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Charles
1 week ago
Weekend Trip to Cabins at Guthrie Meadows
Great experience. Beautiful place. Hope to stay there again…soon.
Charlie
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Jessica
1 week ago
With kids
This is our second time here and my goodness, it’s perfect. My daughter loves hiking on the property and petting the horses. It has everything you NEED and the warm shelter after a rainy hike at McCormicks Creek State Park is always what we need. Can’t wait to come back again. Our little dude with Cerebral Palsy could absolutely love this property too.
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Krista
2 weeks ago
Group trip
Beautiful place and perfect for what we needed. Carrie was so helpful and friendly. We felt very welcomed.
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Cheryl
2 weeks ago
Group trip
The rooms were nice and the property is beautiful! Hosts were very kind and helpful.
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Jen
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Kerry was a phenomenal host with prompt details messages about local hikes and cave expeditions. He was patience with our staggered arrival. The creativity that goes into how the land is cultivated is clear.
The suspended string platform was so zen being surrounded by a perfect autumn mosaic.
The puppies and pigs on the property were so friendly and polite.
We will be back!
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Liv
3 weeks ago
With pets
We stayed in one of the tiny glamping cabins and absolutely loved it. It is a simple little wooden box with a full-size bed you crawl into, and it ended up being the perfect cozy nest for the night. There was enough room to sit up, stash our gear, and our dog fit comfortably with us. It was a cold night, but our sleeping bags plus the structure kept us warm, and the sound of rain on the tin roof was unreal.
Check-in was easy and the cabin was simple to find. It was clean in that ideal glamping way: not spotless, just naturally rustic and comfortable.
The location is incredibly quiet and peaceful. We heard the occasional bit of road noise from a distant back country road, but nothing distracting. The sites are spaced far apart, so everything feels private.
The host was wonderful. They gave us plenty of space but were also happy to chat with my husband about permaculture and building ponds.
My favorite part of the stay was climbing into the web at night to look at the stars. It felt magical. The outhouse was also surprisingly nice, which was a great little bonus.
Would absolutely come back. This place just has something special! ✨
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ED
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Happy Hollow Homestead
I was for years trying to sleep in a cottage like that and it finally happened. It was a pretty unique cottage, but the experience was good. Very happy with the place all around. Would recommend to others who like something different!. Great host, helpful and respectful.
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Susan
October 2025
30 ft Class C
With pets
Amber is the sweetest! Nice site and area. Very understanding and professional
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Timothy
October 2025
Tent
Kerry was kind, helpful, and the communication was great! This was a beautiful and comfortable environment. We felt safe and welcomed here. The land is beautiful and there is plenty to explore. At night the stars really stand out, great place to sit out by the campfire. You might get so lucky to have a visit from Jersey (the neighborhood dog) who was very friendly and not at all aggressive.
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Riley
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Happy Hollow Homestead
We had an amazing experience staying at the cozy camping cottage at Happy Hollow Homestead! My favorite part was the tree web - there's something magical and therapeutic about being midair and surrounded by trees. We also enjoyed everything else at the homestead, from the friendly animals, the outdoor shower, to the natural surroundings. Kerry has been a fantastic host and responsive throughout booking and our stay. 10/10 would recommend!
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Nikhil Kumar
October 2025
Group trip
I loved the cabin so much that we plan to come here next season as well
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Shelley
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Sleeping Bear Retreat
I loved camping here. The teepees are such a great retreat, I chose one with power which was a luxury. Enjoyed cooking over a fire with my own picnic table nearby. Even set up my hammock behind the teepee with some well placed trees. The bathrooms were very well maintained and even had an outdoor sink to wash hands and a separate large sink to clean dishes. The grounds are lovely and I will definitely be back to camp again.
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Stan
October 2025
29 ft travel trailer
With pets
Canyon view was very easy to access and great for our overnight stop. The host was easy to communicate with and provided great instructions. What a nice place to stay for a relaxing evening on the road.
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Samantha
October 2025
1 night at Happy Hollow Homestead
The cozy cottage was perfect for a chilly evening. Kerry was a fantastic host and has some epic land. We will definitely be back to explore and see what else he has built on the land. If the maple syrup is available you should definitely indulge! Big plus that all the dogs on the property were so sweet.
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Steve
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Host was very welcoming and accommodating to our time table. Beautiful setting
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shylah
October 2025
With kids
I cat say enough about how awesome this place was and what an incredible value for the price! Chuck and Van were gracious and kind hosts and we enjoyed getting to know them while we were there too! The photos don’t do this place justice. The kitchen had everything we needed, the bathroooms were immaculate. Our kids loved fishing, playing with the dogs and exploring. Also Jeffrey’s cliff hike is a MUST!
