Hoosier National Forest - Car Camping

State parks are great, but national forests teach different skills. Dispersed camping means no designated sites, no bathrooms, no water spigots - you pick your spot, dig a cat hole, and make it work. But we're still driving in, so packs are light and mistakes are manageable. This is where boys learn Leave No Trace ethics in real terrain. The Hoosier has hundreds of miles of fire roads and trails to explore, the forest is dense and beautiful, and you're camping in the same landscape you'll backpack through in Tier 1. Think of this as a dress rehearsal: real wilderness experience with a safety net. Do this trip well, and Red River Gorge won't intimidate you.