- Hoosier National Forest
The best camping in Hoosier National Forest, IN
89% (14)
See the wilderness of southern Indiana from the Ohio River to just south of Bloomington.
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Hoosier National Forest
Nighthawk Forest
Nighthawk Forest
100%
(16)
3.8mi from Hoosier National Forest · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled deep in Hoosier National Forest and just a short drive from Paoli and French Lick, Indiana, Nighthawk Forest offers a secluded and pristine outdoor experience for all camping enthusiasts!
Situated on 65 hilly and wooded acres, Nighthawk Forest features well-groomed tent pads, water and electric hookups for RVs and even vintage campers. Enjoy breathtaking walks in the woods, go fishing in our pond, and set up your camp chairs under the incredible night sky and marvel under the majesty of the Milky Way! Take a hike or a mountain bike ride on the Springs Valley Trail down to Tucker Lake.
Come see what it’s like to be treated like family at Nighthawk Forest Campground.
For more camping options - including group reservations - please call 812-203-0200.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
whispering moonbeam acres
whispering moonbeam acres
100%
(13)
5.4mi from Hoosier National Forest · 16 sites · RVs
Learn more about this land:
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,turkeyand 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,mountain lion,fox,deer,skunk racoons, opossums etc... Keep food contained and be aware of surroundings!
We now have kune kune pigs. And recently added 2 mini cows, 1 is an 11 year old rescue and 1 is a heifer calf as well as a standard heifer calf.
I do have 2 honey bee hives on property.
Pets
from
$30
/ night
Brambleberry Permaculture Farm
Brambleberry Permaculture Farm
100%
(17)
6.1mi from Hoosier National Forest · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Espri and Darren began Brambleberry Permaculture Farm in the fall of 2003 in the beautiful hills of southern Indiana. We are primarily a plant nursery, but also offer permaculture landscaping and farm consultations. We usually have cows, chickens and rabbits, but are currently taking a break from cattle to build better fences lol. We occasionally have peacocks, ducks, pigs or other livestock as well.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
Happy Hollow Homestead
Happy Hollow Homestead
99%
(909)
8.3mi from Hoosier National Forest · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
- Voted best Hipcamp in Indiana for 7 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
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Sleeping Bear Retreat
Sleeping Bear Retreat
95%
(20)
9.9mi from Hoosier National Forest · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$20
/ night
Little House
Little House
100%
(10)
12mi from Hoosier National Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
One campsite with sewer hook up
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Persimmon Honey Hollow
Persimmon Honey Hollow
93%
(23)
12mi from Hoosier National Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Cozy ramshackle farmstead in the Hoosier Hills offer a chance to get up close and personal with the land,
through camping, and hiking through the woods.
Not only is Hoosier National Forest located both to the north
and south for hiking and trail riding, but just 3 miles away is
the Rise of Lost River at Orangeville, a natural landmark.
Spring Mill State park is located about 20 minutes away in Mitchell, IN, while Patoka Lake is about 15 minutes south of nearby French Lick.
For those interested in farmers' markets, Orange County Homegrown markets run Saturday at Orleans(10 miles away) from 8am-noon, and in French Lick 7 miles) from 4-8pm.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$4
/ night
Fairhaven Farm Campground
Fairhaven Farm Campground
94%
(51)
13mi from Hoosier National Forest · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Ambers Acres
Ambers Acres
100%
(22)
14mi from Hoosier National Forest · 4 sites · RVs
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.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$32
/ night
Hill Springs Campground
Hill Springs Campground
100%
(68)
16mi from Hoosier National Forest · 15 sites · Tents, RVs
Hill Springs Campground is nestled on our 120-acre family farm, and we’re proud to be the third generation to care for this little piece of paradise. Tucked away in the heart of 'God’s country,' our campground offers peace and quiet, miles from the nearest town. The rolling hills provide hay for our cows and wood for the stove, and we take great pride in sharing this beautiful spot with you.
Each site offers the chance to unwind by the pond, pick wild blackberries, or hike through our woods. Fire pits are available at all sites. Our sites are simple—no water, electricity, or internet—but generators are welcome, and we provide a toilet on-site. Please remember to pack out all your trash, including cigarette butts.
For a glimpse of what to expect, check out a few videos of the campground on our Facebook page, 'hillspringcampground.'
We’re also close to plenty of activities:
Patoka Lake is just 3 miles away, with 8,800 acres of water, 26,000 sq. feet of land, and a variety of outdoor fun—boating, fishing, hiking, and even a winery.
