Primitive tent camping near Zionsville, Indiana offers self-service options typically within 30-60 minutes of town. The central Indiana camping season runs from April through October, with peak availability from May through September when temperatures average 70-85°F. Most primitive sites require cash payment through self-registration envelopes at park offices or entrance stations.
What to do
Hiking extended trails: Morgan-Monroe State Forest features multiple long-distance hiking options including two trails over 10 miles. "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 reviewer Ron H.
Fishing year-round: Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort provides lake access within 40 minutes of Zionsville. "This was really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children's museum. The lake is fabulous," writes Debbie S., though she adds that "there didn't seem to be too many fish available for catching!!"
Kayaking small lakes: Morgan-Monroe State Forest contains three small lakes suitable for non-motorized watercraft. According to Ron H., "Three small lakes are on the property for fishing and kayaking." The lakes maintain stable water levels through summer, with access points designed for hand-launching small craft.
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Morgan-Monroe State Forest attracts campers seeking privacy and quiet. "This is the best camping within an hour on Indianapolis and if your looking for free and solitary sites try the backwoods camping area for the low gap trail theres a parking lot there," recommends Sars C., who gave the forest a 5-star rating.
Abundant birdwatching: Lake Waveland Park provides habitat for various bird species in its primitive camping area. William David S. notes, "This is a lovely space with lots of birds to observe. Not fancy, some updating of infrastructure is due."
Easy woodland gathering: Morgan-Monroe allows campers to collect firewood from downed trees. Daisy C. explains, "It is also allowed for campers to gather downed wood throughout the forest for campfires. Chainsaws are not allowed, so bring a handsaw and spitting axe if you want to do this."
What you should know
Site limitations: Morgan-Monroe State Forest campgrounds have size restrictions for RVs and trailers. "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," explains Ron H.
Payment procedures: Most campgrounds near Zionsville require self-registration. Rob R. advises about Morgan-Monroe: "When you arrive set up at your site. Then you will need to go WITH EXACT CHANGE to the sign in at the main building. It's easy, there is a little box on the side of the firewood shed. Make sure you take your tag to mark your site."
Site selection timing: Arrive early to secure better tent sites. "The sites are kind of too close together. The campsite do have fire rings and picnic tables. The site fills up pretty fast so come early," cautions Kevin T. about Lake Waveland Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake Waveland Park features dedicated family facilities beyond standard campground amenities. Nicole B. mentions, "They do have a beach. A few cabins for rent. Fireworks in July and Halloween for the whole family in October."
Level site selection: When tent camping with children at Morgan-Monroe, choose carefully among the varied terrain. "I was slightly disappointed by the site selections being mostly on a slant, but we did find one on the overfill site that suited our needs and we ended up loving it," shares rickie F.
Bathroom facilities: Families should plan accordingly for primitive toilets. Don N. notes about Morgan-Monroe: "The only drawbacks were that the vault toilets are in pretty bad condition and the dump station hose did not have a connection to allow me to flush the blackwater holding tank."
Tips from RVers
Size considerations: RV campers should research specific site dimensions before arriving at Morgan-Monroe. "This campground is decent if you get one of the few good spots. Many sites are small and can only accommodate a tent," advises Joe B., adding that "This campground typically remains available as an overflow camping area but is still a good spot."
Generator etiquette: Small RVs can utilize primitive sites with proper planning. Don N. shared about Morgan-Monroe: "My wife and were at site 15 from 09/02/21- 09/06/21 camping in a Winnebago Micro Minnie 2108 TB. This park is not for large rigs, but we had no trouble fitting into our small camper... although there is no electric hookup we had a generator that we used sparklingly."
Campground maintenance: Lake Waveland Park receives regular groundskeeping that benefits RV campers. Randy A. reports, "Lake Waveland's grounds crew does a very good job keeping the property in order... and that's no small task, there is a TON of green space on this property! If fishing is your way of relaxing, you should have a good time here. The majority of electric sites are well shaded."
