- Jackson-Washington State Forest
The best camping in Jackson-Washington State Forest, IN
Discover the rugged beauty of Jackson-Washington State Forest.
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Jackson-Washington State Forest
Rockytop Family Farms
Rockytop Family Farms
97%
(43)
13mi from Jackson-Washington State Forest · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
**25 Minutes north of Louisville, KY**
________________________________________
RV Site on our family land.
30 AND 50 amp electric, water, sewer.
Fire-pit with seating, free firewood provided. Trash can provided.
Next-door to Yankeetown Area/indoor roping arena. If you participate in the rodeo at Yankeetown, utilize our site with hookups for your horse trailer!
Nearby access to the Knobstone trail access point.
Just a few miles away from LM Sugarbush; Indiana's largest annual Maple Syrup Festival.
Long gravel driveway; 1/4 mile or more off of State Rd 160. We border the Clark-State Forestry. We have a small farm pond that's full of fish; no license required.
Bring your fishing pole and have fun!
Expect to hear chickens, guineas, pigs, dogs barking, kids playing. You may hear a tractor, lawn mower, or gator ATV go by as we are always busy doing something.
Your pets are welcome, but keep in mind that this property is patrolled by two large Great Pyrenees dogs, and while they are friendly to people, they are territorial and have been aggressive towards other dogs until they become friends. For the safety of all the dogs, your pets must be contained/on a leash at least until all of the dogs can get to know each other.
We are 5 miles from I-65, and 19 miles north of Louisville, KY.
Verizon phone/data service is good; can't confirm others.
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$26
/ night
Nightfall Farm
Nightfall Farm
100%
(74)
17mi from Jackson-Washington State Forest · 2 sites · Lodging
We're bringing my family farm back to life. My parents farmed here until the 1980's, but couldn't make a profit with corn and soybeans. My husband, Nate, and I moved home in 2014, and started turning the fields into pastures. Today, we run Nightfall Farm, raise animals with respect, and sell pasture-raised meat locally. Come wander the 125 acres of woods, wetlands, and farm. Check out the animals in our pastures, and walk along the Muscatatuck River. Enjoy a quiet fire. Hear the roar of frogs calling in Spring. Chase fireflies. Behold a family farm coming back to life.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$60
/ night
Cabins at Guthrie Meadows
Cabins at Guthrie Meadows
98%
(96)
17mi from Jackson-Washington State Forest · 4 sites · Lodging
Our cabins sits on 100 acres.
Our cabins have AC/Heat. A dry sink are in each cabin are provided. Roast hotdogs over your private fire pit as
a fire pit is just outside the cabin along with private picnic table. We have a shower bathroom house. You provide your own towel, and soap products.
Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash and under your control at all times. Privy's are found just outside the cabin.
We have miles of hiking trails and several spring fed creeks so take your hiking boots off and wade in the clean cool water.
Stars are in abundance at Guthrie Meadows so star gazing is a must!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$88
/ night
Ambers Acres
Ambers Acres
100%
(22)
22mi from Jackson-Washington State 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
Brambleberry Permaculture Farm
Brambleberry Permaculture Farm
100%
(17)
24mi from Jackson-Washington State 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)
27mi from Jackson-Washington State 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
Nayture's Hilltop Farm
Nayture's Hilltop Farm
100%
(129)
28mi from Jackson-Washington State Forest · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$32
/ night
Cedar Trail
Cedar Trail
96%
(23)
30mi from Jackson-Washington State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to our charming rural RV campsite!
Grocery store & dining are 10 minutes away from the site.
Gas station & interstate are 6 minutes from the site.
Hiking is 8 minutes from the site.
We offer two back-in spaces available—one to the west and one to the east of a new barn, ready for you to back in.
With 50 and 30 amp hookups and serene surroundings, it's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature's beauty.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Persimmon Honey Hollow
Persimmon Honey Hollow
93%
(23)
30mi from Jackson-Washington State 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
Little House
Little House
100%
(10)
30mi from Jackson-Washington State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
One campsite with sewer hook up
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Nighthawk Forest
Nighthawk Forest
100%
(16)
32mi from Jackson-Washington State 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)
33mi from Jackson-Washington State 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
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!
