The best camping near Jackson-Washington State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Jackson-Washington State Forest adventure.

Discover the rugged beauty of Jackson-Washington State Forest.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Jackson-Washington State Forest

99%
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Happy Hollow Homestead

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Marengo, IN
We now have 3 buildings for rent. The Cozy Camping Cottage, the Camping Cabin and the newest addition is our A-frame which is the most secluded spot on the land. - Voted best Hipcamp in Indiana to visit for 6 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
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$35
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95%
(54)

Camp Escape

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Louisville, KY
15 acres with a barn and creek. Our property also boarders the Jefferson County Forestry and is close to Tom Wallace Park. This 5 acres is a corner lot next to railroad tracks so there are two roads on two sides. This is a very rural type area yet still in the city so you will hear and see a combination of city/country things. We are very close to Fort Knox and Knob Creek gun range. You will most likely encounter wildlife, hear gunfire, hear cars and the train go by, you will probably see and hear us and the neighbors on tractors and trucks. This is a working farm among other farming type residents. This is a space for someone to camp with their personal camping equipment. There is no water, no shower, no electric or anything else besides a fire pit. You need to bring your own supplies. We border the Jefferson County Forestry with an entrance about 1 mile away. We are about 30 mins away from downtown, but just 5 mins from a Kroger, Walmart, and a dozen different restaurants. We are also about 15 mins from Fort Knox. There is a shared porta potty onsite.
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$19
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98%
(27)

Laurita's Casa Vieja

9 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Bloomington, IN
The farm is located 15 minutes west of Indiana Universities Memorial Stadium. The property is nice and private. The farm adjoins the 75 acre Stranger Hills Organic farm, the oldest organic farm in Indiana. Our 1899 Farmhouse is the only residence on the entire farm. There is a 3000 acre farm to our south. The area is quiet and very private. The campsites are in a grassy walnut grove by a small creek that runs along the eastern border of the property. We have a white deer creek cabin tent on a platform there and 3 or 4 nice level campsites to the north. There is a shaded RV site at the top of a small hill with 30 amp service. We can accommodate a large RV on packed gravel with 50 amp service. the farm is located 15 minutes east of McCormicks Creek State Park. There is a composting toilet and an on demand hot shower in a small building adjacent to the campsites. There is a YMCA about five minutes East of the property. \\\
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$35
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96%
(27)

Lost River Hostel

18 sites · Lodging31 acres · West Baden Springs, IN
The Lost River Hostel is a nonprofit arts and cultural center located on a 29+ acre hillside in West Baden Springs, Indiana overlooking a section of the Lost River valley. Lost River Hostel strives to build and maintain an extraordinary space fueled by a constant cycle of generosity and creativity. We hope everyone who stays here will go back into the world refreshed and rejuvenated – wanting to be better people and do great things. Everything we do here is driven by our mission statement: "To provide a sandbox for exploration of goals and growth through nature and human connection." We accomplish this by providing a distraction-free, reflective space that is welcoming of people from all backgrounds and beliefs. A communal dinner with gratitude circle is included in every stay. We also host workshops and events related to music, writing, yoga, organic gardening, cooking, and environmental sustainability.
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$52.50
 / night

The best camping near Jackson-Washington State Forest guide

Overview

About

Hikers. We found the perfect spot for you. Jackson-Washington State Forest encompasses 18,000 acres of gorgeous. The sights to be seen on the trails are unmatched by neighboring parks. The hiking action is available to all levels—the rugged mountain women, the men with grizzly beards and a John-Muir-attitude, and to those simply seeking mellow hike-through forests and breathtaking views of the lake. Mountain biking and 13.9 miles of horse trails are also on the list of YES. Whichever trail you trek, be sure to remember that bright orange is the new black, for during hunting season you'll want to stand out as “human” and not “dinner.” Speaking of hunting, it's welcome with a valid permit, and an archery range within the park will test your bow skillz. Jackson-Washington hosts three picnic shelters for guests. Some are for individual groups and others can host your next blow-out celebration. It’s a holiday somewhere, right? Come for the day or crash for a few nights beneath the starlit sky. Primitive camping is available beneath eastern white pines or beside the still waters of the lake. We did the diggin’, now all you have to do is show up and wander happily.

Notable campgrounds

  • Knob Lake Campground: Nestled by the water, this site offers picturesque camping amid hardwoods and white pines.
  • Youth Tent Campground: Ideal for groups and scouts, located near the forest office and the start of Trail 3.
  • Backcountry Camping: For a true wilderness experience, venture along the backcountry hiking trail in Washington County.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially for peak seasons, to secure your ideal campsite.
  • Weekdays often have more availability than weekends, so consider a mid-week stay.
  • Keep an eye on cancellations for last-minute opportunities.
  • Explore nearby camping options if your preferred site is booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Jackson-Washington State Forest is from April to October, when all facilities are open and the weather is favorable for outdoor activities. Winter brings closures, such as Skyline Drive, making some areas less accessible.

Know before you go

  • Wear bright clothing during hunting seasons for safety.
  • Check trail status with the forest office before hiking.
  • Remember, swimming is not permitted in the forest lakes.
  • Firewood is available for campers at the forest office during business hours.
  • All boats on forest lakes require an annual lake use permit.

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