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The best camping near Ferdinand State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Ferdinand adventure.

Discover the natural charm of Ferdinand State Forest and its myriad of outdoor activities.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Ferdinand State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Ferdinand State Forest

99%
(697)

Happy Hollow Homestead

355 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres ¡ Marengo, IN
All year camping in our Camping Cabin. It's a full sized Cabin with a queen sized bed, a couch and a heater. It's spray foam insulated so you can stay comfortable year round. - Voted best Hipcamp in Indiana to visit for 6 years. - Listed on Rachael Ray Magazine's "8 of America's Coolest Campgrounds" We offer a "Camping Cabin", The "Cozy Camping Cottage" or tent camping in Black Walnut Grove, in an open field, in the woods, or a shady grove. We like to interact with people or you can keep to yourself and have a quiet getaway in the woods. Sorry, but the tree house isn't available to rent since it is my home. I may rent it out in the future. Also in progress is the "Dome" We are on a solar powered, off the grid 30 acre homestead that has 24 acres of wooded land and 6 acres of groomed land. Come explore our land and relax in the "Tree Web", see the 2 story tree house that I live in, have fun on the tire swing, or just sit and enjoy all that nature has to offer. You can explore our interesting topography that has close to 100 foot of elevation changes, our (mostly) dry creek system that starts with 2 springs that drain into 3 sinkholes or walk 3 miles of trails (if you follow each trail from end to end). We love groups - Host your event here or have a group gathering with all your friends and family. We have spaces large enough to host hundreds of people. We welcome pets for camping, but no pets allow in the Camping Cabin. Also be aware that we have 2 friendly dogs on the land that roam freely. - 3.5 miles to Marengo Cave - 7 miles to the Blue River (canoes, rafting and swimming) - 30 minutes to Patoka Lake - 37 miles west of Louisville - 13 miles north of Interstate 64
Pets
Potable water
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from 
$30
 / night

Painter Creek Camp Resort

2 sites ¡ RVs8 acres ¡ French Lick, IN
Tucked back off of State Rd 145 in French Lick, IN our property offers year-round camping & full 50-amp hook ups available on all sites. A covered outdoor lounge, and a basketball court are available for guests to use, as well as seasonal bathhouse and laundry facility ($4 a load). We are only 1 mile from the Painter Creek Boat Ramp, and within a 15 min drive to Patoka Lake State Park, The French Lick-West Baden Resort, and The Pete Dye Golf Course!
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$50
 / night
Booked 2 times

Perry County Camp

8 sites ¡ RVs10 acres ¡ St Meinrad, IN
Don't miss your view of the Eclipse on Monday April 8th. We have 6 full hookup camp sites sitting on 10 acres, overlooking 50 acres of land a newly constructed lake with a beautiful view of nature. Each site can accomodate up to 50' Unit. A separate reservable building/cabin is located adjacent to the campsites. This property must be reserved separately....(see AirBNB listing for Perry County Loft). https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/63776476 Please note a campsite reservation does not provide access to the building or outdoor area of the building which is available to the AirBNB reservation. Of course one person can rent both a campsite and the building to be able to enjoy the best of both.
Pets
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from 
$30
 / night
100%
(29)

Hill Springs Campground

13 sites ¡ RVs, Tents120 acres ¡ Dubois, IN
Hill Springs Campground sits on our 120-acre family farm. Our primitive campground is in the middle of 'God's country' as we are miles from the nearest town but very close to local attractions. Patoka Lake, historic towns, and hiking, and are just a few activities to keep you busy. Please read our reviews and book your slice of heaven with us.
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from 
$25
 / night
93%
(27)

Fairhaven Farm Campground

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents36 acres ¡ English, IN
Until 2019, this farm was in the same family since 1889. It has been a working farm since that time. In 2019, our family purchased the farm and continue to operate it much the same way. Our family is devoted to history and preserving the essence of the past. You may very well see us pull up in one of our antique cars to greet you! Our neighbors are friendly and many are also small farmers. You can't see their farms from camp, but don't be surprised to hear roosters crowing, cattle mooing, and donkeys braying in the distance. Our farm is surrounded by the Hoosier National Forest, so you'll see and hear plenty of wildlife too. At various times during the summer, you may find wild blackberries, elderberries, and black raspberries growing right in camp!
Pets
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from 
$25
 / night
100%
(8)

