Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed camping areas provide basic wilderness sites in the Hoosier National Forest near Hawesville, Kentucky. The terrain consists of forested hills with elevations ranging from 400-900 feet. Summer temperatures average 80-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with temperatures between 50-75°F. Winter camping remains possible with temperatures typically above freezing.
What to do
Explore creek beds: During dry seasons, Mitchell Creek offers interesting rock formations and small pools. According to Julie, "There was evidence of a homemade fire pit and a small cleared area. Very quiet, only 2 vehicles passed by in the 36 hours I was there."
Wildlife observation: The forests around Hoosier National Forest host diverse wildlife. As Nathanyal C. notes, "Big spot for almost any type of camper. Deep woods" provide natural habitats for various species. Campers report seeing turtles, deer, and hearing coyotes at night.
Photography opportunities: The combination of creek beds, rock outcroppings, and dense forest creates natural scenes worth capturing. The limited traffic means minimal disturbance to natural settings, though campers should note that cell service is spotty, so bring backup batteries for electronics.
What campers like
Complete solitude: The remote location ensures privacy and quiet. As Jaymi A. mentions, "This is quiet, secluded, and beautiful. While I was exploring and camping on this road, only two vehicles passed during the entire 16 hours."
Night sky viewing: With minimal light pollution, Mitchell Creek Road offers excellent stargazing opportunities on clear nights. The thick forest canopy means finding clearings is necessary for optimal views.
Self-sufficiency practice: The lack of facilities creates a true wilderness experience. Phil L. explains, "It's basically a make your own campsite. OK place if you like to really rough it." This setting allows campers to test and develop outdoor skills without modern conveniences.
What you should know
Paper maps required: GPS and cell service are unreliable in this area. Sabrina C. advises, "Road south coming in was destroyed some time ago have to enter from east or west road." Bring physical maps and know your route before arrival.
Limited site options: Most pull-offs accommodate only small vehicles or tents. Tommy S. reports, "Towards the middle of this road, just east of an intersection for a road to the south, there was a campsite creek side, and a little farther, a campsite on the hillside."
Weather considerations: The dirt/gravel roads become difficult after rain, with some sites becoming unusable. A review notes, "A few of the pull offs I didn't explore because they were muddy or washed out after several days of rain."
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: Due to the extremely remote location and lack of facilities, families should bring extra supplies and safety equipment. One camper reports, "If you are solo female traveler don't even waste your time" suggesting families or groups are better suited for this location.
Creek exploration activities: During appropriate seasons, Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed offers shallow creek exploration possibilities. Ensure children have appropriate footwear for rocky terrain and supervision near water.
Wildlife education: The area provides natural learning opportunities about forest ecosystems. Tommy S. shared, "Lookout for turtles on the road, we spotted and removed 4 of them," making wildlife spotting a potential family activity.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Only the smallest camper vans can access and turn around at these sites. According to Jaymi A., "I did not see any pull offs that would accommodate an RV of any size, and nothing large enough to turn a trailer around. One pull off was nearly too small to turn around my small pick up truck."
Alternative nearby options: Consider established campgrounds instead of these primitive sites. One camper noted, "I just keep driving till I got back to 64 and found a Cracker Barrel 17 miles away" after finding the dispersed sites unsuitable.
Road clearance requirements: Vehicles with low clearance may struggle on the rough, narrow gravel roads leading to Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed camping. The roads have minimal maintenance and may have erosion or washouts after weather events.
