Best Camping in and near Owen-Putnam State Forest

Discover the natural splendor of Owen-Putnam State Forest.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Owen-Putnam 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 Owen-Putnam State Forest

Rattlesnake Campground

40 sites · RVs, Tents In Owen-Putnam State Forest

from

$12

/ night

Fish Creek Campground

14 sites · RVs, Tents In Owen-Putnam State Forest

from

$12

/ night

Horse Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In Owen-Putnam State Forest

from

$13

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Owen-Putnam 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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(39)

Martin H.’s Land

2 sites · Tents25 acres · Greencastle, IN

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(139)

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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(89)

Apple acres

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Clayton, IN

My Great great grandfather purchased the land in 1834, I am the 5th generation on this farm. Areas first apple orchard started in 1910-1990 now a wedding venue with beautiful scenery. The retired apple orchard still has trees with vast walking trails between the rows. Amazing wildlife! Vast walking trails that are kept mowed. Fishing pond available (with prior permission) pet friendly property for responsible owners that clean up afterword. 2 Bathroom options! One with running water only a 2min walk or use a new port-a-pot with attached sink very close to the shelter. Enjoy - Breeo smokless firepit, two Adirondack chairs, two hammock chairs, 8ft epoxy coated picknick table. Fast Wi-Fi at this spot! R/C and non motorized bike dirt track available to use. Berms, high bank turns and whoops! dogs love them too. Local attractions - Brew links brewing = 3 min drive, Splash Island water park = 5 min drive, Indianapolis Motor Speedway = 35 min drive, No chickens on or near property, so go ahead and sleep in...

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(19)

Laurita's Casa Vieja

8 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 accomadate a large RV on packed gravel with 50 amp serice. the farm is located 15 minutes east of McCormicks Creek State Park. There is a porti -potty and a bag shower in a small building adjacent to the campsites. There is a YMCA about five minutes East of the property.

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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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(34)

Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Universal, IN

This was once a self sustaining farm built in the 1950s. The farm raised cattle, pigs, chickens. There was 35 tillable acres which produced corn and oats for the livestock. The farm had its own feed grinder in the old barn. There is an old hand built cooler room where all the meat was stored. There are four wells on the farm one of which is used for watering animals and cooling alpacas on hot summer days. One of our tent sites is in the corner of our alpaca pasture. You'll hear the roosters, goats, donkeys and more than likely, Rose, our Maremma livestock guardian dog, throughout your stay.

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Acacia Farms

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Brownsburg, IN

We are a small hobby farm on five acres just outside the town of Brownsburg. You’ll wake up to goats peeking in your windows and chickens laying fresh eggs for breakfast out back. The small tiny house is located behind our private residence. It is completely fenced in if you happen to be traveling with a furry friend of your own. You’re welcome to walk in the field, roast s’mores over the fire pit, or just visit with the barn cats.

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(12)

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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Neighbor Acres

1 site · RV15 acres · Clayton, IN

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! Brew Link Brew Pub - 3 Min drive

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(12)

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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(11)

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.

The best camping near Owen-Putnam State Forest 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.