- Owen-Putnam State Forest
The best camping in Owen-Putnam State Forest, IN
Discover the natural splendor of Owen-Putnam State Forest.
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Owen-Putnam State Forest
Skyview Meadow At Spencer Pay Lake
Skyview Meadow At Spencer Pay Lake
100%
(13)
5.3mi from Owen-Putnam State Forest · 85 sites · Tents, RVs
Experience the beauty of nature at this charming location, brimming with life. Nestled beside a renowned, well-stocked fishing lake, the site is surrounded by picturesque hay fields and enchanting woods. It's the perfect spot to witness the upcoming eclipse on April 8th. Conveniently located off a US Highway, the property offers easy turnarounds for RVs and Semis. Only 2 miles away from McCormick's Creek State Park, guests can enjoy the proximity to outdoor activities.
Small tents are welcome with the purchase of a 12-hour fishing pass, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene surroundings. Additionally, The Hilltop Restaurant, just next door, offers delectable options ranging from steaks and ribs to fantastic pizza. Indulge in a memorable stay surrounded by nature and convenient amenities.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$30
/ night
Celtic Glen Farm Stay
Celtic Glen Farm Stay
98%
(53)
5.8mi from Owen-Putnam State Forest · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Celtic Glen is a working, 100 acre family farm of heritage breed livestock, nestled in an old limestone quarry on the banks of the White River, on one side, and Fall Creek, on another. Lots of space between campsites and are often all to yourself. Learn about regenerative farming with rare breeds on a farm tour, or mining and wetlands restoration on an ecological history tour. Pet and feed the livestock. Fish and bird-watch. Take a yoga class (at times with goats or bunnies) in the center of the stone henge. Have coffee with goats. Eat farm craft meats, eggs, prepared soups, casseroles, and baked goods, or hop into town for a bite.We are across the river from McCormick's Creek State Park (Indiana's first state park with miles of trails, a swimming pool, and lodge) and just two miles north of Spencer, a small town with an excellent brew pub, winery, cafe, and more. Just 12 miles north of the farm is Cataract Falls State Recreation Area. We are only 20 minutes from Bloomington and Indiana University; 45 minutes from Indianapolis Int'l Airport. This is a working farm with lots of livestock, electric fences, and working dogs, so please leave the farm animals alone unless someone from the farm is available and present. Dogs must be on a leash in the camping area. given the above features of a working livestock farm, the quarry ruins, the operative railroad tracks, and the river (not suitable for swimming), family friendly (children under the age of 18 must be attended by adults at all times).
*We have lots of on-farm food and supplies options, please contact us for a complete list and any requests. All sites have a private stone fire circle as well as access to a common grill, handwashing station, porta potty or septic outhouse, cold/solar water shower.
*We have posted many events on our farm facebook page @celticglenllc and we are within 2-4 miles of lots of options.
*Please note that the riverfront wetlands will be closed to guests during deer rifle hunting season for safety.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$32
/ night
Peak Animal Sanctuary
Peak Animal Sanctuary
96%
(13)
8.1mi from Owen-Putnam State Forest · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Peak animal sanctuary is a non-profit vegan sanctuary that is home to 44 farm animals that have been rescued from neglect situations and/or factory farms. We are located on 65 beautiful acres in Owen County Indiana where you can view star filled skies on a clear night and camp near our animal enclosures. We do require that anyone who chooses to camp on our property has to adhere to our "vegan only" policy while onsite and not bring or consume any animal/fish or dairy products while on the property. For the safety of our animals and guests, visitors are not permitted to enter any of the animal enclosure areas without a staff member. We do offer a short tour and introduction for a small donation. We also have 2 Airbnb rooms that are listed on our website. If you'd like to know more about our property. Visit our Facebook page
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
Dirt Weapon Ranch
Dirt Weapon Ranch
98%
(41)
10mi from Owen-Putnam State Forest · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Come and enjoy our private 90-acre retreat, perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. Nestled in an arch of the White River, this secluded sanctuary boasts two private lakes, offering opportunities for swimming, hiking, fishing, and relaxation. Conveniently located within a short driving distance to Indy, Bloomington, and Southern Indiana, you'll find yourself immersed in nature while still having access to nearby urban amenities.
