The best camping near Hoosier National Forest

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

89% (9 reviews)
89% (9 reviews)

See the wilderness of southern Indiana from the Ohio River to just south of Bloomington.  

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Community favorites near Hoosier National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Hoosier National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Hoosier National Forest

99%
(706)

Happy Hollow Homestead

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Marengo, IN
We now have 3 buildings for rent. The Cozy Camping Cottage, the Camping Cabin and the newest addition is our A-frame which is the most secluded spot on the land. - 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
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$35
 / night
100%
(2)

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.
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$20
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100%
(1)

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
97%
(19)

Lost River Hostel

12 sites · Lodging31 acres · West Baden Springs, IN
The Lost River Hostel is a nonprofit arts and cultural center located on a 29+ acre hillside in West Baden Springs, Indiana overlooking a section of the Lost River valley. Lost River Hostel strives to build and maintain an extraordinary space fueled by a constant cycle of generosity and creativity. We hope everyone who stays here will go back into the world refreshed and rejuvenated – wanting to be better people and do great things. Everything we do here is driven by our mission statement: "To provide a sandbox for exploration of goals and growth through nature and human connection." We accomplish this by providing a distraction-free, reflective space that is welcoming of people from all backgrounds and beliefs. A communal dinner with gratitude circle is included in every stay. We also host workshops and events related to music, writing, yoga, organic gardening, cooking, and environmental sustainability.
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$75
 / night
100%
(11)

Our Haven Nature Sanctuary

21 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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$20
 / night
92%
(6)

Solar Off The Grid Cabin

1 site · Lodging7 acres · Paoli, IN
7 Acres close to skiing, hiking, spalunking, canoeing ,moutian biking and over 700 acres across the street of undeveloped Hoosier National Forest . Great for Hunting Learn more about this land: The Cabin is powered by solar & wind and uses a filtered rain water collection system. It is close to French Lick & Paoli, hiking, golf, canoeing, spelunking, skiing hunting and more. Please note that during the winter months the angle of the sun is lower and the panels do not produce as much power as in the summer months (plus you have less daylight hours) . Depending on the cloud cover you may be limited to lights only in November, December, January and February  . There is a generator available for rent at $10.00 per night plus gas or you can bring your own.  There is a wood stove and a 13,000 btu indoor gas wall heater for heat, both units provide more than enough heat. There are two window air conditioning units that can be used in May, June, July and August. Once you get to the end of August or on cloudy days you are limited to the amount of time you can use the AC units unless you rent the generator.   There is a propane cook stove available if you run out of power and 2 charcoal grills (you supply charcoal).   Please note that the cabin is still a work in progress and is not 100% completed. Also note that if rain is limited there may be no water.
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$79
 / night
100%
(5)

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.
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$25
 / night
100%
(4)

Loesch Farm Eclipse Camping

172 sites · RVs, Tents68 acres · Bloomington, IN
Our farm is situated less than one mile from the centerline of totality, offering 68 beautiful and rolling acres of woodland and organic pasture on the outskirts of Bloomington, Indiana. Just an 11-minute drive from the center of downtown and Indiana University, our farm is conveniently located on the Karst Farm Greenway trail, and only 5 minutes from Interstate 69. In addition to hosting community gardens and private parties, we're excited to provide a place to celebrate the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse. We're located less than 1 km from the centerline, and we'll be hosting a free public gathering on Eclipse day. It's a near perfect spot to witness the eclipse, with big sky views and room to spread out. Bloomington is rich with musicianship, and our brilliant local players Atom Heart Mother will perform Pink Floyd’s "Dark Side of the Moon" in its entirety, starting at 11:30 AM on Monday. Don't be late for the show. Camping is available for those traveling in for the eclipse at a nominal fee of $25 per vehicle, whether it's a tent or RV. Please note that camping is primitive; we don’t have any hook-ups or services besides porta-johns. However, the area is beautiful, safe, and quiet. Services can be found in Ellettsville, just five minutes away, and Bloomington, just 10 minutes away. Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime eclipse experience. I think you'll be happy that you did. :-)
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$25
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97%
(137)

Blue River Retreat

9 sites · Tents2 acres · Fredericksburg, IN
Welcome to our primitive campground on the beautiful Blue River! We have 2 acres of riverfront property at the end of a dead end road at the Crawford/Washington County line. Nice and secluded, we have the perfect place to getaway. There is river access for swimming and fishing or you can rent a canoe or kayak from us for a little paddling around. We provide picnic tables and fire rings. Firewood can be purchased from us for an additional cost. Our grounds are fairly flat with plenty of tree cover. If you enjoy hammock camping, our trees are perfect for that! Wildlife is abundant in the area; deer, otter, eagles, raccoons, and beaver are likely to be seen year round. If you are looking for activities nearby you will find Old Mill Canoe Rental in Fredericksburg (15 min drive), Marengo Cave (15 min drive), Beck's Mill (20 min drive), Buffalo Trace Park (25 min drive), as well as many other attractions in nearby Corydon, Salem, and Paoli.
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$20
 / night
100%
(101)

MoonLight Grove Farm

2 sites · Tents12 acres · Battletown, KY
Simple living with a few critters and a "whole lotta" walnuts. All natural products made from nature's bounty.  Learn more about this land:Come rest your mind and soul on MoonLight Grove Farm. Camp alongside the Ohio River, watch the barges go by and the Eagles swoop and play. Peaceful, Quiet, Restorative retreat.
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$35
 / night
100%
(3)

Doe Valley

1 site · Lodging17 acres · Paoli, IN
We have 17 acres of mostly woods but enough open land for some fruit trees and sheep pasture.
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$35
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100%
(13)

Ambers Acres

4 sites · RVs40 acres · Fredericksburg, IN
Hi Hipcampers! This site offers full water, sewer, and electric hookups. Want to see a working farm? Want to wake up to animals grazing? Come stay at Ambers Acres! The pasture your ssite is nestled in, has goats and possibly cows at all times! That doesn’t mean you won’t see rabbits and squirrels running around also! Keep an eye out for the occasional turkey and deer also! We are just a few miles from the Old Mill Canoe Rental on the Blue River, Buffalo Trace Park, and Cave Country Canoe rentals.
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$35
 / night

The best camping near Hoosier National Forest guide

Overview

About

Discover several highlights of this vast forest. Start with Hemlock Cliffs, a box canyon with gentle waterfalls in-season. This tranquil place stays cool because limited sunlight reaches the bottom of the canyon. Marvel at the unique trees and flowers that grow here due to the distinct climate.

Fish, swim, or water ski at Patoka Lake, the second-largest lake in the Hoosier State. Cast your line in some of the hundreds of quiet coves. Regular events occur throughout the year, such as a car show, 5K run, and kid-friendly fishing demonstrations.

Look over the Ohio River at Buzzard Roost. Grab a picnic lunch and hike to the bluffs with beautiful views of one of America's iconic rivers. Keep an eye out for the buzzards that soar over the cliffs.

Drive along the scenic byway that follows the old Buffalo Trace. Bison once roamed here by the millions to migrate from west to east.

Several campgrounds throughout the forest have RV and tent sites. Reserve a cabin for glamping.

Nearby attractions

Embrace the tranquility that awaits at Lake Monroe Park in Florida. This haven for campers boasts a serene lake, perfect for quiet moments of reflection, lush greenery for peaceful strolls, and an abundance of local wildlife that nature enthusiasts will love.

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