Mitchell Creek noted, "I did not see any pull offs that would accommodate an RV of any size, and nothing large enough to turn a trailer around."
Water access points: Water sources are limited, particularly in dispersed camping areas. A Charles C. Deam Wilderness visitor advised, "Refill your water when you come across it; the lake is harder to get to than you think."
Cell service limitations: Network coverage varies significantly. At Mitchell Creek, a camper reported, "No cell service at the site but there was a bar or two on the road just a few feet away. With a weboost there was att and tmobile service."
Tips for camping with families
Scout camp facilities: Ransburg Scout Reservation offers structured activities suitable for children. A family noted, "Our Boy Scout troop enjoyed visiting this location. It was well maintained and the staff was helpful."
Kid-friendly amenities: Happy Hollow Homestead provides unique play features. One family mentioned, "The kids loved the tire swing and tree web. We will definitely be coming back!"
Campsite spacing: When camping with children, consider site location relative to facilities. A Ransburg visitor cautioned, "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."
Bug preparation: Insect activity varies by season and location. A Charles C. Deam visitor warned, "The only negative was that we came after a lot of rain. So everything is permanently wet and mosquitos/ticks abounded."
Tips from RVers
Small vehicle camping only: Most dispersed camping areas near Shoals accommodate tents and small vehicles exclusively. A Mitchell Creek Road visitor explained, "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."
RV turning limitations: Happy Hollow Homestead can accommodate some smaller camper vans. One visitor with a conversion van reported, "Rustic in a level, spacious kind of way. We were nervous about bottoming in the dry creek bed on way to Walnut Grove area, but no problem. Great stay. 20' Ford Transit ModVan."
Creek crossing considerations: Some access roads have water crossings that may limit RV access. A Happy Hollow visitor noted, "The weekend we were there was during the Summer Soulstice music festival. The campground was very lively and everyone was having fun."
Gravel road navigation: Smaller RVs can access certain areas with careful driving. A Berry Ridge camper with a van conversion shared, "Beautiful secluded site that is pretty far off of the road, but not too far. I have a promaster conversion and had no trouble making it to this site, however the road was gravel and steep at times."
