- Waterfall Camping
The best waterfall camping near Bloomington
99% (57) • 11 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bloomington
Martin H.’s Land
1. Martin H.’s Land
99%
(57)
41mi from Bloomington · 2 sites
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$32
/ night
Nighthawk Forest
2. Nighthawk Forest
100%
(16)
47mi from Bloomington · 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
Events And Stays At Cataract Falls
3. Events And Stays At Cataract Falls
27mi from Bloomington · 1 site
Located in the Town of Cataract alongside the most spectacular waterfalls in the Midwest is the Cataract Falls Lodge. The lodge itself sleeps up to 16 with 5 beds and 3 sofa beds. Three individual units all connecting to one another allow privacy when needed and gatherings when wanted. Across from the lodge is the Cataract Falls Wedding Veranda; an indoor-outdoor space for hosting weddings, family reunions wellness retreats, and business functions for up to 60 people.
The space
For weddings, family gatherings, or business retreats; welcome to the Cataract Falls Lodge. Accommodations for up to 16 overnight guests with an indoor-outdoor event space to host up to 60 people. The lodge and surrounding property are set up for entire families or groups that love the outdoors and enjoy the amenities offered indoors. The lodge and Event Veranda are located at the entrance to the Cataract State Recreation Area. A short walk from the front door you are standing at one of the most magnificent waterfall features in the Midwest. Picture-taking opportunities both at the Falls and on the property are abundant. The lodge has three individual suites for privacy but with adjoining doors that adjoin one another for a family connection.
Guest access
When renting the entire Lodge you and your guests will have access to the entire property with the opportunity to rent the Cataract Falls Veranda for your special event.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$899
/ night
Hoosier National Forest
4. Hoosier National Forest
88%
(13)
National forest 47mi from Bloomington · 252 sites
See the wilderness of southern Indiana from the Ohio River to just south of Bloomington.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
McCormicks Creek State Park
5. McCormicks Creek State Park
100%
(5)
State park 14mi from Bloomington · 233 sites
Welcome to Indiana’s first state park, camping mecca since 1916.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Owen-Putnam State Forest
6. Owen-Putnam State Forest
State forest 20mi from Bloomington · 69 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Owen-Putnam State Forest.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
99% (57) • 11 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bloomington
Martin H.’s Land
1. Martin H.’s Land
99%
(57)
41mi from Bloomington · 2 sites
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$32
/ night
Nighthawk Forest
2. Nighthawk Forest
100%
(16)
47mi from Bloomington · 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
Events And Stays At Cataract Falls
3. Events And Stays At Cataract Falls
27mi from Bloomington · 1 site
Located in the Town of Cataract alongside the most spectacular waterfalls in the Midwest is the Cataract Falls Lodge. The lodge itself sleeps up to 16 with 5 beds and 3 sofa beds. Three individual units all connecting to one another allow privacy when needed and gatherings when wanted. Across from the lodge is the Cataract Falls Wedding Veranda; an indoor-outdoor space for hosting weddings, family reunions wellness retreats, and business functions for up to 60 people.
The space
For weddings, family gatherings, or business retreats; welcome to the Cataract Falls Lodge. Accommodations for up to 16 overnight guests with an indoor-outdoor event space to host up to 60 people. The lodge and surrounding property are set up for entire families or groups that love the outdoors and enjoy the amenities offered indoors. The lodge and Event Veranda are located at the entrance to the Cataract State Recreation Area. A short walk from the front door you are standing at one of the most magnificent waterfall features in the Midwest. Picture-taking opportunities both at the Falls and on the property are abundant. The lodge has three individual suites for privacy but with adjoining doors that adjoin one another for a family connection.
