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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Ferdinand State Forest
Unplugged Acres
Unplugged Acres
100%
(21)
2.8mi from Ferdinand State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
TWO SPOTS TO CHOOSE FROM……
The camping spot we refer to as the NORTHSIDE SPOT is a flat yard atop a hill it makes for a great spot to park your RV, camper, tent or boat. This grass camping spot is always mowed and clean. Two large pine trees provide some shade for this northside camping spot. You can enjoy nearly panoramic views of the night sky! This spot is alongside a country road. It is considered less private than the SOUTH SIDE SPOT.
The SOUTH SIDE CAMPING SPOT, is for tent campers only with a smaller vehicle. It is very private and completely surrounded by woods. This spot can accommodate two tents and one or two cars. There is no view of the night sky since you are in a dense forest.
Patoka lake is less than 10 minutes away ( boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, biking).
Holiday World ( an amusement park) is about 30 minutes away.
Pets
from
$12
/ night
Hill Springs Campground
Hill Springs Campground
100%
(68)
12mi from Ferdinand State Forest · 15 sites · Tents, RVs
Hill Springs Campground is nestled on our 120-acre family farm, and we’re proud to be the third generation to care for this little piece of paradise. Tucked away in the heart of 'God’s country,' our campground offers peace and quiet, miles from the nearest town. The rolling hills provide hay for our cows and wood for the stove, and we take great pride in sharing this beautiful spot with you.
Each site offers the chance to unwind by the pond, pick wild blackberries, or hike through our woods. Fire pits are available at all sites. Our sites are simple—no water, electricity, or internet—but generators are welcome, and we provide a toilet on-site. Please remember to pack out all your trash, including cigarette butts.
For a glimpse of what to expect, check out a few videos of the campground on our Facebook page, 'hillspringcampground.'
We’re also close to plenty of activities:
Patoka Lake is just 3 miles away, with 8,800 acres of water, 26,000 sq. feet of land, and a variety of outdoor fun—boating, fishing, hiking, and even a winery.
Historic French Lick and West Baden are 16 miles away, offering everything from casinos to a scenic railway, golf courses, a spa, a wildlife park, and the stunning West Baden Springs Hotel, known as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World.'
The city of Jasper is 14 miles away, with a charming riverwalk, museums, parks, and food trucks to explore.
The small town of Dubois is just 4.5 miles away, with local taverns, a gas station, and a True Value store.
At Hill Springs, you can be as close or as far away from the action as you want to be. We’re excited to share this experience with you and welcome your feedback as we start this journey with Hipcamp. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
Bryan and Nicole
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$28
/ night
Old Camp At Bear Hollow
Old Camp At Bear Hollow
100%
(11)
13mi from Ferdinand State Forest · 1 site · RV
This electric campsite is near Hoosier National Forest. This area was established as hunting grounds by our family over 30 years ago and still is to this day. Create your own family tradition in this campsite that is ready for two campers on a total of 160ft gravel space. There is both 30 and 50 AMP electric, however no water or sewer hookup. You must provide your own water. There is a dump station 5 miles from the campsite at Tipsaw Recreation Area.
This area is great for hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and ATV riding....or just relaxing and taking in nature in this beautiful and peaceful area.
*30 & 50 AMP Electric
*Shade trees
*Picnic table
*Firepit & Firewood
*NO water hookup
*NO sewer hookup
Electrical hookup
Pets
from
$40
/ night
Fairhaven Farm Campground
Fairhaven Farm Campground
94%
(51)
16mi from Ferdinand State Forest · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Until 2019, this farm was in the same family since 1889. It has been a working farm since that time. In 2019, our family purchased the farm and continue to operate it much the same way. Our family is devoted to history and preserving the essence of the past. You may very well see us pull up in one of our antique cars to greet you! Our neighbors are friendly and many are also small farmers. You can't see their farms from camp, but don't be surprised to hear roosters crowing, cattle mooing, and donkeys braying in the distance. Our farm is surrounded by the Hoosier National Forest, so you'll see and hear plenty of wildlife too. At various times during the summer, you may find wild blackberries, elderberries, and black raspberries growing right in camp!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Little Blue Horse Camp
Little Blue Horse Camp
100%
(48)
16mi from Ferdinand State Forest · 1 site · Tent
Enjoy some serenity in our little piece of heaven on the Little Blue River.
A unique retreat, with access to the river, areas to explore, rock features, water falls and a ton of nature.
We ask that you respect all the surrounding wildlife and plant life-- we are also a preservation space.
Learn more about this land:
Enjoy sleeping and waking to the serene sounds of the lazy Little Blue River and enjoy comforts of a cozy campground, nestled on private land in the Hoosier National Forest.
