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Best Tent Camping near Tell City, IN

381 Reviews

Dispersed tent camping options near Tell City, Indiana include several primitive sites in the Hoosier National Forest. Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed camping offers roadside pull-offs for tent campers seeking seclusion, though amenities are nonexistent. These sites are primarily located along a gravel road following Mitchell Creek, with small clearings suitable for tents but not larger vehicles. Happy Hollow Homestead provides established tent camping with more amenities, including drinking water, fire pits, and picnic tables in a forested setting approximately 20 miles from Tell City.

Tent campers at Mitchell Creek Road should prepare for truly primitive conditions. No drinking water, toilets, or designated fire rings exist at most sites. The narrow gravel road has limited pull-offs, some of which may be muddy or washed out after rain. Cell service is extremely limited, with one reviewer noting the need for paper maps as "there is no cell signal and GPS was spotty." Access requires careful navigation, as some portions of the road may be impassable for low-clearance vehicles. Springs Valley Recreation Area offers tent sites with picnic tables and vault toilets but requires hikers to pack in all water.

The tent camping experience near Tell City provides genuine forest immersion with varying levels of solitude. Mitchell Creek Road sites offer exceptional quiet, with one camper reporting "only two vehicles passed during the entire 16 hours." Old Mill Tent and Hammock Camping provides more established sites with fire rings and picnic tables, though it serves as an endpoint for kayaking trips, creating afternoon activity. The area features numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, with tent sites providing access to Hemlock Cliffs, Yellow Birch Ravine, and Blue River. Tent campers should be prepared for wildlife encounters, as one visitor mentioned hearing "loud mysterious crashing in some nearby trees, and what was possibly a large band of coyotes in the distance."

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Best Tent Sites Near Tell City, Indiana (7)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Tell City, IN

9 Photos of 7 Tell City Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Tell City, IN

381 Reviews of 7 Tell City Campgrounds

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2018

    Hoosier National Forest South Slope Loop Campground

    Glam ping in the woods

    South Slope Loop At Hoosier National Forest is located second campground in on your way to Celina lake. This is the RV friendly campground with electrical hookups for your toys. You give up some privacy and quiet to have your electric as the sites are closer together and of course your neighbor may not be as courteous with the noise said electronics create.

    There is excellent tree cover and you do have some tree block between sites. A nice large newer showerhouse, water points, picnic tables and fire rings to finish off the homeyness.

    All of the hosts that i interacted with were very friendly and went out of their way to assist when they could. The local Ranger Station is located in Tell City and closed on the weekend.

    We spent our time hiking on the Interpretive Trail (1mi)near Celina Lake and Two Rivers Trail (15 mi) which encompasses both Celina and Indian Lake . You can disperse camp for $5 a night as long as you are 300 ft from the trail. And take your bug spray or you may be nothing but a dried out husk by the end of your visit, ticks are horrible right now!

    We spent time at the lake also. Very peaceful, electric motors only so no waves or tubers flying by. There is a small handicap accessible fishing pier adjacent the parking area. A nice area to visit.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2018

    Hoosier National Forest Goldenrod Loop Campground

    Meet me at Tipsaw

    Goldenrod group campground at Tipsaw Lake Recreation area Hoosier National Forest is laid out in a lollipop design with no sites at the circle. It is an excellent group camp area cause it’s all you. Reservable and self contained with its own pit toilet , picnic tables and fire rings and you can easily set up a get together area near the entry. However...if you want a shower the showerhouses are a short walk down to the adjacent areas. 

    The beach facilities are also within easy walking distance and the boatramp is right next to the beach. 

    There is the 5.9 mile Tipsaw Lake Trail to hike, pay attention to your map and trail signs, we lost the trail twice and meandered around some before finding it again.

    If you pack everything you need ( I’m never that lucky) you can park your vehicle for the duration of your visit. If, like me, there’s always something that got left sitting on the kitchen floor....then you are in luck! Citgo is south down IN 37 and Tell City with a Wally World and fast food is not to far beyond that.

    And if you want to add some more adventure and hiking to your stay there is a zipline Eagles Wing and additional trail Mogan Trail (24ish miles shared with horse back riders) south on IN 37.

  • Sofia A.
    Oct. 24, 2020

    Marengo Cave Campgrounds

    Near Caves

    I stayed on late October and I was the only one there, except for a family on the cabins. The spots are just near and walking distance from the caves and other attractions. They have two potable water spots (so no water on each spot), picnic tables, fire rings, grills and every spot faces the little river. restrooms and showers too. You can bring small pets inside the cave if you carry them all time. I have a small zuchon and carry her in a doggy backpack 🎒 she loved it!

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2018

    Saddle Lake Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    Dark

    Saddle Lake Recreation Area and Campground is located of IN37 right outside Tell City, IN in Hoosier National Forest. 

    I thought I had already found my favorite campground in Hoosier NF when I stayed at Celina Lake but then we visited Saddle Lake. To me this campground of 13 sites down a gravel road in the woods is the model for good basic camping. Only thing missing is being able to put in to the lake directly from your campsite. At Saddle you have to continue down the road to the boat ramp. 

