The best forest camping near Oakland City

·

In Oakland City, you’ll find over 1,300 forest campsites—each promising a different slice of southern Indiana woods. Bring your tent and get ready for mornings under a thick canopy and nights warmed by a campfire. Campsites here range from as low as $7 to an average of $37 per night. Toilets, showers, and campfires are common, so you won’t have to rough it unless you want to. Saddle up for horseback riding at Little Blue Horse Camp (37 reviews), spot deer from your hammock at Places of Sanctuary (51 reviews), or cool off with a swim near Fairhaven Farm Campground (39 reviews). Wildlife-watching is easy—just keep your eyes open, especially at dusk. If you want forest, Oakland City delivers.

99% (237) 32 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Oakland City

Places of Sanctuary

1. Places of Sanctuary

99%
(71)
29mi from Oakland City · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Places of Sanctuary has 30 Acres of woods which include several dedicated hiking trails with beautiful clearings and benches for resting and reflecting along the way. You're welcome to fish in the pond that has plenty of shade and sun, or sit around the bonfire site where we have benches provided and roast marshmallows. With two easy-access large tree houses, bench swings and a big picnic shelter, there's lots of room to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. You might encounter wildlife like: deer, mink, or geese, but you're sure to see our chickens and ducks running around and hear our rooster crow in the morning. Depending on the time and season, we offer several hands on experiences with berry picking, chicken tending, food processing, gardening, and general light land maintenance like checking the trails for down limbs and trash. With gorgeous views and the convenience of being just 10 minutes from University Southern Indiana or 15 minutes from restaurants and stores, we welcome you to camp with us. If you are interested in staying longer than 3 nights or your RV/camper is longer than 36 feet long, please message us to see if we can accommodate your visit. Usually we can!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$20
 / night
Fairhaven Farm Campground

2. Fairhaven Farm Campground

94%
(51)
47mi from Oakland City · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Until 2019, this farm was in the same family since 1889. It has been a working farm since that time. In 2019, our family purchased the farm and continue to operate it much the same way. Our family is devoted to history and preserving the essence of the past. You may very well see us pull up in one of our antique cars to greet you! Our neighbors are friendly and many are also small farmers. You can't see their farms from camp, but don't be surprised to hear roosters crowing, cattle mooing, and donkeys braying in the distance. Our farm is surrounded by the Hoosier National Forest, so you'll see and hear plenty of wildlife too. At various times during the summer, you may find wild blackberries, elderberries, and black raspberries growing right in camp!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
The Farm-ish Camp & Gather Barn

3. The Farm-ish Camp & Gather Barn

100%
(3)
18mi from Oakland City · 94 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Camp and gather at our family owned farm- The Farm-ish Momstead, also known as The Martin Family Farm. Available for primitive camping, day use, or event gathering. Amenities could include the use of the event barn for groups and events, a lake, fishing (bring your own pole and tackle, kayak or SUPs), bonfire pits, a shelter house, and a reliving farm experience if you choose to take part- beef cows, dairy goats (often including milking and goat kids), a mini highland cow, and chickens. Included in your stay is our resident Safety Manager, our collie Tilly. Please know she has a job to do and her best tool is her voice. You may hear barking as she keeps critters away. Other than that, she’s super friendly, although she may forget her manners at times and jump when excited.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Pike State Forest

4. Pike State Forest

100%
(1)
36 sites · Winslow, Indiana
Discover the natural splendor of Pike State Forest.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Lincoln State Park

5. Lincoln State Park

299 sites · Gentryville, Indiana
Lincoln State Park: A Tribute to Nature and History.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
whispering moonbeam acres

6. whispering moonbeam acres

100%
(13)
46mi from Oakland City · 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
Persimmon Honey Hollow

7. Persimmon Honey Hollow

93%
(23)
47mi from Oakland City · 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
Nighthawk Forest

8. Nighthawk Forest

100%
(16)
45mi from Oakland City · 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
Old Camp At Bear Hollow

