📷 Photo by Steven Van Elk on UnsplashBrown County State Park
Nashville, IN
Indiana’s largest state park, with forest ridges and overlooks such as Hesitation Point, especially popular in October leaf season. Enter through the covered bridge at the north gate.
Brown County State Park lies a few kilometres southeast of Nashville, Indiana, and is the state's largest state park. Oak, hickory and birch grow across about 15,700 acres (roughly 6,350 hectares). Because it resembles the Great Smoky Mountains it is also called the "Little Smokies". The trails suit hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders; the roughly 1.6-kilometre Ogle Hollow Nature Preserve Trail leads to the rare yellowwood tree.
A game preserve was established here from 1924, the park opened in 1929, and in the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps developed it. At about 320 metres, Weed Patch Hill is one of the highest points in Indiana and carries a fire tower; Hesitation Point is another viewpoint. Visitor numbers peak in autumn during the leaf colour season.
For overnight stays there are tent and RV sites, cabins and the Abe Martin Lodge. Lonely Planet writes that the sites fill up fast; in leaf season it is wise to reserve early. Please check admission and opening status with the Indiana DNR in advance.
- Nearest town
- Nashville, IN
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 39.1740, -86.2290
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June, August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Photo by Steven Van Elk on UnsplashSouthern Indiana hills: Columbus architecture to Lincoln’s boyhood
Photo by Steven Van Elk on UnsplashShifting dunes, horse-drawn buggies and covered bridges – by camper from the Indiana Dunes through Amish Country to the Ohio River
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Buffalo Ridge CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Brown County State ParkTentsCaravans
- Raccoon Ridge CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Brown County State ParkTentsCaravans
- Monroe Causeway CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Brown County State Park
- Blackwell Horse CampCampsite14 mi from Brown County State ParkFree
- Hickory Ridge Horse CampCampsite14 mi from Brown County State Park
- Pine Loop campgroundCampsite16 mi from Brown County State Park · 40 pitches
All campsites in Indiana · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Brown County State Park?
Brown County State Park is in Nashville, IN, at GPS 39.1740, -86.2290. It is about 16 mi from Hoosier National Forest.
Can you camp near Brown County State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Buffalo Ridge Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 35 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Brown County State Park?
Brown County State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Southern Indiana hills: Columbus architecture to Lincoln’s boyhood and Shifting dunes, horse-drawn buggies and covered bridges – by camper from the Indiana Dunes through Amish Country to the Ohio River.
What is there to see near Brown County State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Columbus Architecture Tour (17 mi), Spring Mill State Park (32 mi), Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (41 mi) and Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (43 mi).
When is the best time to visit Brown County State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June, August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)