Best Camping in and near Morgan Monroe State Forest

Discover the natural splendor of Morgan Monroe State Forest.

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Community favorites near Morgan Monroe State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Morgan Monroe State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Morgan Monroe State Forest

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Havendell Farm and Wayside

10 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Pittsboro, IN

Since 2003 the land has been home to people, horses, dogs, chickens and ducks, a hay field and fruit, vegetable, and flower gardens. Enjoy the country atmosphere in driving proximity to Indianapolis amenities. A great place for a unique getaway. Check out all of our baked goods, soaps and other offerings on the Havendell Farm and Wayside Facebook and instagram pages. A couple days per week from mid-March to Mid-December, the almost 20 acre property hosts a not for profit children’s physical therapy program. The farm has a short nature trail with a wood chipped path. Visitors may walk the perimeter of the property or the mowed paths. Our location is convenient to county roads for foot or bicycle touring. Located just 20-30 minutes from the Indianapolis International Airport, downtown Indianapolis, the Indianapolis 500, drag racing, state parks, horseback riding, and numerous small town fairs, The Covered Bridge Festival, and farmers markets. Easy access to I-74, fuel, eating establishments, groceries, gyms, a water park, the McCloud Nature Center and B&O Rails to Trails.

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Celtic Glen Farm Stay

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Spencer, IN

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. 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, horseback riding, 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), 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. Nearby fun and food: We have posted many events on our farm facebook page @celticglenllc and we are within 2-4 miles of lots of options: Many events happen on the Spencer town square (including Spencer Pride events); and at the Owen County Fairgrounds which are actually in town along the White River and hosts events such as the White River Poultry Show. Historic Tivoli Theatre with big-screen movies, classic concessions, and more just off the square Cinema 67 Drive-In (4miles) All About You Salon and Spa on the square offers massage among other nice things. Hilltop Family Restaurant (vintage style family restaurant less than 2 miles north off 231) Owen Valley Winery –good food as well (often free live music) Stable Studios music venue (12 miles from farm) Civilian Brewing Corps Brewpub (family friendly space, amazing food and beer and craft soda) Main Street Coffee and Kitchen –a gorgeous café with breakfast and lunch (including Bivi’s tamales) Millie McGee’s Gosport Diner –amazing comfort food in a charming super-small town just across the river (drive north on 231 then east in 67; 23 E Main St, Gosport; 8 miles from the farm) McCormick’s Creek State Park: Canyon Inn for dining, lots of trails, pool in the summer, horse stables Cataract Falls State Recreation Area just north off 231 –really lovely waterfall (13 miles) Green’s Bluff Nature Preserve (Nature Conservancy; 9 miles from farm) Other locally-owned eating: Babs supermarket and deli, Busy Bee Cafe, Papi Chulo’s Cantina, Jit’s Thai Bistro, Chambers Buffet on square, Grand’s Ice Cream, Sweet Valley Ice Cream. Of course, Bloomington is just 20 minutes away with lots to offer. A bit further out: Exotic Feline Rescue Center Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum Indiana University Hoosier National Forest Tulip Trestle Please ask if there is something specific you’d like to find. Please note that the riverfront wetlands will be closed to guests during deer rifle hunting season for safety.

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Urban Farm

6 sites · Lodging3 acres · Indianapolis, IN

Quiet and comfortable urban farm just 10 minutes from downtown Indianapolis. Come stay at a working urban farm that supplies produce to local restaurants in the city. We have sheep, goats, chickens, cats and dogs here for you to enjoy during your stay along with a very peaceful setting. There is a firepit, grills, outdoor games and an opportunity to interact with a working farm in the city.

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Happy Campers Campground

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Brazil, IN

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 potty. Please specify RV or tent site when you are booking! We also have bathrooms and a new shower house now! Open now.

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Laurita's Casa Vieja

9 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Bloomington, IN

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. \\\

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Martin H.’s Land

2 sites · Tents25 acres · Greencastle, IN

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H.E.R. LIVING CAMPUS

17 sites · Lodging, Tents8 acres · Beech Grove, IN

H.E.R. stands for Honor, Educate, and Restore. As avid campers who have enjoyed the beauty of nature by camping all across America, we are happy to share the joys of camping with others. We do this in the solid spirit of Honoring our Ancestors, Educating our children, and Restoring the spirit of family. We share these values with every visitor to H.E.R. Living Campus. We hope to share these values with you.