Campfires
Toilets
Potable water
from
$29
/ night
whispering moonbeam acres
whispering moonbeam acres
100%
(13)
18mi from Ferdinand State Forest · 16 sites · RVs
Learn more about this land:
If your interested in camping there is 20 acres and ample space for you to decide where to put up your tent. We provide a firepit or ring. Wood can be purchased or foraged yourself for your fire.Hoosier National Forest is across street so hiking is unlimited. This is a quiet destination in the woods with abundant wildlife.There is a small farm here where produce and flowers even eggs can be purchased. Chickens,guineas,ducks,turkeyand geese are free range so all about near house.
This is also a cat sanctuary with disabled cats mostly wobbly, you probably won't see any of them as they are afraid of strangers.
Please understand, you will be in the woods. We have coyotes,bobcat,mountain lion,fox,deer,skunk racoons, opossums etc... Keep food contained and be aware of surroundings!
We now have kune kune pigs. And recently added 2 mini cows, 1 is an 11 year old rescue and 1 is a heifer calf as well as a standard heifer calf.
I do have 2 honey bee hives on property.
Pets
from
$30
/ night
Sleeping Bear Retreat
Sleeping Bear Retreat
95%
(20)
18mi from Ferdinand State Forest · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Sleeping Bear Retreat is located on over 60 beautifully wooded acres in scenic French Lick, Indiana.
Whether you are looking for a quiet weekend getaway, a low cost family vacation, or a group stay, we are the place for you. We are pet friendly, as long as the pet is friendly, and on a leash.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$20
/ night
Nighthawk Forest
Nighthawk Forest
100%
(16)
19mi from Ferdinand State Forest · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
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 call 812-203-0200.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
MoonLight Grove Farm
MoonLight Grove Farm
100%
(124)
23mi from Ferdinand State Forest · 2 sites · Tents
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.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Happy Hollow Homestead
Happy Hollow Homestead
99%
(909)
25mi from Ferdinand State Forest · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
- Voted best Hipcamp in Indiana for 7 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
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Little House
Little House
100%
(10)
28mi from Ferdinand State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
One campsite with sewer hook up
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Persimmon Honey Hollow
Persimmon Honey Hollow
93%
(23)
28mi from Ferdinand State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$4
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Zach
4 days ago
Tent
Tom is an excellent host and hyper responsive! The directions are a little wonky in the way in, but he's very open to where you're allowed to camp. The trees make awesome noises as the wind blows through them and the compost toilet was impeccably clean. And best of all his prices were super reasonable! All in all my first foray into Hipcamp was at his sanctuary and it felt awesome. Would stay again!
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K
Kathryn
2 weeks ago
Tent
Kerry was very accommodating on our last minute trip! The property was beautiful & interesting & we loved exploring during our low key over night stay. We’ll definitely come back!
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V
Valerie
December 2025
With kids
My husband, our 3 boys, and I stayed in the camping cabin for last minute, quick, weekend getaway. Kerry”s directions were clear, so we had no difficulty finding it. When we arrived, he met us near the front and showed us where we were staying. He showed us around and told the boys about the net, the pigs, and the rope swing. They couldn’t wait to start exploring, and even though it was cold outside, they had a blast playing and didn’t want to come inside. The cabin was clean and cozy. The bed was comfortable and the heater worked really well. Everything was just as described, and my only regret is that we only got to stay for one night. None of us were ready to leave. Kerry was friendly, very accommodating, and responded super quickly to messages. I definitely plan to make another trip here when we are able to stay longer.
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O
Owen
November 2025
32 ft travel trailer
Nice campsite. Provider was quick to respond and accommodating. Would definitely stay there again.
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C
Charles
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Cabins at Guthrie Meadows
Great experience. Beautiful place. Hope to stay there again…soon.
Charlie
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Jessica
November 2025
With kids
This is our second time here and my goodness, it’s perfect. My daughter loves hiking on the property and petting the horses. It has everything you NEED and the warm shelter after a rainy hike at McCormicks Creek State Park is always what we need. Can’t wait to come back again. Our little dude with Cerebral Palsy could absolutely love this property too.
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C
Cheryl
November 2025
Group trip
The rooms were nice and the property is beautiful! Hosts were very kind and helpful.
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J
Jen
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Kerry was a phenomenal host with prompt details messages about local hikes and cave expeditions. He was patience with our staggered arrival. The creativity that goes into how the land is cultivated is clear.
The suspended string platform was so zen being surrounded by a perfect autumn mosaic.
The puppies and pigs on the property were so friendly and polite.
We will be back!
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Liv
November 2025
With pets
We stayed in one of the tiny glamping cabins and absolutely loved it. It is a simple little wooden box with a full-size bed you crawl into, and it ended up being the perfect cozy nest for the night. There was enough room to sit up, stash our gear, and our dog fit comfortably with us. It was a cold night, but our sleeping bags plus the structure kept us warm, and the sound of rain on the tin roof was unreal.
Check-in was easy and the cabin was simple to find. It was clean in that ideal glamping way: not spotless, just naturally rustic and comfortable.
The location is incredibly quiet and peaceful. We heard the occasional bit of road noise from a distant back country road, but nothing distracting. The sites are spaced far apart, so everything feels private.