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Kevin
October 2025
With kids
Stayed at the cabin with our 1 year old. Kerry was so nice to us, and we shared great conversations with him. He has an ever present smile and is so welcoming. The cabin was perfect for us and the property had everything we needed. His neighbor even let our little guy play with the pigs and chickens.
The cabin was furnished and the water is delicious spring water right under the cabin.
We visited Louisville for a day trip and Marengo cave on our way out back to STL.
This property is a beautiful representation of the forested hills of southern Indiana and the mindset of a working homestead. Kerry is a do-it-yourself-er, and it’s awe inspiring to see what he and his neighbor have done to this piece of land.
Thanks for having us, Kerry! Well come back once baby #2 is with us!
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Carrie
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Our family had a FANTASTIC time at Tar Springs 2 with Chuck and Van. What a beautiful place! Everything was so clean and the sites were well spread out. The lake was perfect for fishing and the paddle boats were available for use. With water and firewood readily available it made things very convenient. The guest restrooms and showers were IMMACULATE! We felt so welcomed by them and their lovely pets! We were fortunate enough to be there during their Fall Festival and enjoyed the great bluegrass music in their outdoor stage, the food truck, and the fireworks. Really, nothing is more peaceful than watching the cows roam across the land while you sip your coffee by the open fire. Even with many sites filled, there was still a sense of quiet and being secluded. We really enjoyed this trip and are planning to (at least!) go back in the fall to enjoy the Sacagawea festival in September! Book this. What a beautiful place to rest your busy soul. Thank you, Chuck and Van. We can't wait to see how big the kitties get!
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Kathryn
October 2025
Tent
We really enjoyed our time in the black walnut grove! I’ll be honest and say, we didn’t consider the implications of being in a walnut grove when leaves (and walnuts) are falling, and they fall from very tall trees. But we didn’t run into any issues with it, bedsides an occasional jump scare lol. It was quiet and private, while also having Kerry on property for any issues or questions we might have had. He was extremely accommodating and prompt with responses. I would gladly return to his property for another trip :)
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Robyn
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
The area is just beautiful! We really enjoyed our camping experience here!
See moreTop public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in Ferdinand State Forest
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Ferdinand State Forest, IN guide
Overview
About
Ferdinand State Forest boasts one of the most beautiful woodlands in all of Indiana. In 1933, Local conservationists bought 900 acres and built the lake in order to fish and hunt, making way for the area to be fantastic for squirrel hunting, deer hunting, and fishing. Just make sure you have the proper permits upon arrival! There are five popular trails to hit, all averaging roughly two miles in length. Go for a swim in the designated Ferdinand Lake beach area and enjoy the picnic shelter houses available for the day. One day not enough? For a small fee, you can register at the campground check-in booth and find a primitive camp spot. The more rugged campers will really dig the serene waters and the lack of noise pollution killin’ their vibes.
Notable campgrounds
- Primitive camping is available, offering a rustic experience with 57 sites equipped with picnic tables and grills.
- Each campsite is accessible on a first-come, first-serve basis, ensuring a spontaneous adventure into nature.
- The campground's proximity to the lake and trails makes it an ideal base for fishing, hiking, and mountain biking.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Arrive early to secure a spot, as the campsites are first-come, first-serve and tend to fill up quickly.
- Visit during the weekdays for a better chance at snagging a campsite, as weekends are typically busier.
- Keep an eye on the season; mid-May through October is gate operation time, which may affect campsite availability.
- Explore nearby camping options in case the forest's campgrounds are full, ensuring you have a backup plan.
When to go
The best time to visit Ferdinand State Forest is from mid-May to October when the full range of amenities, including the entrance gatehouse, is operational. Summer months offer the perfect weather for swimming and picnicking, while autumn brings a spectacular display of fall foliage.
Know before you go
- Be aware of blue-green algae advisories at Ferdinand Lake and follow safety guidelines for swimming and boating.
- Remember to bring warm soapy water for bathing after contact with lake water, as advised.
- During hunting season, wear hunter orange or bright clothing for safety while hiking.
- Check the entrance fee requirements before visiting; Indiana DNR annual entrance passes are accepted.
- Electric trolling motors are the only boat motors allowed on Ferdinand Lake, preserving the tranquility of the waters.
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