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Best Dispersed Camping near Underwood, IN

34 Reviews

Hoosier National Forest provides several dispersed camping opportunities near Underwood, Indiana. Berry Ridge Road features multiple secluded sites spaced well apart, accessible via gravel roads. These free sites accommodate tents and some smaller RVs, with established fire rings and flat spots for camping. According to reviews, "sites are fairly far apart" and "some sites are tucked back into the trees and can be hard to spot."

The Knobstone Trail offers backcountry camping options for hikers, known locally as "The Little AT" for its challenging terrain. Jackson Trailhead provides primitive camping with drive-in access, though visitors note "there's parking after a decrepit gravel road." Most dispersed sites in the region are pack-in, pack-out with no facilities. Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping provides a few tent sites near a small lake, though reviews indicate weekend activity can increase with "a lot of partying and hunting." Horse Camp Road and Hickory Ridge areas offer additional primitive camping options. Water can be scarce in summer months throughout the region.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Underwood, Indiana (12)

    1. Knobstone Trail

    4 Reviews
    Borden, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 358-2160

    "Most people, even Hoosiers don't realize the Knobstone Trail exists. It's often referred to The Little AT by those who know about it. It's no walk in the park."

    "The KT is rugged and has lots of elevation gains over short distances. Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail snd creek beds."

    2. Jackson Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Borden, IN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 294-4306

    "there’s parking after a decrepit gravel road and suitable for camping. there are campsites along the trail just have to find them"

    3. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Freetown, IN
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "Free camp ground. Very private. Decent sized space to park for 2-3 vehicles."

    "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."

    4. Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Freetown, IN
    37 miles

    "Free disbursed camping at its best in Indiana. Not another soul camped within earshot. Clean site. Gravel pad for vehicle. Green grass for tent. 14 day limit. No reservations needed or available."

    "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."

    5. Peninsula Trail

    7 Reviews
    Clear Creek, IN
    46 miles
    Website

    "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. "

    "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."

    6. Horse Camp Rd Dispersed

    1 Review
    Norman, IN
    38 miles

    7. BerryRidge Road Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Freetown, IN
    39 miles

    "A hidden gem. Just a few sites along the road minimum traffic encountered"

    8. Hickory Ridge

    1 Review
    Norman, IN
    41 miles

    9. Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites

    1 Review
    Norman, IN
    42 miles

    "I pulled in at midnight in a sedan in the winter and i was able to safely find my way. Very nice drive during the day, hiking is fantastic!"

    10. Ogala Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Freetown, IN
    36 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Underwood, IN

22 Photos of 12 Underwood Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Underwood, IN

34 Reviews of 12 Underwood Campgrounds

  • Dave E.
    Aug. 16, 2017

    Knobstone Trail

    Best backpacking in Indiana!

    Most people, even Hoosiers don't realize the Knobstone Trail exists. It's often referred to The Little AT by those who know about it. It's no walk in the park. There are continuous ups and downs that will challenge your leg strength and footing at times. There are plenty of great places to camp along the trail. Water can become scarce in the summer/fall months, but if you walk far enough, you're likely to come by a stream of some sort. Be respectful of the leave no trace rules and if you see any dickheads out there on 4 wheelers, take their picture and report them.

  • Maris H.
    Oct. 29, 2020

    Knobstone Trail

    The KT earns its nickname 'little AT'

    The KT is rugged and has lots of elevation gains over short distances. Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail snd creek beds. You're never too far from water, although the quality may differ depending on the time of year.

    Watch out for ticks. My dogs and I got loads of them in April 2020 from Leota to Spurgeon Hollow. There are road crossings every 5 to 10 miles, so if you run out of something or need to bail you can. The KT asks that you respect leave no trace philosophy, and I felt most hikers did.

    There is occasional trail magic but don't depend on it if thru hiking. I have not stayed in any campgrounds near the trail, so I can't review those, but the trailheads all have adequate parking and signage, and I found topo maps online for free.

    Let someone know your itinerary, have a means for filtering water, and enjoy!

  • J
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping

    Disbursed camping at its Indiana best

    Free disbursed camping at its best in Indiana. Not another soul camped within earshot. Clean site. Gravel pad for vehicle. Green grass for tent. 14 day limit. No reservations needed or available. Just show up and camp if a site is open. This site was very well marked.

  • 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!

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping

    Camping area

    National forest area with 3ish campsites one of which can accommodate a vehicle. Wooded so no solar or starlink. Small lake nearby with what looks like some trails.

  • 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

Guide to Underwood

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Underwood, Indiana, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of locations perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Knobstone Trail

  • The Knobstone Trail is often referred to as "The Little AT" and features rugged terrain with stunning vistas and plenty of fossils along the way.
  • Hikers will appreciate the trail's accessibility to water sources, although it's wise to filter water for safety, especially during the summer months when water can be scarce.
  • With road crossings every 5 to 10 miles, it's easy to adjust your plans if you need to resupply or exit the trail.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Underwood, Indiana

  • At the Jackson Trailhead, you'll find a secluded spot that requires a bit of exploration to locate the campsites, making it a great choice for those seeking privacy.
  • This area allows for campfires, but be sure to bring your own firewood, as it is not provided on-site.
  • Keep in mind that there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, so come prepared with everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Enjoy nature while free camping near Underwood

  • The Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping offers a peaceful retreat with multiple secluded spots along a long, quiet road, perfect for tent camping.
  • Visitors have noted the beautiful forest surroundings, making it an ideal location for those looking to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
  • This site is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the adventure, but remember to follow the leave no trace principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Underwood, IN is Knobstone Trail with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Underwood, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Underwood, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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