Places to backcountry camp around Indiana

geek

geek

Joined
Mar 23, 2008
Messages
278
So here is the deal guys - I have spent months in tropical rain forests in Asia (learned all about bamboo!) but I have never taken a look at things around my area. I have been regular ole car-camping around here. But I would really like to find some places that are close to me maybe for just a long weekend trip. I am in Northern Indiana by the way.

Anybody got any suggestions? I just want to be out and about with not a lot of neighbors around me. The more primitive the better. :D
 
Not sure how far you're willing to travel, but early spring (now) is the best time to visit the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. Plenty of public land for no-trace backcountry camping, as well as many small campgrounds.
 
Just looking at the map, I see that Indiana also has a small bit of public land, the Hoosier National Forest, which includes a designated Wilderness Area. Never been there, but if I lived in Indiana I'd certainly give it a try.

A selection of relevant regulations:
Camping is allowed on most areas of the forest with a few exceptions.
Backpacking is allowed on National Forest lands. No permit is required.
Primitive and roadside camping is allowed away from developed campgrounds...
Click to expand...

Looks a lot like the Shawnee.
IN_2a.jpg
 
Shawnee National Forest is about 6 hours from me.
Hoosier National Forest is about 4 hours ... I think I smell a road trip coming on!

Does anyone have any experience with Hoosier National Forest?
 
well im in spencer. i highly recommend tower ridge in the hoosier nat. there is a trail there that is about 7 miles if you go to the farthest back it 8 mile 1 one i hike out there all the time and there is lots of camping pos. along the way plus there is there lake for fishing are you north or south of me i might have one for yur area?
 
there is also allens creek ramp not there bigest area but you can go where others dont.
lake pakota
jug rock
yellow wood
crooked creek
turkey run not sure how far back you can go there like i said if you give me a north or south of my local them i will help ya out.
IMO the very best is a river trip. thats what i do the most i take 14 mile day trips sometimes i stay the night. and 30 mile over nighters they are the most fun. i am planing a trip from spencer ramp to worthington for memorial day weekend that is usal about me and 14 friends.
heres is another
http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/Morgan-Monroe_LowGapLoop_3480.asp
i have lots i love the outdoors
here is a good place took look as well
http://www.thebackpacker.com/trails/in/trails.php
http://www.maxtrails.com/states/in.html
hope these help
 
Last edited:
The Charles C. Deam Wilderness area in the Hoosier National Forrest is my usual destination. For a quick over-night trip when you can't get started 'till late and you need to get back out fairly early, the Sycamore Loop trail is great. . . about 6 or 7 miles total. I've also hiked the Cope Hollow Loop, Part of the Grubb Ridge Loop, and the Peninsula Trail. All are great and can be easily done as day trips or as over-night trips. most of the trails kind of interconnect so you could easily plan longer trips, but probably not more than a couple or three days unless you want to spend some time camping in one spot or really taking a lot of time to look at the sights. I'm hoping to get to explore more of the wilderness area and the Hoosier National Forrest in general this summer. There's also apparently a 10 mile or so loop in the Morgan Monroe State Forrest where backpacking is allowed. I may check that out sometime in the next couple of weeks.
 
Thanks for all the advice guys! You guys are great - I am glad I asked!

I am getting pumped up just thinking about my future trip. I need a break from the regular world ... a great time to get away. Thanks again. I will take some pics.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top