We offer five powered campsites and numerous options for primitive camping lakeside or riverside. Please note that there are no direct water hookups, so be sure to bring your own water for your stay.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$20
/ night
The Timbercrest Ranch
The Timbercrest Ranch
98%
(25)
14mi from Owen-Putnam State Forest · 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$65
/ night
Laurita's Casa Vieja
Laurita's Casa Vieja
98%
(41)
14mi from Owen-Putnam State Forest · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
The farm is located 15 minutes west of Indiana Universities Memorial Stadium. The property is nice and private. The farm adjoins the 75 acre Stranger Hills Organic farm, the oldest organic farm in Indiana. Our 1899 Farmhouse is the only residence on the entire farm. There is a 3000 acre farm to our south. The area is quiet and very private. The campsites are in a grassy walnut grove by a small creek that runs along the eastern border of the property. We have a white deer creek cabin tent on a platform there and 3 or 4 nice level campsites to the north. There is a shaded RV site at the top of a small hill with 30 amp service. We can accommodate a large RV on packed gravel with 50 amp service. the farm is located 15 minutes east of McCormicks Creek State Park. There is a composting toilet and an on demand hot shower in a small building adjacent to the campsites. There is a YMCA about five minutes East of the property. We now have a no dog policy. I haven’t been able to change it on the site.
\\\
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Happy Campers Campground
Happy Campers Campground
99%
(191)
15mi from Owen-Putnam State Forest · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We look forward to hosting you at Happy Campers Campground! We have
5 full hook up RV sites 50 and 30 amp, free wifi, fishing, swimming and an
1.5 acre pond. Our property also has fire rings and picnic tables available for our campers. We have a dry cabin also available. We have trash bens available.
Seasonal shower house and porta pottys. Please specify RV or tent site when you are booking! Open now.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$45
/ night
Martin H.’s Land
Martin H.’s Land
99%
(57)
23mi from Owen-Putnam State Forest · 2 sites · Tents
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$32
/ night
Kerr creek
Kerr creek
100%
(20)
25mi from Owen-Putnam State Forest · 1 site · RV
Learn more about this land:Level field next to Kerr creek for camping next to your car. Multiple wooded sites on hills next to State Forrest if you willing to hike. Close to Yellowwood and Brown County State Forrests.
Pets
from
$26
/ night
Overland Camping at The 1938 Barn
Overland Camping at The 1938 Barn
95%
(69)
30mi from Owen-Putnam State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Large secluded cove near our barn and garden. Watch the sun come up from the orchard. There is 1 electrical plug so not all 3 spaces have electric but you can run a cord. There is also a single water spigot to share as well. There are 2 houses somewhat visible through the trees but no direct line of sight and otherwise private. We have 2 dogs, Whiskey and Barb, Whiskey will usually keep her space but bark, if you ignore her she will be friendly, acts mean but never bites. Barbara is a Jack Russell. She will jump in the truck if you don't tell her not to and will happily run off with snacks. We ask you please don't feed them as it will teach them to come for food and some people don't appreciate the dogs.. This is a farm so you may see and smell animals. Depending on when you book you may even be somewhat near animals. Be aware of this and be ready to keep dogs contained. We typically run pigs in the woods around the cove but we move them regularly and keep the smell to a minimum by doing so.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
Hill Top Farms
Hill Top Farms
96%
(14)
31mi from Owen-Putnam State Forest · 1 site · Tent
Nestled in Clayton Indiana is a quiet and relaxing farm called Hill Top Farms. This 75 acre farm is tucked back off the road and features a large pond for fishing, scenic views and all the space you need for a peaceful time. Between the horses grazing off in the distance and the chickens pecking the ground this space will help you slow down and enjoy your life.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$45
/ night
Neighbor Acres
Neighbor Acres
100%
(20)
31mi from Owen-Putnam State Forest · 1 site · RV
Located next to Apple Acres, this spot is next to the property owners dwelling, large gravel pad with a mild slope. This spot is designed for Camper vans or trailers less than 30ft long, wide enough to park along side.
Full hook up at this spot, however running water is not available Dec-March. Potable water available upon request.
Portable restroom 50ft away open year round. Regular bathrooms are available Dec-March only a 2 min walk. No showers.
3" Grade, see pictures.