Unplugged Acres

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents11 acres ¡ Birdseye, IN
Our land is nestled between tracts of the Ferdinand state forest. We have been on the property since 1999 and we have enjoyed sharing our little slice of heaven with friends and family thru the years. We promise you will be able to unwind once you get here. The property is mean for relaxing!Learn more about this land:A spacious flat yard atop a hill makes for a great spot to park your RV or camper. The grass camping lots are mowed and clean. Two large pine trees provide some shade for one of the camping spots. You can enjoy nearly panoramic views of the night sky! Bring your family and friends to enjoy these attractions near us are: Ferdinand State Forrest fire lane 12 ( is across the road from us. Enjoy hiking and mountain biking) Patoka lake is less than 10 minutes away ( boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, biking). Holiday World ( an amusement park) is about 30 minutes away. French Lick casino is about 30 minutes away. There are lots of local wineries to make for great road trips. Louisville is a little over an hour away. Paoli Peaks ( ski and snowboard attraction) is less than an hour away.
Pets
Trash
from 
$10
 / night
Booked 12 times

Our Haven Nature Sanctuary

10 sites ¡ RVs, Tents175 acres ¡ French Lick, IN
Check us out at OurHaven.life! Nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of southern Indiana's countryside is Our Haven, an 175 acre nature sanctuary of beautiful deciduous forests and reclaimed fields for all who wish to come enjoy its clear creeks, natural springs, and secluded areas. Our Haven has both private large areas as well as intimate small areas available for you and your group's or event's use. A lot of hard work by some very special people have enabled us to offer a magical place to come relax, recharge, gather with old friends, make new ones, or just have a good excuse to get away. While the camping is primitive in setting, a shower house with hot water -- beautifully crafted from rough-hewn lumber -- is available. as well as fresh drinking water and toilet facilities. We have more fire pits on the main field than most campgrounds do in their entire facility and plenty of firewood to go with them! Experience freedom in designated clothing-optional areas or times, always respecting others' space and choices. Refresh yourself with hot co-ed showers and access to fresh drinking water, including a wheelchair-friendly shower for ease. Gather around our scattered firepits in the camping fields for warmth and community. Embark on immersive trails of picturesque deciduous forests and reclaimed fields. Dive into the bliss of our refreshing, secluded skinny-dipping creek, a hidden oasis for those seeking a liberating and natural escape. Embrace spiritual exploration, if you so wish, at dedicated shrines honoring Pan, Brigid, Aphrodite, Ancestral Spirits, and the Great Goddess. We are welcoming of all positive spiritual paths! With a family-friendly ambiance, children under 13 enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Children are welcome to join us in honoring tradition and forging connections, but must be in bed by 10PM when the entire grounds become clothing optional. We offer a membership with lots of perks, but you don't need it to come camp, hike, skinny-dip, or attend events. Book your firepit today and we'll be sure to welcome you home when you're all set-up!
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from 
$35
 / night
Booked 12 times

whispering moonbeam acres

15 sites ¡ RVs, Tents20 acres ¡ Paoli, IN
Learn more about this land: I will be in the path of totality for upcoming eclipse in April. Beyond camping sites I have several viewing areas on property for day use. If your interested in camping there is 20 acres and ample space for you to decide where to put up your tent. We provide a firepit or ring. Wood can be purchased or foraged yourself for your fire.Hoosier National Forest is across street so hiking is unlimited. This is a quiet destination in the woods with abundant wildlife.There is a small farm here where produce and flowers even eggs can be purchased. Chickens,guineas,ducks and geese are free range so all about near house. This is also a cat sanctuary with disabled cats mostly wobbly, you probably won't see any of them as they are afraid of strangers. Please understand, you will be in the woods. We have coyotes,bobcat,fox,deer,skunk racoons, opossums etc... Keep food contained and be aware of surroundings! I do have 2 honey bee hives on property.
Pets
Toilets
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from 
$25
 / night
100%
(2)

