Best Dispersed Camping in Indiana
Dispersed camping opportunities in Indiana include several primitive sites within the Hoosier National Forest. Berry Ridge Road offers secluded, free camping with sites spaced far apart for privacy. Peninsula Trail provides marked backcountry sites with fire rings, particularly along Lake Monroe. Mitchell Creek Road features limited roadside pull-offs suitable for small vehicles and tent camping. The Knobstone Trail, often called "The Little AT" by experienced hikers, offers challenging terrain with primitive camping options along its route.
Most dispersed sites require strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles. According to reviews, Mitchell Creek Road sites are "not a campground, but just roadside pull-offs on public land with no restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, or other amenities." Fire regulations permit campfires at most locations, though visitors must use established fire rings where available. Cell service is unreliable throughout these areas; paper maps are recommended for navigation. Several campers noted that Berry Ridge Road sites are "very private with decent sized space to park for 2-3 vehicles," though some locations can be difficult to spot at night.
Access varies significantly between sites. Berry Ridge Road accommodates small to medium vehicles on gravel roads that can become steep in sections. Peninsula Trail requires hiking in, with campsites located "very far apart and totally private." Water availability is limited; no potable water exists at most sites. Wildlife encounters are common, with reports of coyotes and turtles. Visitors should prepare for complete self-sufficiency with all necessary supplies. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly during spring and fall. Seasonal closures may affect accessibility during winter months or after heavy rainfall when roads become muddy or washed out.
