The best waterfall campgrounds near Elnora, Indiana

Waterfall chasers, Elnora delivers. With over 500 camping options near cascades, you’ll find sites tucked beside rushing streams, wooded hollows, and rocky bluffs. Average nights run about $65, but you can set up for as little as $30. Camps here lean into the essentials—pets welcome, showers, toilets—so you’re covered after a muddy hike or a swim beneath the falls. If you’re after trail miles, horseback riding, or a spot to cool off, you won’t run out of choices. For a tried-and-tested stay, check out The Timbercrest Ranch (17 reviews) or Nighthawk Forest (9 reviews)—both favorites for waterfall access and a quiet night’s sleep.

99% (34)

Top-rated campgrounds near Elnora

Waterfall chasers, Elnora delivers. With over 500 camping options near cascades, you’ll find sites tucked beside rushing streams, wooded hollows, and rocky bluffs. Average nights run about $65, but you can set up for as little as $30. Camps here lean into the essentials—pets welcome, showers, toilets—so you’re covered after a muddy hike or a swim beneath the falls. If you’re after trail miles, horseback riding, or a spot to cool off, you won’t run out of choices. For a tried-and-tested stay, check out The Timbercrest Ranch (17 reviews) or Nighthawk Forest (9 reviews)—both favorites for waterfall access and a quiet night’s sleep.

99% (34)

Top-rated campgrounds near Elnora

1. The Timbercrest Ranch

98%

(25)

22mi from Elnora · 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.

2. Nighthawk Forest

100%

(16)

41mi from Elnora · 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.

3. Events And Stays At Cataract Falls

41mi from Elnora · 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.

4. Owen-Putnam State Forest

69 sites · Spencer, Indiana

Discover the natural splendor of Owen-Putnam State Forest.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

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. 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

Public campgrounds near Elnora

Fish Creek Campground

24mi from Elnora · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Owen-Putnam State Forest

Rattlesnake Campground

32mi from Elnora · 40 sites · Tents, RVs · in Owen-Putnam State Forest

100%

(5)

McCormicks Creek Campground

34mi from Elnora · 233 sites · Tents, RVs · in McCormicks Creek State Park

Horse Campground

36mi from Elnora · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Owen-Putnam State Forest

100%

(6)

Hardin Ridge Campground

36mi from Elnora · 200 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hoosier National Forest

Springs Valley Recreation Area

39mi from Elnora · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hoosier National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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

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!

A

Amber

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Nighthawk Forest

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

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!!