Best Dispersed Camping near Smithville, IN

Dispersed camping around Smithville, Indiana centers primarily in the Hoosier National Forest, where primitive backcountry sites require no reservations or developed facilities. Berry Ridge Road offers multiple free camping areas with established pull-off sites spaced well apart for privacy. The Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge areas provide hike-in backcountry camping with designated primitive sites marked on forest maps. Horse Camp Road and Hickory Ridge also feature dispersed camping zones within the national forest boundary, allowing both tent and limited RV camping depending on the specific location.

Many access roads throughout these areas are unpaved gravel or dirt, with some requiring careful navigation during wet conditions. Berry Ridge Road features several pull-off sites that can accommodate smaller vehicles, though high clearance may be necessary after rain. Most sites include only basic fire rings with no amenities, water sources, or trash service. Peninsula Trail's backcountry sites require hiking in all supplies and practicing strict pack-in, pack-out principles. Timber rattlesnakes have been reported in valley areas near water sources. Fires are permitted at most sites when no seasonal restrictions are in place.

The secluded nature of these camping areas provides genuine wilderness experiences. "Very secluded and peaceful," noted one camper about Berry Ridge Road, while another described the sites as "far enough apart that I truly felt like I had the woods all to myself." Peninsula Trail campers benefit from minimal light pollution, making it ideal for stargazing, though some mention hearing traffic noise carrying across Lake Monroe at night. Several visitors recommend site #18 on Peninsula Trail for its lake views. Grub Ridge trail becomes more challenging toward its western sections, with campsites 10-13 offering the best balance of accessibility and seclusion. Some boaters occasionally land along shoreline camping areas despite restrictions.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Smithville, Indiana (8)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Smithville, IN

20 Photos of 8 Smithville Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Smithville, IN

26 Reviews of 8 Smithville Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2024

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Secluded in the woods

    Beautiful secluded site that is pretty far off of the road, but not too far. There was no traffic or other people in site. I have a promaster conversion and had no trouble making it to this site, however the road was gravel and steep at times. I have lived in Indiana for ever and have made many trips this way, but I never knew sites like this existed.

  • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Perfect

    The perfect dispersed site for my way through, quiet and peaceful. Good spot for tent camping , we enjoyed our stay.


Guide to Smithville

Dispersed camping options near Smithville, Indiana include sites within the Charles C. Deam Wilderness area, part of Hoosier National Forest. Elevations in the region range from 550 to 800 feet above sea level with a mixture of oak-hickory forest and occasional steep ravines. These camping areas function on a first-come, first-served basis with most accessible from May through November, though specific closures may apply during hunting seasons.

What to do

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forested areas along Hickory Ridge provide excellent wildlife observation. "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," notes one camper about Hickory Ridge.

Hiking trail access: Multiple interconnected trails of varying difficulty levels traverse the area. At Peninsula Trail, "There are multiple campsites with fire rings but you may also camp anywhere if you are at least 100 ft from the water," according to one camper. Another visitor mentions it's "an awesome backpacking journey for starters, little bit rough because of the horse riding track but awesome if you love to walk and see nature."

Stargazing: The limited light pollution makes this area suitable for night sky observation. One camper at Peninsula Trail noted: "Light pollution is pretty low however, so good stargazing." Spring and fall typically offer the clearest night skies when humidity levels drop.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: The natural spacing between designated camping areas provides separation from other visitors. At Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping, campers report: "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." Another camper adds, "Clean. Secluded and peaceful."

Multiple site options: Various pull-offs accommodate different group sizes and vehicle types. "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," reports a camper at Berry Ridge Road. Another notes there are "tons of camp spots sometimes half mile or more apart."

No reservation requirements: Free camping near Smithville, Indiana operates without advance bookings. At Horse Camp Rd Dispersed, visitors appreciate the spontaneous camping opportunities. One camper simply describes it as a "cool place" for those seeking last-minute accommodations.

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Many access routes require careful navigation, especially after rainfall. "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," reports one visitor to Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites.

Wildlife awareness needed: Beyond standard woodland creatures, campers should be prepared for potential snake encounters. One camper at Peninsula Trail mentions: "Springs available in the valleys but watch for timber rattlesnakes." Another camper at Berry Ridge Road reported "Did see a rattlesnake dead on the road."

Pack in all supplies: No facilities exist at these primitive sites. A camper at Berry Ridge Road explains: "This is pack in pack out, no amenities camping for free." Despite this, cell reception exists in some areas as one camper notes "No toilet but good reception."

Tips for camping with families

Choose less remote sites for beginners: First-time backcountry campers with children should consider more accessible locations. One visitor to BerryRidge Road Dispersed Camping calls it "A hidden gem. Just a few sites along the road minimum traffic encountered," making it suitable for families wanting quick vehicle access.

Bring extra water supplies: No potable water sources exist at most sites. At Peninsula Trail, one camper advises: "Long walk to the water so make sure you bring plenty of drinking water." Calculate at least 1 gallon per person per day, with additional water for washing and cooking.

Plan shorter hikes with children: Several trail systems offer abbreviated routes suitable for younger hikers. "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," notes a camper familiar with the Peninsula Trail area.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations apply: Most dispersed sites accommodate only smaller recreational vehicles. A Berry Ridge Road camper advises: "Some sites, at least one, could fit a pretty good sized camper. This is pack in pack out, no amenities camping for free." Another notes "Not very big, I would not bring a RV here especially after rain."

Identify suitable entry points: Certain access roads present challenges for larger vehicles. A camper with a van conversion at Berry Ridge Road reports: "I have a promaster conversion and had no trouble making it to this site, however the road was gravel and steep at times."

Prepare for primitive conditions: No hookups or dumping facilities exist anywhere in the dispersed camping areas. "For those of you who don't understand disperse camping this is the perfect site for a tent to camp without anything but what you bring in and take out," explains one Berry Ridge Road camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Smithville, IN is Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping with a 4.8-star rating from 17 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Smithville, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.