Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Unionville, IN

Yellowwood State Forest accommodates campers with pets across its four wooded campground loops: Red Pine, White-Oak Hickory, Redbud and Black Gum. The 79 primitive sites feature fire rings with grill grates and picnic tables, providing ample space for tent camping with dogs. Several picnic areas and shelters are available throughout the property with potable water stations and vault toilets accessible to all campers. Pets must remain leashed at all times while exploring the campground and hiking trails. Morgan-Monroe State Forest also allows pets at its Oak Ridge Camping Area, offering a more secluded camping experience with 20 main sites and 10 overflow sites. Campsites in both forests are first-come, first-served, requiring self-registration and payment with exact cash at the respective forest offices.

Five hiking trails of varying difficulty levels traverse Yellowwood State Forest, with many sites having short trails from them to the lake edge, making for convenient access while camping with dogs. The Tecumseh Trail (43 miles) connects Yellowwood with Morgan-Monroe State Forest and Hoosier National Forest, providing extensive pet-friendly hiking options. Dog owners should be prepared for wildlife encounters and bring sufficient water for pets, especially during summer months. While swimming is not permitted in Yellowwood Lake, fishing opportunities abound and rowboat rentals are available at the forest office. Brown County State Park, located just minutes away, offers additional pet-friendly camping options including Buffalo Ridge Campground, Taylor Ridge Campground, and Raccoon Ridge Campground, all with electrical hookups and modern amenities for those seeking less primitive accommodations with their pets.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Unionville, Indiana (85)

    1. Paynetown Campground

    29 Reviews
    Clear Creek, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 837-9546

    $23 - $52 / night

    "It's a bittersweet type of situation."

    "This campground is busy as it's close to a college, but it has ample room to provide for everyone."

    2. Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    31 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6406

    $50 / night

    "We have visited Nashville Indiana several times but this is our first time camping nearby. My wife loves to visit Nashville and all the little shops they offer."

    "It was backed up to the edge of the woods which made for a lovely view. Driving through the campground it looks like there are some sites pretty close together but ours wasn’t too bad."

    3. Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    22 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6406

    $50 / night

    "This is a beautiful State Park situated in the rolling hills of southern Indiana."

    "I make multiple visits here every year, mainly for the mountain bike trails. There are almost 30 miles of trails inside the park with new trails every year for the past 3+ years."

    4. Yellowwood State Forest

    15 Reviews
    Unionville, IN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-7945

    $225 / night

    "Peaceful little place but unfortunately it rained but we made the best of it, there’s some secluded spots where you can stay away from others or stay in the more general areas, nice lake to fish and we"

    "Drive up, select your site, and then go to the park office to pay using a self-pay envelope. Bring exact change(cash). Current prices are listed on the Indiana DNR website."

    5. Hardin Ridge

    25 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 837-9453

    $24 - $64 / night

    "This campground is nestled on a ridge above Indiana's Lake Monroe."

    "Hardin Ridge is a fantastic place to camp, and is very close to lake Monroe. But it's also quite a ways away from any stores in case you forget anything."

    6. Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    22 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    15 miles
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "The ground is level and all grass with less bugs than sites directly off trail. We just have a simple backpacking tent set-up and we had a great campfire."

    "Site is a wide open and well-groomed, with trails just a short walk (or ride) away. Toilets and covered picnic tables nearby."

    7. Oak Ridge Camping Area — Morgan-Monroe State Forest

    9 Reviews
    Martinsville, IN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 342-4026

    $25 - $55 / night

    "This is probably the best state forest in the state of Indiana. The property is well maintained. There is a new visitors center built a few years ago."

    "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."

    8. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

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

    "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"

    "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."

    9. Brown County-Nashville KOA

    10 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-4675

    "Nice dog walk and small fenced dog area. Sites level and good for big rigs down to tents. Three cabins also available. Owners are relatively new and have been working on improvements continually."

    "If coming from the north-west, try to arrive before dark as the road over the hills to this place is beautiful, but narrow and forested with some trees very close to the roadway."

    10. Raccoon Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    9 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6406

    $50 / night

    "Holiday Fourth of July 2022 weekend the start Park was special excitement in downtown Nashville, Indiana a short drive outside the State Park."

    "Our third Indiana state park. Still impressed, they have all been friendly, well maintained with good, spread out sites and good signage everywhere (even the trails)."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Unionville, IN

616 Reviews of 85 Unionville Campgrounds


  • Brady R.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Paynetown Campground

    Lake Views - Good for Covid

    With COVID, it seems that everyone...and then more people are going camping. It's a bittersweet type of situation. Nevertheless, it's been very hard to find decent camping in Indiana that isn't packed in like sardines, while also trying to escape the city and get into nature - not around more people.

