Brown County State Park dominates the camping scene near Edinburgh, Indiana with three distinct campgrounds positioned on different ridgelines. The terrain throughout the area features unexpected hills and ravines with elevations that surprise many first-time visitors expecting flat Midwestern landscapes. Fall camping draws the largest crowds as the deciduous forests transform, while spring brings wildflowers and fewer camper crowds.
What to do
Hiking trails: Brown County State Park offers numerous hiking paths for all skill levels. "This is our go-to when we want a fun weekend, but don't want to go far. The campgrounds are gorgeous, with lots of shady spots, and some awesome trails, including two around the two lakes in the park," notes a visitor at Taylor Ridge Campground.
Mountain biking: The area features purpose-built trails for beginners to experts. A camper at Buffalo Ridge Campground reports, "The mountain biking is excellent, with purpose built trails for beginner to expert (flow, berms, rollers, jumps...)." Some trails connect to Yellowwood and Hoosier National Forest for longer rides.
Local shopping: The nearby town of Nashville offers unique shopping opportunities within minutes of most campgrounds. "Nashville is only a 5 minute drive from the campgrounds, and it's a blast going to all of the different shops and restaurants located in town," shares one Taylor Ridge camper.
What campers like
Site privacy: Many campsites offer good separation from neighbors, particularly in Taylor Ridge. "The site we stayed in was lovely. It was backed up to the edge of the woods which made for a lovely view," reports a camper at Taylor Ridge, who adds, "The campground itself was very quiet and you could enjoy being out in nature."
Multiple camping loops: Brown County State Park offers distinct camping experiences in each camping section. A visitor at Raccoon Ridge Campground explains, "Our third Indiana state park. Still impressed, they have all been friendly, well maintained with good, spread out sites and good signage everywhere (even the trails)."
Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds near Edinburgh provide plenty of activities for children. A camper at S and H Campground says, "Very nice campground. They have a little section full of carnival like rides. Several playgrounds! Campground big and spacious, highly recommend."
What you should know
Campground size variations: Site dimensions vary widely throughout the area's campgrounds. "I would say pay particular attention to the size of the site you're booking as some were pretty small. Also, some sites were fairly sloped as well," advises a Taylor Ridge camper.
Autumn popularity: Fall color season creates significant crowding throughout the area. "In the fall it's almost as good as New England (almost)," notes a Buffalo Ridge visitor, making advance reservations essential during peak foliage times.
Bathroom quality: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds and loops. A visitor at CERA Sports Corporation reports, "Bathhouse is clean. Lots to do and nice paved roads for bike riding," while another camper at S and H Campground noted "shower house left a lot to be desired: clogged drain, broken tiles, no hot water, tiny bathroom stalls."
Tips for camping with families
Nature center activities: Visit park nature centers for educational programs. "The nature center is really fun with animals and a bee hive that the children really enjoyed! There are a lot of diverse hiking trails for all," shares a Taylor Ridge camper.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer pools with special features for children. A CERA visitor explains, "Pool area is super nice with a waterslide, diving boards and a unique rock climbing wall in the deep end. My kids always look forward to this campground."
Horse riding experiences: Horsemen's Campground at Brown County State Park provides equestrian adventures for families. "It is Beautiful! I have only been twice and we took our horses to trail ride! There are a lot of fun hills and trails that you can ride for hours which we love to do," says one visitor.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Larger RVs should avoid certain campgrounds and entrances. A Buffalo Ridge camper warns, "The north entrance is through a covered bridge with a 9 foot clearance and 3 ton limit! Otherwise, use the easily accessible west entrance, just a few miles 'around the corner.'"
Leveling challenges: Many rv campgrounds near Edinburgh, Indiana require careful leveling. "The site was a slight slope and overall I would book it again. We have a full size truck with a small travel trailer that fit perfectly," shares a Taylor Ridge visitor.
Seasonal rv parks: Some rv camping options near Edinburgh are not year-round. Thousand Trails Indian Lakes "operates seasonally from April 1 to November 1" with a visitor noting it has "over 1000 sites they offer a KOA section, year round leased sites, Thousand Trails sites and individual sites."
