The best waterfall campgrounds near Bloomington, Indiana

Looking to go camping near Bloomington, Indiana? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 438 options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your adventure. Whether you're into boating, climbing, or exploring historic sites, there's something for everyone. And with popular amenities like showers, potable water, and trash facilities, you'll have all the comforts you need. Check out some of the top campsites with rave reviews: Hones Pointe (352 reviews), Heritage Farm Stay Adventure (196 reviews), and Hoosier's on the Ridge (70 reviews). Prices start as low as $7 per night, with an average price of $45 per night. Happy camping!

99% (77)

Top-rated campgrounds near Bloomington

Looking to go camping near Bloomington, Indiana? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 438 options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your adventure. Whether you're into boating, climbing, or exploring historic sites, there's something for everyone. And with popular amenities like showers, potable water, and trash facilities, you'll have all the comforts you need. Check out some of the top campsites with rave reviews: Hones Pointe (352 reviews), Heritage Farm Stay Adventure (196 reviews), and Hoosier's on the Ridge (70 reviews). Prices start as low as $7 per night, with an average price of $45 per night. Happy camping!

99% (77)

Top-rated campgrounds near Bloomington

1. Martin H.’s Land

99%

(57)

41mi from Bloomington · 2 sites · Tents

2. The Timbercrest Ranch

98%

(25)

16mi from Bloomington · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

The land consists of: 100 acres of forest, pastures, four ponds, orchards, hoop house, pavilion area with grill, 150-year-old tobacco barn, gardens, chickens, guineas, turkeys, quail, bees, kune kune pigs and wagyu cattle, stocked pond on absolutely gorgeous rolling hills. The land will take your breathe away. Learn more about this land: Several trails with lots of opportunities to see nature, particularly wild turkey's and deer and the local bison farm.

3. 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.

4. Hoosier National Forest

88%

(13)

252 sites · Paoli, Indiana

See the wilderness of southern Indiana from the Ohio River to just south of Bloomington.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

5. McCormicks Creek State Park

100%

(5)

233 sites · Spencer, Indiana

Welcome to Indiana’s first state park, camping mecca since 1916.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. Events And Stays At Cataract Falls

27mi from Bloomington · 1 site · Lodging

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.

7. Owen-Putnam State Forest

69 sites · Spencer, Indiana

Discover the natural splendor of Owen-Putnam State Forest.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

Public campgrounds near Bloomington

100%

(6)

Hardin Ridge Campground

12mi from Bloomington · 200 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hoosier National Forest

100%

(5)

McCormicks Creek Campground

14mi from Bloomington · 233 sites · Tents, RVs · in McCormicks Creek State Park

Rattlesnake Campground

16mi from Bloomington · 40 sites · Tents, RVs · in Owen-Putnam State Forest

Fish Creek Campground

20mi from Bloomington · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Owen-Putnam State Forest

Horse Campground

22mi from Bloomington · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Owen-Putnam State Forest

Little Salt Creek Group Site

26mi from Bloomington · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Hoosier National Forest

Springs Valley Recreation Area

47mi from Bloomington · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hoosier National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Ian

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Martin H.’s Land

Peaceful property. Easy to communicate with. Would camp here again!

A

Ashley

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Martin H.’s Land

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.

R

Rob

September 2025

14 ft toy hauler

3 nights at Nighthawk Forest

🤩 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.

J

JimandCathleen

September 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Nighthawk Forest

Lovely place. Had it to ourselves. Quiet. Bathroom clean. Running water. Great night sky.

Walking the path to the barn/babatjeoo (can’t see it from the campsite)

M

Megan

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Timbercrest Ranch

Great camping spot! Hosts were very responsive and helpful. Spot is beautiful and private! We stayed by the pavilion & pond. The property is big so I imagine even if others are there, there would still be plenty of privacy. The bathroom (on the back side of the barn) was nice to have - 3 min walk. Kids fished & caught/released a bunch, hung the hammocks, made dinner/breakfast using the grate over the fire. Would love to come back again!

J

John

September 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Timbercrest Ranch

Very nice property, very private & great hosts. will be back!

B

Ben

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Nighthawk Forest

Amazing spot for my son’s first camping trip. Great trails and private camp site!

K

Kayla

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at Nighthawk Forest

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!

T

Taylor

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Nighthawk Forest

Nice amenities: water spouts, firewood, porta potties, showers Gorgeous area - feel deep in the woods, nice walking trails

rosalyn

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Martin H.’s Land

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.

K

Kelly

June 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Timbercrest Ranch

Gorgeous property and very helpful hosts! Lent us an extension cord and hose since this was our first time out. Even brought us eggs from their chickens! Great time!

Katte

June 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Martin H.’s Land

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.

A

Amber

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Nighthawk Forest

Great spot! Great host! Just what we were looking for!

E

Eric

May 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Martin H.’s Land

Perfect camping spot. Secluded, peaceful and quiet. Host is very helpful with directions. We will be going back.

M

Miles

April 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Martin H.’s Land

I loved this little spot. Nice and secluded. Will keep in mind for next time I am in the area and need a spot.

Kimberly

April 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Martin H.’s Land

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.

S

Scott

March 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at The Timbercrest Ranch

Very nice, private land with a beautiful pond and amazing view of the sunset. It's a secluded site and the owners were very accommodating. I would definitely return if I'm in the area again. I would say that maybe if you have a land yacht this might not be the spot for you. Smaller travel trailers will do best in this area.

S

Syd

March 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Nighthawk Forest

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!!