The best forest campgrounds near Oakland City, Indiana

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)

Top-rated campgrounds

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)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Farm-ish Camp & Gather Barn

100%

(2)

18mi from Oakland City · 94 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Owensville, IN

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.

2. Fairhaven Farm Campground

94%

(50)

47mi from Oakland City · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · English, IN

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!

3. Places of Sanctuary

99%

(71)

29mi from Oakland City · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Parkers Settlement, IN

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!

4. Pike State Forest

100%

(1)

36 sites · Winslow, Indiana

Discover the natural splendor of Pike State Forest.

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

5. Lincoln State Park

299 sites · Gentryville, Indiana

Lincoln State Park: A Tribute to Nature and History.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. whispering moonbeam acres

100%

(13)

46mi from Oakland City · 16 sites · RVs · Paoli, IN

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.

7. Persimmon Honey Hollow

93%

(23)

47mi from Oakland City · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · West Baden Springs, IN

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.

8. 15 Acre Wood on Lake

95%

(43)

37mi from Oakland City · 3 sites · Tents · Mt. Vernon, IN

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.

9. Nighthawk Forest

100%

(16)

45mi from Oakland City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · 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 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.

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

Toilets

Campfires

11. Ferdinand State Forest

57 sites · Birdseye, Indiana

Discover the natural charm of Ferdinand State Forest and its myriad of outdoor activities.

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

12. John James Audubon State Park

87 sites · Henderson, Kentucky

Discover John James Audubon State Park's natural beauty and wildlife.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

13. Harmonie State Park

202 sites · New Harmony, Indiana

Discover Harmonie State Park's scenic trails and historic charm.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

14. Little Blue Horse Camp

100%

(48)

48mi from Oakland City · 1 site · Tent · Grantsburg, IN

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.

15. Backer Half Hundred Acres

100%

(7)

34mi from Oakland City · 5 sites · Lodging · Saint Meinrad, IN

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.

16. Old Camp At Bear Hollow

100%

(10)

44mi from Oakland City · 1 site · RV · Saint Croix, IN

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

17. Patoka Lake

100%

(1)

445 sites · Birdseye, Indiana

Discover plenty to do on the water at Indiana's second-largest lake.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

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.

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

19. Martin State Forest

26 sites · Shoals, Indiana

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

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

20. Greene-Sullivan State Forest

3 sites · Dugger, Indiana

Discover the serene beauty of Greene-Sullivan State Forest and its myriad of lakes.

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

Camper favorites near Oakland City

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

whispering moonbeam acres

100%

(13)

46mi from Oakland City · 16 sites · RVs · Paoli, IN

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.

Persimmon Honey Hollow

93%

(23)

47mi from Oakland City · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · West Baden Springs, IN

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.

15 Acre Wood on Lake

95%

(43)

37mi from Oakland City · 3 sites · Tents · Mt. Vernon, IN

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.

Nighthawk Forest

100%

(16)

45mi from Oakland City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · 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 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.

Little Blue Horse Camp

100%

(48)

48mi from Oakland City · 1 site · Tent · Grantsburg, IN

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.

Backer Half Hundred Acres

100%

(7)

34mi from Oakland City · 5 sites · Lodging · Saint Meinrad, IN

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.

Old Camp At Bear Hollow

100%

(10)

44mi from Oakland City · 1 site · RV · Saint Croix, IN

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

Public campgrounds near Oakland City

100%

(1)

Pike Campground

10mi from Oakland City · 36 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pike State Forest

Lincoln State Campground

25mi from Oakland City · 299 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln State Park

Beall Woods Campground

26mi from Oakland City · 16 sites · in Beall Woods State Park

Ferdinand Campground

32mi from Oakland City · 57 sites · in Ferdinand State Forest

John James Audubon Campground

34mi from Oakland City · 87 sites · Tents, RVs · in John James Audubon State Park

Harmonie State Campground

38mi from Oakland City · 202 sites · Tents, RVs · in Harmonie State Park

100%

(1)

Patoka Lake Campground

38mi from Oakland City · 445 sites · Tents, RVs · in Patoka Lake

Tipsaw Lake Campground

41mi from Oakland City · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hoosier National Forest

Martin Campground

41mi from Oakland City · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Martin State Forest

All of the sites looked this good at least. Level and easy to back into.

100%

(2)

Indian Celina Lake Campground

42mi from Oakland City · 23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hoosier National Forest

Springs Valley Recreation Area

44mi from Oakland City · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hoosier National Forest

Greene-Sullivan Campground

48mi from Oakland City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Greene-Sullivan State Forest

Stories from the community

Julia

October 2025

17 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Places of Sanctuary

Beautiful property with loads of trails to walk the dogs. Farm fresh eggs were delicious for breakfast. Super-clean bathrooms. Hookups!