    Luckily, a friend and I came here last October and this place was great. We got a non electric site and were in the middle of the sites. We had a great lake view and were very happy with our setup. It was a pull-through site, although not all are like that. We were able to set up in no time. 

    We had lots of space, away from our neighbors. The campstore had wood and random items that you might need should you forget. We were just steps away from the lake and enjoyed walking down there every morning. There aren't the best hiking trails around, so you'll need to drive to the nearby Brown County or National Forest to hike on trails that are actually worth the time. 

    I will add that the setup is a bit odd for non-electric. You basically had to pull up to the gatehouse, get your reservation info, then do a U-turn and go back out past the campstore in order to get to your campground. Very odd setup to say the least.

  • Lesley E.
    Nov. 20, 2021

    Indianapolis KOA

    Great campground

    We stayed here on our way to Maine and loved the campground so much we chose to stay again on our way back. Everything was clean and well maintained, staff was very friendly and helpful. The pup loved the dog park.

  • s
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA

    Still developing

    Owners are fantastic. They will get to a 5 as they continue their hard work making it an awesome place. New owners took over 4 months ago. They have many activities (was yogi bear till it was sold) put put, bowling, chess, volleyball, fishing. Dog park, Play ground was nicely done. Lake has lots of algae. Pool is brand new. It is by highway however, that did not bother us personally. I will visit again and would consider seasonal. Service id rate them a 5. Wonderful people and the place as much potential.

  • J
    May. 14, 2022

    Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA

    New Name “Camp Raintree Lake”

    Gorgeous property with such kind and friendly owners. New owners that are making improvements to the property but it is so nice already.

    The lake is GORGEOUS. Sites have mature trees, variety of singing birds. Really nice stay here as we were passing through. There is a sand volleyball net, gah gah ball, dog park, playground, mini golf (not ready for summer yet), and a new pool soon (concrete poured the other day).

    Campground is a few miles from interstate and right off the highway so some highway noise but still a great picturesque place.

    We will definitely stay here again if we are in the area .

  • Sammii D.
    Jul. 27, 2019

    Lake Haven Retreat

    Mighty fine campground for a city

    This place is pretty awesome. It's doesn't have any of the typical summer amenities like a pool but the ones it does have are in tip top shape. Campsites also don't have fire rings but there are a bunch of communal ones around the lake. Plus free communal firewood. The laundry and bathhouse is really stellar too. Clean and open 24/7. Plenty of washers and dryers. There are easy back-ins and pull-thrus. Think some of the pull-thrus are for group camping too the way it's set up. Dog park, free cable (like 60 channels!) and internet (haven't tested strength yet)! I dig it!

  • Barry B.
    Jul. 8, 2020

    West Boggs Park

    Nice, clean and friendly

    West Boggs lake is near the heart of Indiana's Amish country. It has a great lake that has good fishing and the ability to put your boat out. Pets are welcome. They have sites for all forms of camping. We tent camped and had electric and water at site. Great place to ride you bike and visit others.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Hickory Hills Camp Resort

    Perfect RV Resort south of Indianapolis

    We were so fortunate to have found The Retreat at Hickory Hills and stay there for a month! There’s two pools, a pickle ball court, a basketball half court, farm animals, golf cart trails, kayak/canoe/row boats, exploring creeks, fishing, a dog park, several playgrounds, Gaga ball, tether ball, volleyball, frisbee golf and several weekend activities for everyone. Saturday mornings were our favorite where we could get biscuits and gravy, coffee and the kids had craft time. It’s definitely worth bringing mountain bikes or renting their golf carts to explore their golf cart trails! We went out on these several times and it never got old! Staff and campers were welcoming and friendly. We still haven’t stopped talking about how CLEAN they keep everything. The sites were large and they’re still expanding and adding more sites. There’s a seasonal campers area and an overnight or monthly area. We stayed in the overnight/monthly area. It was peaceful and relaxing throughout the week and lively during the weekend. It was a wonderful balance!! We’ll definitely be back.

  • Rebecca J.
    May. 16, 2018

    Paynetown Campground

    Busy college town campground with ample room and huge lake area

    This campground is busy as it's close to a college, but it has ample room to provide for everyone. Lots of water access near campsites so you can swim with pets in areas that aren' the designated beach. There is also the convenience of a camp store for firewood and forgotten items. Primitive spots are awesome and interspersed with the electric so bathrooms are close as well as showers.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2019

    Indianapolis KOA

    Time to eat!

