Most Scenic Places to Camp in the Midwest- Brown County, Indiana
Are you looking for the best locations to camp in Brown County, Indiana? You've come to the right place. Brown County is known for scenic spots perfect for camping. If you are a nature lover, you'll enjoy views of glorious hills, fresh air, streams, and clear lakes on a weekend camping trip.
You can set your tent in these picturesque locations and enjoy hiking, picnic areas, swimming, fishing, and various fun activities. You'll have plenty of camping sites to choose from and enjoy amenities like electricity and running water. See some of the best places to camp in Brown County below.
Best places to camp in the Midwest: Brown County
Brown County State Park
- +1 812-988-6406
- 1801 IN-46, Nashville, IN 47448, United States
Brown County State Park is one of Indiana's largest and prettiest state parks. Visitors and residents nicknamed the state park Little Smokies because it reminds them of North Carolina's Great Smoky mountains. When visiting the park, prepare for various activities like horseback rides, hiking trails, and gorgeous mountain scenery.
Get to choose your 18-mile-long hiking trails and saddle up for a guided tour at the horse barn. You can also bring your horse and ride along equestrian trails (70 miles long). You can also enjoy biking along 35 miles of mountain bike trails, which is quite enjoyable, especially during the fall at peak foliage colors.
You can also delve into the region's historic background at the historic covered bridge, a landmark welcoming you into the park's north entrance. You can also stop at the Abe Martin Lodge, constructed in 1932, and enjoy delicious food at the restaurant. You may bring your fishing pole and catch your supper if you love fishing.
Reservable camping options in the park include 28 semi-wooded rustic camping sites and 401 electrical sites. The sites provide an amazing experience and let you enjoy a fun and relaxing camping experience. Other activities you can enjoy in the park include paddling, wildlife watching, swimming, snow sports, and boating.
A few places you can visit include:
Horseman campground
The campground is located in the park's southeastern region and features 100 primitive and 100 electric sites. The sites are spacious and wooded. They also offer 55 ft. long parking spurs, fire rings, and picnic tables. You also get access to pit toilets and drinking water fixtures.
For equestrians camping in Horseman Campground, you can tie your horses. Avoid tying your horses to trees and structures. Other benefits include Strahl Creek, where you can enjoy horseplay and waterplay. Equestrians camping in Horseman Campground have private access to the park off IN-135.
Buffalo ridge
Buffalo ridge is located along Sycamore, Mulberry, and Persimmon roads and has 10 ADA-accessible and a total of 111 electric hookup sites. Access to electricity allows you to cook inside your rig or outside on a provided campfire grill. The park offers huge sizeable picnic tables fit for a family meal.
Additionally, Buffalo ridge provides RVers access to portable water faucets throughout the compound. The camp has two stations with modern restrooms and hot showers. You can also use the RV dump station by Mulberry off Walnut road if you need to dump your tank.
The camp is closest to Ogle Lake, where children can enjoy playing in the water. The campsite has a fun play area close to campsites 1-3 (near the entrance). Additionally, you can access a nearby store for some souvenirs, snacks, and ice. You should make early reservations and bring your furbaby for some fun memories.
Racoon Ridge
Racoon Ridge is located to the south of Buffalow Ridge campground and is slightly more rustic. The site has 31 non-hookup and 18 hookup RV sites along Sassafras road. The sites have electric hookups and potable water faucets throughout the camp and are pet-friendly.
About half of the sites in Racoon Ridge have paved areas, while the other half are in wooded and naturally-surfaced regions. The paved sites are perfect for visitors looking for a level place to set their RVs. The site's RV length limits are 30 ft.; however, you should note that restrooms and water is closed from November to April for winterizing.
The location is close to the park's amphitheater, picnic pavilions, and nature center, making it the perfect place to observe and learn more about Brown County's Fauna and Flora. You can enjoy a BBQ or picnic afterward. The campsite store and theater are not open during winter, and you should make reservations before visiting. You should contact the staff if you plan to visit the park during the off-season.