R

River

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Little Blue Horse Camp

This truly is a Perfect Little Spot. The hosts are wonderful and take thoughtful care with the place and the details. Favorite highlights are: the comfy chairs with cushions by the large stone wall fire pit, The composting outhouse is clean, cute and comfortable. The open grassy areas are super soft with the ground underneath, great for walking barefoot and feeling the goodness of the earth beneath your feet, also nice for the level areas for tent camping on the ground. The covered porch for hanging out is lovely, A great place to journal or read when the sun is high. I felt totally tucked away and private. Angie and Paige have made this a very special place.

S

Savanna

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fairhaven Farm Campground

Nathanael was a great host! Camp ground was very secluded, we were surrounded by trees and submerged in nature. Outhouse was surprisingly clean and didn’t smell at all. Host does a great job at upkeep on the property!

D

Diana

September 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Places of Sanctuary

We had a wonderful overnight stay at Bill’s HipCamp! He was extremely accommodating and the property is fabulous with lots of walking trails. The bathroom was spotless and very new in one of his buildings. Nothing but rave reviews for this HipCamp!

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.

J

Joy

August 2025

16 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fairhaven Farm Campground

Enjoyed Nathanael’s property immensely! Plenty of space Perfect place to get away from the crowds and star gaze at night. I would definitely stay again if I’m in the area. He even recommended a couple of nearby hikes that were great!

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!

V

Victoria

August 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Places of Sanctuary

The place was beautiful, They meet you when you get there and ask if you need anything. Very helpful and polite. Don’t forget to buy some eggs because they are some of the best eggs I’ve had. My family enjoyed it very much. Thank you again!

Jeremy

August 2025

25 ft campervan

2 nights at Places of Sanctuary

Another great stay at Places of Sanctuary. Such a beautiful place and very thankful for the opportunity to experience it for a much needed reset.

A

Ada

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Persimmon Honey Hollow

We had a group and they were very accommodating and welcoming! We had a fantastic stay. Loved the animals and garden!

Polly

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Little Blue Horse Camp

A beautiful site on the river, with deer and fireflies. I didn't want to leave!

d

don

August 2025

25 ft Class A

Weekend Trip to Places of Sanctuary

Bill and Robins land is the perfect Hipcamp! Great host, beautiful flat site with electric and water, set in a peaceful, shaded setting. The restrooms are immaculate. I recommend this host to anyone and look forward to returning in the future. Fantastic!!!!

D

Debbie

July 2025

32 ft Class A

11 nights at Places of Sanctuary

Great spot to be close to Evansville! Nice rural atmosphere and quiet.

J

Julian

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Little Blue Horse Camp

Paige and Angie were both very accommodating and flexible to work with when our schedule didn’t turn out exactly as planned. Their campsite was beautiful, and well maintained; with plenty of safe hiking trails, and even a river bank to fish or launch boats from. Would totally recommend this site to anyone who loves camping out in the woods.

E

Emily

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Persimmon Honey Hollow

As the listing states, this is a roadside spot. It’s not a busy road but I guess there’s the potential of someone driving past, but it didn’t bother us at all. There is a totally open lot right across the street, and the sun setting over that area was really beautiful each night. The hosts and the goats are very nice. My son had loads of fun getting the attention of the goats.

Bill & Donna

July 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With kids

4 nights at Places of Sanctuary

We had a wonderful time. The trails, the property, even the chickens and ducks made for a memorable stay. We will return.

Jeromy

July 2025

33 ft travel trailer

With kids

6 nights at Old Camp At Bear Hollow

Great spot! Nice people! Let us have privacy but also let was very helpful when we needed help! The place is very well kept shaded and easy pull in pull out spot!

C

Christopher

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Fairhaven Farm Campground

Fairhaven is a wonderful little spot not far from the highway with well situated sites. I loved the aesthetics of Forgotten Lane, and was thankful it was a roadbed as I weathered a pretty rough storm on my overnight. Would definitely recommend this site, especially for van campers.

A

Amy

July 2025

19 ft Class B

With kids

1 night at Places of Sanctuary

We loved camping at Bill & Robin’s land. The drive in was a little windy and it took us away from the hustle & bustle. The sites are all next to each other but spaced enough for privacy and they were perfectly flat! We loved the land. It was on a farm with chickens, a turkey, and ducks! We fished on a pond before taking showers in their sparkling clean restrooms. Although they had fill hookups but it’s nice when you don’t have to use your own when traveling in a class B. We had a great time and recommend for a night or two.