The best camping near Morgan Monroe State Forest
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Morgan Monroe adventure.
Discover the natural splendor of Morgan Monroe State Forest.
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Stay at a public campground in Morgan Monroe State Forest
Top-rated campgrounds near Morgan Monroe State Forest
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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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Dirt Weapon Ranch
10 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Gosport, IN
Come and enjoy our private 90-acre retreat, perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. Nestled in an arch of the White River, this secluded sanctuary boasts two private lakes, offering opportunities for swimming, hiking, fishing, and relaxation. Conveniently located within a short driving distance to Indy, Bloomington, and Southern Indiana, you'll find yourself immersed in nature while still having access to nearby urban amenities.
We offer five powered campsites and numerous options for primitive camping lakeside or riverside. Please note that there are no direct water hookups, so be sure to bring your own water for your stay.
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Camp Carrasquillo
17 sites · Tents3 acres · Cordry Sweetwater Lakes, IN
Beautiful camping grounds looking at the hills surrounded by lots trees. the property has tents sites and a primitive cabin and . It sits on the second highest point in Indiana. Situated in the middle of three forests minutes away from Brown county State Park, yellowwood Forest, Monroe Forest minutes away from historic artisan colony, Nashville, Indiana. There are hiking trails, a creek to pan for golden outdoor kitchen/bar and shooting range located on a private road minutes away from general store
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$20
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Laurita's Casa Vieja
8 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Bloomington, IN
The farm is located 15 minutes west of Indiana Universities Memorial Stadium. The property is nice and private. The farm adjoins the 75 acre Stranger Hills Organic farm, the oldest organic farm in Indiana. Our 1899 Farmhouse is the only residence on the entire farm. There is a 3000 acre farm to our south. The area is quiet and very private. The campsites are in a grassy walnut grove by a small creek that runs along the eastern border of the property. We have a white deer creek cabin tent on a platform there and 3 or 4 nice level campsites to the north. There is a shaded RV site at the top of a small hill with 30 amp service. We can accomadate a large RV on packed gravel with 50 amp serice. the farm is located 15 minutes east of McCormicks Creek State Park. There is a porti -potty and a bag shower in a small building adjacent to the campsites. There is a YMCA about five minutes East of the property.
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Little Nashville Bee Company
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Nashville, IN
Little Nashville Bee Company sits on 14 beautiful acres in the hills Southern Brown County. Enjoy a relaxing day fishing in our small pond, hiking, wildlife watching, stargazing, firefly catching, bonfires, and so much more!
Come visit the farm and stay with us! We have primitive tent camping and RV sites with water hookup (sorry, no electic or septic at this time).
Little Nashville Bee Company is a developing farm that started in 2022. If you're looking for privacy, you won't find a better place in Brown County, Indiana. The farm currently features an apiary, vegetable garden, small orchard, pond, and creek. Fishing is permitted in our pond.
*If you are bringing a large camper or RV please pick Sunshine Daydream or Sugar Magnolia.*The Ripple is about 75 yards into the woods away from the parking space.*Fire on the Mountain and Franklin's Tower are approximately 100 yards uphill. Please be prepared for a hike to Fire on the Mountain and Franklin's Tower. It's worth it! We can assist with getting your gear up the hill with our ATV, but unfortunately, we do not have the resources to move people to the top of the hill.*
Please note: We are an active honeybee farm and bees will be buzzing around. I can not guarentee they will not sting, but I live here full time and have never been stung outside of opening a hive. So please be aware if you are allergic.
We are perfectly situated among the trees with very little light pollution and minutes from all the things that make Brown County, IN a destination for folks from all over the country!
Brown County Music Center: 11 minutes
Brown County State Park: 8 minutes
Hard Truth Distilling Co.: 11 minutes
Bear Wallow Distillery: 10 minutes
Brown County Winery: 10 minutes
Over 200 shops and restaurants in Nashville:: 12 minutes
Brown County Playhouse: 12 minutes
eXplore Brown County: 5 minutes
Yellowwood State Forest: 25 minutes
Bill Monroe Music Park: 19 minutes
Story Inn: 11 minutes
TC Steele State Historic Site: 24 minutes
Tecumseh Tell: 38 minutes
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Apple acres
1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Clayton, IN
My Great great grandfather purchased the land in 1834, I am the 5th generation on this farm. Areas first apple orchard started in 1910-1990 now a wedding venue with beautiful scenery. The retired apple orchard still has trees with vast walking trails between the rows. Amazing wildlife!
