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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Peninsula Trail

Peninsula Trail, near Bloomington, Indiana, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a backcountry experience. This location offers primitive camping with marked sites that are spaced out for maximum privacy, making it perfect for a peaceful escape into nature.

The area is known for its beautiful trails, with the Peninsula Trail being relatively easy while the Grub Ridge Trail offers a moderate challenge as you venture further west. Campers rave about the lakeside spots, especially campsite #18, which boasts ample space for larger groups and stunning views. As one visitor put it, “Campsites 10, 11, 12, and 13 are very accessible with a short hike and are fantastic spots.”

While you won't find amenities like drinking water or electric hookups here, the freedom to camp almost anywhere within 100 feet of the water adds to the allure. Just be prepared for a bit of a trek to the water and remember to bring your own drinking water. Some campers have mentioned the occasional rowdy boaters, but the low light pollution makes for excellent stargazing at night.

If you're looking to explore, the Deam Wilderness area is nearby, offering some of the best backpacking in Indiana. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just soaking in the natural beauty, Peninsula Trail is a solid choice for your next outdoor adventure.

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Location

Peninsula Trail is located in Indiana

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.0745277 N
86.376424 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Peninsula Trail needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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7 Reviews

Reviewed May. 9, 2024

Awesome Place to BackCountry

The Peninsula Trail and Grub Ridge trails both have marked campsites that are very far apart and totally private.  These are dispersed/primitive sites with a fire ring only.  Very remote feeling (except you CAN hear any loud cars/motorcycles at night from the main road over the lake). Light pollution is pretty low however, so good stargazing. 

Trails are in good shape and the Penninsuala trail is pretty easy. Grub Ridge trail gets moderate the further west you take it.  CAmpsites 10,11,12,13 are very accessible with a short hike and are fantastic spots.   

Lakeside spots are great also if you hike farther, but as others have said, drunk boaters tend to stop along the shore even though they are not supposed to. A few years ago boat access was limited to non-motoroized but not sure it is being enforced very well.  

All the same, the Deam Wilderness area is Indianas best for backpacking and backcountry camping. 

Down tower ridge road, to the east, just past the tower - turn right and the road there has lots of drive-in sites as well. These fill up fast on the weekends.

Site13, 12, 10
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Peninsula Trail by Matt V., May 9, 2024
  • Review photo of Peninsula Trail by Matt V., May 9, 2024
  • Review photo of Peninsula Trail by Matt V., May 9, 2024
Reviewed Apr. 27, 2022

Awesome!

Went there with my kids and wife, we had a really great time. Primitive camping at its finest. Long walk to the water so make sure you bring plenty of drinking water. Springs available in the valleys but watch for timber rattlesnakes. Definitely would make this a must to visit.

Sitenon specific
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed May. 28, 2021

Multiple trips here a year

LOVE this trail. Just challenging enough to make it worth it. Campsites I’ve great fire pits. Only downside is the drunk boat people that show up in the summer.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Peninsula Trail by Steve D., May 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Peninsula Trail by Steve D., May 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Peninsula Trail by Steve D., May 28, 2021
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Apr. 27, 2021

Relaxing Campsites on the Lake

On the peninsula trail, there are multiple campsites with fire rings but you may also camp anywhere if you are at least 100 ft from the water. Campsite #18 has a great view and is large enough for at least 4 tents if you have a big group.

Site18
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Peninsula Trail by Aspen B., April 27, 2021
  • Review photo of Peninsula Trail by Aspen B., April 27, 2021
  • Review photo of Peninsula Trail by Aspen B., April 27, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 13, 2021

Awesome place FREE

It was an awesome backpacking journey for starters, little bit rough because of the horse riding track but awesome if you love to walk and see nature. Recommend this for sure!!!

  • Review photo of Peninsula Trail by Osiel M., April 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Peninsula Trail by Osiel M., April 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Peninsula Trail by Osiel M., April 13, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Peninsula Trail?

    Peninsula Trail is located at 539 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Peninsula Trail?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Peninsula Trail, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Peninsula Trail have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Peninsula Trail does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Peninsula Trail?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is unknown.