This spot has no perks like a firepit, but has a picnic table and a trash can. Walking trails, pets welcome and a beautiful pond nearby.
Free Wi-Fi at this spot!
Splash Island water park is only a 5 Min drive!
Hendricks Live Music Center - 7 Min Drive!
Brew Link Brew Pub - 3 Min drive
Pets
Full hookups
from
$49
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Aidan
6 days ago
20 ft campervan
Nice and quiet, easy to find, close enough to town. Toilet was clean
See more
c
charlie
1 week ago
30 ft travel trailer
This is a great parking spot for the night.the host greeted me when I pulled in. It's very easy back in. The site is very level.I will for sure stay there again. Thanks for the hospitality Jonathan.
See more
H
Harrington
December 2025
24 ft toy hauler
With pets
Their location is rural and quiet. They use their animals to help benefit children with developmental issues, quite an amazing and beautiful calling!
You won’t be sorry should you be in need of a place camp or RV for a bit! The nights are beautiful out there too! We ended up staying on longer than expected. Kool fact, while I didn’t think him cocky, waking to a rooster in the morning is actually really cool:))
It was super cold for most of the night we were there but Dave and Tara were gracious and kind and shared some flannel blankets to help keep lab River warm. Filled my heart with joy to be welcomed so.
So grateful to have met them and found their wonderful location!! Added additional days as needed and they made everything wonderful!
ML for these kind folks
God has blessed them
See more
H
Harrington
December 2025
25 ft toy hauler
With pets
Their location is rural and quiet. They use their animals to help benefit children with developmental issues, quite an amazing and beautiful calling!
You won’t be sorry should you be in need of a place camp or RV for a bit! The nights are beautiful out there too! We ended up staying on longer than expected. Kool fact, while I didn’t think him cocky, waking to a rooster in the morning is actually really cool:))
It was super cold and snowy for the night we were there camping but Dave and Tara went out of their way to provide a drop cord for us so we could have power to our heater!
Much needed as the outside temp felt like -24!
So grateful to have met them and found their wonderful location!!
Thank you for having us.
ML for these kind folks you will be glad you chose to stay:)
See moreN
Noah
November 2025
16 ft car
Easy to find, good communication, and solid flat spaces with clean bathroom
See more
m
mike
November 2025
Tent
My boyfriend and I stayed here for a short-notice camping trip, and we’re so glad we chose this farm. We booked the upper vista site and it was peaceful, secluded, and beautifully tucked away.. exactly what we were hoping for.
Even though we arrived later than planned, Phil and Lessie were incredibly nice, welcoming, and understanding. The next morning we woke up to the sound of Highland cows and a few donkeys, which was both funny and surprisingly relaxing. We enjoyed breakfast and coffee by the fire while taking it all in.
We were greeted by the owners’ sweet, friendly dogs, and later got to tour the farm. It was so much fun seeing the goats, Highland cows, donkeys, and especially watching their cattle dog proudly show off his herding skills. Lessie shared so much interesting information about the farm and the history behind the animals, you can tell she truly loves what she does.
Overall our stay was amazing, peaceful, and refreshing. We’ve already planned to come back, and next time we’re bringing our kids and family. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy a unique farm experience!
See moreM
Matias Ignacio
November 2025
19 ft campervan
With pets
Beautiful place yo stay.
Everything clean
Quiet place
Easy access
Nice host
Would recommend 100%
See moreA
Adam
November 2025
Tent
Johnathan’s spot totally exceeded my expectations. This is a terrific spot for RVers, given the available hookups. I just had a roof tent, but the extra high carport kept everything from getting wet in a blow-through rainstorm, and the fire pit was a lovely way to wind down after a long day on the road. I highly recommend the breakfast add-on to get a little fuel in you. It’s nothing fancy, but it is tasty and delivered when you need it.
It’s a beautiful, quiet property — wish I’d stayed longer than one night to explore the trails around the property. Also, my dog loved it.
See more
Thane
November 2025
22 ft campervan
Great, covered spot with convenient features for a quick overnight or extended stay. Having an indoor bathroom was nice as well as a port-a-potty closeby. It was very quiet and the pond was beautiful. Friendly, accomodating host.
