Best Dispersed Camping in Indiana

From the sandy bluffs and hundreds of lakes in the north to the limestone caverns in the south, Indiana’s parks are popular with outdoor lovers. In a state defined by its love for automobiles, peaceful afternoons on the river and hundreds of miles of remote hiking are just a short trip away. You don’t have to look far to find your getaway, so come and discover camping in Indiana!

With over 30 state parks and a national forest, it’s not hard to find the perfect place to spend the night. Campers love finding the best place to visit in the fall for the perfect autumn colors, and tranquil summer evenings are a great time to get family together outside for a weekend away.

Find your escape on Indiana’s White River, which meanders for over 200 miles through sandstone bluffs that rise from the river banks. Excellent fishing opportunities and an abundance of wildlife make the White River a hit with locals and tourists alike. With over 12 unique sections of the river to explore, it’s a perfect excuse to call in from work and go camping in Indiana.

Nature lovers camping in Indiana will love the bird watching and serene landscapes of Indiana’s riverways. Call ahead and get set up with an outfitter to guide you through the best fishing holes in the river. Adventure lovers might prefer heading out on their own, thanks to a detailed river guide available online.

Indiana’s Knobstone Trail is a must for hikers and backpackers. Link up with the Tecumseh Trail in the north and the 140-mile trail puts to rest the myths that the state is all-flat. Start within a stone’s throw of Louisville for a hike that winds through hardwood forests, tree-top panoramas, and Southern Indiana’s unglaciated and surprisingly hilly terrain.

Trying to escape the summer heat? Head south to the limestone region–famous for its hidden caverns–and go camping at Hoosier National Forest. Spend your days off hiking and horseback riding in the park’s 200,000+ acres. With the Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best camping in Indiana no matter where the roads take you.

Best Dispersed Sites in Indiana (14)

    1. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

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

    "Free camp ground. Very private. Decent sized space to park for 2-3 vehicles."

    "Multiple campsites in the area, I've stayed at two both of which were away from others, clean, fairly flat and had plenty of dead wood around to burn."

    2. Peninsula Trail

    7 Reviews
    Clear Creek, IN
    Website

    "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. "

    "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."

    3. Knobstone Trail

    3 Reviews
    Borden, IN
    Website
    +1 (812) 358-2160

    "Most people, even Hoosiers don't realize the Knobstone Trail exists. It's often referred to The Little AT by those who know about it. It's no walk in the park."

    "The KT is rugged and has lots of elevation gains over short distances. Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail snd creek beds."

    4. Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Birdseye, IN

    "This is NOT a campground, but just roadside pull-offs on public land. There are no restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, or other amenities."

    "Spot has a creek and is flat enough for a tent mostly just a single person spot no toilets. Road south coming in was destroyed some time ago have to w yer from east or west road."

    5. Chain O'lakes State Park Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Albion, IN

    "Although it states in the app free dispersed camping. Doesn't always mean just that. The cheapest campsite at primitive camping is $12 bucks."

    6. Jackson Trailhead

    1 Review
    Borden, IN
    Website
    +1 (812) 294-4306

    "there’s parking after a decrepit gravel road and suitable for camping. there are campsites along the trail just have to find them"

    9. Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Freetown, IN

    "A quiet little lake/ big pond in the Hoosier National Forest with a few spots to camp.

    At the pond there was a pad of concrete leftover from who knows what."

    10. Hickory Ridge Primitive Dispersed Campsites

    1 Review
    Norman, IN

    "I pulled in at midnight in a sedan in the winter and i was able to safely find my way. Very nice drive during the day, hiking is fantastic!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos in Indiana

19 Photos of 14 Indiana Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews in Indiana

35 Reviews of 14 Indiana Campgrounds



Guide to Indiana

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping in Indiana, where nature lovers can find secluded spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors without the crowds.

Top Activities for Free Camping in Indiana

  • Enjoy a peaceful retreat at Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping, where visitors appreciate the long, secluded roads perfect for tent camping.
  • Experience the tranquility of Peninsula Trail, known for its marked campsites that offer privacy and a chance to stargaze away from city lights.
  • Hike the rugged terrain of Knobstone Trail, often referred to as "The Little AT," where adventurers can enjoy stunning vistas and fossil hunting.

Unique Attractions for Dispersed Campers

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping in Indiana

  • Bring your own drinking water and supplies when heading to Mitchell Creek Road, as amenities are limited and the area is known for its rugged beauty.
  • Be prepared for a bit of a trek at Jackson Trailhead, where finding suitable campsites along the trail can lead to rewarding experiences.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the natural surroundings at Horse Camp Rd Dispersed, a well-reviewed spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.