Mitchell Creek Road in Hoosier National Forest contains several unmarked dispersed camping locations accessible via a narrow gravel road. Primitive camping near Sulphur, Indiana typically requires self-sufficiency as these areas lack designated facilities. The forest terrain features rolling hills with elevation changes between 400-900 feet, creating natural drainage patterns that affect camping conditions during wet weather. Several small pull-offs accommodate tent camping or small vehicles only.
What to do
**Creek exploration: Walk the shallow waters of Mitchell Creek during summer months when water levels permit. A camper noted, "There are rock outcroppings along this road, which follows Mitchell Creek and lots to explore on foot" at Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed.
**Hiking trails: Access nearby trails for day hikes through diverse forest ecosystems. The Knobstone Trail offers challenging terrain with "continuous ups and downs that will challenge your leg strength and footing at times" according to experienced hikers.
**Wildlife observation: Watch for turtles, deer and seasonal bird migrations. One camper advised, "Lookout for turtles on the road, we spotted and removed 4 of them" while exploring the area.
What campers like
**Solitude: Many campers appreciate the lack of crowds and minimal traffic. A visitor to Jackson Trailhead shared, "there's parking after a decrepit gravel road and suitable for camping. there are campsites along the trail just have to find them."
**Natural surroundings: Dense forest creates privacy between small camping areas. One reviewer described, "the thick forest was beautiful" when staying at these primitive sites.
**Self-contained camping: Those prepared for no-amenity camping find satisfaction. A camper stated, "if you are camping in a self-contained SMALL vehicle, this is quiet, secluded, and beautiful" when describing the roadside options.
What you should know
**Navigation challenges: Cell service and GPS reliability vary significantly. A camper advised, "Have a paper map handy, as there is no cell signal and GPS was spotty" when visiting the area.
**Road conditions: Access roads can deteriorate quickly after rain. At Hoosier National Forest, one camper noted it offers a "Big spot for almost any type of camper. Deep woods" but requires appropriate vehicles.
**Limited sites: Available spots fill quickly during peak seasons. A visitor reported, "There are just a couple of sites along the road. One is at the trail crossing for horses, hikers, and bikers. Its basically a make your own campsite."
Tips for camping with families
**Safety considerations: Assess sites carefully before setting up camp. One visitor cautioned, "If you are solo female traveler don't even waste your time. After 5 min of driving on the very skinny gravel road y saw what it look like spots but Iam not sure really."
**Seasonal planning: Spring brings abundant wildlife but increased tick activity. A hiker warned, "Watch out for ticks. My dogs and I got loads of them in April 2020 from Leota to Spurgeon Hollow."
**Alternative options: Consider established campgrounds for families wanting more amenities. The Knobstone Trail area has some nearby options where "The entire park is just beautiful. It's very family friendly and quiet. The sites are spacious, and there are a lot of nature things to do."
Tips from RVers
**Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites accommodate only small vehicles. A camper cautioned, "I did not see any pull offs that would accommodate an RV of any size, and nothing large enough to turn a trailer around."
**Turnaround limitations: Narrow roads create challenges for longer vehicles. One review noted, "One pull off was nearly too small to turn around my small pick up truck."
**Seasonal access: Avoid wet seasons when roads become problematic. A visitor observed, "A few of the pull offs I didn't explore because they were muddy or washed out after several days of rain."
