Rattlesnake Campground

For Indiana locals who truly seek to disconnect, embrace nature's raw beauty, and experience camping in its more traditional, primitive form, Rattlesnake Campground in the sprawling Owen-Putnam State Forest offers an authentic outdoor adventure. Unlike highly developed RV parks or amenity-rich resorts, Rattlesnake Campground provides a back-to-basics experience, allowing campers to immerse themselves in the serene wilderness of Central Indiana.

Nestled within the vast Owen-Putnam State Forest, this campground is a haven for those who appreciate quiet solitude, abundant wildlife, and direct access to extensive hiking trails. It's a place where the sounds of the forest replace city noise, and starry nights are truly unobstructed. If your idea of a perfect camping trip involves rekindling your "wilder side" amidst deer, squirrels, and wild turkeys, and you prefer a more rugged experience, then Rattlesnake Campground might just be your ideal Indiana escape.

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Rattlesnake Campground is located within the Owen-Putnam State Forest, specifically in Jennings Township, IN 47460, USA. While the exact street address might appear less specific than a commercial campground, its placement within the state forest signifies a truly natural setting. Owen-Putnam State Forest itself is found in Owen and Putnam counties in Central Indiana, making it a manageable drive for many Hoosiers from various parts of the state, including Indianapolis, Terre Haute, and Bloomington.

Access to Rattlesnake Campground is typically via designated forest roads. To reach it from Spencer, Indiana, one would generally travel west on S.R. 46, then north on Rattlesnake Road, and finally west on Surber Road. The campground is situated within Compartment 4 Tract 12 of the forest. This area is characterized by rugged hills, sandstone cliffs, and dense, diverse forests, providing a picturesque and somewhat secluded environment. It's important for visitors to note that while relatively accessible, the "primitive" nature extends to its setting – be prepared for a genuine forest experience.

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As a primitive, Class C campground within a state forest, Rattlesnake Campground offers essential, basic services for campers. This type of camping is about self-reliance and minimal amenities, allowing visitors to truly experience nature:

• Primitive Camping Sites: Rattlesnake Campground typically offers around 9 primitive campsites. These sites are generally suited for tent camping or smaller RVs/trailers that do not require full hook-ups.

• Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are provided in the form of vault toilets, which are unheated and unlit, offering a no-frills option.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is usually equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meals and gathering.

• Grills/Fire Rings: Sites often include a pedestal grill or a fire ring, allowing for cooking over an open fire (check for burn bans before lighting a fire).

• Parking Spurs: Designated parking spurs are available at each campsite.

• No Potable Water On-Site: It is crucial for campers to note that Rattlesnake Campground does not have drinking water available directly at the campsites. Potable water can typically be obtained at the nearby Fish Creek Campground or the Forest Office within Owen-Putnam State Forest.

• First-Come, First-Served Basis: Campsites at Rattlesnake are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This means reservations are generally not taken, and campers self-register at booths located in the campground.

For those accustomed to amenities like showers, electric hookups, or dump stations, this campground requires a different level of preparation and expectation.

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The allure of Rattlesnake Campground lies in its natural features and the opportunities it provides for an authentic outdoor experience:

• Primitive & Rustic Setting: This is a key highlight. Rattlesnake Campground allows campers to "get into the woods and become one with the trees," offering a genuine back-to-nature experience away from crowds and modern distractions.

• Located in Owen-Putnam State Forest: Being part of this large state forest provides access to a vast natural playground. The forest itself boasts "some of the best hardwood forests in the country," with diverse timber types including oak-hickory and beech-maple.

• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: Campers have excellent opportunities to observe wildlife, with frequent sightings of "deer, squirrel, and wild turkeys," along with herptiles and aquatic vertebrates in streams and ponds.

• Hiking and Bridle Trails: The campground offers access to extensive hiking trails within the state forest. The "Bridle Loop" trail, approximately 9.8 miles long, connects to the Rattlesnake Campground area and is shared with mountain bikers (an off-road cycling permit is required for bikes). Hikers are advised to wear hunter orange during hunting season.

• Fishing Pond: There is a "small fishable pond" located within the tract where the campground resides, offering a peaceful spot for anglers to cast a line.

• Natural Beauty & Topography: The area is known for its "rugged hills with sandstone cliffs and rock shelters." The topography varies from level ridge tops to moderate to steep slopes, with scenic views and ephemeral streams.

• Seclusion and Quiet: For those seeking solitude, Rattlesnake Campground is generally "more remote" than other developed campgrounds, promising a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

This campground is ideal for nature photographers, hikers, hunters (with proper licenses), and anyone looking to truly disconnect and enjoy the tranquility of Indiana's forests.

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As a primitive campground operated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) within a state forest, Rattlesnake Campground typically does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a private campground might. Fees are set and generally consistent. However, the inherent "offer" of Rattlesnake Campground lies in its affordability and unique primitive experience:

• Affordable Camping Fees: State forest campgrounds are often significantly more affordable than private campgrounds, providing a cost-effective way to enjoy the outdoors.

• No Reservation Fees (First-Come, First-Served): The lack of a reservation system means no booking fees, and you only pay for the site upon arrival (if available).

• Access to Free State Forest Activities: Your camping fee grants you access to all non-fee-based activities within Owen-Putnam State Forest, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.

For information on current camping fees, it's best to consult the Indiana DNR's official website for Owen-Putnam State Forest or contact the Forest Office directly. Any changes to fees or rules would be communicated through official DNR channels.

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Since Rattlesnake Campground is part of Owen-Putnam State Forest, direct contact would typically be with the State Forest office. While there isn't a specific phone number listed solely for Rattlesnake Campground, general inquiries for Owen-Putnam State Forest can provide relevant information:

• Address: Rattlesnake Campground is located within Owen-Putnam State Forest, Jennings Township, IN 47460, USA. For the State Forest office, a common address is 2153 State Road 46, Spencer, IN 47460.

• Phone: For general inquiries about Owen-Putnam State Forest, including Rattlesnake Campground, you would typically call the State Forest Office. While a direct number for just the campground is not provided, the main Owen-Putnam State Forest number would be the primary contact. Please note that the DNR does not list individual phone numbers for primitive campgrounds like Rattlesnake, as they are part of the larger forest management.

It's advisable to check the Indiana DNR's official website for Owen-Putnam State Forest for the most current contact details and any specific alerts or information regarding the campground.

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For Indiana locals, Rattlesnake Campground in Owen-Putnam State Forest offers a truly distinctive and highly suitable camping experience, particularly for those who cherish simplicity and a deep connection with nature. Its primitive, first-come, first-served nature fosters spontaneity and allows campers to truly escape the demands of modern life. Unlike bustling private campgrounds, Rattlesnake provides a quiet, unadulterated retreat into the heart of Indiana's beautiful hardwood forests.

The abundance of wildlife, coupled with extensive hiking and bridle trails, makes it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking peaceful exploration. The small fishing pond adds another layer of recreational enjoyment. For Hoosiers who own basic camping gear and are comfortable with self-sufficiency (remembering to bring their own water), Rattlesnake Campground offers an affordable and authentic way to experience the state's natural heritage. It's a place to unplug, recharge, and immerse oneself in the tranquil beauty of Indiana's state forests, making it a perfect fit for locals craving a genuine wilderness getaway.