See more
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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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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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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J
Jessi
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
This was my second stay & again, we had an amazing private stay at Hidden Valley once again! Will be back!
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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.
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M
Matthew
November 2025
Tent
I had a great experience. I stayed at Holmes Hideaway site and it was beautiful - on the river with seclusion, fire pits, and plenty of tree cover. I went in mid-november and it was not crowded. Everything done through the app and I was left alone. It was a fun weekend.
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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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Ed
November 2025
Tent
Clean quiet and family friendly. Open areas and the river await adventure by all ages. Roving herd of sheep goats, donkey and mini horse add to the whimsy. Steve and his son Bradley are excellent hosts and I will return.
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Michael
November 2025
16 ft car
Beautiful setting, clean facilities with lots of access to the little Kentucky River
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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.
See moreC
Caleb
November 2025
Tent
With kids
Beautiful and peaceful location. The kids loved running around and playing on the huge field and along the riverbank. The large pavilion with electric comes in handy for blowing up mattresses and the porta-pot style toilet was the cleanest I've ever seen! This was our second time staying here and look forward to staying again.
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Z
Zach
November 2025
Tent
With kids
Love this area. We have now camped here 4 times and have not had a single complaint. The hosts are very welcoming and even take our kids for rides on their golf cart. This trip was our second annual camping trip with high school friends and bringing all of our kids together to play is awesome. Three of the campsites border a nice 2 acre or greater size yard and the kids play until they are so tired or it’s time for s’mores. We are already talking about another trip this summer.
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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
See morec
chris
October 2025
Tent
Very nice couple and great secluded campsite. Would go again
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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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B
Ben
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Awesome hosts. Loved the view of the river and the hospitality. We will definitely be back in the summer.
See moreThe best camping in Jackson-Washington State Forest, IN guide
Overview
About
Hikers. We found the perfect spot for you. Jackson-Washington State Forest encompasses 18,000 acres of gorgeous. The sights to be seen on the trails are unmatched by neighboring parks. The hiking action is available to all levels—the rugged mountain women, the men with grizzly beards and a John-Muir-attitude, and to those simply seeking mellow hike-through forests and breathtaking views of the lake. Mountain biking and 13.9 miles of horse trails are also on the list of YES. Whichever trail you trek, be sure to remember that bright orange is the new black, for during hunting season you'll want to stand out as “human” and not “dinner.” Speaking of hunting, it's welcome with a valid permit, and an archery range within the park will test your bow skillz. Jackson-Washington hosts three picnic shelters for guests. Some are for individual groups and others can host your next blow-out celebration. It’s a holiday somewhere, right? Come for the day or crash for a few nights beneath the starlit sky. Primitive camping is available beneath eastern white pines or beside the still waters of the lake. We did the diggin’, now all you have to do is show up and wander happily.
Notable campgrounds
- Knob Lake Campground: Nestled by the water, this site offers picturesque camping amid hardwoods and white pines.
- Youth Tent Campground: Ideal for groups and scouts, located near the forest office and the start of Trail 3.
- Backcountry Camping: For a true wilderness experience, venture along the backcountry hiking trail in Washington County.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Book early, especially for peak seasons, to secure your ideal campsite.
- Weekdays often have more availability than weekends, so consider a mid-week stay.
- Keep an eye on cancellations for last-minute opportunities.
- Explore nearby camping options if your preferred site is booked.
When to go
The best time to visit Jackson-Washington State Forest is from April to October, when all facilities are open and the weather is favorable for outdoor activities. Winter brings closures, such as Skyline Drive, making some areas less accessible.
Know before you go
- Wear bright clothing during hunting seasons for safety.
- Check trail status with the forest office before hiking.
- Remember, swimming is not permitted in the forest lakes.
- Firewood is available for campers at the forest office during business hours.
- All boats on forest lakes require an annual lake use permit.
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