Best Camping in and near Morgan Monroe State Forest

Discover the natural splendor of Morgan Monroe State Forest.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Morgan Monroe 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 Morgan Monroe State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Morgan Monroe 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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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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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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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, Hendricks Live Music Center - 7 Min drive More local info, check out this link! https://www.visithendrickscounty.com/trip-planning/regions/plainfield/ No chickens on or near property, so go ahead and sleep in...

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Nightfall Farm

2 sites · Lodging129 acres · Crothersville, IN

We're bringing my family farm back to life. My parents farmed here until the 1980's, but couldn't make a profit with corn and soybeans. My husband, Nate, and I moved home in 2014, and started turning the fields into pastures. Today, we run Nightfall Farm, raise animals with respect, and sell pasture-raised meat locally. Come wander the 125 acres of woods, wetlands, and farm. Check out the animals in our pastures, and walk along the Muscatatuck River. Enjoy a quiet fire. Hear the roar of frogs calling in Spring. Chase fireflies. Behold a family farm coming back to life.

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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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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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Chateau de Pique Winery/Brewery

10 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Seymour, IN

80 picturesque rural acres outside of Seymour, IN...a beautiful property half way in between Indianapolis and Louisville! Learn more about this land: Chateau de Pique is a Winery and Brewery set on 80 acres just outside the city of Seymour, Indiana! A popular fishing and recreation spot on the White River is just a half mile away. Presenting on our large property are various outdoor settings: an 18 acre vineyard, open grassland (groomed), hills, tree areas, and a large parking lot for our RV and Camper guests!

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Kerr creek

1 site · RV5 acres · Bloomington, IN

Learn more about this land:Level field next to Kerr creek for camping next to your car. Multiple wooded sites on hills next to State Forrest if you willing to hike. Close to Yellowwood and Brown County State Forrests.

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Persimmon Honey Hollow

2 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · West Baden Springs, IN

Cozy ramshackle farmstead in the Hoosier Hills offer a chance to get up close and personal with the land, through camping, and hiking through the woods. Not only is Hoosier National Forest located both to the north and south for hiking and trail riding, but just 3 miles away is the Rise of Lost River at Orangeville, a natural landmark. Spring Mill State park is located about 20 minutes away in Mitchell, IN, while Patoka Lake is about 15 minutes south of nearby French Lick. For those interested in farmers' markets, Orange County Homegrown markets run Saturday at Orleans(10 miles away) from 8am-noon, and in French Lick 7 miles) from 4-8pm.

60-Acre Farm Stay with Hot Tub

5 sites · Lodging60 acres · Indianapolis, IN

Enjoy the serenity and seclusion of this 60-acre property in Indianapolis. You can observe our beautiful horses grazing in the nearby pasture. Private hot tub is available for all stay options. As you roam the trail behind the decorated metal pole barn, you'll find yourself captivated by the serene pond. What sets this property apart is that it is the only "Solar Farm" in the city of Indianapolis! Experience the eco-friendly features and benefits of this one-of-a-kind setup. As evening falls, witness the property come alive with the sounds of nature. Watch the sunset and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Keep an eye out for wildlife during your stay. It is not uncommon to spot deer in the field, turtles basking in the sun by the lake, our resident blue heron named "Harold," wild turkeys, or the adorable families of ducklings that inhabit the area in the spring. Despite its proximity to the interstate and downtown, the property feels like a secluded nature preserve. Immerse yourself in the calming symphony of crickets chirping, fireflies dancing, horses playing, and the crackling of a fire as you roast marshmallows. We are conveniently located on a main road, making it easy to find and access the property. However, for your safety and the well-being of our animals, we kindly request that you refrain from entering any gated pastures, barns, or outbuildings. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this exceptional property that combines the best of both worlds - the convenience of city life and the tranquility of a nature retreat. Book your stay

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Shalamar Farm

3 sites · RVs13 acres · Lebanon, IN

Hosted over 240 rigs! Private home on 13 acres, with 3 RV sites, Studio apartment (900 sf) for rent, manicured lawn, garden, trees, peaceful area. Accept long term guests, traveling nurses professionals! Need a Groundskeeper, maybe swap rent/services. Welcome to Shalamar Farm, our second time around! NORTH: full hook ups, back in, rigs must be less than 35'. BOOKED UNTIL 6-2025 SOUTH: full hook ups, back in, rigs must be less than 30'. SHADE TREE: full hook ups, pull thru, rigs must be less than 25' Studio apartment: furnished with carpet, kitchenette with granite countertops and tile floor, 1 bathroom tile floor with shower, NO SMOKING, NO PETS. HOSPITALS: Lebanon 7 miles, Crawfordsville 19 miles, Zionsville 20 miles, Westfield 25 miles, Indianapolis (86th Street area) 26 miles, Carmel 31 miles. Friendly pets include George the horse, outdoor cats Leroy and Lowell. Eastern time zone and good cell coverage.

The best camping near Morgan Monroe State Forest guide

Overview

About

When you get down to Morgan-Monroe State Forest, you may feel like you've hit the jackpot. Not only does it have 24,000 acres of wilderness to explore, three lakes to fish and boat on, camping options, as well as two historic cabins to hunker down in, but you can also pan for gold! With a (free) permit, you are able to hunt for the golden nugget of your dreams, which is way more fun than playing the boring old lottery. If you don’t strike it rich then you can realign your focus and feel rich with natureful abundance on one of the trails. For the truly adventurous, try backcountry camping where you can really get away from it all.

Notable campgrounds

Mason Ridge Campground: Offers a rustic camping experience with vault toilets and seasonal drinking water, nestled behind a historic fire tower.
Scout Ridge Youth Tent Campground: Ideal for groups and scouts, featuring larger sites with multiple picnic tables and grills amid a nature preserve.
Backcountry Camping: For the true adventurer, backcountry camping allows for a deeper connection with nature, following a minimal-impact ethos.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, especially for peak seasons, to ensure your spot at one of Morgan Monroe's coveted campgrounds.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on cancellation policies and check back regularly for newly available sites.
Explore nearby camping options if your preferred campground is full, as the forest offers multiple camping experiences.

When to go

The best time to visit Morgan Monroe State Forest is from April to October, when all campgrounds are open and the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities. Winter months can be serene but come with limited amenities and certain campground closures, so plan accordingly.

Know before you go

Check for any advisories or road closures before your visit, especially for seasonal access roads like Hatfield Ridge Road.
Remember to register for camping, as it's required whether you're at a campground or in the backcountry.
Prepare for a carry-in, carry-out trash policy to help preserve the forest's natural state.
Be aware of hunting seasons and wear bright clothing if hiking during these times for safety.
Gold panning is permitted with a free permit from the Forest Office, adding a unique activity to your visit.