Camping Under the Stars in Lawrence County

Camping is the ultimate way to connect with nature. Spending time outdoors is restorative and relaxing. In Lawrence County, outdoor adventures await you. No where else will you be able to explore limestone formations, gentle rolling landscapes and acres of wooded bliss. Immerse yourself in our outdoor playground of caves, forests, rivers and scenic Southern Indiana. Experience the peacefulness only camping under the stars can provide. Here, we will introduce you to exceptional campgrounds in Limestone Country and provide tips to make the most of your experience!


Spring Mill State Park Campground

Spring Mill State Park is one of Indiana’s most unique state parks. What sets it apart is its unique combination of stunning natural beauty, pioneer history, caves and caverns, plus NASA Astronaut artifacts. No other Indiana State Park provides such a wide range of activities. Explore the numerous hiking trails. Whether easy or rugged, you are bound to find Lawrence County limestone along the way. The working Grist Mill is the centerpiece of the restored pioneer village. Discover pioneer living as demonstrated in this working historic community.  Seek adventures among the caves or schedule a guided tour of Upper Twin Cave or a boat tour in the Cave River Valley area. The Grissom Memorial museum honors astronaut Virgil “Gus” Grissom, born in Mitchell Indiana, and one of the seven Mercury astronauts and America’s second man in space. Camping amenities include full hookup campsites, electric and water campsites, primitive campsites and youth tent camping areas. Forget something? No problem. Visit our camp store to get what you need. With so much do, schedule your camping trip now, and stay a while at Spring Mill State Park.

Lawrence County Recreational Park

The Lawrence County Recreational Park provides almost 400 acres of off-road trails for motorcycle and ATV/UTV enthusiasts. If you want space, they’ve got it!  Bring your motorcycles and ATV/UTVs. With miles of off-road trails, your engines won’t be the only thing revved up! Choose your camping style. Here you’ll discover both primitive and water/electric campsites plus shelter houses.  Also, there is a multi-unit bathroom/shower facility on site. Bring your ride and your camping gear, then get set for an exciting adventure.

Thorne’s Recreational Property

Thorne’s Recreation Property is an adventure wonderland that offers over 130 acres of rolling hills and creeks that are perfect for ATVs, dirt bikes, horseback riding and hiking! Thinking of bringing mechanical horsepower? Sure! Bring your Jeep or 4-Wheeler and go muddin’! The White River runs through this property, and is the perfect spot for fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Bring your own kayak or paddle board, or rent one of theirs. The Milwaukee Trail winds right through the park, making it easy for hikers and bikers to hop on. Camping amenities include both primitive campsites and a cabin rental.  

Hardens Horse Camp

Located right along the Hoosier National Forest trails, this small, peaceful campsite is in an ideal location for horseback riders and hikers alike. The camp offers gravel-padded, spacious campsites with electricity and water, 10×10 horse stalls and a dump station. All campers are welcome, no matter which form of horsepower they bring.

Hickory Ridge Horse Camp

Hickory Ridge Horse Camp is filled with nearly 50 miles of trails designed for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking! If you are looking for a chance to get away from it all and a little adventure, you will find it at Hickory Ridge. Trails range in difficulty. Just choose your skill level, then set off to discover flat ridges, limestone ravines and selfie-worthy scenery everywhere you turn. The camping amenities include primitive campsites and hitching racks and are completely free to use!

Free Spirit Campground

The Free Spirit Campground is another great camping destination that offers fantastic, family-fun.  Lawrence County’s only mini golf course, Rocky Ridge Mini Golf, is located right inside the campground. This 18-hole course features fun twists and turns and is suitable for all ages! The swimming pool offers a fun way to splash the heat away, and the playground provides hours of delightful discovery. These amenities plus craft-making and other planned activities makes this a memorable family-fun destination.


Roots RV

Root’s RV & Sales, Inc. is a family owned and operated RV & Trailer Dealership. They are located 6 miles south of Bedford. Roots RV offers travel trailer rentals for campers that don’t have their own. Roots will even take the camper to the campsite and set it up. Their utility trailer location is on State Rd 37 in Mitchell, and they sell RVs, travel trailers, livestock trailers, equipment trailers, RV equipment and parts and more.


Keep these camping tips and tricks in mind to make the most of your camping experience in Lawrence County.

  1. Check your tent, pegs and poles before you leave for your camping trip. Likewise, remember to bring your mallet.
  2. Be prepared for cooler nights by bringing layers of clothing.
  3. A hot water bottle is an effective way to keep warm, especially when placed in your sleeping bag.
  4. Gear up for a comfortable night’s sleep. That includes a sleeping pad to insulate you from the cold ground and to provide cushion, then layer it with a season-appropriate sleeping bag. 
  5. Doritos or corn chips can serve as campfire kindling. Who knew?!
  6. Perform as much food prep ahead of time as you can. Crack open your eggs before your trip and store them in a water bottle for an easy campfire breakfast.
  7. Remember to bring cooking utensils, fire lighter, food wrap and baggies for left overs.
  8. Freeze some, if not all, of your food prior to packing it in the cooler.
  9. Be prepared for bugs and sun.
  10. Designate one pair of shoes for in-tent shoes, to avoid bringing in dirt and mud.

To learn more about outdoor recreation in Lawrence County, click here.

Before planning your camping trip, be sure to read up on the current firewood rules and county-wide fire bans.

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