    Ranger Review: Grubstick at Holiday KOA Greenfield, Indiana. Campground Review: So, I’ve said it before, KOA’s are not my kind of camping. However I find myself once again with a KOA yearly membership. Why? Because several of the people whom I camp with enjoy the WiFi and other perks of staying at a KOA. I met my brother and his wife at the Holiday KOA https://koa.com/campgrounds/indianapolis/ right outside Indianapolis, Indiana for a very wet tent camp out. I towed my redneck “tent platform” and brought along plenty of tarpage. No kayak, the weather actually dipped into the high thirty’s and I am not a cold weather kayaker. Perks of this KOA are a very nice playground and wading pool area. So if you have younger children, ideal for you. There is a nice size dog park and you can get a nice walk in around the campground. They have delivery style pizza right on site and some planned activities on weekends. There is the aforementioned WiFi and the latrine is newer but lacking in hooks ( I’m a big hook person, where else am I supposed to hang my bathroom bag and clothes while showering or grooming at the sink?) The other issue with the latrine is there is only ONE for the entire campground. This is a nice size campground and it can be a good hike from the backside to the latrine, I know this because I had to make that hike more then once. The other issue with that is not everyone is willing to walk that far when they need to go, so where do you suppose they take care of their business? .... exactly! And then there’s my same old complaint of they fit a camper or tent into every square meter of this park, it can get very full and crowded. Excuse me while I look in your window or can over hear every word you say. Holiday was very well maintained to the point of mowing while I’m trying to set up my area and blowing grass all over everything, please don’t run over my dog...Otherwise we had fun looking for area happenings and shopping. I visited Fort Harrison State Park which was nearby. Product Review: As a Dyrt Ranger I get the opportunity on occasion to review outdoor oriented products. I had the chance to try out Grubstick https://grubstick.com/ and I can say I was excited! I am a campfire cooking kind of person and have tried out many contraptions, the Grubstick is a long time in coming. I say that because this ain’t your grandma’s wiener roasting stick or your moms wicked pointed metal fork that can put your eye out or trip you when it slides down the side of the chair leg. The most phenomenal part of the Grubstick is that the handle is.....RETRACTABLE!!! No more wedging the fork in the most inconvenient place or trying to fit it in your cooking box. The handle when not expanded can fit easily into your pocket, day pack, backpack, fannypack !!! To me that is AWESOME!! Revolutionary! Seems to be sturdier then ones I’ve seen in camp stores. Along with the handle comes two attachments and a easy open handle in a nice, durable carry bag, LOVE IT. Christmas gifts all around! And this was before I checked it out. I have two “sets” and unfortunately one of the sticks broke after only a few retractions and extensions. Perhaps I was too vigorous in my extension technique? So carefully extend your grubstick when using. Otherwise it worked like a dream! And the other stick had no issues, so maybe just a flaw in that one stick? I haven’t contacted the company yet, but I will see how they are about returns or replacements. I roasted some sausages and we toasted some marshmallows for s’mores. The pack up was easy too, nice carry bag to put it all in, I usually carry or reuse a freezer type bag for “dirty” silverware etc. I removed the fork head off the Grubstick and it went right in. No MESS! No Long Pointy Stick with goo at the end to wrap and store. Love it! I didn’t use the Grubstick basket while camping so I pulled it out at the house to add some footage and testing. If Grubstickadds a pie pan attachment, I’m one of the first in line to get it!! Happy Camp Cooking ;)


Guide to Unionville

Yellowwood State Forest welcomes pets at all primitive campsites scattered around its 133-acre lake, with most sites offering a fire ring, grill grate, and picnic table. The four campground loops—Red Pine, White Oak/Hickory, Redbud, and Black Gum—provide pet-friendly accommodations with access to vault toilets and drinking water stations. Several sites have short trails leading directly to the lake edge, making for convenient night fishing with dogs while maintaining a cozy campfire. Brown County-Nashville KOA also accommodates pets in tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Camping fees at Yellowwood are $13 per night for regular sites and $16 for the Horseman's Camp, which offers access to horse trails throughout the forest.

Dogs must remain leashed throughout all campgrounds in the area, with particular attention needed during wildlife encounters in Morgan-Monroe State Forest and Yellowwood State Forest. The Tecumseh Trail (43 miles) connects these natural areas, providing extensive hiking opportunities with dogs. Most campgrounds have remained quiet and secluded, even during peak camping seasons, except for major holiday weekends when sites fill quickly. Pet waste disposal is each owner's responsibility as facilities are minimal at these primitive sites. The most accessible veterinary services are found in Nashville and Bloomington, with the closest emergency animal hospital located in Bloomington, approximately 15-20 minutes from most area campgrounds. Weather considerations for pets include hot summer temperatures with limited shade at some sites, making early reservations for wooded locations essential when traveling with dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Unionville, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Unionville, IN is Paynetown Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Unionville, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 85 dog-friendly camping locations near Unionville, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.