    Otherwise the sites are a little open to each other but it depends on which one you pick. There are two walk ins that are secluded ;) there is a pit toilet and each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Very dark at night and quiet, nice! 

    The Ranger Station is in Tell City , not open on the weekends. The sites are pay on the honor system and there is a host. 

    There is a parking area at the boatramp, electric motors only.

    The Saddle Lake Trail Trailhead is at the boat ramp , it is a 2.2 mile hike around the lake. If you want a longer trail the Mogan Trailhead is north on IN37. Mogan is about 24 miles of intersecting trails shared with horse riders. 

    We enjoyed the hikes and the dogs played along the boat ramp, next visit we are bringing the kayak ;)

  • Sam H.
    Apr. 2, 2023

    Saddle Lake Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    Average National Forest campground

    13 total sites, 2 of which are tent/primitive only and set 50ft or so back into the trees. No electric or water. A single vault toilet of average cleanliness, but was stocked with 6 partial rolls of tp. Tent pads are all flat and level, but parking pads are definitely not. It's all gravel roads including the "Saddle Lake Road" entrance all the way from Old State Road 37. There is a parking lot and boat ramp further down the hill at the lake, but state law does not permit swimming from the shore without a designated beach. $5/night fee paid by honor system drop box near camp entrance.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2018

    Hoosier National Forest North Face Loop Campground

    Shhhhhhh

    North Face Loop in Hoosier National Forest is my idea of camping. This is no loud party hub with people blowing by on their golf carts and playing music until 2 in the morning.

    Moderately wooded, well spaced, basic sites that provide privacy and shade. There are walk in sites as well with picnic table and fire ring. There are pit toilets, water access points and a small showerhouse. The camp hosts were friendly and helpful, one actually “chased” me down when she realized she gave me inaccurate information. You need cash by the way, no card machines here. $5 and $1 bills will do you.

    There are two lakes, Indian and Celina , in the immediate area, electric motors only, which just adds to my liking it;). Two Rivers Trail is a nice 15ish mile technical trail that goes around both lakes, with dispersed camping $5 a night, 300 ft off the trail and your good. The interpretive trail by Celina Lake is about 1 mile and has small signs with historical information. The Rickenbaugh's once lived on this secluded lake and their home still sits on the shore. There is a kiosk nearby with information about them and the area and their family cemetery is about 100 yards up the road.

    We hiked extensively and though this is definitely not mountainous terrain it will give you a work out. A lot of cool rock formations and wild life to be seen, then there's the tick's. I thought LBL, Ky was bad, the tick's here seem like the Infantry, swarming the objective from all side's. Bring your bug stuff!

    We spent time at the lake , though no kayaking this trip. The small fishing pier we visited is handicap accessible adjacent to the handicap parking spot. The pit toilet is nearby and also accessible. The picnic area is in the shade and there is a water fountain. The boat ramp area which is in front of the Rickenbaugh house, is well maintained and a little busy. A lot of fisherman, kayakers and canoers but even with all the loading and unloading it was still very peaceful and low key.

    There is a Citgo and zip-line Eagles Wing south on IN 37. If you continue south you end up in Tell City were the local Ranger Station is as well as the usual amenities, ie: Wally World, fast food, ETC.

  • N
    Jul. 20, 2016

    Newton Stewart State Rec Area - Patoka Lake

    Good campground, bad weather :(

    Campsites had paved parking pads, picnic table, fire-ring, and electrical hookups. Restrooms and showers were clean. Lot's of open space and nothing really separating you and your neighbors. This SRA is right on Patoka Lake, so there's plenty to do on the water - boating, fishing, floating cabins, beaches. There's also a disc golf course, archery range, and plenty of paved & dirt trails. It also has a great nature center. Unfortunately our trip got cut short due to very high winds, but we will definitely be back!

  • Heather K.
    Jul. 29, 2019

    COE Rough River Lake Axtel Campground

    Enjoy a beach in the middle of KY!

    I suggest you make a reservation as this campground fills up quickly. Axtel is located on the shore of Rough River Lake and has over 150 camp sites. Almost every site has quick access and/or views of the lake. There is a designated swimming and beach area. There are several restrooms located throughout the campsite. They were clean and stocked with toilet paper and hand soap. There is an easily accessed dumpster area and dump station near the main entrance. WiFi is available however, there is a fee. There is a boat ramp, so you can bring your boat and/or other watercraft. Fishing is allowed as well. There are a lot of sites with electric and water, but some without either. There are sites for tent camping and RV's. Sites have fire pits and a post with a hook for hanging trash and/or lanterns. No alcohol is allowed. Dogs on a leash are allowed. While we were here, several of the sites along the lake were flooded (see pics). The beach had recently been closed due to flooding, but was open while we were there. If you dig down just a couple of inches on the beach, you'll find clay. My kids loved this and made a couple of clay pots (see pics). As with most campsites we visit, people here were friendly and courteous. There is not a market on site, however there was a Dollar General about 13 miles away. They had a lot of the groceries we needed. There were also several gas stations along the way there that had ice and firewood. This is a great place for families to enjoy a beach without leaving KY!

