The best camping near Hoosier National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hoosier National Forest adventure.

89% (9 reviews)
89% (9 reviews)

See the wilderness of southern Indiana from the Ohio River to just south of Bloomington.  

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Community favorites near Hoosier National 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 Hoosier National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Hoosier National Forest

99%
(808)

Happy Hollow Homestead

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Marengo, IN
We now have 3 buildings for rent. The Cozy Camping Cottage, the Camping Cabin and the newest addition is our A-frame which is the most secluded spot on the land. - Voted best Hipcamp in Indiana to visit for 6 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
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$35
 / night
95%
(51)

Camp Escape

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Louisville, KY
15 acres with a barn and creek. Our property also boarders the Jefferson County Forestry and is close to Tom Wallace Park. This 5 acres is a corner lot next to railroad tracks so there are two roads on two sides. This is a very rural type area yet still in the city so you will hear and see a combination of city/country things. We are very close to Fort Knox and Knob Creek gun range. You will most likely encounter wildlife, hear gunfire, hear cars and the train go by, you will probably see and hear us and the neighbors on tractors and trucks. This is a working farm among other farming type residents. This is a space for someone to camp with their personal camping equipment. There is no water, no shower, no electric or anything else besides a fire pit. You need to bring your own supplies. We border the Jefferson County Forestry with an entrance about 1 mile away. We are about 30 mins away from downtown, but just 5 mins from a Kroger, Walmart, and a dozen different restaurants. We are also about 15 mins from Fort Knox. There is a shared porta potty onsite.
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$19
 / night
98%
(25)

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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$35
 / night
98%
(29)

Rockytop Family Farms

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Henryville, IN
**25 Minutes north of Louisville, KY** ________________________________________ RV Site on our family land. 30 AND 50 amp electric, water, sewer. Fire-pit with seating, free firewood provided. Trash can provided. Next-door to Yankeetown Area/indoor roping arena. If you participate in the rodeo at Yankeetown, utilize our site with hookups for your horse trailer! Nearby access to the Knobstone trail access point. Just a few miles away from LM Sugarbush; Indiana's largest annual Maple Syrup Festival. Long gravel driveway; 1/4 mile or more off of State Rd 160. We border the Clark-State Forestry. We have a small farm pond that's full of fish; no license required. Bring your fishing pole and have fun! Expect to hear chickens, guineas, pigs, dogs barking, kids playing. You may hear a tractor, lawn mower, or gator ATV go by as we are always busy doing something. Your pets are welcome, but keep in mind that this property is patrolled by two large Great Pyrenees dogs, and while they are friendly to people, they are territorial and have been aggressive towards other dogs until they become friends. For the safety of all the dogs, your pets must be contained/on a leash at least until all of the dogs can get to know each other. We are 5 miles from I-65, and 19 miles north of Louisville, KY. Verizon phone/data service is good; can't confirm others.
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$38
 / night
96%
(26)

Lost River Hostel

18 sites · Lodging31 acres · West Baden Springs, IN
The Lost River Hostel is a nonprofit arts and cultural center located on a 29+ acre hillside in West Baden Springs, Indiana overlooking a section of the Lost River valley. Lost River Hostel strives to build and maintain an extraordinary space fueled by a constant cycle of generosity and creativity. We hope everyone who stays here will go back into the world refreshed and rejuvenated – wanting to be better people and do great things. Everything we do here is driven by our mission statement: "To provide a sandbox for exploration of goals and growth through nature and human connection." We accomplish this by providing a distraction-free, reflective space that is welcoming of people from all backgrounds and beliefs. A communal dinner with gratitude circle is included in every stay. We also host workshops and events related to music, writing, yoga, organic gardening, cooking, and environmental sustainability.
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$52.50
 / night
93%
(14)

