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

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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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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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.

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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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Rockytop Family Farms

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Henryville, IN

**25 Minutes north of Louisville, KY** ________________________________________ RV Site on our family land. 30 AND 50 amp electric, water, sewer. Fire-pit with seating, free firewood provided. Trash can provided. Next-door to Yankeetown Area/indoor roping arena. If you participate in the rodeo at Yankeetown, utilize our site with hookups for your horse trailer! Nearby access to the Knobstone trail access point. Just a few miles away from LM Sugarbush; Indiana's largest annual Maple Syrup Festival. Long gravel driveway; 1/4 mile or more off of State Rd 160. We border the Clark-State Forestry. We have a small farm pond that's full of fish; no license required. Bring your fishing pole and have fun! Expect to hear chickens, guineas, pigs, dogs barking, kids playing. You may hear a tractor, lawn mower, or gator ATV go by as we are always busy doing something. Your pets are welcome, but keep in mind that this property is patrolled by two large Great Pyrenees dogs, and while they are friendly to people, they are territorial and have been aggressive towards other dogs until they become friends. For the safety of all the dogs, your pets must be contained/on a leash at least until all of the dogs can get to know each other. We are 5 miles from I-65, and 19 miles north of Louisville, KY. Verizon phone/data service is good; can't confirm others.

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Chateau de Pique Winery/Brewery

10 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Seymour, IN

80 picturesque rural acres outside of Seymour, IN...a beautiful property half way in between Indianapolis and Louisville! Learn more about this land: Chateau de Pique is a Winery and Brewery set on 80 acres just outside the city of Seymour, Indiana! A popular fishing and recreation spot on the White River is just a half mile away. Presenting on our large property are various outdoor settings: an 18 acre vineyard, open grassland (groomed), hills, tree areas, and a large parking lot for our RV and Camper guests!

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Kerr creek

1 site · RV5 acres · Bloomington, IN

Learn more about this land:Level field next to Kerr creek for camping next to your car. Multiple wooded sites on hills next to State Forrest if you willing to hike. Close to Yellowwood and Brown County State Forrests.

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Persimmon Honey Hollow

2 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · West Baden Springs, IN

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.

Powers Family Farms LLC

11 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Paoli, IN

40 acres. Located next to Hoosier National Forest. Buffalo Trace trail runs through property. Hiking trails, 5 acre lake for fishing 4 RV sites. 4 primitive camping sites. Relax and unwind with the beauty of nature. Perfect place for star gazing Bath house near RV sites. Each site has picnic table. Fire rings available at primitive sites only. RV sites has a communal fire place area. Free firewood when available Lake for fishing. Catch and release only. No swimming in lake Pets must be on leash We do have chickens on property but no roosters. You may see us out on tractor or working on property

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MoonLight Grove Farm

2 sites · Tents12 acres · Battletown, KY

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.

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Nighthawk Forest

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents65 acres · Paoli, IN

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 visit our website at https://roam.camp/nighthawk-forest or call 812-203-0200.

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Unplugged Acres

3 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Birdseye, IN

Our land is nestled between tracts of the Ferdinand state forest. We have been on the property since 1999 and we have enjoyed sharing our little slice of heaven with friends and family thru the years. We promise you will be able to unwind once you get here. The property is mean for relaxing!Learn more about this land:A spacious flat yard atop a hill makes for a great spot to park your RV or camper. The grass camping lots are mowed and clean. Two large pine trees provide some shade for one of the camping spots. You can enjoy nearly panoramic views of the night sky! Bring your family and friends to enjoy these attractions near us are: Ferdinand State Forrest fire lane 12 ( is across the road from us. Enjoy hiking and mountain biking) Patoka lake is less than 10 minutes away ( boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, biking). Holiday World ( an amusement park) is about 30 minutes away. French Lick casino is about 30 minutes away. There are lots of local wineries to make for great road trips. Louisville is a little over an hour away. Paoli Peaks ( ski and snowboard attraction) is less than an hour away.

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Doe Valley

1 site · Lodging17 acres · Paoli, IN

We have 17 acres of mostly woods but enough open land for some fruit trees and sheep pasture.

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.