Camping sites near Union Star, Kentucky cluster along the Ohio River valley, with elevations ranging from 380 to 750 feet above sea level. The region features karst topography with limestone cliffs, natural springs, and hardwood forests dominated by oak, hickory, and maple trees. Cell service becomes increasingly spotty as you move into the more remote camping areas of Hoosier National Forest, where some campsites have no service outside major carriers.
What to do
Creek exploration: Hemlock Cliffs in Hoosier National Forest offers a unique canyon hike with sandstone formations. One visitor described it as "a beautiful hike in the woods to a cool canyon with sandstone rock formations. We all enjoyed this rugged hike of more than a mile amongst the rock outcroppings, overhangs, cliffs, rock shelters and ravines along the shady stream."
Pioneer village tours: O'Bannon Woods State Park has a nature center with ranger-led tours and historical displays. As one camper noted, "Great nature center with ranger tours. Several hiking trails with various difficulties... lots of caving activity in area."
Kayaking: Tipsaw Lake is ideal for non-motorized water activities due to electric-motor-only restrictions. "The lake was a bit small but there's hardly a lot of people around so I think it would be great for kayaking or even fishing," one reviewer mentioned after visiting Saddle Lake Campground.
Fossil hunting: Limestone outcroppings near many campsites contain marine fossils. Search creekbeds after rainfall for best results.
Freshwater jellyfish watching: Visit Indian-Celina Lake in August to see this unusual phenomenon. A camper shared, "During mid August, Celina lake has freshwater jellyfish that you can catch."
What campers like
Secluded waterfront spots: Buzzard Roost offers sites with Ohio River views. A visitor explained, "There's a nice trail that overlooks the river and has a cleared vantage point with a bench."
Dark sky viewing: The region has minimal light pollution for stargazing. At Tipsaw Lake, visitors appreciate that "the campsite is quite nice and is equipped with fire rings and restrooms. They do offer short hikes with cuts through the trees."
Free dispersed camping: Hoosier National Forest provides no-cost options. One camper reported, "This is a great place for free camping. Only five sites. Reasonably quiet. Nice vault toilet. No hookups but it's free. Right along the Ohio River."
Variety of camping loops: Some campgrounds feature distinct areas with different amenities. At Indian-Celina Recreation Area, "We stayed in the north loop and enjoyed the beautiful forest setting. The campground is just off the highway, but I never heard any road noise."
Family-friendly facilities: Sycamore Springs Park stands out with multiple play areas. A reviewer wrote, "Kids can ride bikes all day long, splash in the creeks, and play on the multitude of playground equipment... There is even free firewood!"
What you should know
Road challenges: Many campgrounds have narrow access roads requiring caution. One camper at Buzzard Roost Campground observed, "I'm grateful I got a spot, since there are only 5... It's buried deep in the forest. The road in IS paved and well-maintained up until a tiny portion at the end."
Site limitations: Some campgrounds have size restrictions. At Saddle Lake, a visitor noted, "This is a small campground (13 sites). Sites are nice, but small if you rv camp. We have a 29 ft. camper and could only use 3 or 4 of the sites."
Seasonal closures: Many facilities operate only from mid-May through October. Plan accordingly.
Tick precautions: Several reviewers mentioned tick encounters. "Ticks are bad with the rain and overgrowth so apply your bug spray liberally!"
Water level fluctuations: Lakeside sites can flood during heavy rain periods. At Axtel, "While we were here, several of the sites along the lake were flooded."
No alcohol policies: Some campgrounds prohibit alcohol. "It's a very family oriented campground with more rules than many campgrounds, such as no alcohol. They want it to be kid friendly and not a party destination."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playground options: German Ridge Campground has family-friendly facilities. "The Campsites are set up nicely for the horse people with tie out areas and plenty of parking for horse trailers. The very first site is large enough for a group complete with fire ring for after a long day in the trails."
Beach activities: Several lakes offer swimming areas. At Tipsaw Lake, "The beach is the main attraction to this area of Hoosier NF. A very nice set up on the shore of Tipsaw with sand to get in all those cracks and a play area for the kids."
Fishing opportunities: Stocked lakes provide consistent catches. "Fishing is a hit!"
Kid-friendly campfire programs: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. At Lake Rudolph, "They have so many activities for the kids such as hayrides, a DJ, pumpkin carving, and so many other things throughout the day!"
Natural play areas: Creek access provides built-in entertainment. "We did trail walking, bike riding. Just a super neat little place. They even have a little village set up houses to play in!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. One visitor to Lake Rudolph reported, "Our spot was great and didn't require much leveling. We did get a deluxe spot. However, many of the other spots were on hills and right on top of each other."
Dump station locations: Plan waste disposal carefully. At O'Bannon Woods, a camper noted, "There is no sewer hookup at the site which I assumed was wrong, because I have never been to an Indiana state park with sewer hookup on site."
Water access points: At Axtel Campground, "There are a lot of sites with electric and water, but some without either. Sites have fire pits and a post with a hook for hanging trash and/or lanterns."
Reservation windows: Popular sites book months in advance, especially for holiday periods.
RV length limits: Many forest service roads have tight turns. "The sites were a little tighter than a typical COE facility but there appeared to be many folks buddy camping so it was well suited for that."
Generator policies: Rules vary by campground. At Buzzard Roost, "The neighbor running the loud generator did come over and ask if it was disturbing me, lol—which was nice."
