How much does camping cost at Morgan-Monroe State Forest?

Camping fees at Morgan-Monroe State Forest range from $13/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Morgan-Monroe State Forest?

Morgan-Monroe State Forest is open No peak season dates provided.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Morgan-Monroe State Forest?

Morgan-Monroe State Forest does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Morgan-Monroe State Forest?

Fire policies at Morgan-Monroe State Forest: Campfires are permitted, with ample deadwood available.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Morgan-Monroe State Forest have?

Morgan-Monroe State Forest has 29 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Morgan-Monroe State Forest?

Yes, pets are allowed at Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Morgan-Monroe State Forest?

Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Morgan-Monroe State Forest?

Popular activities at Morgan-Monroe State Forest include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Morgan-Monroe State Forest

Q: Is Morgan-Monroe State Forest first-come first-served or reservation?

Morgan-Monroe State Forest operates on a first-come, first-served basis. User reviews suggest walk-up or first-come-first-serve camping options are available year-round for backcountry and primitive sites.

4.49

42 reviews

6220 Forest Rd, Martinsville, Indiana, 46151, United States

Great HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:Forest Camping Indiana Fall Camping Indiana Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Indiana +3 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

968 ft

Price

$13/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Morgan-Monroe State Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

968 ft

Price

$13/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Morgan-Monroe State Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Morgan-Monroe State Forest

$13.00 - $13.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping at the family campground costs $13 per night according to user reviews. Backcountry camping is free year-round.

Standard Site Fee$13.00

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Reserve America

Provider

7653424026

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

6220 Forest Rd, Martinsville, Indiana, 46151, United States

Morgan-Monroe State Forest

6220 Forest Rd, Martinsville, Indiana, 46151, United States

Nearby places

Martinsville is the nearest city. No specific distances or travel times to other population centers are provided.

Nearby supplies

Supplies such as gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery options are available within 10 miles.

Driving directionsTRAVELING SOUTH on 37/I69 Take the Liberty Church Road exit (south of Martinsville), turn East (left) going over the overpass. Take Old 37 South, first road to the right (access road going south) to Forest Entrance, turn left 5.3 miles to Morgan Monroe Forest Office/FHQ. TRAVELING NORTH on 37/I69 Take Sample Road exit (right) to Chambers Pike, take right on Chambers Pike to Old 37, take left on Old 37 to Main Forest Entrance, 5.3 miles to Morgan Monroe Forest Office/FHQ.

The campground is accessible via paved roads, but user reviews highlight issues with some roads being poorly paved and pothole-ridden. Seasonal closures are not mentioned.

Weather at Morgan-Monroe State Forest

Best Time to Camp at Morgan-Monroe State Forest

Fall brings the best camping conditions, with daytime highs around 50-65°F and nights dropping to the 30s-40s. Mid-to-late October delivers peak leaf color as the oak and hickory canopy blazes across the hillsides. Winter averages around 24°F and attracts visitors who embrace frost-covered trails and stark woodland scenery. Summer reaches 85°F, making shaded hikes and lakeside spots appealing. Spring and fall see moderate crowds, with peak leaf weekends drawing the most visitors.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Peak leaf color mid-late October; fall cited as best camping conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No peak season dates provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Marson Ridge Campground is open year-round.

About Morgan-Monroe State Forest

Morgan-Monroe State Forest spreads across 25,000 acres of rugged, unglaciated terrain in south-central Indiana. The campground offers 29 sites ranging from primitive family sites to group shelters and two rental cabins, with fees at $13 per night. Three lakes provide fishing and boating access, while miles of trails wind through steep valleys and exposed rock outcroppings.

Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers primitive camping for families and youth groups, backcountry camping, and cabin accommodations. There are no RV sites or glamping options.

Historical Significance

The Stepp Family Cemetery sits among the forest's holdings, preserving headstones and stories from Indiana's pioneer families who settled these rugged hills. The site draws both history enthusiasts and paranormal investigators.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best camping conditions, with daytime highs around 50-65°F and nights dropping to the 30s-40s. Mid-to-late October delivers peak leaf color as the oak and hickory canopy blazes across the hillsides. Winter averages around 24°F and attracts visitors who embrace frost-covered trails and stark woodland scenery. Summer reaches 85°F, making shaded hikes and lakeside spots appealing. Spring and fall see moderate crowds, with peak leaf weekends drawing the most visitors.

ElevationThe forest's dramatic topography reveals itself in every steep climb and sudden descent. These challenging hills create a landscape of constant elevation changes that reward hikers with stunning vistas and test the mettle of mountain bikers seeking adventure on rugged terrain.

Natural Features and SceneryThe forest sits at 968 feet elevation in one of the few parts of Indiana that escaped glaciation during the last ice age. This geological history created steep-sided valleys, exposed rock formations, and rugged topography that distinguishes it from the state's flatter regions. Oak and hickory slopes dominate the landscape, with moss-covered boulders and rocky ridges emerging throughout the forested hills. Campers consistently describe the setting as beautiful and peaceful, with dense woodlands creating natural privacy between sites.

Geological RegionMorgan-Monroe State Forest stands as a geological marvel, one of the rare Indiana landscapes that escaped the grinding force of glaciers during the last ice age. This ancient reprieve gifted the forest with its distinctive character—steep-sided valleys, exposed rock outcroppings, and a rugged topography that sets it apart from the gentler terrain found elsewhere in the state. These untouched hills and hollows create a natural playground for those seeking scenic wonders and geological treasures.