9. Old Camp At Bear Hollow

100%
(11)
44mi from Oakland City · 1 site · RV
This electric campsite is near Hoosier National Forest. This area was established as hunting grounds by our family over 30 years ago and still is to this day. Create your own family tradition in this campsite that is ready for two campers on a total of 160ft gravel space. There is both 30 and 50 AMP electric, however no water or sewer hookup. You must provide your own water. There is a dump station 5 miles from the campsite at Tipsaw Recreation Area. This area is great for hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and ATV riding....or just relaxing and taking in nature in this beautiful and peaceful area. *30 & 50 AMP Electric *Shade trees *Picnic table *Firepit & Firewood *NO water hookup *NO sewer hookup
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
$40
 / night
Beall Woods State Park

10. Beall Woods State Park

16 sites · Keensburg, Illinois
Unbelievably tall trees, winding trails, and an abundance of history is what you’ll find at Beall Woods. The last untouched timber east of the Mississippi is found here, so prepare to gawk at the over 100 ft trees. When you are finally able to pull yourself away from trees, enjoy a picnic, fish for a bit, or hike the trails. The visitor’s center is the perfect starting point: make sure to check out the educational programs they offer to give your brain an exercise!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Ferdinand State Forest

11. Ferdinand State Forest

57 sites · Birdseye, Indiana
Discover the natural charm of Ferdinand State Forest and its myriad of outdoor activities.
Campfires
Toilets
Potable water
John James Audubon State Park

12. John James Audubon State Park

87 sites · Henderson, Kentucky
Discover John James Audubon State Park's natural beauty and wildlife.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Harmonie State Park

13. Harmonie State Park

202 sites · New Harmony, Indiana
Discover Harmonie State Park's scenic trails and historic charm.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
15 Acre Wood on Lake

14. 15 Acre Wood on Lake

95%
(43)
37mi from Oakland City · 3 sites · Tents
300 feet behind our house is a fire pit, then 15 acres of wood. around an acre lake. We have a boat and you can swim. There's an out house (and use of the woods is ok too) .There is plenty of wood and plenty of forest fun. No motorized Vehicles allowed. No weapons. No hunting. We want to share our land with other lovers of the woods, plants and animals. Like good "scouts", we expect our campers to leave the site the way they find it, tidy . We have recycle and trash containers. There is a drinking water source at the house. Responsible use of alcohol is accepted but drugs or anything that impairs physical safety, is prohibited.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Little Blue Horse Camp

15. Little Blue Horse Camp

100%
(48)
48mi from Oakland City · 1 site · Tent
Enjoy some serenity in our little piece of heaven on the Little Blue River. A unique retreat, with access to the river, areas to explore, rock features, water falls and a ton of nature. We ask that you respect all the surrounding wildlife and plant life-- we are also a preservation space. Learn more about this land: Enjoy sleeping and waking to the serene sounds of the lazy Little Blue River and enjoy comforts of a cozy campground, nestled on private land in the Hoosier National Forest.
Campfires
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$29
 / night
Backer Half Hundred Acres

16. Backer Half Hundred Acres

100%
(7)
34mi from Oakland City · 5 sites · Lodging
Great piece of secluded land with a cool fire pit and some great walking trails. Chairs and fire tools available. We have 62 acres in total, with a homemade suspension bridge, a tree house, chickens, goats, and a friendly dog. A small spring-fed stream runs right by camp. Plenty of nature to see and enjoy out here.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$80
 / night
Patoka Lake

17. Patoka Lake

100%
(1)
445 sites · Birdseye, Indiana
Discover plenty to do on the water at Indiana's second-largest lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Hoosier National Forest

18. 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
Martin State Forest

19. Martin State Forest

26 sites · Shoals, Indiana
Discover the natural splendor of Martin State Forest and its myriad of outdoor activities.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Greene-Sullivan State Forest

20. Greene-Sullivan State Forest

3 sites · Dugger, Indiana
Discover the serene beauty of Greene-Sullivan State Forest and its myriad of lakes.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water

