Glamping near Unionville, Indiana offers year-round options with primitive to full-hookup sites available across 40+ campsites in the region. Located in south-central Indiana at approximately 850 feet elevation, the area features rolling hills and dense forests that create distinct camping microclimates. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer humidity reaches 80-90% with daytime temperatures averaging 85°F.
What to do
Hiking extensive trail networks: Morgan-Monroe State Forest features multiple trails including the challenging 10+ mile Three Lakes and Low Gap trails. "There are a lot of trails to hike 2 of them are over 10 miles (lower gap and three lakes). The Tecumseh trail (40 miles) starts in Morgan Monroe State Forest passes through Yellowwood State Forest and ends in the Hoosier national Forest," notes Ron H.
Mountain biking on dedicated paths: The region offers extensive biking opportunities across multiple parks. "We've camped here several times and have always enjoyed it. When tent camping and want something quiet and a place with great trails, this is a good place to go," shares Ginger T. about Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Water recreation on multiple lakes: Access nearby lakes for fishing and boating within minutes of most campgrounds. A visitor at Ransburg Scout Reservation mentions, "Located on Monroe lake, they have canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing. Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails."
What campers like
Secluded camping options: Many sites offer privacy and quiet settings away from busier campgrounds. "This is 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 and if your looking for free and solitary sites try the backwoods camping area," says Sars C. about Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Family-friendly amenities: Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe caters specifically to families with children. "It is definitely for kids. They have a huge splash park, wading pool for toddlers, and a 4 foot pool besides tons of interactive activities for kids," explains Pamela H. Another camper adds, "We came here in 2017 with a group of friends and camped in the primitive camping area. It was an awesome set up and we had a great time."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. "Well kept campground. Cleanest campground bathrooms I have ever seen. Friendly staff," notes a visitor at Friends O' Mine Campground & Cabins.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Peak season campsites fill quickly, especially on weekends from May through September. "This campground is busy all season so book a long time in advance," advises a camper about Brown County State Park.
Site variations: Campground layouts and site quality vary significantly throughout the area. "We had to nearly lower my tongue to the ground to get it level," reports Joe M. about a sloped site at Jellystone Park. Another camper mentions, "Pull through sites are spacious. Trees are young, across the road from Brown County national forest so hiking galore."
Seasonal weather concerns: The area experiences distinct seasons affecting camping comfort. "Even though it's hot outside today, there's lots of shade and a breeze," notes a summer visitor at Hoosiers On The Ridge, which offers primitive sites backing up to Yellowwood State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Planned activities for kids: Several campgrounds offer scheduled programs. "We went around Halloween time so the kids participated in a costume contest, pumpkin decorating contest, and trick or treat. The water park was a huge hit with the kids as well," shares Ryan G. about Jellystone Park.
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with play areas for children. "Playground for the kiddos was a plus for us. Nice bathroom and shower facilities," mentions a visitor at eXplore Brown County which features additional activities like zip lines and paintball.
Site selection for families: Request sites away from main roads for safety. "Some camps sites were nice and spacious others had no privacy. Most of the campground is shaded though," notes Elana C. about eXplore Brown County, adding "The ATV and ropes course on site were excellent!"
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many forested campgrounds cannot accommodate larger RVs. "The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is, we are RV campers and there are only about 5 sites we could get in to. Our camper is about 25' and it was tight get in and out of the campground," warns Ron H. about Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Hookup placement issues: Check utility locations before setting up. "Whereas power and water were reasonably placed, the sewer was setup in a manner that waste water had to flow uphill," reports Chris about Jellystone Park at Lake Monroe.
Level site availability: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain challenging for RVs. "Our site as well as all the other pull throughs close by should have had services setup on the opposite side," notes a reviewer about site layout issues that affect leveling.
