Best Dispersed Camping near Unionville, IN
Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Hoosier National Forest near Unionville, Indiana. The Peninsula Trail offers primitive backcountry sites with fire rings, situated along well-maintained trails. Berry Ridge Road provides multiple free dispersed sites spaced far apart for privacy, with some campsites located up to half a mile from each other. Hickory Ridge and Sundance Lake areas feature additional primitive camping options. According to reviews, "The Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge trails both have marked campsites that are very far apart and totally private."
These dispersed sites require self-sufficiency. No drinking water is available at any location; campers must pack in all water or filter from natural sources. Most sites include basic fire rings, and fires are permitted except during drought conditions. Several campers noted that Berry Ridge Road sites have "plenty of dry wood around to burn." Pack-in, pack-out principles apply to all trash and waste. Vault toilets exist at Berry Ridge Road, but most other areas lack facilities.
Vehicle access varies by location. Peninsula Trail requires hiking in, with campsites 10-13 being most accessible via short hikes. Berry Ridge Road accommodates standard vehicles on gravel roads, though some sections are steep. Campers report the roads are navigable in sedans, but caution is advised during wet conditions. Wildlife encounters are possible; timber rattlesnakes have been observed near water sources in the Peninsula Trail area. Light pollution remains minimal throughout the region, providing excellent stargazing opportunities. Weekends see increased visitation, particularly at drive-in sites, which "fill up fast on weekends."
