Best Camping in and near Martin State Forest

Discover the natural splendor of Martin State Forest and its myriad of outdoor activities.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Martin State Forest

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Martin State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Martin State Forest

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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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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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Cabins at Guthrie Meadows

4 sites · Lodging133 acres · Bedford, IN

Our cabins sits on 100 acres. Our cabins have AC/Heat. A dry sink are in each cabin are provided. Roast hotdogs over your private fire pit as a fire pit is just outside the cabin along with private picnic table. We have a shower bathroom house. You provide your own towel, and soap products. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash and under your control at all times. Privy's are found just outside the cabin. We have miles of hiking trails and several spring fed creeks so take your hiking boots off and wade in the clean cool water. Stars are in abundance at Guthrie Meadows so star gazing is a must!

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Hill Springs Campground

14 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Dubois, IN

Hill Springs Campground sits on our 120-acre family farm. Our primitive campground is in the middle of 'God's country' as we are miles from the nearest town but very close to local attractions. Patoka Lake, historic towns, and hiking, and are just a few activities to keep you busy. Please read our reviews and book your slice of heaven with us.

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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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Cedar Trail

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Columbus, IN

Welcome to our charming rural RV campsite! Grocery store & dining are 10 minutes away from the site. Gas station & interstate are 6 minutes from the site. Hiking is 8 minutes from the site. We offer two back-in spaces available—one to the west and one to the east of a new barn, ready for you to back in. With 50 and 30 amp hookups and serene surroundings, it's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature's beauty.

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Sleeping Bear Retreat

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · French Lick, IN

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.

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Peak Animal Sanctuary

7 sites · RVs, Tents65 acres · Freedom, IN

Peak animal sanctuary is a non-profit vegan sanctuary that is home to 44 farm animals that have been rescued from neglect situations and/or factory farms. We are located on 65 beautiful acres in Owen County Indiana where you can view star filled skies on a clear night and camp near our We do require that anyone who chooses to camp on our property has to adhere to our "vegan only" policy while onsite and not bring or consume any animal/fish or dairy products while on the property. For the safety of our animals and guests, visitors are not permitted to enter any of the animal enclosure areas without a staff member. We do offer a short tour and introduction for a small donation. We also have 2 Airbnb rooms that are listed on our website. If you'd like to know more about our property, please check out our website: https://www.peakanimalsanctuary.org or visit our Facebook page

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Squatch Hills

3 sites · Tents38 acres · Worthington, IN

Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent ,build yourself a lil fire and enjoy the sounds of nature. You will feel like you're in an extremely secluded place but just minutes from a few small towns. Location is close to both the Eel and White rivers. Plenty of fishing opportunities nearby. Blooomington,Terre Haute and Vincennes all within an hours drive.

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Fairhaven Farm Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · English, IN

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!

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Dirt Weapon Ranch

10 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Gosport, IN

Come and enjoy our private 90-acre retreat, perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. Nestled in an arch of the White River, this secluded sanctuary boasts two private lakes, offering opportunities for swimming, hiking, fishing, and relaxation. Conveniently located within a short driving distance to Indy, Bloomington, and Southern Indiana, you'll find yourself immersed in nature while still having access to nearby urban amenities. We offer five powered campsites and numerous options for primitive camping lakeside or riverside. Please note that there are no direct water hookups, so be sure to bring your own water for your stay.