Vast walking trails that are kept mowed. Fishing pond available (with prior permission) pet friendly property for responsible owners that clean up afterword.
2 Bathroom options! One with running water only a 2min walk or use a new port-a-pot with attached sink very close to the shelter.
coming soon (Mid May 2023) Smokeless firepit
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Celtic Glen Farm Stay
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Spencer, IN
Celtic Glen is a working, family farm of heritage breed livestock, nestled in an old limestone quarry on the banks of the White River, on one side, and Fall Creek, on another. Learn about regenerative farming with rare breeds on a farm tour, or mining and wetlands restoration on an ecological history tour. Pet and feed the livestock. Fish and bird-watch. Take a yoga class (at times with goats or bunnies) in the center of the stone henge. Have coffee with goats. Eat farm craft meats, eggs, prepared soups, casseroles, and baked goods, or hop into town for a bite.
We are across the river from McCormick's Creek State Park (Indiana's first state park with miles of trails, a swimming pool, horseback riding, and lodge) and just two miles north of Spencer, a small town with an excellent brew pub, winery, cafe, and more. Just 12 miles north of the farm is Cataract Falls State Recreation Area. We are only 20 minutes from Bloomington and Indiana University; 45 minutes from Indianapolis Int'l Airport.
This is a working farm with lots of livestock, electric fences, and working dogs, so please leave the farm animals alone unless someone from the farm is available and present. Dogs must be on a leash in the camping area. Given the above features of a working livestock farm, the quarry ruins, the operative railroad tracks, and the river (not suitable for swimming), children under the age of 18 must be attended by adults at all times.
Nearby fun and food:
We have posted many events on our farm facebook page @celticglenllc and we are within 2 miles of lots of options:
Many events happen on the Spencer town square (including Spencer Pride events); and at the Owen County Fairgrounds which are actually in town along the White River and hosts events such as the White River Poultry Show.
Historic Tivoli Theatre with big-screen movies and more just off the square
Hilltop Family Restaurant (vintage style family restaurant less than 2 miles north off 231)
Owen Valley Winery –good food as well (often free live music)
Stable Studios music venue (12 miles from farm)
Civilian Brewing Corps Brewpub (family friendly space, amazing food and beer and craft soda)
Main Street Coffee and Kitchen –a gorgeous café with breakfast and lunch (including Bivi’s tamales)
Millie McGee’s Gosport Diner –amazing comfort food in a charming super-small town just across the river (drive north on 231 then east in 67; 23 E Main St, Gosport; 8 miles from the farm)
McCormick’s Creek State Park: Canyon Inn for dining, lots of trails, pool in the summer, horse stables
Cataract Falls State Recreation Area just north off 231 –really lovely waterfall (13 miles)
Green’s Bluff Nature Preserve (Nature Conservancy; 9 miles from farm)
Other locally-owned eating: Babs supermarket and deli, Crossroads 46 Diner, Papi Chulo’s Cantina, Jit’s Thai Bistro on square, Chambers buffet on square, Grand’s Ice Cream, Sweet Valley Ice Cream.
Of course, Bloomington is just 20 minutes away with lots to offer.
McCormick's Creek State Park
Owen Valley Winery
Green's Bluff Nature Preserve
Exotic Feline Rescue Center
Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum
Indiana University
Hoosier National Forest
Tulip Trestle
Please ask if there is something specific you’d like to find.
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Lake Lemon Camping
5 sites · RVs, Tents17 acres · Nashville, IN
Cleared area in 17 acres of woods.just up the road from Lake Lemon outside Bloomington and Nashville Indiana both 11 miles away. There is a composting toilet in our shelter house with seating and eating area. Bring your own drinking water.
Public beach is less than 2 mile drive. Best fishing area. Is 1 mile. This is a quiet sanctuary, previously a children’s day camp behind our house.
There is a 2 night minimum and only 4 people per sight. Our sights are small and limited since our land is very hilly and only has a composting toilet.
