The best camping near Ferdinand State Forest

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

Discover the natural charm of Ferdinand State Forest and its myriad of outdoor activities.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Ferdinand State Forest

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

Top-rated campgrounds near Ferdinand 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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Lake View camping

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Reynolds Station, KY

30 years ago this was a pay lake it has been shut down for years. I got it a few years ago for a family getaway. So there is some really nice fish in the lakes. We have a outside kitchen with a gas grill, gas griddle and sink.we also have a sink for your use. There is also a toilet with a flushing toilet.

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Waterfront Cabins and Camp Haven

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents32 acres · Owensboro, KY

Welcome to Camp Safe Haven, your Family Oasis since 2005! Nestled just 11 miles west of Owensboro, KY, our property offers a haven away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Discover our Waterfront Cabins and Tent Sites, where nature's serenity meets pretty water and nurturing hills. Indulge in our cozy cabins, either our poolside cabin in our campgrounds or our cabin in the woods, featuring scenic water views and nestled amidst the woods. Or, pitch your tent at one of our seven Tent Sites and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature day or night. Relax and unwind by taking a dip in our above-ground swimming pool or lounging on the poolside deck. Explore our beautiful trails winding through the property, offering encounters with the beauty of nature at every turn. At Camp Safe Haven, our mission is to nurture nature and secure serenity for all our guests. Pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and make yourself at home as you embark on a memorable getaway filled with relaxation, adventure, and cherished moments

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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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Buck Creek Sanctuary

20 sites · RVs, Tents58 acres · Elizabeth, IN

Welcome to Buck Creek Sanctuary, a 58-acre botanical, wildlife and human sanctuary located near Elizabeth, Indiana. A place where people can connect with nature, each other, and themselves. “There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places” -Wendell Berry Buck Creek Sanctuary is a place to return to the sacred. Buck Creek Sanctuary is designed to help bring the scared back into our everyday lives Ken’s guiding truth is that we are part of nature and must find our part to play within it by honoring all things as being sacred. He dedicates his life to personal growth, consciousness raising, health, and healing of the planet. He wants to share Buck Creek Sanctuary with others to allow them to connect with nature and the sacredness of all things.

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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.

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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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.

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Canyon View Quarry

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Georgetown, IN

This unique 2 acre oasis is the historical quarry; It’s how Quarry Road gets its namesake in southern Indiana! With a 40ft. rock wall that horseshoes around the entire property, experience privacy and serenity. LLC Ranch is situated directly above the underground railroad, the Duncan Tunnel. You can hear the train several time a day traveling through the valley and directly under the quarry. There is a rock driveway entry all the way to our red barn. Rain or shine, the gravel driveway is a perfect location for a van or RV to park. There is a pond and a john boat you can use. The pond is filled with imported Japanese Koi fish that you can also feed. Fish food is always available in the barn! Check in is easy, you will be provided a gate code to enter the red gates. LLC RANCH is located 2 miles from I64 and only 10 minutes from Louisville, KY. We accept only one guest at a time to ensure privacy and space to feel relaxed.

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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.

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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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HOBA farm riverfront property

5 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Cloverport, KY

Learn more about this land: At HOBA Farm we have 13 acres of wooded river front property. We also have a large lake with kayaks and paddlebaords available! There are plenty of cute animals to visit. Near by there are plenty of hiking trails, caves, beautiful parks, and boat launches. We have plenty of room to set up tents and hammocks in a variety of locations. Its very shady down by the river too! Most of our property is natural and full of wild flowers all summer. This is primitive camping only. We have a portapotty on site but currently do not have running water or electric. Please be sure to bring your own drinking water.

The best camping near Ferdinand State Forest 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.