Free Camping in Indiana
Discover 24 free and dispersed camping spots
Best Seasons
Spring, Summer, Fall
Climate
Continental with hot summers and cold winters
Terrain
Forests, Hills
Free Spots
24 locations
Camping Spots (24)
Hoosier – Hickory Ridge Fire Tower Roads
"Free dispersed camping at Hoosier – Hickory Ridge Fire Tower Roads in Indiana. Knobstone hills and creeks with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Hickory Ridge. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Water setbacks enforced Arrive early
Hoosier NF – Nebo Ridge
"Free dispersed camping around Hoosier NF Indiana. Knobstone hills and creek crossings with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Deam boundary. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Water setbacks enforced Arrive early to claim a legal
Hoosier NF – Deam Lake Monroe Dispersed
Dispersed-style primitive camping within Charles C. Deam Wilderness vicinity (where allowed). Check Hoosier NF rules.
Hoosier NF – Nebo Oaks Backcountry
Primitive tent camping opportunities near Nebo Ridge / Oaks area. Minimal services; pack out waste.
Hoosier NF – Hickory Ridge Primitive
Primitive tent camping in Hoosier National Forest areas with simple sites and limited facilities.
Yellowwood State Forest – Primitive Camping
Tent-friendly primitive camping options in Yellowwood SF. Quiet woods and lake access.
Morgan-Monroe State Forest – Primitive Camping
Primitive tent camping areas within Morgan-Monroe SF. Forest roads, trail access, limited services.
Martin State Forest – Primitive Camping
Primitive camping opportunities in Martin State Forest. Remote feel; check permits.
Salamonie Lake – Primitive Area
Primitive tent sites around Salamonie Lake. Some designated loops; no hookups.
Mississinewa Lake – Primitive Area
Primitive tent camping options near Mississinewa Lake. Pack out trash; seasonal operations.
Hoosier NF – Buzzard Roost Road Pullouts
Scenic primitive pullouts near Buzzard Roost Overlook area. Limited services; verify legality.
Patoka Lake – Primitive Area
Primitive tent camping areas near Patoka Lake recreation zones. Check reservation/permit rules.
Hoosier NF – Lost Bridle Trail area
Rolling hills & hardwood. Pullouts along forest roads near Norman.
Hoosier NF – Connecticut Hill area
Rolling hills & hardwood. Pullouts near Norman forest roads.
Celina Recreation Area
Celina Recreation Area is a national forest campground in Indiana, about 7.6 miles NE of Bristow. It has approximately 55 campsites. Reported amenities include electric hookups, max length 50 ft, showers, restrooms.
German Ridge
German Ridge is a national forest campground in Indiana, about 8.9 miles E of Cannelton. It has approximately 21 campsites.
Hardin Ridge
Hardin Ridge is a national forest campground in Indiana. It has approximately 200 campsites. Reported amenities include electric hookups, dump station, drinking water, showers, restrooms. Typical operating season: mid may-late dec. Notes: 6 campgrounds.
Saddle Lake Rec Area
Saddle Lake Rec Area is a national forest campground in Indiana, about 9.6 miles NE of Tell City. It has approximately 13 campsites. Typical operating season: all year.
Springs Valley Rec Area
Springs Valley Rec Area is a national forest campground in Indiana, about 7.1 miles SW of Paoli. It has approximately 10 campsites.
Tipsaw
Tipsaw is a national forest campground in Indiana, about 6.9 miles SW of Saint Croix. It has approximately 50 campsites. Reported amenities include electric hookups, dump station, drinking water, showers, restrooms. Typical operating season: mid may-late sep.
Clark State Forest
Clark State Forest is a state forest campground in Indiana, about 9.3 miles W of Henryville. It has approximately 45 campsites. Reported amenities include drinking water, laundry.
Greene - Sullivan State Forest
Greene - Sullivan State Forest is a state forest campground in Indiana, about 5.3 miles S of Dugger. Reported amenities include dump station, drinking water, laundry. Notes: 3 campgrounds.
Jackson - Washington State Forest
Jackson - Washington State Forest is a state forest campground in Indiana.
Martin State Forest
Martin State Forest is a state forest campground in Indiana, about 4.3 miles NE of Shoals. It has approximately 25 campsites.
Popular Camping Areas
- Hoosier National Forest
- Brown County State Park
- Yellowwood State Forest
Important Regulations
- 14-day camping limits
- Fire restrictions during dry periods
- Hunting season awareness
Permits: Most national forest camping is free
Complete Guide to Free Camping in Indiana
Indiana provides free camping opportunities in Hoosier National Forest with rolling hills, lakes, and diverse wildlife in the state's only national forest.
Best Free Camping Areas in Indiana
Indiana offers diverse free camping opportunities across forests, hills, lakes, rivers. The most popular areas include Hoosier National Forest, Brown County State Park, Yellowwood State Forest, each offering unique landscapes and camping experiences.
When to Visit Indiana for Camping
The best times for free camping in Indiana are during spring, summer, fall. The state's continental with hot summers and cold winters means weather conditions vary throughout the year, so planning your visit during optimal seasons ensures the best camping experience.
Indiana Camping Regulations
Before camping in Indiana, it's important to understand local regulations. Most national forest camping is freeMost dispersed camping follows standard federal guidelines, but some areas may have specific restrictions.
What to Expect
Free camping in Indiana typically involves camping on public lands managed by the Forest Service, BLM, or state agencies. Expect primitive conditions with no hookups, but incredible natural beauty and the freedom to explore forests, hills, lakes, rivers at your own pace.