Scenic ViewsSeveral trails and backcountry camping areas provide scenic views, including creek-side camping and vistas along Low Gap Trail.

Lodging & AccommodationsTwo rental cabins are available at the campground: Draper Cabin and Cherry Lake Lodge. Draper Cabin allows pets and accommodates up to 14 people, while Cherry Lake Lodge does not allow pets and accommodates up to 6 people.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specific check-in times are mentioned.

Check-out

No specific check-out times are mentioned.

Stay Limit

No maximum stay limits are mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No guest limits explicitly mentioned for primitive family campsites.

Groups

The facility offers 6 youth group campsites. Specific details about group size or vehicle limits were not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes primitive family sites, youth group sites, and shelters distributed across the forest's terrain. Sites are spacious and well-separated, though roads connecting them can be poorly maintained.

Reservation PlatformsNo online reservation platforms mentioned; likely walk-up based.

Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews suggest walk-up or first-come-first-serve camping options are available year-round for backcountry and primitive sites.

Cancellation PolicyNo information available on cancellation policies.

AccessibilityADA-accessible campsites and hiking trails are available. Newly constructed restrooms are also ADA-compliant, though their limited hours of operation may impact accessibility.

Site SizeCampers have described the campsites as spacious and accommodating.

PrivacyCampsites reportedly offer 'lots of room between sites,' according to user Jim Duncan. Privacy is a notable feature of this campground.

Total Campsites29 campsites

Recommended SitesSite recommendations include dispersed camping in less frequented backcountry areas and creek-side spots.

Best CampsitesThe Low Gap backcountry area offers free primitive camping for those prepared for rugged conditions and minimal facilities. Standard campsites provide lots of room between sites, with users like Jim Duncan noting the notable privacy and spaciousness.

Amenities available

Water is shut off at all campgrounds and shelters on Oct. 31 and turned on in March as weather permits. A year-round hydrant is located southeast of the main office.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation. The park is known for its challenging and scenic trails, three lakes for fishing, and a peaceful setting for family outings.

Hiking

The forest features several hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties. Highlights include the 10-mile Low Gap Trail, which offers backcountry camping, and shorter trails like the 3-mile Mason Ridge Trail and the under-1-mile Scout Ridge Trail. User Steve Lefevers describes Low Gap Trail as having 'a lot of single track and hilly terrain' and praises the 'beautiful flatter part where it feels like you're dodging trees.'

Climbing

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention challenges with poorly maintained roads in some areas, as well as potential risks of getting lost on trails. Wildlife and steep terrain may also pose hazards.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted, with ample deadwood available.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services, including hospitals and law enforcement, are available within 10 miles.

Trash & RecyclingThe facility includes dumpsters for waste disposal.

Water FeaturesThe forest includes three lakes: Cherry Lake, Bryant Creek, and Prather Lakes, which are popular for fishing.

Camp HostThe office staff is described as helpful in providing recommendations and answering questions.

Cell CoverageLimited details about cell phone service. One user, 'dirt,' mentioned getting lost at night and noted that there was 'no service,' indicating low or no cellular coverage.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

42 reviews

Recommended

Morgan-Monroe State Forest is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users frequently praised the scenic beauty, spacious campsites, and variety of recreational activities. Complaints were primarily about the lack of modern amenities, such as showers and nighttime restroom access.

Review Summaries

Based on 42 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlighted the 'beautiful and peaceful setting,' large campsites, well-maintained trails, and free backcountry camping. Jeremy Miller noted the campground as 'a beautiful place to get out in...

Based on 42 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common issues were the absence of cell service and modern amenities like showers, as well as some dissatisfaction with the park's logging activities. One user criticized the 'locked bathroom...

Based on 42 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Draper Cabin and Cherry Lake Lodge received mentions for accommodations. Draper Cabin allows pets and up to 14 people, while Cherry Lake Lodge does not allow pets and accommodates up to 6.

Based on 42 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own firewood and water due to limited facilities. Backcountry campers should prepare for rugged conditions. User Sara Heiliger praised the free camping in the Low Gap...

Based on 42 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is noted for its beautiful trails and blooming flora, while winter allows for cross-country skiing. Summer and fall are popular for hiking and camping, though fall experiences higher traffic...

Based on 42 reviews

Camper Quotes

'I've done Low Gap Trail 5 times now... The backcountry part of the trail is my favorite.' - Steve Lefevers. 'Great year-round primitive camping but lots of room between campsites.' - Jim Duncan....

Based on 42 reviews

Accessibility Features

The new bathrooms received praise for their ADA compliance; however, their limited availability during nighttime hindered accessibility.

Based on 42 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at most campsites but not at Cherry Lake Lodge. Users recommended keeping pets leashed due to wildlife.

Based on 42 reviews

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Go if

Tent campers and backpackers who want serious solitude will find it here. The Low Gap Trail offers free overnight camping, sites on the main campground are far enough apart to feel like your own patch of woods, and the fall seasonal score of 4.5/5 is well-earned.

Skip if

No showers, no hookups, no cell signal, and bathrooms get locked at night, if any of those are dealbreakers, the limited facilities will wear on you fast. RVs aren't accommodated here either.

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