The host was wonderful. They gave us plenty of space but were also happy to chat with my husband about permaculture and building ponds.
My favorite part of the stay was climbing into the web at night to look at the stars. It felt magical. The outhouse was also surprisingly nice, which was a great little bonus.
Would absolutely come back. This place just has something special! ✨
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ED
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Happy Hollow Homestead
I was for years trying to sleep in a cottage like that and it finally happened. It was a pretty unique cottage, but the experience was good. Very happy with the place all around. Would recommend to others who like something different!. Great host, helpful and respectful.
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J
Joshua
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Great hosts with an excellent, secluded spot…totally recommend!
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C
Corei
November 2025
Tent
Thie site was very cute and had a lot of nice amenities like a picnic table, shelter, fire ring, and an outhouse. The host was very nice. We had a great time.
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S
Susan
October 2025
30 ft Class C
With pets
Amber is the sweetest! Nice site and area. Very understanding and professional
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T
Timothy
October 2025
Tent
Kerry was kind, helpful, and the communication was great! This was a beautiful and comfortable environment. We felt safe and welcomed here. The land is beautiful and there is plenty to explore. At night the stars really stand out, great place to sit out by the campfire. You might get so lucky to have a visit from Jersey (the neighborhood dog) who was very friendly and not at all aggressive.
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R
Riley
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Happy Hollow Homestead
We had an amazing experience staying at the cozy camping cottage at Happy Hollow Homestead! My favorite part was the tree web - there's something magical and therapeutic about being midair and surrounded by trees. We also enjoyed everything else at the homestead, from the friendly animals, the outdoor shower, to the natural surroundings. Kerry has been a fantastic host and responsive throughout booking and our stay. 10/10 would recommend!
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N
Nikhil Kumar
October 2025
Group trip
I loved the cabin so much that we plan to come here next season as well
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S
Samantha
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
This is our second time staying at their pond spot. We had a wonderful time again and want to make it an annual tradition!
This spot is private but also has modern amenities like the outhouse and coverage for rain.
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S
Shelley
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Sleeping Bear Retreat
I loved camping here. The teepees are such a great retreat, I chose one with power which was a luxury. Enjoyed cooking over a fire with my own picnic table nearby. Even set up my hammock behind the teepee with some well placed trees. The bathrooms were very well maintained and even had an outdoor sink to wash hands and a separate large sink to clean dishes. The grounds are lovely and I will definitely be back to camp again.
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S
Samantha
October 2025
1 night at Happy Hollow Homestead
The cozy cottage was perfect for a chilly evening. Kerry was a fantastic host and has some epic land. We will definitely be back to explore and see what else he has built on the land. If the maple syrup is available you should definitely indulge! Big plus that all the dogs on the property were so sweet.
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Steve
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Host was very welcoming and accommodating to our time table. Beautiful setting
See moreThe best camping in Ferdinand State Forest, IN guide
Overview
About
Ferdinand State Forest boasts one of the most beautiful woodlands in all of Indiana. In 1933, Local conservationists bought 900 acres and built the lake in order to fish and hunt, making way for the area to be fantastic for squirrel hunting, deer hunting, and fishing. Just make sure you have the proper permits upon arrival! There are five popular trails to hit, all averaging roughly two miles in length. Go for a swim in the designated Ferdinand Lake beach area and enjoy the picnic shelter houses available for the day. One day not enough? For a small fee, you can register at the campground check-in booth and find a primitive camp spot. The more rugged campers will really dig the serene waters and the lack of noise pollution killin’ their vibes.
Notable campgrounds
- Primitive camping is available, offering a rustic experience with 57 sites equipped with picnic tables and grills.
- Each campsite is accessible on a first-come, first-serve basis, ensuring a spontaneous adventure into nature.
- The campground's proximity to the lake and trails makes it an ideal base for fishing, hiking, and mountain biking.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Arrive early to secure a spot, as the campsites are first-come, first-serve and tend to fill up quickly.
- Visit during the weekdays for a better chance at snagging a campsite, as weekends are typically busier.
- Keep an eye on the season; mid-May through October is gate operation time, which may affect campsite availability.
- Explore nearby camping options in case the forest's campgrounds are full, ensuring you have a backup plan.
When to go
The best time to visit Ferdinand State Forest is from mid-May to October when the full range of amenities, including the entrance gatehouse, is operational. Summer months offer the perfect weather for swimming and picnicking, while autumn brings a spectacular display of fall foliage.
Know before you go
- Be aware of blue-green algae advisories at Ferdinand Lake and follow safety guidelines for swimming and boating.
- Remember to bring warm soapy water for bathing after contact with lake water, as advised.
- During hunting season, wear hunter orange or bright clothing for safety while hiking.
- Check the entrance fee requirements before visiting; Indiana DNR annual entrance passes are accepted.
- Electric trolling motors are the only boat motors allowed on Ferdinand Lake, preserving the tranquility of the waters.
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