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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
2 weeks 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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mike
2 weeks ago
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!
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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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Juan
November 2025
Tent
Quiet and clean. Close to the state park for hikes. Very private
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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.
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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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Joshua
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Great hosts with an excellent, secluded spot…totally recommend!
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Corei
November 2025
Tent
Thie site was very cute and had a lot of nice amenities like a picnic table, shelter, fire ring, and an outhouse. The host was very nice. We had a great time.
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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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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!
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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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Samantha
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
This is our second time staying at their pond spot. We had a wonderful time again and want to make it an annual tradition!
This spot is private but also has modern amenities like the outhouse and coverage for rain.
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Zack
October 2025
Tent
Great tent site! Great communication with Leslie. Would go again
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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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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
See moreTop public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in Martin State Forest
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Martin State Forest, IN guide
Overview
About
Has it been awhile since you’ve hugged a tree? Well stop dilly dallying and get to it at Martin State Forest, which boasts an arboretum containing approximately 60 different species of trees that can be easily accessed by a self-guided trail network. The Hoosier Woodland Arboretum is a great way to get introduced to, or re-acquainted with, the local, leafy giants thanks to signs identifying each type along the easy hiking trail. If hugging trees pushes your crunchy boundaries then try fishing in one of the three lakes in the forest. Or, kick it up a notch and go mountain biking in the seven miles of designated bike trails. There is surely something to satisfy everyone here in this forested playground.
Notable campgrounds
- Primitive Campground: Offering 26 sites amid the forest's tranquility, perfect for those seeking a rustic outdoor experience.
- Lakeside Campsites: Ideal spots for anglers, these campsites provide easy access to Martin State Forest's peaceful fishing lakes.
- Arboretum Area: Camp near the educational trails of the arboretum for a stay enriched with the knowledge of Indiana's native trees.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Arrive early, as campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and tend to fill up quickly.
- Visit during off-peak seasons to increase your chances of securing a spot amid the forest's serene beauty.
- Prepare for self-registration at the campground's check-in station to streamline your camping experience.
- Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan during busy weekends or holidays.
When to go
The best time to visit Martin State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers lush greenery, but be prepared for warmer temperatures. Winter can be starkly beautiful, but some amenities may be less accessible.
Know before you go
- Wear bright clothing during hunting seasons to ensure visibility while enjoying the trails.
- Check for any advisories or closures before your visit to stay informed about current conditions.
- Accessibility is a priority, with wheelchair-accessible trails available in dry weather conditions.
- Remember, swimming is prohibited in the lakes, but fishing is welcomed with a valid Indiana fishing license.
- Facilities such as pit toilets and drinking water are available near the campsites for your convenience.
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