How much does camping cost at Yellowwood State Forest?

Camping fees at Yellowwood 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.

Is Yellowwood State Forest first-come first-served or reservation?

Yellowwood State Forest operates on a first-come, first-served basis. "Early arrivals recommended"

Can I see photos of campsites at Yellowwood State Forest before I book?

Yes! Yellowwood State Forest has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Yellowwood State Forest?

Yellowwood State Forest is open All campsites/campgrounds at Yellowwood State Forest are first come first served 365 days a year, camping reservations are not taken.. 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 Yellowwood State Forest?

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

Can I have a campfire at Yellowwood State Forest?

Fire policies at Yellowwood State Forest: Wood - null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Yellowwood State Forest have?

Yellowwood State Forest has 85 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Yellowwood State Forest?

Yes, pets are allowed at Yellowwood 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 Yellowwood State Forest?

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

What activities can I do at Yellowwood State Forest?

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

Yellowwood State Forest

4.50

30 reviews

772 Yellowwood Lake Road, Nashville, Indiana, 47448, United States

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Indiana#2 Forest Camping Indiana#3 Fall Camping Indiana +6 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

679 ft

Price

$13/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

85 campsites

Season

All campsites/campgr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Indiana State Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

679 ft

Price

$13/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

85 campsites

Season

All campsites/campgr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Indiana State Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Yellowwood State Forest

$13.00 - $13.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Primitive camping fee is $13 per night, as reported in user reviews. Payment is made via honor box.

Standard Site Fee$13.00

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Reserve America

Provider

8129887945

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Yellowwood State Forest

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Campground Map

772 Yellowwood Lake Road, Nashville, Indiana, 47448, United States

Yellowwood State Forest

772 Yellowwood Lake Road, Nashville, Indiana, 47448, United States

Nearby places

Bloomington, Indiana (approximately 20 miles)

Nashville, Indiana (approximately 5.8 miles)

Brown County State Park (approximately 6 miles)

Nearby supplies

Within 10 miles: stores offering camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials in Nashville.

Driving directionsFrom Bloomington: At intersection of SR 446 and SR 46 East, travel east for 9.4 miles, turn left onto Yellowwood Rd, follow for 1.2 miles to stop sign, turn left to stay on Yellowwood Rd for 1 mile to next intersection, turn right onto Yellowwood Lake Rd, follow for 0.7 mile, turn left into Yellowwood State Forest office parking lot. From Nashville: At intersection of SR 135 and SR 46 East, travel West for 5.8 miles, turn right onto Yellowwood Rd, follow for 1.2 miles to stop sign, turn left to stay on Yellowwood Rd for 1 mile to next intersection, turn right onto Yellowwood Lake Rd, follow for 0.7 mile, turn left into Yellowwood State Forest office parking lot.

"Yellowwood State Forest's roads are accessible year-round, but road conditions may vary seasonally due to weather."

Weather at Yellowwood State Forest

Best Time to Camp at Yellowwood State Forest

Fall delivers the best conditions: daytime highs in the 50s and 60s, nights in the 30s and 40s, and the hardwoods at peak color. The stable, crisp weather makes paddling Yellowwood Lake calm and hiking the ridges less brutal than summer heat would allow. Wildlife activity picks up too. Deer move through camp, and migrating songbirds work the canopy. Spring and summer work fine if you can handle the humidity and bugs. Winter stays open for cold-weather campers willing to deal with vault toilets in freezing temps. Expect weekend crowds during leaf season, especially from horseback riders hitting the trails.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall offers peak hardwood color, stable cool weather and calm paddling; reviewers cite fall as best.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: All campsites/campgrounds at Yellowwood State Forest are first come first served 365 days a year, camping reservations are not taken.

About Yellowwood State Forest

Yellowwood State Forest sits on the dramatic edge of prehistoric glaciation, where 74 primitive sites and 11 horse camping spots spread across sharp ridges and deep drainages. Campsites run $13 per night, first-come first-served via honor box. The campground stays pretty quiet, with sites spaced far enough apart that you're only close to one neighbor.

