Tent camping options near Fishers, Indiana include several established campgrounds within an hour's drive. Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers the Oak Ridge Camping Area with primitive tent sites in a forested setting approximately 60 miles south of Fishers. Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort in Pendleton provides tent campsites about 15 miles from Fishers, while Clovis Creek has 20 tent sites accessible by drive-in, walk-in, or boat-in access.
Morgan-Monroe State Forest's tent campsites feature gravel parking pads with fire rings, grill grates, and picnic tables. The campground provides vault toilets and outdoor washing stations with drinking water available. Most sites are first-come, first-served with self-registration at the park office. Campers should bring exact change for payment. The Oak Ridge area serves as an overflow camping area with more secluded sites, many of which can only accommodate tents. Firewood is available for purchase during limited office hours, or campers may gather downed wood throughout the forest.
The tent camping experience at Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers access to numerous hiking trails, including routes over 10 miles long. One camper noted that "even with beautiful weather and the opening of squirrel season, it was relatively light with other campers." The forest provides a quieter alternative to busier state parks, with fewer crowds and no "hordes of flashlight children running amuck through the campground," according to visitor feedback on The Dyrt. Sites in the Oak Ridge area are particularly secluded but small, making them ideal for tent campers seeking solitude. The property includes three small lakes for fishing and kayaking, and the Tecumseh Trail (40 miles) begins in this forest, offering extended hiking opportunities for tent campers using the area as a basecamp.
"This was really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children’s museum. The lake is fabulous, but there didn’t seem to be too many fish available for catching!!"
from $25 - $45 / night
"When tent camping and want something quiet and a place with great trails, this is a good place to go. Even though it’s hot outside today, there’s lots of shade and a breeze."
"Site 13 has a little trail that goes down to a large flooded sinkhole behind the campsite. There were lots of tree frogs singing because of the proximity to water."
from $25 - $55 / night
ScoutMark & Denise are great camp hosts they care about everyone and will help them if they need it. They do so much for the holidays and have some great times together around the campfires. Will miss them this winter but will be thinking of them during the Army Navy game. (A inside joke lol).
Scoutwe arrived during a halloween kids party. the hostess was super nice. the women’s showers and wash rooms clean. the men’s shower was sport locker style.
ScoutClean paved sites, rigs under 35 feet will fit. Water and electricity 50/30 (water is in the ground.
ScoutBeautiful, great amenities too. Right off highway to travel anywhere
GuideGreat place to stay. Full hook ups, about 90 percent level sites. 33 RV sites and 3 or 4 primitive camp sites. The main bathhouse is pretty clean, included laundry, and a great host and hostess (Mark and Denise). The only bad is the price hikes here. One would think MWR would throw money towards some things...like a dog park, some leveling, lights at the kids playground, and MWR sponsored and paid for holiday parties/outings for vets, retirees, and all the active here on base. But nope, just collecting revenue without any beanies. Anyway, the host keeps it grounded.
GuideBack in site, along the river, has full hooks! Wonderful bike, walking, you could even see horses on the path! Well taken care of campground, owned by the county. Lots of shade trees, clean bathrooms, playground.
ScoutGreat staff, super helpful! Put us in their “VIP” spots on the “hill”. Access to the family fun zone including in the stay. So much for our littles to do! And totally safe and clean.
TravelerThe good: Hosts are very nice. Bath/shower house clean. Close to the city of Franklin, but rural. Not so good: next to an Indiana National Guard site. Was mostly quiet during the week, but louder on weekend. Revelry playing at 6 am, helicopters, etc. Also, be aware, website does not say, but they do not allow tent camping, car camping, makeshift tent trailers, box truck campers etc. But currently allow pop up campers. I have a Sylvan Sport Go and was told I'd have to leave. Eventually allowed me to stay for my reserved time and decided it was a legit enough camper.
GuideWe made last minute reservations, for tent camping, the staff was so nice. She even brought fire wood to us after they closed the store. They have all amenities. The shower were nice and clean (the water was a bit smelly). The sight comes with outlets and water faucets. There’s a lake right near the sight that u can go into, but that causes a lot of flies to come.
Tent campsites near Fishers, Indiana can be found within a 60-mile radius in several directions. The region features deciduous forests with moderate terrain, typically experiencing four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 73-86°F and winter lows near freezing. Campers should note that many nearby tent camping options do not take reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis during the peak season from April through October.
Hiking extensive trail systems: At Morgan-Monroe State Forest, trails cater to various skill levels with multiple long-distance options. "There are a lot of trails to hike 2 of them are over 10 miles (lower gap and three lakes)," notes Ron H. who appreciates the well-maintained trails throughout the property.
Fishing in small lakes: The small lakes at Morgan-Monroe State Forest provide opportunities for anglers and paddlers. "Three small lakes are on the property for fishing and kayaking," shares a camper, making it a good option for water activities without traveling far from camp.
Explore the fire tower: Near Mason Ridge campground, visitors can climb the fire tower when open for panoramic views of the surrounding forest. "There is a playground and fire tower right next to the Mason Ridge campground," mentions Daisy C., though availability may depend on seasonal or maintenance closures.
Secluded atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the quiet environment at these campgrounds compared to busier state parks. "My favorite forest with traditional camping, backwoods camping, and a wonderful secret pioneer cabin for rent. This is the best camping within an hour on Indianapolis," says Sars C. about the Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Proximity to Indianapolis: Located just a short drive from the city, these campgrounds offer convenient weekend getaways. "This was really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children's museum," reports a reviewer at Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort, making it ideal for combining urban and outdoor activities.
Light crowds: The tent campsites near Fishers typically see fewer visitors than more developed parks. "Great forest for camping. Even with beautiful weather and the opening of squirrel season, it was relatively light with other campers," notes a camper, highlighting the peaceful nature of the experience.
Self-registration process: Most area campgrounds require self-registration upon arrival. "When you arrive set up at your site. Then you will need to go WITH EXACT CHANGE to the sign in at the main building," advises Rob R. about the Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Limited facilities: Tent campsites typically offer basic amenities only. "This campground is for those who like to 'rough it' a little bit," explains a camper, noting that most sites have vault toilets rather than flush facilities.
Site selection challenges: Many campsites in the region have uneven terrain. "I was slightly disappointed by the site selections being mostly on a slant, but we did find one on the overfill site that suited our needs," shares a visitor, suggesting early arrival for better site options.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play areas for children. "There is a playground at the entrance of Mason Ridge campground," notes a camper, providing an activity option for families with younger children.
Nature education: The tree identification trail at Morgan-Monroe offers an educational opportunity. "Recommend the tree trail," suggests a visitor, making it suitable for family-friendly learning activities about local flora.
Consider proximity to amenities: Clovis Creek provides 20 tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings, making it suitable for families needing basic comforts while still experiencing tent camping near Fishers.
Size restrictions: Most campgrounds near Fishers have limitations for larger vehicles. "If you have a small camper (15' or smaller) there would more sites. There is a dump station, but I barely got in to dump. So not real RV friendly," cautions a camper about the tight access at some locations.
Generator considerations: Since most sites lack hookups, RVers should plan for limited power use. "Although there is no electric hookup we had a generator that we used sparklingly," shares Don N. who camped at Morgan-Monroe State Forest in a 21-foot Winnebago.
Site selection for leveling: RVers should arrive early to find the most level sites. "We stayed at site 13 at Morgan-Monroe State Forest, Mason Ridge Campground," notes a camper, who found this particular site accommodating for smaller camping vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fishers, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fishers, IN is Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Fishers, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Fishers, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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