Spencer, Indiana camping areas sit along the western edge of the Hoosier National Forest at approximately 600-700 feet elevation, where limestone formations create unique terrain features. Most campgrounds in this area remain open year-round, with summer temperatures averaging 85°F during peak season from May through September. Winter camping is available but with limited facilities as water systems are winterized at most locations from November through March.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cagles Mill Lake offers multiple fishing spots along its shoreline, with boat access at designated launches. "This wonderful hidden gem is 14 miles away from McCormick's Creek State Park. It is a DNR state operated and has some pretty cool fishing. It was family-approved by my kin. There are rapids by a huge ridge near the lake," reports one visitor.
Lake activities: Paynetown Campground provides access to Monroe Lake with rental equipment available. "If you don't have a boat they offer pontoons, canoes and kayaks for rent. We'll definitely be back!" shares a camper. The 133-acre lake supports electric motors only, with rental options typically ranging from $30-50 per day depending on equipment type.
Seasonal events: Lieber State Recreation Area hosts special seasonal events, particularly in fall. "We love going to this park several times a year. We especially like camping in the fall for their Goblins weekend," mentions one regular visitor. Another confirms, "Great place to celebrate Halloween on goblins weekend."
What campers like
Forested campsites: Yellowwood State Forest features shaded sites in multiple loops. "Very beautiful yet primitive campground. All the campgrounds are numbered and have their own names. Think there are 80 sites in total... Sites can hold 6 people total and come with a fire pit with a grill attachment which is awesome!" notes a camper. Fire pits include attached grill grates at each site.
Clean facilities: At Taylor Ridge Campground, bathroom maintenance receives consistent praise. "Very clean bathrooms and shower houses," notes one reviewer. Another camper adds, "The pit toilets were clean and the showers were nice. Busy campground but it was very quiet still."
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at Morgan-Monroe State Forest, where sites provide more seclusion than typical state parks. "Sites are wooded and fairly level. All sites are primitive. The only time we have ever seen the campground busy is over big holiday weekends like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and 4th of July. Otherwise use is light. We have several times been one of two or three campers in the loop."
What you should know
First-come, first-served policies: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Spencer operate without reservations. At Yellowwood State Forest, "Yellowwood state forest campground does not accept reservations. It is first come, first served. Drive up, select your site, and then go to the park office to pay using a self-pay envelope. Bring exact change(cash)."
Limited services: Many state forest campgrounds offer minimal amenities. "This is a great place to camp and hike, although there is no electric hookup we had a generator that we used sparklingly. 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."
Terrain challenges: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "I was slightly disappointed by the site selections being mostly on a slant, but we did find one on the overfill site that suited our needs and we ended up loving it."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: When seeking pet-friendly camping near Spencer, consider locations with swimming areas. "[Paynetown has] a playground that kids seemed to really enjoy. They also had a Trick or Treat night, and it was fun to see all of the creative costumes and kids (and adults) having fun."
Activity centers: Some campgrounds provide organized activities for children. "The activity center has programs all the time and there is always something going on there. The beach, the trails, the geocaches on the trails, kayak and boat rentals, the activity center. There is something for everyone and enough to fill up your days."
Site selection for kids: Choose sites strategically for family comfort. "The roads are not marked very well and it took a bit to find our site which needed level blocks and is just wide enough for the Rv. Nice to have water supply within 10 feet. Very quiet, shady paved sites in Taylor's Ridge loop."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing concerns: At Owen-Putnam State Forest, large rigs face limitations. "There are 3 campgrounds on property, 1 is for horse camping, 1 is very hard to get to(no campers will make it to this campgrounds, people also go there to party), 1 near the forest office has a few site that a small camper could setup."
Utility access: Plan for varied hookup availability at dog friendly campgrounds near Spencer. "The sites around us were spacious and had a lot of mature trees. Bring an extension cord if you're in a pull through. If you want your door facing the fire pit- the electric box is in an awkward place."
Road conditions: Interior roads at some campgrounds can challenge larger vehicles. "Our camper is about 25' and it was tight get in and out of the campground. If you have a small camper (15' or smaller) there would more sites. There is a dump station, but I barely got in to dump. So not real RV friendly."
