As the weather warms up, camping is a way to get out of the house while still being able to practice social distancing. Campgrounds were allowed to reopen May 22, depending on county guidelines, after Gov. Eric Holcomb’s Wednesday announcement that allowed Stage 3 of reopening to start May 22 instead of May 23 and 24. Some campgrounds near Bloomington have opened up, but others are still closed.
Lake Monroe Village
Distance from Sample Gates: 8.8 miles
8107 S. Fairfax Road
Bloomington, IN
Status: Open now with restrictions
Lake Monroe Village is currently renting RV spots, but not spots for tent camping. It is near Monroe Lake for people wanting to spend the day at the lake. For more information and updates call 812-824-2267 or visit its website.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp - Resort
Distance from Sample Gates: 10.8 miles
9396 S. Strain Ridge Road
Bloomington, IN
Status: Opens June 1
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp - Resort at Lake Monroe is opening June 1 in accordance with Monroe County guidelines. The park has tent sites, cabins, RV sites or RV rentals. Families can meet Yogi Bear, Boo Boo Bear, Cindy Bear and Ranger Smith while staying here. Reservations can be made by calling 812-824-3322 between 9 am and 6 pm. For more information visit its website.
McCormick’s Creek State Park
Distance from Sample Gates: 15.4 miles
250 McCormick Creek Park Road
Spencer, IN
Status: Open now
McCormick’s Creek State Park is Indiana's oldest state park. Its campgrounds reopened Friday with Gov. Holcomb's order. The area offers campground space, RV space, rooms at an inn, cabin rentals. All of which are near the hiking trails through the state park. Playgrounds, fire towers, pools and similar facilities are still closed on all Department of Natural Resources owned properties, according to the DNR website. Bathrooms are open for use. For more information on what is open at DNR sites visit. To reserve a campsite visit. For more information or questions visit its website or call 812-829-2235.
Morgan-Monroe State Forest
Distance from Sample Gates: 15.6 miles
6220 Forest Road
Martinsville, IN
Status: Open now
The state forest has campsites and cabins. The area has three lakes for fishing and hiking trails.There is a picnic table and grill on each of the campsites. Playgrounds, fire towers, pools and similar facilities are still closed on all DNR owned properties. Bathrooms are open as well. For more information on what is open at DNR sites visit. To reserve a campsite visit. For more information or questions, visit its website or call 765-342-4026 or 765-792-4654.
Brown County Indiana KOA
Distance from Sample Gates: 21.2 miles
2248 State Road 46 East
Nashville, IN
Status: Open now
The KOA has campsites, RV sites and cabins. There is also a pool, basketball courts and a fenced pet park. The camp is near the Brown County State Park and less than two miles away from downtown Nashville, Indiana. Call 800-562-9132 or go on its website to check rates and availability. Call 812-988-4675 for questions.
Hoosier National Forest
Distance from Sample Gates: 22.6 miles
811 Constitution Ave.
Bedford, IN
Status: Open after June 1
Hoosier National Forest has many camping and recreation areas with campsites. The United States Forest Service is working to reopen the campsites, and are projecting it will be after June 1, according to a May 20 press release. The forest has many trails within the almost 203,000 acre forest. There are cabin rentals, campground camping and RV camping. Reservations can be made online. For questions, more information and opening updates, visit their website or call 812-275-5987 or 1-866-302-4173.
There are also various developed camping grounds nearby like Hardin Ridge Recreation Area, Indian-Celina Lake, German Ridge Recreation Area, Blackwell Horsecamp and Saddle Lake Recreation Area.
Friends O’ Mine Campgrounds and Cabins
Distance from Sample Gates: 23.2 miles
4557 East State Road 46
Nashville, IN
Status: Open now
The campground, formerly known as Westward Ho, was renamed this year. It is an RV facility with water, sewer and electric capabilities. The pet-friendly sites have fire rings and picnic tables. The area is about 3 miles away from Brown County State Park. To check prices, availability and to book a spot call 812-988-0008 or visit its website.