  • V
    Jun. 20, 2021

    Saddle Lake Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    Straightforward little campsite

    There are 8-10 spots available, all but one of which are drive-in. I think a smaller RV or third-wheel could get into the first and last spots, otherwise, all the spots looked suitable for tent or hammock camping. 

    We had enough Verizon coverage to get emails and make calls but not enough to have worked on for a longer stay. The campsite is near Saddle Lake and it is walkable at a stretch but there is no swimming allowed there. Based on the other visitors, fishing is the main draw here. The sites were somewhat divided by trees and undergrowth but you will see or hear other campers and the occasional truck flying up the nearby gravel road at 2 am. Site #11 is more private and not visible from the drive in, it is on the right as you pull in going toward the lake.

    Collecting firewood is not permitted here. Bring whatever you need out, I did not see anywhere to get ice or firewood between the campsite and I-64.

    The vault toilet was adequately clean. 

    Dry camping (no water). 

    All drive-in sites had a fire pit and picnic table. 

    We had a hook for trash and whatnot. Be advised that bears are only very rarely seen in Indiana but the racoons are ruthless and highly organized.

    I wrote about my visit here: Saddle Lake camping un-fails

Guide to Tell City

Tent campsites near Tell City, Indiana are predominantly located within the Hoosier National Forest, which covers over 200,000 acres across south-central Indiana. The region features limestone formations, sandstone cliffs, and rolling hills with elevations ranging from 400 to 900 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons experience frequent rainfall.

What to do

Paddling adventures: Camp at Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping which sits directly on Blue River. "Came here for a weekend getaway with friends during a COVID-19 Labor Day weekend. The campground is very secluded right off Blue River. A canoe/kayaking company actually ends one of their river trips there," notes camper Sammii D.

Cave exploration: Visit Marengo Cave, a National Natural Landmark, located approximately 15 miles from Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping. The cave maintains a constant 52°F temperature year-round with guided tours ranging from $20-30 per adult. "Close to Marengo Cave, the Indiana Shoe Tree and a bunch of Canoe trip companies," reports one visitor.

Fishing opportunities: Newton-Stewart Recreation Area offers 45 primitive campsites with access to Patoka Lake for fishing. "Fisherman campground. Primitive. 45 spots," notes Steve D., highlighting its popularity among anglers seeking bass and crappie.

What campers like

Spacious, secluded sites: Happy Hollow Homestead offers well-spaced tent sites. "We were all impressed with the land and how spaced out the camp sites were. The kids loved the tire swing and tree web," writes Jared W. Another camper noted, "Rustic in a level, spacious kind of way."

Unique camping amenities: Several dispersed camping areas near Tell City feature unusual amenities. Happy Hollow Homestead has a distinctive "tree web" - "The tree web is a giant net about 15 feet in the air. My boys loved climbing up and laying in the web," reports Heather K.

Serene environment: The tent camping options around Tell City provide genuine quiet for those seeking solitude. At Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping, "Nice size site with fire ring and picnic table. Lots of trees- so great tree canopy and plenty of hammock," according to Trisha A.

What you should know

Navigation challenges: Paper maps are essential when camping at Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed sites, as electronic navigation can be unreliable. "Spot has a creek and is flat enough for a tent mostly just a single person spot no toilets. Road south coming in was destroyed some time ago have to enter from east or west road," warns Sabrina C.

Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas require complete self-sufficiency. "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. Ok place if you like to really rough it," explains Phil L. about Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed camping.

Seasonal accessibility: Many forest roads leading to tent camping areas near Tell City become difficult or impassable during wet conditions. Multiple campers mention concerns about getting stuck or having to navigate washed-out sections after rainfall.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly features: Look for campgrounds with natural play areas. "The kids loved the tire swing and tree web. We will definitely be coming back!" shares Jared W. about their family experience at Happy Hollow Homestead.

Safety considerations: Some dispersed camping areas may feel isolated for families with young children. "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," cautions Sofia A. about Mitchell Creek Road camping.

Unplugged experience: Springs Valley Rec Area provides opportunities for family activities without digital distractions. "This is still a beautiful lake for hiking, fishing, and my favorite, kayaking. Electric motors only, so nice and quiet," notes Gary P.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Most tent campsites near Tell City are not suitable for larger vehicles. "I did not see any pull offs that would accommodate an RV of any size, and nothing large enough to turn a trailer around. One pull off was nearly too small to turn around my small pick up truck," reports a Mitchell Creek Road camper.

Access roads: Forest service roads leading to dispersed camping can be problematic for RVs. "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," shares Marvin B. about their experience at Happy Hollow Homestead.

Limited connectivity: Cell service is minimal at most campgrounds, with some visitors reporting success using boosters. "One bar with cell booster," notes an RVer at Happy Hollow Homestead, suggesting campers should prepare for limited communication options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Tell City, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tell City, IN is Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed with a 2.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Tell City, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Tell City, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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