Best Dispersed Camping near Trafalgar, IN

The Hoosier National Forest surrounding Trafalgar, Indiana features predominantly dispersed camping options with varying levels of seclusion and accessibility. Berry Ridge Road Dispersed Camping stands out with highly-rated sites spaced far apart, offering privacy in wooded settings with established fire rings. Peninsula Trail provides backcountry camping along Lake Monroe with designated sites accessible via hiking trails. Other options include Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites, Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping, and Horse Camp Road Dispersed sites, all within 30-40 minutes of Trafalgar. Most locations accommodate tent camping, while some areas can handle small RVs or conversion vans.

Gravel forest roads with occasional steep sections lead to most dispersed sites, though many remain accessible with standard vehicles. According to camper Jimmy H., "I pulled in at midnight in a sedan in the winter and was able to safely find my way" to Hickory Ridge. Sites typically lack amenities, following true dispersed camping principles where visitors must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire rings are common at established sites, with deadwood generally available for collection. Weather considerations include summer thunderstorms and potential for muddy conditions after rain. Camper Amber R. noted, "The road was gravel and steep at times" but manageable with a van conversion.

Solitude ranks as the primary attraction across most camping areas near Trafalgar. Campers consistently mention the privacy between sites, with April S. reporting that Berry Ridge Road sites are "very far spread out" with enough distance that "we couldn't see their fire or even hear them" from neighboring campsites. Peninsula Trail offers lakeside camping with good stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution, though some visitors mention noise from boats during summer months. Wildlife encounters are common, with several campers noting the presence of coyotes and warnings about timber rattlesnakes in valley areas. Weekend popularity increases at drive-in sites, particularly those near water access points, with Matt V. observing that sites "fill up fast on the weekends."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Trafalgar, Indiana (10)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Trafalgar, IN

20 Photos of 10 Trafalgar Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Trafalgar, IN

27 Reviews of 10 Trafalgar 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.

  • Steven G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 28, 2025

    Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping

    Hoosier NF (Brown County)

    A quiet little lake/ big pond in the Hoosier National Forest with a few spots to camp.

    At the pond there was a pad of concrete leftover from who knows what. I wouldn’t be trying to pull a travel trailer back into here unless it was very small.

    On the weekends, the activity picked up with a lot of partying and hunting.

    There were a few pickups that patrolled through here regularly, all through the night too. I was never bothered by anyone, but the area is small and I kinda felt like I was on a stage with every passerby.

  • 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.


Guide to Trafalgar

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Trafalgar, Indiana, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a true sense of adventure. With various options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

  • Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping offers a long, secluded road that leads to multiple camping spots, providing a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle.
  • Visitors have praised the beautiful, secluded sites that are far enough off the road to ensure privacy and tranquility, making it ideal for tent camping.
  • The area allows campfires, so you can enjoy cozy evenings under the stars while soaking in the natural surroundings.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Trafalgar, Indiana

  • Always remember to bring your own drinking water, as many dispersed sites, like Horse Camp Rd Dispersed, do not provide water facilities.
  • Be prepared for primitive camping conditions; sites like Hickory Ridge offer no amenities, so pack accordingly for a comfortable stay.
  • Familiarize yourself with the area’s wildlife and terrain, especially if you’re venturing into more remote spots like Peninsula Trail, where you might encounter various natural features and animals.

Enjoy hiking and nature exploration while free camping near Trafalgar

  • The Peninsula Trail features marked campsites that are spaced far apart, allowing for a truly immersive hiking experience in nature.
  • Many dispersed camping areas, such as Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping, provide access to scenic trails and stunning views, perfect for day hikes and exploration.
  • Keep an eye out for unique geological features, like sinkholes, which can be found in spots like Hickory Ridge, adding an interesting element to your outdoor adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Trafalgar, 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 Trafalgar, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Trafalgar, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.