Blackwell Campground
4.5656 reviewsTower Ridge Road, Charles Deam Wilderness, Hoosier National Forest, Indiana
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
100 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
100 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsBlackwell Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping at Blackwell Campground is free of charge, as stated in authoritative sources and confirmed by multiple user reviews.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider812-275-5987
What Campers Say
4.56
Top-Rated
Based on 56 reviews
154 Google reviews
"User reviews for Blackwell Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the spaciousness, quiet atmosphere, and suitability for equestrians. "Dispersed camping in Indiana at its best," one reviewer wrote. Another said, "There is a shelter house to the left. Pretty nice looking and larger sized. Would be great for a family get together.""
Fees & Passes at Blackwell Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Guests can stay up to 14 consecutive days, as noted in user reviews.
Cancellation: Camping is first-come, first-served, and no reservations are required or possible.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Hoosier National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Blackwell Campground
Experience the full spectrum of Indiana's seasons at Blackwell, where each time of year paints the wilderness in different hues. Summer brings warm, pleasant days with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 85°F—perfect for trail riding and evening campfires. As autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a tapestry of gold and crimson, offering ideal camping conditions with crisp air and clear skies. Winter adventurers should come prepared for genuine cold, while spring emerges with fresh possibilities amid occasional showers. The climate shifts from bone-dry days to humid summer evenings, creating an ever-changing backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open year-round.
About Blackwell Campground
Where horseback riders and outdoor enthusiasts unite under Indiana's starlit skies, Blackwell Campground offers a unique blend of equestrian luxury and wilderness simplicity. This dispersed camping haven welcomes all adventurers—whether you arrive with horses in tow or simply a tent on your back. Equestrian campers will discover thoughtfully designed amenities including sturdy hitching rails, spacious corrals, and a convenient loading ramp, while traditional campers enjoy the freedom of choosing their perfect spot among the scattered fire rings and grills that dot this pastoral landscape.
Blackwell Campground offers primitive, dispersed camping in an open field environment. It is particularly suited for equestrian use, with horse-specific amenities such as hitching posts and an accessible loading ramp.
Historical SignificanceBlackwell Campground stands as a proud gateway to the legendary Charles Deam Wilderness, Indiana's only federally designated wilderness area. This sacred space honors both conservation heritage and the timeless bond between humans and horses, serving as a launching point for those seeking to explore 13,000 acres of protected backcountry that tells the story of Indiana's commitment to preserving wild spaces for future generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Indiana's seasons at Blackwell, where each time of year paints the wilderness in different hues. Summer brings warm, pleasant days with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 85°F—perfect for trail riding and evening campfires. As autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a tapestry of gold and crimson, offering ideal camping conditions with crisp air and clear skies. Winter adventurers should come prepared for genuine cold, while spring emerges with fresh possibilities amid occasional showers. The climate shifts from bone-dry days to humid summer evenings, creating an ever-changing backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
ElevationNestled within the rolling terrain of southern Indiana's hill country, Blackwell Campground offers a gentle landscape that welcomes campers of all abilities and their four-legged companions.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine setting up camp in an expansive grassy meadow where ancient forest trails beckon just beyond your tent flap. Blackwell's stunning natural amphitheater opens to reveal what visitors lovingly call 'zillions of stars'—a celestial display unmarred by city lights. When autumn arrives, the surrounding Charles Deam Wilderness erupts in a breathtaking display of fall colors that draws photographers and nature lovers from across the Midwest. Hidden within the forest's embrace, adventurous souls can discover mysterious caves and hunt for precious geodes along winding trails that promise new discoveries with every trek.
Geological RegionPerched within the remarkable Charles Deam Wilderness of Hoosier National Forest, Blackwell Campground occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where expansive grasslands meet dense deciduous forests. This unique ecosystem showcases southern Indiana's diverse topography, from rolling meadows perfect for grazing horses to rugged forest trails carved by centuries of natural forces, creating a landscape that tells the ancient story of the Midwest's geological evolution.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes an accessible picnic shelter, walkways, and a loading ramp for persons with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground has no designated campsites and operates on a dispersed camping basis. The area accommodates approximately 100 horse trailers, with ample grassy space for tents and trailers.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are variable as the camping area is an open field. Some campers have found spots that felt private, while others noted that privacy could be limited in busier times.
