Camping options in Trafalgar, Indiana span the rolling hills of southern Indiana, where wooded terrain creates varied camping conditions between 600-800 feet elevation. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with fall bringing spectacular foliage displays and spring bringing frequent rainfall. Winter closures affect many campgrounds, with limited year-round options for cold-weather camping.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Brown County State Park offers nearly 30 miles of purpose-built trails for all skill levels. "The mountainbike trails are fantastic, with purpose built trails for beginner to expert (flow, berms, rollers, jumps...)," notes a visitor to Buffalo Ridge Campground.
Swimming opportunities: CERA Sports Corporation features multiple swimming options including a waterslide. "Pool area is super nice with a waterslide, diving boards and a unique rock climbing wall in the deep end," according to one camper at CERA Sports Corporation.
Horseback riding: Trail rides available through the saddle barn at Brown County State Park. "We took our horses to trail ride! There are a lot of fun hills and trails that you can ride for hours," shares a visitor to Horsemen's Campground.
Nature exploration: The park includes two lakes, hiking trails, and a nature center. "The park as a whole is beautiful and there's a trailhead that's walking distance from the campsite that leads down a beautiful trail to a lake," comments a Taylor Ridge camper.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers prefer the more secluded areas. "There are 3 separate campgrounds in the park Buffalo Ridge, Raccoon, and Taylor Ridge. We stayed in Taylor which was dubbed 'wooded' and the one I would most suggest. The others were pretty cleared out and too close together," reports a visitor to Taylor Ridge Campground.
Clean facilities: Maintained bathhouses receive positive mentions. "The pit toilets at the back of the loop were probably the cleanest pits I've ever used. Bonus that there are dedicated mens/womens pits," notes a camper at Raccoon Ridge Campground.
Family activities: Multiple recreation options keep children entertained. "We spent a week there and the kids never got bored. Everyone had a blast," shares a camper from CERA Sports Corporation.
Nashville shopping: The nearby town offers additional entertainment. "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," mentions a Taylor Ridge camper.
What you should know
Site selection challenges: Not all sites are created equal. "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 visitor to Taylor Ridge Campground.
Weather impacts: Rain can significantly affect camping conditions. "There were trees down throughout the park including our campsite. It took a couple hours for them to come clean it up but even when the did they didn't do a complete job," reports a recent Taylor Ridge visitor.
Entrance restrictions: Large RVs face access limitations. "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,'" warns a Buffalo Ridge camper.
Bathroom conditions vary: Quality differs between campgrounds and locations. "The only thing we didn't like was the bathroom conditions. The floor tiles were breaking off and there was certainly a mold issue," notes a camper from S and H Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with included amenities. "Miniature golf was free, pool was a little green (but we had a lot of rain). Stocked pond," notes an S and H Campground visitor.
Nature center visits: Educational opportunities for children. "The nature center is really fun with animals and a bee hive that the children really enjoyed!" shares a camper from Taylor Ridge.
Water recreation options: Multiple swimming areas available for children. "We love the beautiful peaceful lake, our grandkids love the pool with the slide and rock wall, the mini golf, the paddle boats and the amazing playground," explains a camper from Cloverdale RV Park.
Seasonal activities: Special events during holidays enhance family camping. "Holiday Fourth of July 2022 weekend the state Park was special excitement in downtown Nashville, Indiana a short drive outside the State Park," notes a Raccoon Ridge camper.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Bring equipment to adjust for uneven terrain. "Our site was incredibly uneven," reports an S and H Campground visitor.
Electrical considerations: Heavy usage can strain systems. "When everyone started turning on their AC, my surge protector kept kicking due to voltage swings," shares an S and H Campground RVer.
Space limitations: Some loops better accommodate larger vehicles than others. "If you have a big rig or large TT don't go to that side. Ask for on the hill and backed up to the fun park," advises an experienced RV camper at S and H Campground.
Water access points: Water sources may not be at individual sites. "Nice to have water supply within 10 feet," notes a Taylor Ridge camper about RV camping near Trafalgar, Indiana.
