Primitive camping options near Underwood, Indiana feature several Forest Service roads with informal campsites throughout the Hoosier National Forest. These areas sit within the unglaciated southern Indiana region characterized by steep ridges, rock outcroppings, and dense hardwood forests. Tent camping opportunities range from completely undeveloped forest pull-offs to minimally maintained dispersed sites with small clearings established by previous campers.
What to do
Fishing access points: The Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping [https://thedyrt.com/camping/indiana/old-mill-tent-and-hammock-camping] sits directly along Blue River with camping sites near water access. One visitor noted, "Nice size site with fire ring and picnic table. Lots of trees- great tree canopy and plenty of hammock. The end of a kayaking trip is there so the buses to pick up kayakers are in and out and gets pretty busy at the end of the day."
Geode hunting: Charles C. Deam Wilderness [https://thedyrt.com/camping/indiana/charles-c-deam-wilderness] offers unique rock collecting opportunities along creek beds. A camper who explored extensively shared, "I walked the creek for hours just looking at all the rocks on the sandbars. I have never encountered so many geodes in my life. Truly magnificent to encounter."
Trail exploration: Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites provides easy access to forest hiking trails. A visitor mentioned, "Very nice drive during the day, hiking is fantastic!" The surrounding area features multiple unmarked but established walking paths through deciduous forest.
What campers like
Solitude between sites: Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping [https://thedyrt.com/camping/indiana/berry-ridge-rd-dispersed-camping] offers exceptional privacy between tent sites. A reviewer described it as "Beautiful secluded site that is pretty far off of the road, but not too far. There was no traffic or other people in site."
Hammock-friendly trees: Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping stands out for hammock campers with its abundant trees. A camper noted, "Each site comes with a fire pit and picnic table. Plenty of trees to hang up a hammock and empty space to pitch a tent."
Natural sounds: Primitive sites provide genuine forest immersion. One Berry Ridge Road camper described the soundscape as "Just trees knocking, bugs curling and frogs croaking," highlighting the natural audio environment of tent camping near Underwood.
What you should know
Water sources: No running water exists at most primitive sites. At Charles C. Deam Wilderness [https://thedyrt.com/camping/indiana/charles-c-deam-wilderness], a camper advised, "Refill your water when you come across it; the lake is harder to get to than you think."
Road conditions: Forest roads can challenge standard vehicles. A Hickory Ridge camper reported, "I pulled in at midnight in a sedan in the winter and i was able to safely find my way," though most sites recommend higher clearance.
Wildlife awareness: Encounters with snakes and other wildlife occur regularly. A Berry Ridge camper mentioned, "Did see a rattlesnake dead on the road," while another solo camper noted hearing "rustling in the leaves" each evening around 5pm.
Tips for camping with families
Interactive features: Happy Hollow Homestead [https://thedyrt.com/camping/indiana/black-walnut-grove-at-happy-hollow] offers unique outdoor play structures. A family camper shared, "The kids loved the tire swing and tree web. We will definitely be coming back!" Another mentioned, "The tree web is a giant net about 15 feet in the air. My boys loved climbing up and laying in the web."
Restroom access: Facilities vary widely between sites. At Happy Hollow, "The bathroom and shower was very nice and the composting toilet was clean," while most dispersed sites have no facilities.
Cell service limitations: Expect minimal connectivity. At Happy Hollow, one camper reported "One bar with cell booster" while most dispersed sites have spotty or no service, requiring alternative entertainment for tech-dependent children.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most primitive sites accommodate only small rigs. At Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping [https://thedyrt.com/camping/indiana/berry-ridge-rd-dispersed-camping], a camper noted, "Some sites, at least one, could fit a pretty good sized camper," but cautioned, "I would not bring a RV here especially after rain."
Clearance requirements: Forest roads often present challenges. At Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping, a camper advised, "I wouldn't be trying to pull a travel trailer back into here unless it was very small."
Limited turnaround space: Forest roads often lack proper turn-around areas. One camper at Berry Ridge Road mentioned, "I have a promaster conversion and had no trouble making it to this site, however the road was gravel and steep at times," suggesting even modest-sized vans should proceed with caution.