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Nayture's Hilltop Farm
6 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Columbus, IN
Beautiful wooded 36 acre property in Brown County; 2 large fishing ponds, each with a dock; paddle boat available for use; 1+ mile hiking trail around property; 9-hole Frisbee Golf Course; water spicket available; outhouse available. 9 miles to Brown County State Park North Gate; 4.8 miles to historic Story Inn; 12 miles to downtown Nashville.
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Sobremesa Farm
4 sites · Lodging, Tents9 acres · Bloomington, IN
We saw the need to be a part of the local food movement by purchasing land and bringing the land back to a state that was better than how we found it via permaculture practices. The land consists of: 9acres of forest, pastures, two ponds, orchards, hoop house, tropical greenhouse, relocated English threshing barn from 1850, market gardens, chickens,guineas, goats ( 2018), bees, stocked pond, extensive fencing, walk-in cooler, cellar, permaculture design layout, on site farm market on Sundays 11-6.Learn more about this land:Can host a few camp sites, three , one would be secluded close to pond. No formal trails. There is one electric hookup 220v, hydrant for potable water. Rural area, farming area, great road to ride bikes on. Seven miles to Indiana University and vibrant downtown area, many ethnic restaurants, art, theatre.
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Convenient Camping Near State Parks
6 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Bloomington, IN
Welcome to our spacious yard, offering several spots suitable for tents or an RV. While this is primitive camping, there is access to water from the house spigot. Although the site itself is not a hiking destination, we are conveniently located between Morgan Monroe State Forest, Yellowwood State Forest, and Brown County State Park. Each of these parks is just a short drive away, and Lake Lemon is less than a 5-minute drive from our location.
Moreover, we are directly in the path of totality for the upcoming 2024 eclipse, providing an excellent opportunity for celestial viewing. Guests are welcome to stay at the property for the duration of their visit or utilize it as a base camp and explore other nearby attractions. We provide a fire ring, and firewood is provided for your convenience.
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The Vintage Farm
17 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · New Whiteland, IN
I have two acres in the country while only about 10 minutes from a nice sized city with plenty of restaurants, movie theatres and shopping. I'm only 5 minutes from an arcade with go-karting and putt-putt golf.
My red barn was built in the 1800s and really adds to the charm of the property.
I have a fully fenced yard, if you have pets I would be happy to share with them so they would have space to run while you're here.
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$55
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The best camping near Morgan Monroe State Forest guide
Overview
About
When you get down to Morgan-Monroe State Forest, you may feel like you've hit the jackpot. Not only does it have 24,000 acres of wilderness to explore, three lakes to fish and boat on, camping options, as well as two historic cabins to hunker down in, but you can also pan for gold! With a (free) permit, you are able to hunt for the golden nugget of your dreams, which is way more fun than playing the boring old lottery. If you don’t strike it rich then you can realign your focus and feel rich with natureful abundance on one of the trails. For the truly adventurous, try backcountry camping where you can really get away from it all.
Notable campgrounds
- Mason Ridge Campground: Offers a rustic camping experience with vault toilets and seasonal drinking water, nestled behind a historic fire tower.
- Scout Ridge Youth Tent Campground: Ideal for groups and scouts, featuring larger sites with multiple picnic tables and grills amid a nature preserve.
- Backcountry Camping: For the true adventurer, backcountry camping allows for a deeper connection with nature, following a minimal-impact ethos.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Book early, especially for peak seasons, to ensure your spot at one of Morgan Monroe's coveted campgrounds.
- Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
- Keep an eye on cancellation policies and check back regularly for newly available sites.
- Explore nearby camping options if your preferred campground is full, as the forest offers multiple camping experiences.
When to go
The best time to visit Morgan Monroe State Forest is from April to October, when all campgrounds are open and the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities. Winter months can be serene but come with limited amenities and certain campground closures, so plan accordingly.
Know before you go
- Check for any advisories or road closures before your visit, especially for seasonal access roads like Hatfield Ridge Road.
- Remember to register for camping, as it's required whether you're at a campground or in the backcountry.
- Prepare for a carry-in, carry-out trash policy to help preserve the forest's natural state.
- Be aware of hunting seasons and wear bright clothing if hiking during these times for safety.
- Gold panning is permitted with a free permit from the Forest Office, adding a unique activity to your visit.
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