See more
J
Juan
November 2025
Tent
Quiet and clean. Close to the state park for hikes. Very private
See more
J
Jeff
November 2025
20 ft travel trailer
Lots of room for our camper right next to a creek. Saw a great horned owl my first day there. Very peaceful near multiple state parks and forests. Also near the college if wanting to visit.
See more
A
Annie
October 2025
22 ft travel trailer
With pets
We had a great night at the Happy Camper Campground! Cozy small camping spot with just a couple other campers nearby. Dwight was great and super responsive and helpful. We also loved getting to know the “camp kitty”. She was so sweet.
See more
Tiffany
October 2025
29 ft Class C
Dwight gave us great directions to avoid the back country roads which made getting there easier than GPS was going to get us there. We enjoyed the quiet country setting at Happy Campers. Dwight was friendly and checked with us each day when we were fishing to see if we needed anything. My favorite was his kitty that seemed to greet each quest at their site as they arrived. She loved to spend time with us around the pond watching the ducks and snuggle by the fire in the evening. We definitely enjoyed her company! We will be back when the fish are biting! Thanks Dwight!
See more
Z
Zack
October 2025
Tent
Great place to pitch a tent. I would go back. View was great.
See moreS
Sam
October 2025
12 ft travel trailer
Was visiting Bloomington for Father's weekend and needed a site that was convenient. While it was close to town it also felt like you well into the country. Butch is a very nice gentleman and super accommodating. This will definitely be my place to camp anytime I'm visiting the area!
See more
Jon
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Great little spot just outside of Indy. You aren’t too far from the property owner’s house and horses (which were cool to see by the way) but the way the pond sits, there’s overgrowth and trees that hides the view of all of that. This campsite felt very private. It was quiet and relaxing which is exactly what we wanted. I would 100% recommend this Hipcamp site to anyone that is looking at it.
See more
Rob
October 2025
35 ft Class C
Jonathan’s place was great. Very nice site, with lots of amenities. We have a 35’ motorhome and had plenty of room for it and our toad. We were there for a wedding on property also. Jonathan and his family have an event center on the property too. While at the reception, I left the table for a bit. When I returned there was Jonathan playing tic tac toe with our son.
Vice nice place ran by great people.
See more
Z
Zack
October 2025
Tent
Great tent site! Great communication with Leslie. Would go again
See moreR
Russ
October 2025
16 ft travel trailer
Super smooth in and out, Great rural farm setting. Perfect for a boondock night away from interstate noise or rowdy WM parking lots.
See more
Ian
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Peaceful property. Easy to communicate with. Would camp here again!
See moreThe best camping in Owen-Putnam State Forest, IN guide
Overview
About
Stop your puttering around and get on down to Owen-Putnam State Forest before the season passes you by. Get up close and personal with the beauty of the hardwood forests and hills of south central Indiana. You can choose between three different camping areas within the forest, so you can fish for that perfect spot. Trails are waiting to be explored either on foot, mountain bike, or horse. Don’t forget to scope out the 50-foot sandstone bluff from the trails. Why not bring along the fishing rod and try to snag some dinner in one of the ponds while you’re at it? Sounds like a pretty sweet way to spend a few days off.
Notable campgrounds
- Fish Creek Campground: Offers 14 sites with available water, nestled in the heart of the forest.
- Horse Campground: Features 15 sites with a water trough, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts.
- Rattlesnake Campground: Provides 9 primitive sites for a secluded escape into nature.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Arrive early, as campsites are first-come, first-serve, and be ready to self-register at the campground booths.
- Check the fees page beforehand to ensure you have the correct payment for camping fees.
- During peak seasons, consider weekdays for better chances at securing a spot.
- Explore nearby camping options in case the campgrounds are full upon your arrival.
When to go
The best time to visit Owen-Putnam State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is vibrant. Summer offers lush greenery, but be prepared for warmer temperatures. Winter can be beautiful but challenging due to snow and cold conditions.
Know before you go
- Wear bright clothing during hunting seasons for safety while hiking or horseback riding.
- Check for any advisories or closures before your visit to ensure all areas are accessible.
- Remember, Rattlesnake and Horse campgrounds do not have drinking water; bring your own or collect it from the Forest Office.
- Be mindful of private property boundaries to avoid trespassing while enjoying the forest.
- For mountain biking, ensure you have the required off-road cycling permit and stick to marked trails.
Be the first to review
Share your experience here to help other campers.