Much of your best opportunities for boondocking in Indiana are available
inside or near the Hoosier National Forest
, which is a large natural preserve located between Indianapolis and Bloomington.
Can I Boondock in Indiana?
Free dispersed camping (boondocking) is allowed in the USDA Hoosier National Forest
. Located in south central Indiana, the forest offers free designated camping areas, usually called “Horse Camps”, that are available for RV use as well. Check with local ranger districts for recommended free Indiana RV camping areas.
How much does it cost to camp in Indiana state parks?
| Sun – Wed Thu – Sat | Full Hookup $30 $40 | Electric $23 $30 | Non-Electric $16 $19 | Primitive $12 $12 |
|---|
Can I camp on state land in Indiana?
The US Forest Service permits camping on its public lands in Indiana, free of charge
. The limitations are specifically that you cannot camp for free in established campgrounds and that you must stay within 125 feet of the road.
Where can I pitch a tent for free Indiana?
- Blackwell Horsecamp.
- Harrah’s Hoosier Park.
- Ouabache Park.
- Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
- Shirley Creek Horsecamp.
- Hickory Ridge Horsecamp.
- Maines Pond.
What is dry camping?
Dry camping, also known as boondocking, involves
camping in an RV, van or motorhome with no hookups (no electricity or water) outside of a traditional campground
. Dry campers set up camp on public lands as well as private places (with the permission of the owner), usually for free.
Can you have a camper on your property in Indiana?
The zoning ordinance specifically restricts the use of recreational vehicles for living. The ordinance states that
RVs cannot be used for housekeeping purposes, sleeping, or living for more than one instance per calendar year
. The length of time the RV can be used for these purposes cannot exceed 15 days.
What is the meaning of Boondocking?
Sometimes referred to as “dry camping,” boondocking is
any time you camp in your RV without water, sewer, or electrical connections
. That can take the form of parking your rig deep in the backcountry or pulling over at a highway rest stop.
Where can you park an RV in Indiana?
- Heartland Resort. 1613 W 300 N, Greenfield, IN 46140.
- Indianapolis KOA. 5896 W 200 N, Greenfield, IN 46140.
- Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. …
- Indy Lakes RV Campground. …
- Johnson County Park. …
- Lake Haven Retreat. …
- Morgan-Monroe State Forest. …
- Westward Ho Campground.
How much is it to camp at Potato Creek?
| Sun – Wed Holiday Weekends | Full Hookup $30 $44 | Electric $23 $33 | Non-Electric $16 $22 | Primitive $12 $12 |
|---|
When can you start camping in Indiana?
CAMPING IS AVAILABLE
YEAR-ROUND
AT INDIANA STATE PARKS. Some campground loops may be closed from November 1 through April. Check with the property o ce when planning your visit. -Primitive camping sites are available year-round at all state park campgrounds.
How much does it cost to camp at Brown County?
| Sun-Wed Thu-Sat | Electric Campsites $23 $30 | Horseman Electric Campsites $26 $33 | Non-Electric Campsites $16 $19 | Horseman Primitive Campsites $13 $13 |
|---|
Can you have two tents on campsite?
Tents:
The tent sites can typically hold several medium size tents: Two 4 person tents, or four 2 person tents
. People: Each site can accommodate up to 8 people, of any age. Vehicles: Although your site may hold 3 vehicles, your reservation only covers 1 vehicle. Extra vehicles must pay use fees on arrival.
Can you carry a handgun in Indiana state parks?
Yes, a person with a valid Indiana carry permit, may possess a handgun in our state parks with two exceptions
. It is not allowed at DNR State Parks & Reservoir properties on land leased from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (e.g., Mississinewa, Salamonie, Patoka, Brookville, Cagles Mill, Cecil M.
Can you ride golf carts in Indiana state parks?
Golf-cart type vehicles are not permitted unless in compliance with 312 IAC 8-2-8 (c)
. On some DNR properties, two modes of transportation shall be allowed per campsite due to campground design or other factors.
Can you Boondock at Indiana Dunes National Park?
About Indiana Dunes National Park Dispersed Camping
The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking
, and everything in-between. You’re sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Indiana camping adventure.
How old do you have to be to rent a campsite in Indiana?
Age of campers: At least one person at the campsite must be
18 years old
. The responsible party registering for the campsite shall remain at the site for the entire stay. Visitors To your site: Day visitors are welcome.
How can I live in a camper without hooking up?
How can I camp without running water?
If you don’t have access to water nearby, bring extra water so that you can, at the very least,
wash underwear, socks, and bras daily
. If there is a lake or stream along your trail or near your campsite, take a bath in nature. Just rinsing off in fresh water will remove excess dirt and oils.
How long will battery last dry camping?
“Under normal use conditions- lights, propane refrigerator, charging phones etc and water pump, a 12v battery will last
2-3 days
. This time can be extended by conserving electricity- conserving water (not running the pump), shutting off lights as much as possible- or simply by upgrading or adding extra batteries.”
Can you live in an RV permanently?
Yes, an RV can be a permanent residence for tax purposes or to claim residency in many states
. The IRS considers any structure as a possible primary (or secondary) residence if it has sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities. For other purposes, you can get an address assigned to your RV property like any other home.
Can you live in an RV full time?
These small, moving homes make traveling so much easier, as they come equipped with everything you could need on a trip. Ease of travel and enjoyment often lead RV vacationers to consider full time RV life. However,
living in an RV full time can be quite complicated, logistically speaking.
Can you live in an RV in the winter?
Most RVers prefer to travel with the seasons, sticking to mild temperatures to ensure they don’t encounter extreme weather, especially considering that
RVing in the winter is no easy feat
. Most RVs are not well-insulated, and water pipes can freeze and cause damage once the temperatures drop too low.
What is stealth camping?
Stealth camping is
camping without being noticed
. Some people do this in urban areas, while some venture into wild locations. Sometimes the camping is considered legal, while other times it’s illegal (which we don’t recommend!). For many, it’s done thinking it’s easier to get forgiveness than permission.
What is off grid camping?
Camping off-grid has been around forever. Also known as dispersed camping, dry camping, boondocking, off the grid camping are other names for
camping without hookups including electric, water or sewage
. It’s a way to be close to the action, away from it all (and everyone) or to save on camping fees.
What is a Boondocker person?
Boondockers are
frugal people who love the challenge of living with less, repurposing things, and not having to spend money of stuff they don’t need
.
