Your Guide to Primitive Camping in Indiana

Back to Nature

Interested in primitive camping in Indiana? This brief guide will give you an introduction to where to go to practice and get used to life in the great outdoors.

Primitive camping can be an incredible adventure. You’ll have the opportunity to prove yourself and reconnect with nature in ways that wouldn’t be possible at a campground with full amenities. The only problem is that getting used to roughing it can feel stressful.

There’s good news for people living in Indiana. Novice backcountry campers can discover beautiful places to practice in the woods before diving into the deep end and going to one of the area’s larger forests.

1. Dream Lake State Recreation Area – Sellersburg, Indiana

If you’re looking for a good place to practice primitive camping without putting it all on the line out in the backcountry, Dream Lake State Recreation Area outside of Sellersburg, Indiana, is a perfect option. There are designated primitive sites for drive-up camping, but you’ll still find amenities nearby.

2. Hardy Lake State Recreation Area – Scottsburg, Indiana

Like Dream Lake, Hardy Lake State Recreation Area offers a perfect opportunity for those new to primitive camping. The campground offers a manageable setup for those unused to roughing it, including basic facilities, in the idyllic, peaceful surroundings you’d find further in the woods.

3. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area – Vallonia, Indiana

Starve Hollow State Recreation Area is part of Jackson-Washington State Forest near Vallonia, Indiana. This campsite is a great bridge between more comfortable camping with amenities and primitive camping. Try it out before heading for any backcountry sites.

4. Hoosier National Forest – Bedford, Indiana

Hoosier National Forest outside of Bedford, Indiana, is the top dispersed and primitive camping site in the state. Some limited services will be available, but you’ll get a full experience of the freedom afforded by heading off into the woods in earnest.

5. Morgan-Monroe State Forest – Martinsville, Indiana

Once you’re ready to take things to the next level, try Morgan-Monroe State Forest for a true backpacking experience. You’ll be able to build new skills and commune more significantly with nature when hiking into the woods for a true backpacking trip than at a car-camping site.

6. Jackson-Washington State Forest – Brownstown, Indiana

Home to Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, Jackson-Washington State Forest also hosts more primitive camping sites. This State Forest isn’t the best option for those with no experience. Save it for after you’ve gotten used to roughing it and want to test gear or endurance.

7. Clark State Forest – Henryville, Indiana

Clark State Forest is one of the oldest in Indiana. Here, you’ll find not just walk-in primitive camping but also hike-in sites that require a little more experience and endurance. Less intense than Jackson-Washington, Clark State Forest is a good option for your first hike-in backpacking trip.

8. Greene-Sullivan State Forest – Dugger, Indiana

Greene-Sullivan State Forest deserves a mention for two reasons. First, it’s a remote camping spot with little foot traffic, which makes it a great place to find peace and solitude. Second, there are ample opportunities for fishing nearby, so you’ll also get to practice some of your wilderness survival skills.

9. Yellowwood State Forest – Nashville, Indiana

Close to Nashville, Indiana, Yellowwood State Forest offers some of the most beautiful, scenic camping around Brown County. Just be prepared for a serious primitive camping trip. Yellowwood State Forest is more rugged than some places on this list.

10. Ravinia Woods – Paragon, Indiana

Ravinia Woods is located inside the Owen-Putnam State Forest. You’ll find rugged terrain with minimal infrastructure and few other campers here. Be prepared to hike in and bring your best gear.