Bloomington is located about 51 miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis and about 12 miles west of Nashville, Indiana. The population of Bloomington in 2024 is estimated at 80,471 people.
Bloomington is a vibrant destination for campers seeking both adventure and relaxation in the great outdoors. With a diverse range of camping experiences, from the serene shorelines of Monroe Lake at Paynetown State Recreation Area to the untamed beauty of the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, Bloomington caters to every type of nature enthusiast.
Paynetown State Recreation Area offers RV and tent campers unparalleled access to Monroe Lake’s vast waters, ideal for fishing, boating, and swimming. The area’s well-equipped campsites provide a comfortable base from which to explore the surrounding natural splendor.
For those seeking a more rugged experience, Charles C. Deam Wilderness presents an opportunity to engage with nature in its purest form. Here, all camping is primitive, inviting tent campers to enjoy solitude and tranquility in a setting free from the trappings of modern life. Remember, wheeled transportation is a no-go, ensuring the preservation of its pristine conditions.
Families looking for a fun-filled camping trip will find no better place than Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™. This campsite combines the beauty of Indiana’s landscapes with entertainment for all ages, featuring a water park, swimming pools, mini-golf, and themed weeks and weekends.
Bloomington, Indiana, stands out as a premier camping destination, offering experiences that resonate with the adventurer in everyone, from serene lakeside views and backcountry solitude to family-friendly fun.
CLICK HERE for the location of Bloomington
or CLICK the map image below.
Also, there are 6 additional campgrounds within a 25-mile radius of Bloomington. All mileage numbers shown below are approximate.
The campgrounds are as follows:
Hardin Ridge Recreation Area
– 10 miles
Heltonville, Indiana
Yellowwood State Forest**
– 18 miles
Nashville, Indiana
**This state forest is for primitive camping only. There are no hook-ups for RVs.
Brown County State Park
– 24 miles
Nashville, Indiana
Brown County/Nashville KOA
– 25 miles
Nashville, Indiana
Friends O’ Mine Campground and Cabins
– 25 miles
Nashville, Indiana
McCormick’s Creek State Park
– 25 miles
Spencer, Indiana
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CLICK THE MAP IMAGE above for the location of Monroe Lake,
campground photos and Google reviews. Average Google review rating was
4.5 out of 5 as of 01/28/24.
| RV Camping |
 x221 Electric Sitesx72 Non-Electric Sitesx30 & 50 Amp ServicexDump Station |
| Tent Camping |
| x19 Primitive Sites |
| Other |
| xBasketball CourtxBeach Bathhouse xxw/Restrooms & Showers xBoat Launching RampsxCamp StorexxFire RingsxFish Cleaning Station**xFishing PierxxGrillsxxMarinasxNature CenterxxPets WelcomexPicnic AreasxxPicnic Shelters*xPicnic TablesxxPit ToiletsxRestrooms and ShowersxSwimming BeachxxWater Stations |
| Rentals |
| xCanoesxxFishing BoatsxxJet SkisxKayaksxxPontoonsxxSki BoatsxSkisxxTubes |
| Things To Do |
| xBasketballxxBicyclingxxBoatingxCanoeingxxChildren’s PlaygroundsxFishing**xxHiking TrailsxIce Fishing**xKayakingxxPicnickingxRow BoatingxxWaterskiingxVarious Water Activities |
| Special Info |
| * – Picnic Shelters – Contact DNR facility regarding the probability of Rental Fees. |
| ** – Fishing – Requires State License. |
 of Monroe Lake. |
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WATCH VIDEO of the Paynetown State Recreation Area. |
PLEASE NOTE: The listings above are accurate as of 08/17/19, but do not reflect all the amenities offered at this campground. Also, many campground facilities add or remove campsites and amenities over time. We strongly recommend you visit the DNR website at Monroe Lake by CLICKING HERE for all information, complete details and much more.
Monroe Lake is a 10,750 acre lake constructed in the 60’s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It’s primary purpose was to provide flood control in that area and a reliable water source for the city of Bloomington.
The total land area consists of nearly 24,000 acres, including Monroe Lake, and is under the management by both the Indiana DNR and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This land includes the Paynetown SRA, Allen’s Creek SRA, Cutright SRA, Fairfax SRA, Moore’s Creek SRA, Pine Grove SRA, Salt Creek SRA, and the Crooked Creek SRA.
For many living inside and outside of Indiana, Monroe Lake is considered a top destination for camping and water activities. The sheer size and the numerous rental offerings attracts people of all ages and outdoor interests.
All camping activities take place at the Paynetown State Recreation Area.
CLICK HERE to make reservations for the campgrounds at Monroe Lake (Paynetown SRA).
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CLICK THE MAP IMAGE above for the location of the Charles C. Deam Wilderness,
campground photos and Google reviews. Average Google review rating was
4.9 out of 5 as of 01/28/24.
The Charles C. Deam Wilderness is contained within the 202,814 acres of the Hoosier National Forest. The wilderness itself encompasses approximately 13,000 acres. It is located just 8 miles southeast of the Bloomington city boundaries.
This wilderness area is preserved for those looking to escape from the modern world and it’s offerings. It is strictly primitive in nature and relished by those who enjoy tent camping and seclusion. All wheeled transportation is prohibited in this area, including bicycles.
Visit the Charles C. Deam Wilderness website for more details.
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CLICK THE MAP IMAGE above for the location of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™,
campground photos and Google reviews. Average Google review rating was
4.4 out of 5 as of 01/28/24.
CLICK WEATHER IMAGE for Extended 7-day
Weather Forecast In Bloomington. 
Nearby Eats & Other Fixins’
| Aver’s Pizza |  |
| Big Woods Bloomington | |
| BuffaLouie’s | |
| Cabin Restaurant & Lounge | |
| Grecco’s Pizza Bedford | |
Nearby Attractions
| AMC Showplace Bloomington 12 |
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| Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve |
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| Classic Bowling Lanes | |
| Kirkwood Observatory |  |
| Leonard Springs Nature Park |
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