Historic French Lick and West Baden are 16 miles away, offering everything from casinos to a scenic railway, golf courses, a spa, a wildlife park, and the stunning West Baden Springs Hotel, known as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World.'
The city of Jasper is 14 miles away, with a charming riverwalk, museums, parks, and food trucks to explore.
The small town of Dubois is just 4.5 miles away, with local taverns, a gas station, and a True Value store.
At Hill Springs, you can be as close or as far away from the action as you want to be. We’re excited to share this experience with you and welcome your feedback as we start this journey with Hipcamp. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
Bryan and Nicole
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$28
/ night
Little Blue Horse Camp
Little Blue Horse Camp
100%
(48)
16mi from Hoosier National Forest · 1 site · Tent
Enjoy some serenity in our little piece of heaven on the Little Blue River.
A unique retreat, with access to the river, areas to explore, rock features, water falls and a ton of nature.
We ask that you respect all the surrounding wildlife and plant life-- we are also a preservation space.
Learn more about this land:
Enjoy sleeping and waking to the serene sounds of the lazy Little Blue River and enjoy comforts of a cozy campground, nestled on private land in the Hoosier National Forest.
Campfires
Toilets
Potable water
from
$29
/ night
Unplugged Acres
Unplugged Acres
100%
(21)
20mi from Hoosier National Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
TWO SPOTS TO CHOOSE FROM……
The camping spot we refer to as the NORTHSIDE SPOT is a flat yard atop a hill it makes for a great spot to park your RV, camper, tent or boat. This grass camping spot is always mowed and clean. Two large pine trees provide some shade for this northside camping spot. You can enjoy nearly panoramic views of the night sky! This spot is alongside a country road. It is considered less private than the SOUTH SIDE SPOT.
The SOUTH SIDE CAMPING SPOT, is for tent campers only with a smaller vehicle. It is very private and completely surrounded by woods. This spot can accommodate two tents and one or two cars. There is no view of the night sky since you are in a dense forest.
Patoka lake is less than 10 minutes away ( boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, biking).
Holiday World ( an amusement park) is about 30 minutes away.
Pets
from
$12
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Zach
4 days ago
Tent
Tom is an excellent host and hyper responsive! The directions are a little wonky in the way in, but he's very open to where you're allowed to camp. The trees make awesome noises as the wind blows through them and the compost toilet was impeccably clean. And best of all his prices were super reasonable! All in all my first foray into Hipcamp was at his sanctuary and it felt awesome. Would stay again!
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K
Kathryn
2 weeks ago
Tent
Kerry was very accommodating on our last minute trip! The property was beautiful & interesting & we loved exploring during our low key over night stay. We’ll definitely come back!
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K
Kyle
3 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Camp Escape
This place was so cute and the perfect getaway! Absolutely loved our stay!
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V
Valerie
December 2025
With kids
My husband, our 3 boys, and I stayed in the camping cabin for last minute, quick, weekend getaway. Kerry”s directions were clear, so we had no difficulty finding it. When we arrived, he met us near the front and showed us where we were staying. He showed us around and told the boys about the net, the pigs, and the rope swing. They couldn’t wait to start exploring, and even though it was cold outside, they had a blast playing and didn’t want to come inside. The cabin was clean and cozy. The bed was comfortable and the heater worked really well. Everything was just as described, and my only regret is that we only got to stay for one night. None of us were ready to leave. Kerry was friendly, very accommodating, and responded super quickly to messages. I definitely plan to make another trip here when we are able to stay longer.
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J
Justin
December 2025
40 ft fifth wheel
With pets
I loved the stay and they were very accommodating!
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O
Owen
November 2025
32 ft travel trailer
Nice campsite. Provider was quick to respond and accommodating. Would definitely stay there again.
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C
Charles
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Cabins at Guthrie Meadows
Great experience. Beautiful place. Hope to stay there again…soon.
Charlie
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Jessica
November 2025
With kids
This is our second time here and my goodness, it’s perfect. My daughter loves hiking on the property and petting the horses. It has everything you NEED and the warm shelter after a rainy hike at McCormicks Creek State Park is always what we need. Can’t wait to come back again. Our little dude with Cerebral Palsy could absolutely love this property too.
See moreL
Livona
November 2025
With pets
There's a lot of areas to walk, and let your dog run. It's great s itting on the deck watching the stars & enjoying the fireplace. It's was so peaceful.
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J
Jen
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Kerry was a phenomenal host with prompt details messages about local hikes and cave expeditions. He was patience with our staggered arrival. The creativity that goes into how the land is cultivated is clear.