Total Campsites100 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCamping near the shelter house provides access to flat terrain and central amenities. The grassy field offers spacious setups, and areas with fire rings are scattered.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is anytime as no reservations are required.
Check-out
Check-out is flexible, provided the stay does not exceed 14 days.
Stay Limit
Guests can stay up to 14 consecutive days, as noted in user reviews.
Guests Allowed Per Site
There are no specific limits on guests per site due to the dispersed nature of the campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed camping setup with no designated sites; areas include fire rings and horse-specific amenities spread across the grassy area.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are possible; camping is first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up; no reservations are needed. User reviews confirm 'just show up and pick a spot.'
Cancellation PolicyCamping is first-come, first-served, and no reservations are required or possible.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground supports a variety of recreational activities, primarily focused on equestrian and hiking experiences. It serves as a trailhead for the extensive Charles C. Deam Wilderness trail system. "Great jumping off point for trails into the Charles C. Deam wilderness," one review notes.
Hiking
The campground connects to the Charles C. Deam Wilderness trail system, which offers a variety of hiking experiences, including routes to Patton Cave via the Grubb Ridge trail. Some trails, however, may lack sufficient signage, as noted in one review: "I went quite a ways without signage."Wildlife viewing
Campers have mentioned regular sightings of turkeys around the campground area, among other wildlife.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are permitted only in designated fire rings or grills. Visitors must comply with firewood restrictions.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources or reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rough gravel access roads, muddy trails, and bugs during warm months. Wildlife such as turkeys may frequent the area.
Weather at Blackwell Campground
38
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 91%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Hoosier National Forest - Bedford Office; Address: 811 Constitution Avenue Bedford, IN 47421; Phone: 812-275-5987. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday only; closed Mondays, Fridays, and federal holidays.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingA dumpster is available for campers to dispose of trash. No specific recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNo lakes or large water bodies are directly adjacent, but trails lead to creeks and scenic views like Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower.
Common complaintsUser concerns include the lack of running water and showers, muddy trails, rough road access, and noisy neighbors.
Campground Map
Tower Ridge Road, Charles Deam Wilderness, Hoosier National Forest, Indiana
Driving directionsTake Highway 446 approximately 11 miles south of Bloomington. Turn east (left) at the sign for the Charles C. Deam Wilderness. A small white church sits at the intersection. The camp is on the north (left) side of the road about one mile from 446.
The campground is accessible via Highway 446, with approximately one mile of gravel road leading to the camping area. User reviews mention the gravel road being 'pretty beat up and rough,' with a 'huge pothole as soon as you turn in.'Nearby places
Bloomington (11 miles, approximately 20 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are in Bloomington, approximately 11 miles from the campground. Bloomington offers groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other necessities.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
56 reviews
Blackwell Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Blackwell Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the spaciousness, quiet atmosphere, and suitability for equestrians. "Dispersed camping in Indiana at its best," one reviewer wrote. Another said, "There is a shelter house to the left. Pretty nice looking and larger sized. Would be great for a family get together."
Review Summaries
Based on 56 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground's free access, open layout, and equestrian-specific facilities were often highlighted as major positives. The natural beauty and the opportunity to see stars without light pollution...
Based on 56 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Key complaints include the rough condition of the gravel road leading to the campground, lack of water in some seasons, and primitive facilities. One user remarked, "The gravel road you turn onto off...
Based on 56 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggested arriving early to secure a spot during busy weekends and emphasized the importance of carrying sufficient water and supplies due to the primitive setting.
Based on 56 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and fall are highlighted as ideal camping seasons due to moderate temperatures and vibrant natural surroundings. Bug spray is recommended during the summer months when insects can be...
Based on 56 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"If you want to relax and forget the world, then this is your spot." "No running water. Just a free campsite." "Great horse camp."
Based on 56 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Sites are not numbered, as the campground operates on a dispersed system. Campers can choose any spot within the open field.
Based on 56 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features such as an accessible loading ramp and picnic shelter were positively noted by some users.
Based on 56 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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