The best camping near Jackson-Washington State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Jackson-Washington State Forest adventure.

Discover the rugged beauty of Jackson-Washington State Forest.  

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Community favorites near Jackson-Washington State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Jackson-Washington State Forest

97%
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Hones Pointe

22 sites · RVs, Tents47 acres · Pendleton, KY
Hones Pointe was established in 1988. It was built by four insurance agents to elude our sales managers in a unique natural setting. Over the years, we have planted many different varieties of trees and perennials to observe. Also evidence exists of this area being an Indian camp long ago as suggested by arrowheads and an old handmade rock wall. Primitive camping where you can pick your own scenic spot. We will furnish picnic table, fire ring, garbage can, and charcoal grill during your campout.Welcome!
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$28
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99%
(791)

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
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95%
(46)

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
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99%
(147)

Hidden Valley River Camp

4 sites · Tents7 acres · Westport, KY
Beautiful valley on the Ohio River with 300 feet of beach front, private boat dock, covered 20x30 community pavilion and a large fire pit. A beautiful creek to explore, very secluded and off the beaten path with lots of wildlife to enjoy.Learn more about this land:Beautiful private Valley setting on the Ohio River with private boat dock. Creek bed with rocks and fossils. 2 covered pavillions and fire pit and eagles and wildlife There is a mile gravel road and steep hill is why no rv's. Cars and trucks have no problems.
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$35
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(5)

Starlight Hollow Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · La Grange, KY
Small Farm located just 3 miles outside of Lagrange, KY and 18 miles outside of Louisville, KY but it feels like you are deep in the countryside. There are tons of things to be excited about here at Starlight....there are horses, mini-donkeys, mini-pigs to snuggle with. There are chickens and ducks to watch do .....chicken and duck things. There is a little pond that is stocked full of fish to catch (and then throw back). Rolling hills, with beautiful vistas, or old timey barns and cabins. If you are the adventurous type, you can pitch tent with the horses and let them wander around you all night! If you want a more mundane and easy type of experience there are several places to throw up your tent or hammocks with access to power, and water...its all up to you!
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$40
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92%
(12)

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
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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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$35
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(7)

Nighthawk Forest

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents65 acres · Paoli, IN
Nestled deep in Hoosier National Forest and just a short drive from Paoli and French Lick, Indiana, Nighthawk Forest offers a secluded and pristine outdoor experience for all camping enthusiasts! Situated on 65 hilly and wooded acres, Nighthawk Forest features well-groomed tent pads, water and electric hookups for RVs and even vintage campers. Enjoy breathtaking walks in the woods, go fishing in our pond, and set up your camp chairs under the incredible night sky and marvel under the majesty of the Milky Way! Take a hike or a mountain bike ride on the Springs Valley Trail down to Tucker Lake. Come see what it’s like to be treated like family at Nighthawk Forest Campground. For more camping options - including group reservations - please visit our website at https://roam.camp/nighthawk-forest or call 812-203-0200.
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$30
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(109)

MoonLight Grove Farm

2 sites · Tents12 acres · Battletown, KY
Simple living with a few critters and a "whole lotta" walnuts. All natural products made from nature's bounty.  Learn more about this land:Come rest your mind and soul on MoonLight Grove Farm. Camp alongside the Ohio River, watch the barges go by and the Eagles swoop and play. Peaceful, Quiet, Restorative retreat.
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Riverside Camp & Ramp

9 sites · Lodging, RVs1 acre · IN
Get away from the city life and come stay down at Riverside Camp and Ramp. This campsite is nested on a beautiful view of the Ohio River just 3 miles outside of Madison, IN. Get away from it all when you stay under the stars at the Riverside O-Asis! With access to a fire ring, picnic table and shared green space, you can enjoy all of the amenities of camp life plus a beautiful view.
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$54
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98%
(74)

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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$88
 / night
96%
(24)

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
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The best camping near Jackson-Washington State Forest guide

Overview

About

Hikers. We found the perfect spot for you. Jackson-Washington State Forest encompasses 18,000 acres of gorgeous. The sights to be seen on the trails are unmatched by neighboring parks. The hiking action is available to all levels—the rugged mountain women, the men with grizzly beards and a John-Muir-attitude, and to those simply seeking mellow hike-through forests and breathtaking views of the lake. Mountain biking and 13.9 miles of horse trails are also on the list of YES. Whichever trail you trek, be sure to remember that bright orange is the new black, for during hunting season you'll want to stand out as “human” and not “dinner.” Speaking of hunting, it's welcome with a valid permit, and an archery range within the park will test your bow skillz. Jackson-Washington hosts three picnic shelters for guests. Some are for individual groups and others can host your next blow-out celebration. It’s a holiday somewhere, right? Come for the day or crash for a few nights beneath the starlit sky. Primitive camping is available beneath eastern white pines or beside the still waters of the lake. We did the diggin’, now all you have to do is show up and wander happily.

Notable campgrounds

  • Knob Lake Campground: Nestled by the water, this site offers picturesque camping amid hardwoods and white pines.
  • Youth Tent Campground: Ideal for groups and scouts, located near the forest office and the start of Trail 3.
  • Backcountry Camping: For a true wilderness experience, venture along the backcountry hiking trail in Washington County.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially for peak seasons, to secure your ideal campsite.
  • Weekdays often have more availability than weekends, so consider a mid-week stay.
  • Keep an eye on cancellations for last-minute opportunities.
  • Explore nearby camping options if your preferred site is booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Jackson-Washington State Forest is from April to October, when all facilities are open and the weather is favorable for outdoor activities. Winter brings closures, such as Skyline Drive, making some areas less accessible.

Know before you go

  • Wear bright clothing during hunting seasons for safety.
  • Check trail status with the forest office before hiking.
  • Remember, swimming is not permitted in the forest lakes.
  • Firewood is available for campers at the forest office during business hours.
  • All boats on forest lakes require an annual lake use permit.

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