The suspended string platform was so zen being surrounded by a perfect autumn mosaic.
The puppies and pigs on the property were so friendly and polite.
We will be back!
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Liv
November 2025
With pets
We stayed in one of the tiny glamping cabins and absolutely loved it. It is a simple little wooden box with a full-size bed you crawl into, and it ended up being the perfect cozy nest for the night. There was enough room to sit up, stash our gear, and our dog fit comfortably with us. It was a cold night, but our sleeping bags plus the structure kept us warm, and the sound of rain on the tin roof was unreal.
Check-in was easy and the cabin was simple to find. It was clean in that ideal glamping way: not spotless, just naturally rustic and comfortable.
The location is incredibly quiet and peaceful. We heard the occasional bit of road noise from a distant back country road, but nothing distracting. The sites are spaced far apart, so everything feels private.
The host was wonderful. They gave us plenty of space but were also happy to chat with my husband about permaculture and building ponds.
My favorite part of the stay was climbing into the web at night to look at the stars. It felt magical. The outhouse was also surprisingly nice, which was a great little bonus.
Would absolutely come back. This place just has something special! ✨
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Irene
November 2025
1 night at Camp Escape
shelby’s camper is the perfect little getaway!! it was private and cozy and on some beautiful land. we will definitely be coming back!
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ED
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Happy Hollow Homestead
I was for years trying to sleep in a cottage like that and it finally happened. It was a pretty unique cottage, but the experience was good. Very happy with the place all around. Would recommend to others who like something different!. Great host, helpful and respectful.
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J
Joshua
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Great hosts with an excellent, secluded spot…totally recommend!
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C
Corei
November 2025
Tent
Thie site was very cute and had a lot of nice amenities like a picnic table, shelter, fire ring, and an outhouse. The host was very nice. We had a great time.
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S
Susan
October 2025
30 ft Class C
With pets
Amber is the sweetest! Nice site and area. Very understanding and professional
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T
Timothy
October 2025
Tent
Kerry was kind, helpful, and the communication was great! This was a beautiful and comfortable environment. We felt safe and welcomed here. The land is beautiful and there is plenty to explore. At night the stars really stand out, great place to sit out by the campfire. You might get so lucky to have a visit from Jersey (the neighborhood dog) who was very friendly and not at all aggressive.
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R
Riley
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Happy Hollow Homestead
We had an amazing experience staying at the cozy camping cottage at Happy Hollow Homestead! My favorite part was the tree web - there's something magical and therapeutic about being midair and surrounded by trees. We also enjoyed everything else at the homestead, from the friendly animals, the outdoor shower, to the natural surroundings. Kerry has been a fantastic host and responsive throughout booking and our stay. 10/10 would recommend!
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N
Nikhil Kumar
October 2025
Group trip
I loved the cabin so much that we plan to come here next season as well
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S
Samantha
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
This is our second time staying at their pond spot. We had a wonderful time again and want to make it an annual tradition!
This spot is private but also has modern amenities like the outhouse and coverage for rain.
See moreThe best camping in Hoosier National Forest, IN 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.
89%
14 ratings · 6 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tons of great off grid sites if you get out and explore. Some of the most remote camping you will find in the state.
S
Steven D.
11 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
Hardin Ridge Campground
Nice and clean, sites can be far enough from each other for your own peace.
L
Leamon D.
8 months on Hipcamp
May 2022
is this group camping only?
Marianne W.
3 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· June 2019
Drove there May 2019 no tent camping allowed due to flooding. Boat ramp and restroom was open
C
Christie P.
2 reviews
Recommends
· December 2018
Popped in here late one evening. My wife found this place using internet while rolling down the hwy after crossing most of Kansas. We were on the tail end of our trip from Virginia to Utah and back and anxious to get home. Camp host was terrific and the site was easy to back our 21' hybrid trailer into in the dark. Site was level and clean, very private with beautiful tall trees all around.
We slept great in this very quiet campground that reminded us of our forests in Virginia. Woke up and made pancakes for breakfast before hitting the final leg of our trip. Dump station was easy to find just down the road, and it was easy to hit the highway east.
Will definitely stop here again on our future adventures.
Benjamin B.
7 years on Hipcamp
September 2015
They have some nice large sites, programming for the kids, and the lake is great if you like water sports. We enjoyed hiking in the nearby Charles M. Dean Wilderness Area. Ticks were particularly bad though. This park is also close to Columbus, Indiana which is a neat little city to check out. Rumor has it that it has the highest number of architects per capita of any city in the US, and it shows.
Kristin W.
10 years on Hipcamp