The campground primarily offers primitive camping options but also includes a lodge and designated horse camps.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions: daytime highs in the 50s and 60s, nights in the 30s and 40s, and the hardwoods at peak color. The stable, crisp weather makes paddling Yellowwood Lake calm and hiking the ridges less brutal than summer heat would allow. Wildlife activity picks up too. Deer move through camp, and migrating songbirds work the canopy. Spring and summer work fine if you can handle the humidity and bugs. Winter stays open for cold-weather campers willing to deal with vault toilets in freezing temps. Expect weekend crowds during leaf season, especially from horseback riders hitting the trails.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryThe terrain here tells the story of ancient forces that never quite reached this far south. Unglaciated ridges slice through the forest in knife-edge lines, dropping away into hidden drainages that carry seasonal streams. Yellowwood Lake anchors the valley below. The forest itself is a hardwood mix that puts on a serious color show in fall, when ridge-top views stretch for miles. Morning mist clings to the slopes, and the elevation. 679 feet. Keeps things cool enough to make hiking the steep terrain manageable most of the year.

Geological RegionDiscover a landscape sculpted by ancient forces at the very edge of prehistoric glaciation. Here, time has carved a dramatic terrain of razor-sharp ridges that slice through morning mist, plunging slopes that challenge even seasoned hikers, and countless hidden drainages that whisper with seasonal streams. This unglaciated wonderland showcases nature's raw artistry, where every vista tells the story of millions of years of geological drama frozen in stone and soil.

Scenic Views"The 133-acre Yellowwood Lake provides scenic views."

Lodging & AccommodationsThe facilities include one rental cabin and a lodge, with options for primitive group camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are detailed in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

"14:00"

Check-out

"10:00"

Stay Limit

"Not explicitly stated in authoritative sources,"

Guests Allowed Per Site

"Limited to 8"

Groups

One group camping shelter (WPA Shelter) is available, accommodating up to 50 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground spreads across roughly 11 primitive loops. Sites include fire rings and picnic tables. Horse camping areas sit separate from the main primitive loops.

Walk-in AvailabilityEarly arrivals recommended

AccessibilityADA-accessible campsites and hiking trails are available on-site.

Site SizeThe campsites include 74 primitive sites and 11 designated horse camping locations.

PrivacyThe campsites are pretty secluded so you’re only really close to one neighboring campsite.

Total Campsites85 campsites

Best CampsitesReviewers say arrive early Friday afternoon to claim the most secluded spots. The 74 primitive sites vary in privacy, but spacing generally keeps you from camping on top of your neighbors. No specific site numbers mentioned in reviews.

Amenities available

Vault toilets and drinking water are available near the campsites. A playground is located within the campground area.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Yellowwood State Forest offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors. The 133-acre Yellowwood Lake provides opportunities for fishing and paddling, while the surrounding trails cater to hikers, equestrians, and cyclists.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Bathrooms are reported as poorly maintained, especially near the entrance."

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are mentioned. User reviews indicate the presence of vault/pit toilets.

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.

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

30 reviews

Recommended

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

User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground’s seclusion, natural beauty, and affordability. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities and the variety of outdoor activities.

Review Summaries

Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers emphasized the campground’s quiet, secluded environment, the availability of restrooms, trails, and boat rentals, and its suitability for families and pets. Many noted the affordability at...

Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mentioned limited privacy in the restrooms and noted that the office was closed during certain hours, restricting access to boat rentals.

Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite reviews are not provided beyond general descriptions of amenities and conditions.

Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early on Fridays to secure a campsite, as they are first-come, first-served. Bring cash for the honor box payment system ($13/night).

Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall weekends tend to be busier due to increased demand. Visitors noted that COVID-19 led to sites filling up quickly during this time.

Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campsites are pretty secluded so you’re only really close to one neighboring campsite." - Casandra Boles. "This is a great little spot for primitive camping. It’s cheap at $13 per night per...

Based on 30 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground is described as pet-friendly in reviews.

Based on 30 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Fall weekend hikers and paddlers who can arrive Friday morning will find this hard to beat: peak hardwood color on the ridge trails, calm conditions on Yellowwood Lake for kayak rentals, deer in camp at dusk, and all of it for $13 cash in an honor box.

Skip if

No reservations and no hookups rules this out for RVs and anyone who can't afford to gamble on a site being open. Bathrooms near the entrance get poor marks for upkeep, and the camp office closes unpredictably, which can cut off boat rental access.

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