The best forest campgrounds near Princeton, Indiana

Looking for an unforgettable camping experience near Princeton, Indiana, in the heart of the forest? Look no further than Happy Hollow Homestead! With over 460 options tailored specifically to your preference for a forested terrain, you'll have no shortage of options to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoors, we've got you covered. Check out some of our top-rated campsites like Happy Hollow Homestead (441 reviews), Hoosier's on the Ridge (70 reviews), and Cabins at Guthrie Meadows (48 reviews) for an exceptional stay. And with popular amenities such as showers, campfires, and potable water, you'll have all the comforts of home while immersing yourself in nature. Plus, indulge in activities like off-roading (OHV), hiking, and boating to make the most of your adventure. Don't wait any longer, start planning your forest camping experience with Hipcamp today!

99% (105)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for an unforgettable camping experience near Princeton, Indiana, in the heart of the forest? Look no further than Happy Hollow Homestead! With over 460 options tailored specifically to your preference for a forested terrain, you'll have no shortage of options to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoors, we've got you covered. Check out some of our top-rated campsites like Happy Hollow Homestead (441 reviews), Hoosier's on the Ridge (70 reviews), and Cabins at Guthrie Meadows (48 reviews) for an exceptional stay. And with popular amenities such as showers, campfires, and potable water, you'll have all the comforts of home while immersing yourself in nature. Plus, indulge in activities like off-roading (OHV), hiking, and boating to make the most of your adventure. Don't wait any longer, start planning your forest camping experience with Hipcamp today!

99% (105)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Farm-ish Camp & Gather Barn

100%

(2)

7.1mi from Princeton · 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. Places of Sanctuary

99%

(71)

23mi from Princeton · 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!

3. 15 Acre Wood on Lake

95%

(43)

30mi from Princeton · 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.

4. 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

5. Pike State Forest

100%

(1)

36 sites · Winslow, Indiana

Discover the natural splendor of Pike State Forest.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

6. Backer Half Hundred Acres

100%

(7)

46mi from Princeton · 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.

7. Harmonie State Park

202 sites · New Harmony, Indiana

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

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

8. John James Audubon State Park

87 sites · Henderson, Kentucky

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

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

9. Lincoln State Park

299 sites · Gentryville, Indiana

Lincoln State Park: A Tribute to Nature and History.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

10. 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

11. 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

Public campgrounds near Princeton

Beall Woods Campground

14mi from Princeton · 16 sites · in Beall Woods State Park

100%

(1)

Pike Campground

23mi from Princeton · 36 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pike State Forest

Harmonie State Campground

29mi from Princeton · 202 sites · Tents, RVs · in Harmonie State Park

John James Audubon Campground

33mi from Princeton · 87 sites · Tents, RVs · in John James Audubon State Park

Lincoln State Campground

36mi from Princeton · 299 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln State Park

Ferdinand Campground

44mi from Princeton · 57 sites · in Ferdinand State Forest

Greene-Sullivan Campground

49mi from Princeton · 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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yaya

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to 15 Acre Wood on Lake

The hosts were very nice and answered all of our questions including greeting us when we got there. The property was very pretty with a lot of woods. We swam in the water it was nice, it wasn’t dirty but a little swampy so maybe not for everyone- but we had fun. The place where we put our tent (and the water) is relatively close to their house. This was no problem for us as we weren’t bothered by them(not that we would have been, again hosts were very pleasant) but might not be ideal for someone looking to camp completely away from others. Really cool town not far from camp site.

Desirae

June 2025

19 ft campervan

1 night at Places of Sanctuary

Excellent stay! Hosts were so communicative and friendly. Directions were awesome. Great spot, we loved the chickens and ducks. Beautiful property. Thank you for having us. Would definitely stay again.

M

Michael

May 2025

Tent

1 night at 15 Acre Wood on Lake

Great site next to a frog pond. Very lush and remote feeling. Camped in a tent and got rained on all night, but still had a great stay. Friendly host and a really cool spot!

J

Jonathan

May 2025

Tent

1 night at Places of Sanctuary

Beautiful property, beautiful people. The hosts were responsive and were accommodating. Best bathrooms I've seen at a campground. Thanks Bill and Robin! -Jonathan

D

Debbie

May 2025

32 ft Class A

6 nights at Places of Sanctuary

We enjoyed our second stay at Places of Sanctuary! We will be back.

D

Debbie

April 2025

32 ft Class A

7 nights at Places of Sanctuary

Very quiet, casual location. We have enjoyed our stay & hope to stay again in the future. Location was perfect for us.

B

Britney

April 2025

16 ft car

With kids

Weekend Trip to Places of Sanctuary

Great communication. Bath house was clean and very nice. Location felt safe.

A

Anthony

March 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Places of Sanctuary

Bill and Robin where super nice,loved it definitely coming back. Fresh eggs was a huge plus. Property was super clean and beautiful 🤩

C

Connie

February 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Places of Sanctuary

I thoroughly enjoyed camping at Bill and Robin's. The property is beautiful and peaceful! The bathrooms are clean, shower lovely and hot!

Jeremy

February 2025

25 ft campervan

1 night at Places of Sanctuary

Exactly what I needed—beautiful property with kind hosts. I’m looking forward to returning.

T

Tonya

December 2024

22 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Places of Sanctuary

What a lovely property! If it wasn’t so cold when we were there this past week before Christmas, we would have ventured further. We did enjoy watching the ducks and chickens though! Hot shower and restrooms were a luxury I didn’t expect. Definitely book with Place of Refuge!