Camping Suggestions?

[G3Fanatic]

I'm a pretty avid camper, but as avid as I may be, I've camped maybe three places out of the whole state.

I was wondering if anyone could suggest some nice locations based on secludedness, price, population, activities etc.

I've been to Morgan-Monroe state forest, Harrison-Crawford state forest, Paynetown which is on Lake Monroe, and Yellowwood.

Where else can I find a real secluded place to check my bug out gear and just enjoy the outdoors?

 

[Richard]

Isle Royale National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

 

[Chefcook]

Isle Royale National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

That looks awesome...

 

[kong1911]

I prefer to go to south Indiana for our camping when we can. There are some beautiful state parks down on the Ohio river that I can recommend. Just go to the link below and you can check them all out. My favorite is Clifty Falls just outside of Madison, then a bit farther west off 62 is Johnstown state park. It doesn't get very busy there for some reason and it's real nice with lots of hiking and plenty of wildlife. I'd recommend either one....
https://www.indiana.reserveworld.com/index.cfm

 

[jennybird]

I prefer to go to south Indiana for our camping when we can. There are some beautiful state parks down on the Ohio river that I can recommend. Just go to the link below and you can check them all out. My favorite is Clifty Falls just outside of Madison, then a bit farther west off 62 is Johnstown state park. It doesn't get very busy there for some reason and it's real nice with lots of hiking and plenty of wildlife. I'd recommend either one....
https://www.indiana.reserveworld.com/index.cfm

I would have to second that. There are some fantastic caves and canoeing down there too. Six Flags is also not too far of a drive if you need somewhere to take the kiddies for the day. We stayed in the O'Bannon State Park in the horsemans camp (I think that was the name). It was very secluded, first come first serve, and beautiful!!!

 

[G3Fanatic]

Thanks for the suggestions!


Does anyone know prices per night off the top of their head?

 

[Jack Ryan]

These are pretty standard fare but worth a look. A couple might suit you.

Pate Hollow
http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier/recreation/pate_hollow.htm

Charles C. Deam Wilderness
Deam Wilderness

Yellowwood Forest
DNR: 404 - Page Not Found
Yellowwood State Forest, an Indiana State Park near Bloomington, Centerton, Nashville, Southport, Woodbridge
We usually do the Scarce O' Fat Trail or the Lake Trail.

McCormick's Creek State Park
DNR: 404 - Page Not Found
Almost any trail would be fine. The trail with the Wolf Cave and the Twin Bridges is popular.

Morgan-Monroe State Forest
DNR: 404 - Page Not Found
Rock Shelter Loop and the Mason Ridge Loop trails are adjacent, so we can hike them both together.

Green's Bluff Nature Preserve
The Nature Conservancy in Indiana - Green’s Bluff
A short trail (maybe a mile and a half), but very pretty.

Brown County State Park
DNR: 404 - Page Not Found
Almost any trail would be fine.


Spring Mill State Park
DNR: 404 - Page Not Found
Again, almost any trail would be fine.

 

[Ashkelon]

go to any state park through the week and it is a different atmosphere. We really don't have back country camping in Indiana. (You can do it but its just not allowed . You can go down to Lake Patoka and do a hike in or float around at a primitive camp. DNR does allow this at this location. Hike about a mile or paddle about an hour. I rec. the paddle around you can set up pretty much on the water and dnr does not get upset. Just make sure you canoe is completely out of water. Price is negligible.

 

[emclean]

I honeymooned at the national lake shore campgrounds (NOT the state camp sights) and they were secluded from each other. we were a short drive drive the dunes, and the other beaches up here, so there was enough for us to go and do.
fifteen years ago it was $10 a night, not sure what it is now.

 

[Mikeh82]

Patoka Lake has some nice camping..

 

[G3Fanatic]

This is what makes me depressed. I've always enjoyed roughing it and the fact that it's not allowed just irks me, because it's not like I would be harming the environment. I make it my goal to leave my area as clean (if not cleaner) than I found it. I understand there are some rotten apples who would abuse the privilege, but that shouldn't spoil the fun for all of us

 

[Dyerbill]

If you get up in central Indiana Shades State park and Turkey Run offer some great trails.

 

[hardtrailz400]

Anyone know of a place within a 5 or 6 hour drive of Indy that you can drive some trails with an 4x4 and jus5t find a place along the trails to camp?

 

[Ashkelon]

This is what makes me depressed. I've always enjoyed roughing it and the fact that it's not allowed just irks me, because it's not like I would be harming the environment. I make it my goal to leave my area as clean (if not cleaner) than I found it. I understand there are some rotten apples who would abuse the privilege, but that shouldn't spoil the fun for all of us

Shame isn't it. There are some beautiful places in Indiana that are off the beaten path

 

[ahighland]

Back-country camping is allowed in the Hoosier National Forest.

 

[Viper393]

Obannon Woods SP has a 27 mile trail that allows camping. I think the Knobstone trail also allows camping.

 

[G3Fanatic]

Any suggestions on good camping stoves?

Mine kicked the bucket

 

[Ashkelon]

check out REI or backcountry.com You will find every range of price and/use available. I have always liked my MSR but I have a single burner Coleman that I have taken all through the lower 48 and I just can't kill it. Bulletproof but takes those bulky small propane bottles. But they are still very economical.

 

[HoosierShooter]

Anyone know of a place within a 5 or 6 hour drive of Indy that you can drive some trails with an 4x4 and jus5t find a place along the trails to camp?

I used to camp and ride trails at Haspin Acres in Laurel IN, not sure if the place is even still open as it has been years since I was last there.

ETA: What do you know, it is still there. https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/the_great_outdoors/27481-haspin_acres.html

 

[JByer323]

Rock out the Hoosier National Forest.

If you have gear questions, I worked for a couple years at J.L. Waters in Bloomington, have been through clinics for 50 manufacturers or so, gotten advanced training (15-20+ hours) on 15 brands or so, and am a general gear junkie/snob.

For the poster asking about stoves, I would go either MSR or SnowPeak, but you're going to have to give me way more details on what your goals and uses are for me to have any hope of answering your question.