In Oakland City, you’ll find over 1,300 forest campsites—each promising a different slice of southern Indiana woods. Bring your tent and get ready for mornings under a thick canopy and nights warmed by a campfire. Campsites here range from as low as $7 to an average of $37 per night. Toilets, showers, and campfires are common, so you won’t have to rough it unless you want to. Saddle up for horseback riding at Little Blue Horse Camp (37 reviews), spot deer from your hammock at Places of Sanctuary (51 reviews), or cool off with a swim near Fairhaven Farm Campground (39 reviews). Wildlife-watching is easy—just keep your eyes open, especially at dusk. If you want forest, Oakland City delivers.

99% (237) 32 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Oakland City

Places of Sanctuary

1. Places of Sanctuary

99%
(71)
29mi from Oakland City · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Places of Sanctuary has 30 Acres of woods which include several dedicated hiking trails with beautiful clearings and benches for resting and reflecting along the way. You're welcome to fish in the pond that has plenty of shade and sun, or sit around the bonfire site where we have benches provided and roast marshmallows. With two easy-access large tree houses, bench swings and a big picnic shelter, there's lots of room to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. You might encounter wildlife like: deer, mink, or geese, but you're sure to see our chickens and ducks running around and hear our rooster crow in the morning. Depending on the time and season, we offer several hands on experiences with berry picking, chicken tending, food processing, gardening, and general light land maintenance like checking the trails for down limbs and trash. With gorgeous views and the convenience of being just 10 minutes from University Southern Indiana or 15 minutes from restaurants and stores, we welcome you to camp with us. If you are interested in staying longer than 3 nights or your RV/camper is longer than 36 feet long, please message us to see if we can accommodate your visit. Usually we can!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$20
 / night
Fairhaven Farm Campground

2. Fairhaven Farm Campground

94%
(51)
47mi from Oakland City · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Until 2019, this farm was in the same family since 1889. It has been a working farm since that time. In 2019, our family purchased the farm and continue to operate it much the same way. Our family is devoted to history and preserving the essence of the past. You may very well see us pull up in one of our antique cars to greet you! Our neighbors are friendly and many are also small farmers. You can't see their farms from camp, but don't be surprised to hear roosters crowing, cattle mooing, and donkeys braying in the distance. Our farm is surrounded by the Hoosier National Forest, so you'll see and hear plenty of wildlife too. At various times during the summer, you may find wild blackberries, elderberries, and black raspberries growing right in camp!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
The Farm-ish Camp & Gather Barn

3. The Farm-ish Camp & Gather Barn

100%
(3)
18mi from Oakland City · 94 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Camp and gather at our family owned farm- The Farm-ish Momstead, also known as The Martin Family Farm. Available for primitive camping, day use, or event gathering. Amenities could include the use of the event barn for groups and events, a lake, fishing (bring your own pole and tackle, kayak or SUPs), bonfire pits, a shelter house, and a reliving farm experience if you choose to take part- beef cows, dairy goats (often including milking and goat kids), a mini highland cow, and chickens. Included in your stay is our resident Safety Manager, our collie Tilly. Please know she has a job to do and her best tool is her voice. You may hear barking as she keeps critters away. Other than that, she’s super friendly, although she may forget her manners at times and jump when excited.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Pike State Forest

4. Pike State Forest

100%
(1)
36 sites · Winslow, Indiana
Discover the natural splendor of Pike State Forest.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Lincoln State Park

5. Lincoln State Park

299 sites · Gentryville, Indiana
Lincoln State Park: A Tribute to Nature and History.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
whispering moonbeam acres

6. whispering moonbeam acres

100%
(13)
46mi from Oakland City · 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
Persimmon Honey Hollow

7. Persimmon Honey Hollow

93%
(23)
47mi from Oakland City · 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
Nighthawk Forest

8. Nighthawk Forest

100%
(16)
45mi from Oakland City · 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
Old Camp At Bear Hollow