Carefree Sister's Sleepover

1 site · RV, Tent6 acres · Leavenworth, IN
Our 6 acre property is a small, simple place to sleep for a night or a weekend while you're traveling through. No fancy frills, just a quiet, pretty place to pitch a tent or park your camper for an evening or two. Only 3.2 miles north of Exit 92 (Carefree exit with a Love's Truckstop), this is the perfect place to stop over while traveling. Both my sister and I travel solo and with friends and having affordable place to park your vehicle or pitch a tent with a place to go to the restroom, gaze at the stars, and have a campfire makes cross country trips more enjoyable. Our land has a gorgeous nighttime view of the stars on the front half, and the back half is wooded and borders a creek. At night, you can watch the soft glow of the Milky Way climb across the sky or sit by a campfire. There is a cleared walking path from the front of the land to the creek at the back so you can sit for a while and enjoy the sound of the running water 11 months a year (the creek is very low in August). You can't drive back there, but you could pitch your tent or hang a hammock in the flat area by the creek. If you stay for a few days, we are: 5 miles to the Louisville Astronomical Society's Dark Sky viewing location, 6.1 miles to Wyandotte Park 7.8 miles to Marengo Cave 8.6 miles Cave Country Canoe 6.6 miles Rothrocks Mill Public Access to Blue River (you can swim here!) We are a perfect half way spot between RRG and Jackson Falls NOTE: This property is completely off grid. We have an enclosed pit toilet and hand sanitizer in the green privy. A gas fire ring and a wood fire ring. You will need to bring wood for burning. This place is very safe, but I always like to be near the road when I travel solo. You might choose to park a little further in, and that is fine, but the topography goes downhill (literally) toward the back of the field. You are welcome to park by our little tiny house if your vehicle is safe to do so. Be aware that this road is gravel and in the spring, it can be muddy if there has been a lot of rain! Remember, we are in the country! :) Our neighbors have cows and they talk to each other during the day. You might hear dogs in the distance, as farmers often have dogs. This is mostly raw land, so be mindful of ticks. There is 40% Deet on the porch of the tiny yellow house if you need to use some. Be mindful if you are highly reactive to poison ivy if you are walking around in the woods. We've never had any issues but I wanted to bring it to your awareness that you should be mindful if you are reactive. You can park near the little red cabin if you'd like. In the summer, you will hear birds, crickets, and cicadas, so if nature sounds annoy you, this might not be the place for ya! Past guests have identified the following birds on the property: Cardinal House sparrow House finch Blue Jay Eastern Bluebird Crow Common crackle Bobwhite quail Yellow warbler Catbird Barn Swallow Mourning doves Chipping sparrow Field sparrow Night Herons Owls among others not identified. Also, the Indiana Brown Bat We love this little get away and we think it is perfect for a safe, simple, and affordable place to stay while you are on the road. :) If you have any questions, reach out! While you are here, please feel free to message us if you need something or have questions. We are happy to help and if we aren't sleeping, we will respond as soon as possible! For special groups that plan in advance: My little sister is a Wilderness EMT and has taught Survival courses for over 10 years. It might be fun to get a group of friends together and take a small group weekend course on the property where you'd learn how to build a fire, make simple shelters, walk slack lines, orient, and learn what to do if you are lost in the woods (and/or how to teach children what to do if they are lost in the woods), among other things. I have a telescope and for those groups, I can set up the telescope for you to see stars and planets. Other options include a rest and reflection weekend, group yoga weekends, and group sound baths. If these options interest you, reach out in advance.
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$12
 / night
100%
(13)

Unplugged Acres

3 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Birdseye, IN
Our land is nestled between tracts of the Ferdinand state forest. We have been on the property since 1999 and we have enjoyed sharing our little slice of heaven with friends and family thru the years. We promise you will be able to unwind once you get here. The property is mean for relaxing!Learn more about this land:A spacious flat yard atop a hill makes for a great spot to park your RV or camper. The grass camping lots are mowed and clean. Two large pine trees provide some shade for one of the camping spots. You can enjoy nearly panoramic views of the night sky! Bring your family and friends to enjoy these attractions near us are: Ferdinand State Forrest fire lane 12 ( is across the road from us. Enjoy hiking and mountain biking) Patoka lake is less than 10 minutes away ( boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, biking). Holiday World ( an amusement park) is about 30 minutes away. French Lick casino is about 30 minutes away. There are lots of local wineries to make for great road trips. Louisville is a little over an hour away. Paoli Peaks ( ski and snowboard attraction) is less than an hour away.
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$8
 / night

The best camping near Hoosier National Forest guide

Overview

About

Discover several highlights of this vast forest. Start with Hemlock Cliffs, a box canyon with gentle waterfalls in-season. This tranquil place stays cool because limited sunlight reaches the bottom of the canyon. Marvel at the unique trees and flowers that grow here due to the distinct climate.

Fish, swim, or water ski at Patoka Lake, the second-largest lake in the Hoosier State. Cast your line in some of the hundreds of quiet coves. Regular events occur throughout the year, such as a car show, 5K run, and kid-friendly fishing demonstrations.

Look over the Ohio River at Buzzard Roost. Grab a picnic lunch and hike to the bluffs with beautiful views of one of America's iconic rivers. Keep an eye out for the buzzards that soar over the cliffs.

Drive along the scenic byway that follows the old Buffalo Trace. Bison once roamed here by the millions to migrate from west to east.

Several campgrounds throughout the forest have RV and tent sites. Reserve a cabin for glamping.

Nearby attractions

Embrace the tranquility that awaits at Lake Monroe Park in Florida. This haven for campers boasts a serene lake, perfect for quiet moments of reflection, lush greenery for peaceful strolls, and an abundance of local wildlife that nature enthusiasts will love.

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