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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Pike State Forest
Hill Springs Campground
Hill Springs Campground
100%
(68)
23mi from Pike 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
Unplugged Acres
Unplugged Acres
100%
(21)
24mi from Pike 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
Sleeping Bear Retreat
Sleeping Bear Retreat
95%
(20)
30mi from Pike 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)
35mi from Pike 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
Old Camp At Bear Hollow
Old Camp At Bear Hollow
100%
(11)
35mi from Pike 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
whispering moonbeam acres
whispering moonbeam acres
100%
(13)
36mi from Pike 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
Little House
Little House
100%
(10)
37mi from Pike 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)
37mi from Pike 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
Fairhaven Farm Campground
Fairhaven Farm Campground
94%
(51)
37mi from Pike 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
Places of Sanctuary
Places of Sanctuary
99%
(71)
37mi from Pike State Forest · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Places of Sanctuary has 30 Acres of woods which include several dedicated hiking trails with beautiful clearings and benches for resting and reflecting along the way. You're welcome to fish in the pond that has plenty of shade and sun, or sit around the bonfire site where we have benches provided and roast marshmallows. With two easy-access large tree houses, bench swings and a big picnic shelter, there's lots of room to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. You might encounter wildlife like: deer, mink, or geese, but you're sure to see our chickens and ducks running around and hear our rooster crow in the morning. Depending on the time and season, we offer several hands on experiences with berry picking, chicken tending, food processing, gardening, and general light land maintenance like checking the trails for down limbs and trash. With gorgeous views and the convenience of being just 10 minutes from University Southern Indiana or 15 minutes from restaurants and stores, we welcome you to camp with us. If you are interested in staying longer than 3 nights or your RV/camper is longer than 36 feet long, please message us to see if we can accommodate your visit. Usually we can!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$20
/ night
Little Blue Horse Camp
Little Blue Horse Camp
100%
(48)
38mi from Pike 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
Brambleberry Permaculture Farm
Brambleberry Permaculture Farm
100%
(17)
42mi from Pike State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Espri and Darren began Brambleberry Permaculture Farm in the fall of 2003 in the beautiful hills of southern Indiana. We are primarily a plant nursery, but also offer permaculture landscaping and farm consultations. We usually have cows, chickens and rabbits, but are currently taking a break from cattle to build better fences lol. We occasionally have peacocks, ducks, pigs or other livestock as well.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
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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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
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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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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Julia
October 2025
17 ft travel trailer
Beautiful property with loads of trails to walk the dogs. Farm fresh eggs were delicious for breakfast. Super-clean bathrooms. Hookups!
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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
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s
shylah
October 2025
With kids
I cat say enough about how awesome this place was and what an incredible value for the price! Chuck and Van were gracious and kind hosts and we enjoyed getting to know them while we were there too! The photos don’t do this place justice. The kitchen had everything we needed, the bathroooms were immaculate. Our kids loved fishing, playing with the dogs and exploring. Also Jeffrey’s cliff hike is a MUST!
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K
Kevin
October 2025
With kids
Stayed at the cabin with our 1 year old. Kerry was so nice to us, and we shared great conversations with him. He has an ever present smile and is so welcoming. The cabin was perfect for us and the property had everything we needed. His neighbor even let our little guy play with the pigs and chickens.
The cabin was furnished and the water is delicious spring water right under the cabin.
We visited Louisville for a day trip and Marengo cave on our way out back to STL.
This property is a beautiful representation of the forested hills of southern Indiana and the mindset of a working homestead. Kerry is a do-it-yourself-er, and it’s awe inspiring to see what he and his neighbor have done to this piece of land.
Thanks for having us, Kerry! Well come back once baby #2 is with us!
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s
sophia
October 2025
Tent
With kids
This was a lovely camping spot! The views are gorgeous. The signage and directions to the site are easy to follow. Hosts were communicative and friendly. We love a secluded campsite and this felt like we were surrounded by nothing but trees and rolling farmland. The site was large with plenty of room for our tent and vehicles. We loved watching the sunset here! 10/10 recommend and would love to visit again!
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C
Carrie
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Our family had a FANTASTIC time at Tar Springs 2 with Chuck and Van. What a beautiful place! Everything was so clean and the sites were well spread out. The lake was perfect for fishing and the paddle boats were available for use. With water and firewood readily available it made things very convenient. The guest restrooms and showers were IMMACULATE! We felt so welcomed by them and their lovely pets! We were fortunate enough to be there during their Fall Festival and enjoyed the great bluegrass music in their outdoor stage, the food truck, and the fireworks. Really, nothing is more peaceful than watching the cows roam across the land while you sip your coffee by the open fire. Even with many sites filled, there was still a sense of quiet and being secluded. We really enjoyed this trip and are planning to (at least!) go back in the fall to enjoy the Sacagawea festival in September! Book this. What a beautiful place to rest your busy soul. Thank you, Chuck and Van. We can't wait to see how big the kitties get!
See moreThe best camping in Pike State Forest, IN guide
Overview
About
Grab your horse or your hiking boots and head down to Pike State Forest for some outdoorsy goodness in the heart of southwestern Indiana. The forest covers a diverse area of hilly highlands and forested lowlands with the Pakota River slicing through it all. Home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, it is the perfect spot for the birder, fisher, and hunter to find their slice of happiness. After getting yourself and your gear all the way there, why not stay for a few days? Primitive camping and equestrian camping are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so you can be spontaneous and go when the mood strikes.
Notable campgrounds
- Family Camping Area: Offers 11 sites equipped with picnic tables and grills, perfect for a family retreat amid the forest.
- Horseman's Campground: With 25 sites, this campground caters to equestrian enthusiasts looking to explore the bridle trails.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Book early to secure your spot, as campsites are first-come, first-served and tend to fill up quickly.
- Visit during weekdays or outside of peak seasons for a better chance at snagging a prime camping location.
- Keep an eye on the official website for any updates on campsite availability and potential cancellations.
- Explore nearby camping options if Pike State Forest campgrounds are full, ensuring you have a backup plan.
When to go
The best time to visit Pike State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers lush greenery but can be hot and humid, while winter brings a quiet, frosty charm, though some amenities may be limited.
Know before you go
- Ensure you have a valid Indiana fishing or hunting license if you plan to engage in these activities.
- Primitive camping is available for a fee, with pit toilets and seasonal drinking water provided.
- During hunting season, hikers and horseback riders should wear hunter orange or bright clothing for safety.
- Check the official website for any advisories or closures before your visit.
- Remember to self-register upon arrival at the campgrounds, as this is required for all campers.
100%
1 ratings · 0 reviews