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Frugal Camping Spots in Indiana

July 13, 2021 By Michelle Knight 1 Comment

Free camping in Indiana for a more primitive feel. One of the requirements is to be on state ground. Frugal summer camping along hiking trails is allowed in Indiana. Grab some gear, your tent and flashlight and see where the trails take you!

Camping can be expensive if not planned or researched. Most of the state parks In Indiana require at least two night stays. After some searching I have found that camping doesn’t always cost money.

Ten Frugal Summer Camping Places in Indiana

-Shades state park . Hiking trails are easy to challenging. 

Beautiful scenery for hikers to enjoy, Many photographic spots. Hiking holds challenging courses and rugged terrain.

Hoosier National Forest

Dispersed camping along trails is permissible within the season, wonderful hiking trails and beaches to enjoy. 

The Backyard of Your Home

Enjoy a camping trip in your own backyard. Indiana has a beautiful skyline and plenty of warm weather. Enjoy some snacks and sleep under the stars without leaving your home. 

Farm property

In addition to backyard camping there are other places to camp for free. Finding a friend or farmer who will rent out space on their land for a day or two. Many farmers will lease out a small area for a week long camping trip. We have several friends who camp on farm property each year.

Blackwell Horse camp 

Consequently, the horse camp is mainly for those equestrians, but other campers ae welcome. Visitor information is available on the site. Annual or daily wage are needed.

Frugal Camping Areas with Activities

Clements canoes and outdoor center– Reasonable prices. Camping is available and also enjoy a canoe trip down the river. 

Canoe trips are extra and do cost to book.

Buzzard  Roost Rec Area

In addition to picnicking, a beautiful, scenic area for quiet camping. Tables are available in the picnic area. Bathrooms are available via Porta john which is provided. Secure location and serene. Open season for hiking, camping and picnicking is year around.

Furthermore, trails that are longer than 10 miles are great places to hike. They make good hiking areas with less population and more primitive spots. Camping is supposed to be primitive.

Indiana is a free and legal state to camp. It is allowed on any state park trails. Caution is advised to keep a safe distance from trailheads and waterfalls. Indiana does allow camping in state park areas, off the trails. Although, most state parks offer camping, they do charge for the campsites.

More Frugal Camping Options

O’Bannon Woods State park

Free camping, nestled on 2,400 acres along the southern Indiana border. Canoe access and located near the Corydon State Historic Site. 

Brookville Lake 

Located in Eastern Indiana near the Ohio state line. Close to the Metamora History site. Brookville has camping, fishing, hunting, hiking and swimming. 

Notes: 

Regardless of weather conditions hiking în Indiana îs allowed for up to two weeks. Waste must be minimized and cooking should be in discretion. Back country camping is primitive, and under a first come first serve use. We have talked as a family of backpacking through the Tecumseh trail located in southern Bloomington, but with three kids that has not happened yet.

In the event of backwoods camping, be aware that in primitive areas wildlife encounters with mountain lions and coyotes may increase. Caution is advised if camping alone to use safe food storage plans.

However, please stay at least 350-400 ft from trailheads if looking for a spur of the moment camping location. Also, maintain a very safe distance from any waterfalls. Caution is necessary if not using state park designated campgrounds. 

Moreover, camping is one of the best ways to connect with family and teach them a frugal lifestyle. Set up a fun weekend and try off grid camping areas at little or no cost. We try to do a family camping trip at least once per year. the freedom that comes from camping is unimaginable. No matter what happens the back to basic learning is worth it.

For more posts on living the frugal lifestyle join my newsletter! You can find this post on the www.simplelifemom.com link up party.

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Filed Under: Frugal Lifestyle Tagged With: frugal, frugal home, frugal lifestyle

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  1. Ann @ Live The Old Way

    July 28, 2021 at 1:19 pm

    These all look beautiful! Thanks for sharing it with us on the Homestead Blog Hop, please come back again soon!

    Reply

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