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Celtic Glen Farm Stay

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Spencer, IN

Celtic Glen is a working, 100 acre family farm of heritage breed livestock, nestled in an old limestone quarry on the banks of the White River, on one side, and Fall Creek, on another. Learn about regenerative farming with rare breeds on a farm tour, or mining and wetlands restoration on an ecological history tour. Pet and feed the livestock. Fish and bird-watch. Take a yoga class (at times with goats or bunnies) in the center of the stone henge. Have coffee with goats. Eat farm craft meats, eggs, prepared soups, casseroles, and baked goods, or hop into town for a bite. We are across the river from McCormick's Creek State Park (Indiana's first state park with miles of trails, a swimming pool, horseback riding, and lodge) and just two miles north of Spencer, a small town with an excellent brew pub, winery, cafe, and more. Just 12 miles north of the farm is Cataract Falls State Recreation Area. We are only 20 minutes from Bloomington and Indiana University; 45 minutes from Indianapolis Int'l Airport. This is a working farm with lots of livestock, electric fences, and working dogs, so please leave the farm animals alone unless someone from the farm is available and present. Dogs must be on a leash in the camping area. Given the above features of a working livestock farm, the quarry ruins, the operative railroad tracks, and the river (not suitable for swimming), children under the age of 18 must be attended by adults at all times. We have lots of on-farm food and supplies options, please contact us for a complete list and any requests. All sites have a private stone fire circle as well as access to a common grill, handwashing station, porta potty or septic outhouse, cold/solar water shower. Nearby fun and food: We have posted many events on our farm facebook page @celticglenllc and we are within 2-4 miles of lots of options: Many events happen on the Spencer town square (including Spencer Pride events); and at the Owen County Fairgrounds which are actually in town along the White River and hosts events such as the White River Poultry Show. Historic Tivoli Theatre with big-screen movies, classic concessions, and more just off the square Cinema 67 Drive-In (4miles) All About You Salon and Spa on the square offers massage among other nice things. Hilltop Family Restaurant (vintage style family restaurant less than 2 miles north off 231) Owen Valley Winery –good food as well (often free live music) Stable Studios music venue (12 miles from farm) Civilian Brewing Corps Brewpub (family friendly space, amazing food and beer and craft soda) Main Street Coffee and Kitchen –a gorgeous café with breakfast and lunch (including Bivi’s tamales) Millie McGee’s Gosport Diner –amazing comfort food in a charming super-small town just across the river (drive north on 231 then east in 67; 23 E Main St, Gosport; 8 miles from the farm) McCormick’s Creek State Park: Canyon Inn for dining, lots of trails, pool in the summer, horse stables Cataract Falls State Recreation Area just north off 231 –really lovely waterfall (13 miles) Green’s Bluff Nature Preserve (Nature Conservancy; 9 miles from farm) Other locally-owned eating: Babs supermarket and deli, Busy Bee Cafe, Papi Chulo’s Cantina, Jit’s Thai Bistro, Chambers Buffet on square, Grand’s Ice Cream, Sweet Valley Ice Cream. Of course, Bloomington is just 20 minutes away with lots to offer. A bit further out: Exotic Feline Rescue Center Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum Indiana University Hoosier National Forest Tulip Trestle Please ask if there is something specific you’d like to find. Please note that the riverfront wetlands will be closed to guests during deer rifle hunting season for safety.

The best camping near Martin State Forest guide

Overview

About

Has it been awhile since you’ve hugged a tree? Well stop dilly dallying and get to it at Martin State Forest, which boasts an arboretum containing approximately 60 different species of trees that can be easily accessed by a self-guided trail network. The Hoosier Woodland Arboretum is a great way to get introduced to, or re-acquainted with, the local, leafy giants thanks to signs identifying each type along the easy hiking trail. If hugging trees pushes your crunchy boundaries then try fishing in one of the three lakes in the forest. Or, kick it up a notch and go mountain biking in the seven miles of designated bike trails. There is surely something to satisfy everyone here in this forested playground.

Notable campgrounds

Primitive Campground: Offering 26 sites amid the forest's tranquility, perfect for those seeking a rustic outdoor experience.
Lakeside Campsites: Ideal spots for anglers, these campsites provide easy access to Martin State Forest's peaceful fishing lakes.
Arboretum Area: Camp near the educational trails of the arboretum for a stay enriched with the knowledge of Indiana's native trees.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Arrive early, as campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and tend to fill up quickly.
Visit during off-peak seasons to increase your chances of securing a spot amid the forest's serene beauty.
Prepare for self-registration at the campground's check-in station to streamline your camping experience.
Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan during busy weekends or holidays.

When to go

The best time to visit Martin 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 be prepared for warmer temperatures. Winter can be starkly beautiful, but some amenities may be less accessible.

Know before you go

Wear bright clothing during hunting seasons to ensure visibility while enjoying the trails.
Check for any advisories or closures before your visit to stay informed about current conditions.
Accessibility is a priority, with wheelchair-accessible trails available in dry weather conditions.
Remember, swimming is prohibited in the lakes, but fishing is welcomed with a valid Indiana fishing license.
Facilities such as pit toilets and drinking water are available near the campsites for your convenience.