9. Old Camp At Bear Hollow

100%
(11)
44mi from Oakland City · 1 site · RV
This electric campsite is near Hoosier National Forest. This area was established as hunting grounds by our family over 30 years ago and still is to this day. Create your own family tradition in this campsite that is ready for two campers on a total of 160ft gravel space. There is both 30 and 50 AMP electric, however no water or sewer hookup. You must provide your own water. There is a dump station 5 miles from the campsite at Tipsaw Recreation Area. This area is great for hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and ATV riding....or just relaxing and taking in nature in this beautiful and peaceful area. *30 & 50 AMP Electric *Shade trees *Picnic table *Firepit & Firewood *NO water hookup *NO sewer hookup
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
$40
 / night
Beall Woods State Park

10. Beall Woods State Park

16 sites · Keensburg, Illinois
Unbelievably tall trees, winding trails, and an abundance of history is what you’ll find at Beall Woods. The last untouched timber east of the Mississippi is found here, so prepare to gawk at the over 100 ft trees. When you are finally able to pull yourself away from trees, enjoy a picnic, fish for a bit, or hike the trails. The visitor’s center is the perfect starting point: make sure to check out the educational programs they offer to give your brain an exercise!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Ferdinand State Forest

11. Ferdinand State Forest

57 sites · Birdseye, Indiana
Discover the natural charm of Ferdinand State Forest and its myriad of outdoor activities.
Campfires
Toilets
Potable water
John James Audubon State Park

12. John James Audubon State Park

87 sites · Henderson, Kentucky
Discover John James Audubon State Park's natural beauty and wildlife.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Harmonie State Park

13. Harmonie State Park

202 sites · New Harmony, Indiana
Discover Harmonie State Park's scenic trails and historic charm.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
15 Acre Wood on Lake

14. 15 Acre Wood on Lake

95%
(43)
37mi from Oakland City · 3 sites · Tents
300 feet behind our house is a fire pit, then 15 acres of wood. around an acre lake. We have a boat and you can swim. There's an out house (and use of the woods is ok too) .There is plenty of wood and plenty of forest fun. No motorized Vehicles allowed. No weapons. No hunting. We want to share our land with other lovers of the woods, plants and animals. Like good "scouts", we expect our campers to leave the site the way they find it, tidy . We have recycle and trash containers. There is a drinking water source at the house. Responsible use of alcohol is accepted but drugs or anything that impairs physical safety, is prohibited.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Little Blue Horse Camp

15. Little Blue Horse Camp

100%
(48)
48mi from Oakland City · 1 site · Tent
Enjoy some serenity in our little piece of heaven on the Little Blue River. A unique retreat, with access to the river, areas to explore, rock features, water falls and a ton of nature. We ask that you respect all the surrounding wildlife and plant life-- we are also a preservation space. Learn more about this land: Enjoy sleeping and waking to the serene sounds of the lazy Little Blue River and enjoy comforts of a cozy campground, nestled on private land in the Hoosier National Forest.
Campfires
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$29
 / night
Backer Half Hundred Acres

16. Backer Half Hundred Acres

100%
(7)
34mi from Oakland City · 5 sites · Lodging
Great piece of secluded land with a cool fire pit and some great walking trails. Chairs and fire tools available. We have 62 acres in total, with a homemade suspension bridge, a tree house, chickens, goats, and a friendly dog. A small spring-fed stream runs right by camp. Plenty of nature to see and enjoy out here.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$80
 / night
Patoka Lake

17. Patoka Lake

100%
(1)
445 sites · Birdseye, Indiana
Discover plenty to do on the water at Indiana's second-largest lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Hoosier National Forest

18. 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
Martin State Forest

19. Martin State Forest

26 sites · Shoals, Indiana
Discover the natural splendor of Martin State Forest and its myriad of outdoor activities.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Greene-Sullivan State Forest

20. Greene-Sullivan State Forest

3 sites · Dugger, Indiana
Discover the serene beauty of Greene-Sullivan State Forest and its myriad of lakes.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field