Yellowwood State Forest Primitive Campground

We were looking for a CG in the general area that would be convenient to hiking trails. We’re self contained and don’t use the facilities. We stayed on weeknights in late October in our 25 foot MH.

There is a pleasant campground along the forested shore of Yellowwood Lake. There are 6 loops. We stayed in Redbud with large, open and sunny sites with gravel pads. Most sites need some leveling. There are few trees for shade and several paths to the lake. All sites are primitive. There are water spigots near the campsites. There is a threaded water spigot near the camp office less than a mile away. There’s a dump station in the Redbud Loop. The other loops are more shady with dirt of grass parking with a mix of tent and small RV sites. There’s good ATT and no Verizon signals. There were 4 other RVs during our stay in the Redbud Loop. The other loops were open. Fees are $13/night.

There are several hiking trails that leave from near the CG. The trail around the lake is 5 miles and includes a walk over the dam and access to several side trails. The 1.5 mile resource management trail a very interesting self guided interpretive forest management exhibit. There’s no swimming in the lake. Human powered and electric boats are allowed on the lake. Rowboats can be rented at the office.

My husband and I enjoyed this campground. Lots of tall trees and lots of fire wood picking. You can actually walk to the Yellowwood Lake trail from camp ground 'rose bud'.

Yellowwood State Forest, named for the environmentally unique Yellowwood tree, is 23, 326 acres located 7 miles West of the artist community of Nashville, Indiana. Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Indiana famous for it's fall leaf color displays and gorgeous vistas. Yellowwood offers 79 primitive class c sites in four campground areas adjacent to the 133 acre Yellowwood Lake; Red Pine, White-Oak Hickory, Redbud and Black Gum; $13 per night. There are several potable water stations and pit toilets throughout the campgrounds and one dump station located in Red Bud. The Red Bud area also has a small camp store (not open during our visit, so not sure of their offerings). We did note some ADA accessible sites. Horse camping is also available in 12 class c sites in the Horseman Camp with miles of horse trails. Several picnic areas and shelters in the area; one beautiful location overlooking the lake with stunning brown county stone fireplaces. This park is perfect for tent camping or smaller units; we would not recommend for larger units as most sites are small and unlevel and may challenge your maneuvering skills! The park has 5 hiking trails ranging from easy to rugged and access to the Tecumesh Trail (43 miles) originally proposed to span from Florida to Canada. The park office facility offers boat (lake is known for good fishing) and kayak rental, ice and firewood. If you need facilities to accommodate your larger rig or feel a need for more amenities; Brown County State Park is just a few miles to the East...but don't pass up planning at least a day trip to enjoy this incredibly beautiful State Forest property. 772 Yellowwood Lake Rd, Nashville, IN 47448 GPS - 39.183995, -86.337878

Where do I start, primitive camping at its best. Pit toilets and water under pressure, no pumping. Three campgrounds we stayed at Red Pine. Labor Day weekend 2023 hardy anybody here, only tent campers. We have a 20' towabke, some sites might accommodate a little larger. Great trails and lake, Nashville and Brown County near by. And only $13/night.

We arrived on Sunday afternoon. Ranger station and store was closed. This is a beautiful area with well spaced camp sites. We stayed in the Horse Camp section for tents and it was great. Most sites were taken but it was quiet and the people here were great. We hiked the Yellowwood Lake Trail. It rained hard the night before so sections were muddy but manageable. Great place to watch the eclipse and this is a great place. We’d love to return!

Has a dump station in the red bud campground. Water nearby. Camp store takes credit cards and has fire wood.
$13 a night in 2024. Low cell signal. One bar on Verizon. Quiet