Guest access
When renting the entire Lodge you and your guests will have access to the entire property with the opportunity to rent the Cataract Falls Veranda for your special event.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$899
/ night
Hoosier National Forest
4. Hoosier National Forest
88%
(13)
National forest 47mi from Bloomington · 252 sites
See the wilderness of southern Indiana from the Ohio River to just south of Bloomington.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
McCormicks Creek State Park
5. McCormicks Creek State Park
100%
(5)
State park 14mi from Bloomington · 233 sites
Welcome to Indiana’s first state park, camping mecca since 1916.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Owen-Putnam State Forest
6. Owen-Putnam State Forest
State forest 20mi from Bloomington · 69 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Owen-Putnam State Forest.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Ian
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Peaceful property. Easy to communicate with. Would camp here again!
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Ashley
October 2025
Tent
Incredible spot, I forgot the magic of camping under full trees. While it’s been a dry summer with no rain, the waterfall wasn’t active but a gorgeous place. This also meant no mosquitos and hardly any other bugs. Peaceful.
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R
Rob
September 2025
14 ft toy hauler
🤩 wow! This camp offers a quiet location in the middle of Hoosier National Forest. Several easy to use pull through sites. The deck platform is a very nice touch in front of our camper! Plenty of water spigots around.
Hot showers and fire wood onsite. What more could you ask for?
The host was very attentive and checked on us daily.
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J
JimandCathleen
September 2025
16 ft car
Lovely place. Had it to ourselves. Quiet. Bathroom clean. Running water. Great night sky.
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B
Ben
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Amazing spot for my son’s first camping trip. Great trails and private camp site!
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K
Kayla
July 2025
Tent
Enjoyed our stay at Nighthawk Forest [Site 7] celebrating my nephews 14th Birthday! Clean facilities (portable toilets were particularly maintained), and the availability of amenities such as fire wood was satisfactory. The location offered appealing natural surroundings and the serene sounds of pure nature. Good communication with owner as well as the site manager. FYI the ticks were thick on this site (recommend coming fully prepared with repellent) Would definitely recommend to others. Can’t wait to return to Nighthawk Forest!
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Taylor
June 2025
Tent
Nice amenities: water spouts, firewood, porta potties, showers
Gorgeous area - feel deep in the woods, nice walking trails
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rosalyn
June 2025
Tent
The site really is out in the woods and secluded, we loved it! Hiking the grounds you will want full length pants and hiking boots, it is very rugged but the waterfall and creek area are close to the site and great to see! We went to nearby Depauw nature park and Fern Cliff nature preserve, both within 15ish minutes away and beautiful places. Martin and Jennifer were very helpful and friendly with directions. I would recommend this site, especially as a good option for hiking the dozens of nearby parks without staying in a crowded campground.
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Katte
June 2025
Tent
With kids
Always a wonderful time here. Great location. The only thing that's not so good is the dogs barking all night. Other than that it's peaceful and relaxing.
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Amber
May 2025
E
Eric
May 2025
Tent
With pets
Perfect camping spot. Secluded, peaceful and quiet. Host is very helpful with directions. We will be going back.
See moreM
Miles
April 2025
Tent
With pets
I loved this little spot. Nice and secluded. Will keep in mind for next time I am in the area and need a spot.
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Kimberly
April 2025
Tent
With kids
Ive been eyeing this spot for awhile and was so happy to finally visit. Such a beautiful and private spot. You can hear the waterfall trickle from your tent. I took a beautiful walk down into it and it was just stunning! We were there in bad weather, a lot of rain, and the. Drive was very muddy but we managed. Wouldn’t have been a bad walk if I would have had to park by the road. Also with the bad weather, Martin was always quick to reply. He gave great recommendations for weather stations to watch. It was a great middle point for many parks around! While the drives to Turkey run, shades, McCormicks and cataract falls weren’t bad. I very HIGHLY reccomend checking out Depauw quarry and Fern Cliff in the area. my kids and I enjoyed our stay so much and cannot wait to get back.
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Syd
March 2025
Tent
With pets
We had the best time tent camping in Nighthawk Forest! The area was well maintained, and the extra resources were a bonus (firewood, trash cans, etc.) . Feels quite secluded compared to other campgrounds. Absolutely would recommend!!
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