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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Ferdinand State Forest
Sleeping Bear Retreat
Sleeping Bear Retreat
95%
(20)
18mi from Ferdinand State Forest · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Sleeping Bear Retreat is located on over 60 beautifully wooded acres in scenic French Lick, Indiana.
Whether you are looking for a quiet weekend getaway, a low cost family vacation, or a group stay, we are the place for you. We are pet friendly, as long as the pet is friendly, and on a leash.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Happy Hollow Homestead
Happy Hollow Homestead
99%
(909)
25mi from Ferdinand State Forest · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
- Voted best Hipcamp in Indiana for 7 years.
- Listed on Rachael Ray Magazine's "8 of America's Coolest Campgrounds"
We offer a "Camping Cabin", The "Cozy Camping Cottage" or tent camping in Black Walnut Grove, in an open field, in the woods, or a shady grove. We like to interact with people or you can keep to yourself and have a quiet getaway in the woods. Sorry, but the tree house isn't available to rent since it is my home. I may rent it out in the future. Also in progress is the "Dome"
We are on a solar powered, off the grid 30 acre homestead that has 24 acres of wooded land and 6 acres of groomed land. Come explore our land and relax in the "Tree Web", see the 2 story tree house that I live in, have fun on the tire swing, or just sit and enjoy all that nature has to offer. You can explore our interesting topography that has close to 100 foot of elevation changes, our (mostly) dry creek system that starts with 2 springs that drain into 3 sinkholes or walk 3 miles of trails (if you follow each trail from end to end).
We love groups - Host your event here or have a group gathering with all your friends and family. We have spaces large enough to host hundreds of people.
We welcome pets for camping, but no pets allow in the Camping Cabin. Also be aware that we have 2 friendly dogs on the land that roam freely.
- 3.5 miles to Marengo Cave
- 7 miles to the Blue River (canoes, rafting and swimming)
- 30 minutes to Patoka Lake
- 37 miles west of Louisville
- 13 miles north of Interstate 64
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$35
/ night
Brambleberry Permaculture Farm
Brambleberry Permaculture Farm
100%
(17)
28mi from Ferdinand State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Espri and Darren began Brambleberry Permaculture Farm in the fall of 2003 in the beautiful hills of southern Indiana. We are primarily a plant nursery, but also offer permaculture landscaping and farm consultations. We usually have cows, chickens and rabbits, but are currently taking a break from cattle to build better fences lol. We occasionally have peacocks, ducks, pigs or other livestock as well.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$30
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
V
Valerie
December 2025
With kids
My husband, our 3 boys, and I stayed in the camping cabin for last minute, quick, weekend getaway. Kerry”s directions were clear, so we had no difficulty finding it. When we arrived, he met us near the front and showed us where we were staying. He showed us around and told the boys about the net, the pigs, and the rope swing. They couldn’t wait to start exploring, and even though it was cold outside, they had a blast playing and didn’t want to come inside. The cabin was clean and cozy. The bed was comfortable and the heater worked really well. Everything was just as described, and my only regret is that we only got to stay for one night. None of us were ready to leave. Kerry was friendly, very accommodating, and responded super quickly to messages. I definitely plan to make another trip here when we are able to stay longer.
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C
Charles
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Cabins at Guthrie Meadows
Great experience. Beautiful place. Hope to stay there again…soon.
Charlie
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Jessica
November 2025
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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K
Krista
November 2025
Group trip
Beautiful place and perfect for what we needed. Carrie was so helpful and friendly. We felt very welcomed.
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C
Cheryl
November 2025
Group trip
The rooms were nice and the property is beautiful! Hosts were very kind and helpful.
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Liv
November 2025
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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R
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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N
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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S
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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S
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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s
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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K
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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Raeann
October 2025
Group trip
Very kind and beautiful property. So relaxing! Would be happy to come back!
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donna
October 2025
Group trip
Our stay here was wonderful! The scenery is breathtaking and so peaceful. Our host was so kind and showed us such a good time! This particular weekend had a food truck and a music band! The room was super nice and we were so pleased with all of the accommodations!!! We will definitely be coming back and hopefully get to stay longer!!!
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Jamie
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Happy Hollow Homestead
Kerry was very kind and has the most beautiful land! Friendly pups joined us for breakfast and even found us along the trails, guiding us along them. The sky net at night is so relaxing and I hope to see it expanded! We had a wonderful trip and cannot wait to come back with our littles next year! Thank you Kerry!
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Gina
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Cabins at Guthrie Meadows
We enjoyed staying with at Guthrie Meadows. Nice cabin. Bed... not so much.
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C
Chris
October 2025
With kids
The cabin was awesome, comfy and quiet. Highly recommendable!
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M
Mark
October 2025
With kids
This was a perfect glamping experience. We definitely wanna come back, but bring our family and friends too!
Plus, it’s super convenient to be 10 mins away from downtown with shops and restaurants.
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C
Crystal
September 2025
1 night at Happy Hollow Homestead
Amazing property, we stayed overnight as a quick stop. The host was very welcoming, the directions were easy to follow. The outhouse had a sink with running and automatic lighting. Loved the hot shower in the morning. We wish we had more time to stay! We were even able to use the host's wifi, which was very nice as service can be spotty.
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