Owen Putnam State Forest

Owen-Putnam State Forest offers three distinct camping areas with basic amenities. One campground is designated specifically for horse camping, providing facilities for equestrians and their horses. Another campground is near the forest office and includes several sites that can accommodate small campers or RVs. The third camping area is more remote and difficult to access, primarily suitable for tent camping as larger vehicles cannot reach it. None of the campgrounds accept reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Most sites provide access to water, but facilities are intentionally rustic. Expect primitive camping with limited amenities.

Maps of Owen-Putnam State Forest camping areas are available at the forest office near one of the main campgrounds. For planning ahead, check the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website, which typically provides downloadable maps and information about state forests. Physical maps may also be posted at campground entrances and major trailheads within the forest. If you need detailed navigation information, especially for reaching the more remote camping area, contact the forest office directly before your visit to ensure you have the most current maps and directions.

Owen-Putnam State Forest offers excellent photography opportunities with its abundant natural features. The forest is known for impressive wooded areas with numerous trails winding through dense tree coverage. Scenic highlights include beautiful bluffs and diverse forest landscapes that change seasonally. Hikers share trails with horseback riders, creating unique photo opportunities of horses traversing the woodland paths. The forest's natural beauty makes it ideal for landscape photography, especially for those who enjoy capturing untamed woodland scenery rather than developed park settings.