Backer Half Hundred Acres

4 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents62 acres ¡ Saint Meinrad, IN
Great piece of secluded land with a cool fire pit and some great walking trails. Chairs and fire tools available. We have 62 acres in total, with a homemade suspension bridge, a tree house, chickens, goats, and a couple friendly dogs. A small spring-fed stream runs right by camp. Plenty of nature to see and enjoy out here.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night

White Oaks Cabins & Campground

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ English, IN
We have 87 acres with trails, small catch and release pond, playground area, cabins rentals and 7 RV spots. We are within 45 minutes of Holiday World, Paoli Peaks, French Lick, 9 wineries, Marengo Caves, Wilstem Safari Park, Jasper River walk, shopping, go-karts, indoor water park, casino, etc
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$25
 / night
Booked 16 times

Sleeping Bear Retreat

11 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ French Lick, IN
Sleeping Bear Retreat is located on over 60 beautifully wooded acres in scenic French Lick, Indiana. Whether you are looking for a quiet weekend getaway, a low cost family vacation, or a group stay, we are the place for you. We are pet friendly, as long as the pet is friendly, and on a leash.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
100%
(2)

Hohl Farms

1 site ¡ RV, Tent330 acres ¡ Huntingburg, IN
Row crop and livestock farm located in the hills of southern Indiana. The farm is 5 minutes from Interstate 64. 30 amp and 50 amp hookups available. Pasture pork and Angus cattle are next to the campsite. Located on a rural country road by crop fields, woods and pasture. Large accommodations are available as the crops are harvested and fields are barren.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night

The best camping near Ferdinand State Forest guide

Overview

About

Ferdinand State Forest boasts one of the most beautiful woodlands in all of Indiana. In 1933, Local conservationists bought 900 acres and built the lake in order to fish and hunt, making way for the area to be fantastic for squirrel hunting, deer hunting, and fishing. Just make sure you have the proper permits upon arrival! There are five popular trails to hit, all averaging roughly two miles in length. Go for a swim in the designated Ferdinand Lake beach area and enjoy the picnic shelter houses available for the day. One day not enough? For a small fee, you can register at the campground check-in booth and find a primitive camp spot. The more rugged campers will really dig the serene waters and the lack of noise pollution killin’ their vibes.

Notable campgrounds

  • Primitive camping is available, offering a rustic experience with 57 sites equipped with picnic tables and grills.
  • Each campsite is accessible on a first-come, first-serve basis, ensuring a spontaneous adventure into nature.
  • The campground's proximity to the lake and trails makes it an ideal base for fishing, hiking, and mountain biking.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Arrive early to secure a spot, as the campsites are first-come, first-serve and tend to fill up quickly.
  • Visit during the weekdays for a better chance at snagging a campsite, as weekends are typically busier.
  • Keep an eye on the season; mid-May through October is gate operation time, which may affect campsite availability.
  • Explore nearby camping options in case the forest's campgrounds are full, ensuring you have a backup plan.

When to go

The best time to visit Ferdinand State Forest is from mid-May to October when the full range of amenities, including the entrance gatehouse, is operational. Summer months offer the perfect weather for swimming and picnicking, while autumn brings a spectacular display of fall foliage.

Know before you go

  • Be aware of blue-green algae advisories at Ferdinand Lake and follow safety guidelines for swimming and boating.
  • Remember to bring warm soapy water for bathing after contact with lake water, as advised.
  • During hunting season, wear hunter orange or bright clothing for safety while hiking.
  • Check the entrance fee requirements before visiting; Indiana DNR annual entrance passes are accepted.
  • Electric trolling motors are the only boat motors allowed on Ferdinand Lake, preserving the tranquility of the waters.

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