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Overland camping at the 1938 barn

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Rockville, IN

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. May see us feeding animals or tending garden. There is also a livestock guardian dog (Cotton) on property, we just ask that you please do not feed her or leave food/trash laying around for her to find. 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. Ask us about purchasing a bag of fresh meat or veggies from our market garden Henrysmarketindiana.com

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Cabins at Guthrie Meadows

4 sites · Lodging133 acres · Bedford, IN

Our cabins sits on 100 acres. Our cabins have AC/Heat. A dry sink are in each cabin are provided. Roast hotdogs over your private fire pit as a fire pit is just outside the cabin along with private picnic table. We have a shower bathroom house. You provide your own towel, and soap products. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash and under your control at all times. Privy's are found just outside the cabin. We have miles of hiking trails and several spring fed creeks so take your hiking boots off and wade in the clean cool water. Stars are in abundance at Guthrie Meadows so star gazing is a must!

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Camp Carrasquillo

17 sites · Tents3 acres · Nineveh, IN

Beautiful camping grounds looking at the hills surrounded by lots trees. the property has tents sites and a primitive cabin and . It sits on the second highest point in Indiana. Situated in the middle of three forests minutes away from Brown county State Park, yellowwood Forest, Monroe Forest minutes away from historic artisan colony, Nashville, Indiana. There are hiking trails, a creek to pan for golden outdoor kitchen/bar and shooting range located on a private road minutes away from general store

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Dirt Weapon Ranch

10 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Gosport, IN

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.

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Shalamar Farm

3 sites · RVs13 acres · Lebanon, IN

Hosted over 240 rigs! Private home on 13 acres, with 3 RV sites, Studio apartment (900 sf) for rent, manicured lawn, garden, trees, peaceful area. Accept long term guests, traveling nurses professionals! Need a Groundskeeper, maybe swap rent/services. Welcome to Shalamar Farm, our second time around! NORTH: full hook ups, back in, rigs must be less than 35'. BOOKED UNTIL 6-2025 SOUTH: full hook ups, back in, rigs must be less than 30'. SHADE TREE: full hook ups, pull thru, rigs must be less than 25' Studio apartment: furnished with carpet, kitchenette with granite countertops and tile floor, 1 bathroom tile floor with shower, NO SMOKING, NO PETS. HOSPITALS: Lebanon 7 miles, Crawfordsville 19 miles, Zionsville 20 miles, Westfield 25 miles, Indianapolis (86th Street area) 26 miles, Carmel 31 miles. Friendly pets include George the horse, outdoor cats Leroy and Lowell. Eastern time zone and good cell coverage.

The best camping near Morgan Monroe State Forest guide

Overview

About

When you get down to Morgan-Monroe State Forest, you may feel like you've hit the jackpot. Not only does it have 24,000 acres of wilderness to explore, three lakes to fish and boat on, camping options, as well as two historic cabins to hunker down in, but you can also pan for gold! With a (free) permit, you are able to hunt for the golden nugget of your dreams, which is way more fun than playing the boring old lottery. If you don’t strike it rich then you can realign your focus and feel rich with natureful abundance on one of the trails. For the truly adventurous, try backcountry camping where you can really get away from it all.

Notable campgrounds

Mason Ridge Campground: Offers a rustic camping experience with vault toilets and seasonal drinking water, nestled behind a historic fire tower.
Scout Ridge Youth Tent Campground: Ideal for groups and scouts, featuring larger sites with multiple picnic tables and grills amid a nature preserve.
Backcountry Camping: For the true adventurer, backcountry camping allows for a deeper connection with nature, following a minimal-impact ethos.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, especially for peak seasons, to ensure your spot at one of Morgan Monroe's coveted campgrounds.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on cancellation policies and check back regularly for newly available sites.
Explore nearby camping options if your preferred campground is full, as the forest offers multiple camping experiences.

When to go

The best time to visit Morgan Monroe State Forest is from April to October, when all campgrounds are open and the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities. Winter months can be serene but come with limited amenities and certain campground closures, so plan accordingly.

Know before you go

Check for any advisories or road closures before your visit, especially for seasonal access roads like Hatfield Ridge Road.
Remember to register for camping, as it's required whether you're at a campground or in the backcountry.
Prepare for a carry-in, carry-out trash policy to help preserve the forest's natural state.
Be aware of hunting seasons and wear bright clothing if hiking during these times for safety.
Gold panning is permitted with a free permit from the Forest Office, adding a unique activity to your visit.