Youth Tent Area
Brown county state park has the perfect camping site for youth groups (scouts) and church groups looking for the ideal spot to camp. The site has enough space for 75 people, and you can pitch tents for the best campsite experience.
The site offers the perfect spot for youths looking for a fun camping experience with their peers. You'll get access to picnic tables, potable water spigots, campfire rings, and pit toilets. Additionally, the site allows pets in the area: however, you should book the spot six months in advance.
Stobo Farm Campsite
- +1 812-929-7918
- 8204 E State Rd 46 Bypass, Bloomington, IN 47401, United States
Visiting Stobo farm provides you access to its 9-acre farm and 200 acres of adjacent public land filled without scenic camping grounds. The campsite is 5 minutes from Bloomington, which is home to Indiana's state university, and Nashville, which is the heart of Brown County.
The campsite is behind Stobo Farm's property and can comfortably accommodate two four-person tents. You may also pack a hammock and set it up among the walnut trees. Grill your food on the grill or over the fire, and enjoy the scenic night skies.
You can relax and enjoy the sunset over Indiana's southern hills after a long day of fun activities. You can also enjoy other fun activities, like hunting for fossils on the property, wildlife watching, or taking a short walk to Stephens Creek to fish some rock bass or swim in the water. Campfires and pets are allowed on the campsite, and you'll get toilet facilities.
Amenities in the campsite include bins, picnic tables, showers, a kitchen, and portable water. You can also rent tools like fishing rods and tents to make the experience more convenient. The campsite doesn't provide WiFi; however, one would argue that that's the whole point. Check-in is after 2 pm, and check-out is after 12 pm.
Spring Mill Campground
- +1 812-849-3534
- 3333 IN-60 E, Mitchell, IN 47446, United States
Spring Mill Campground offers amazing pioneer history that history fanatics will find interesting. The campground has cave springs used by entrepreneurial pioneers for powering saws, wool, and grist mills. They even used the cave springs for a nearby distillery at the Cave River Valley Natural Area.
Some caves have self-guided access, but you can also experience hassle-free trips with Twin Caves Boat Tours through a stream passage. You can enjoy some fishing, hiking, and other activities that you can easily access from your campsite when you are done spelunking.
The campsite area is accessible to RV and tent sites. It has 224 locations you can set up camp and accommodates up to 6 guests per site. You can park up to 6 vehicles on the camping site; however, it doesn't have wheelchair access. Essentials in the area include toilets, campfires, and pets.
Other amenities include a picnic table and portable water. Fun activities offered near the campground include hiking, swimming, wildlife watching, fishing, biking, and boating. The terrain and natural features you should expect include views of the lake, forests, caves, and the beach. You should book ahead for the best camping experience at Spring Mill Campground.
Yellowwood Campground
- +1 812-988-7945
- Nashville, IN 47448, United States
Yellowwood campground is centrally located in the woods and perfect for individuals looking for the ultimate and authentic camping experience. The campground has various sites to choose from, and you're sure to find the ideal spot to create amazing camping memories for the entire family.
Additionally, the campsite has a horseman's camp with interesting trails you can explore and a carry-in tent site where you can go for a real camping experience. Additionally, the camp boasts a playground perfect for families with children. After exploring the forest, you can have your children play on the playground while they wait for fun evening activities.
The campsite area accommodates RVs and tents and has close to 90 sites you can camp in. The camp is equestrian; however, it isn't accessible by wheelchair. Campfires are allowed in the camp, and toilets are available. Additionally, campers can access portable water and a picnic table big enough for family meals.
Yellowwood campground includes forest, beach, and lake terrain. You can enjoy hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Note that the camp doesn't accept bookings and goes by a first-come, first-serve principle. You should call their staff to learn more about their rule.
Conclusion: Best places to camp in the Midwest
This list provides the best places to camp in and near Brown County, Indiana. However, they aren't the only fun and interesting locations. Brown County is full of interesting campsites. Get in touch with the staff through the contacts to book your most amazing camping experience yet in Brown County.