The best camping near Martin State Forest

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

Discover the natural splendor of Martin State Forest and its myriad of outdoor activities.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Martin State Forest

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Martin State Forest

Martin Campground

26 sites · RVs, Tents In Martin State Forest

from

$12

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Martin State Forest

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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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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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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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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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Hill Springs Campground

14 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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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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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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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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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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Nighthawk Forest

1 site · Tent65 acres · Paoli, IN

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 or take a dip 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 visit our website at https://roam.camp/nighthawk-forest or call 812-203-0200.

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Gobblers Knob

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Shoals, IN

Camp sites are at top of hill with shaded tree canopy in summer and extensive view in fall til spring. At night, openings in tree canopy provide a star lit view of the night sky.Picnic tables and fire pit available at main cabin for shared use. Flexible camp sites for secluded and private setting. . . Approx 15 minutes to French Lick.

Fox Hollow Camp

2 sites · RVs10 acres · West Baden Springs, IN

Learn more about this land:Campsites located adjacent to Hoosier National Forest. Designated camp sites with fire rings provided. Less than 10 miles from French Lick and West Baden and Shoals.

The best camping near Martin State Forest guide

Overview

About

Has it been awhile since you’ve hugged a tree? Well stop dilly dallying and get to it at Martin State Forest, which boasts an arboretum containing approximately 60 different species of trees that can be easily accessed by a self-guided trail network. The Hoosier Woodland Arboretum is a great way to get introduced to, or re-acquainted with, the local, leafy giants thanks to signs identifying each type along the easy hiking trail. If hugging trees pushes your crunchy boundaries then try fishing in one of the three lakes in the forest. Or, kick it up a notch and go mountain biking in the seven miles of designated bike trails. There is surely something to satisfy everyone here in this forested playground.

Notable campgrounds

Primitive Campground: Offering 26 sites amid the forest's tranquility, perfect for those seeking a rustic outdoor experience.
Lakeside Campsites: Ideal spots for anglers, these campsites provide easy access to Martin State Forest's peaceful fishing lakes.
Arboretum Area: Camp near the educational trails of the arboretum for a stay enriched with the knowledge of Indiana's native trees.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Arrive early, as campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and tend to fill up quickly.
Visit during off-peak seasons to increase your chances of securing a spot amid the forest's serene beauty.
Prepare for self-registration at the campground's check-in station to streamline your camping experience.
Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan during busy weekends or holidays.

When to go

The best time to visit Martin State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers lush greenery, but be prepared for warmer temperatures. Winter can be starkly beautiful, but some amenities may be less accessible.

Know before you go

Wear bright clothing during hunting seasons to ensure visibility while enjoying the trails.
Check for any advisories or closures before your visit to stay informed about current conditions.
Accessibility is a priority, with wheelchair-accessible trails available in dry weather conditions.
Remember, swimming is prohibited in the lakes, but fishing is welcomed with a valid Indiana fishing license.
Facilities such as pit toilets and drinking water are available near the campsites for your convenience.