Sidecar Camping: Hoosier National Forest

This story features Corey and his sons; a shorter version was originally published on the Ural Motorcycles blog: Camping is all about getting outside and enjoying the open air. Whether you travel to a faraway forest or a nearby campsite, a sidecar can make the experience much more memorable. Here’s how Corey maximized fun while sidecar camping in the Hoosier National Forest.

A good friend told me about some great campsites near the Charles C. Deam Wilderness (in the HNF) that felt pretty remote, but not completely disconnected from civilization. We found a nice clearing with an existing stone-encircled fire pit just 40 yards off the main gravel road. Nearest site was probably an eighth of a mile down the way.

These pictures show how our Ural cT is a perfect vehicle for a 2-day, 1-night mini-adventure inside the Hoosier National Forest. With 3 sq ft of trunk space and an added luggage rack, there was plenty of room to tote around our gear and food. Once camp was set up, we rode into town for some grub, then explored the gravel roads and historic sites in the area.

Above: A rack for luggage…or loggage. We picked up an extra cord of firewood at the local bait shop to supplement the dead stuff laying around the campsite. Less time cutting, more time playing. (Check rules to be sure you’re allowed to bring in firewood since they change from time to time.)

The nose of the sidecar served as a good table for condiments and hot dog preparation. A lot of fun can be had around the campfire, but often, there are many things to see and do within a few miles. The sidecar helped cover a lot of ground while keeping us out in the fresh air as we traveled to lakes, lookout towers, and trailheads.

Not far away is the historic Story Inn near Nashville, IN; a great place to stop for lunch and wander around the grounds.

I chose the Hoosier National Forest for this father-son weekend to find a place far enough off the beaten path where we could explore nature, but still use the Ural to explore as many places as possible in a short amount of time.

 

Thanks for riding along on this story and stay tuned for more adventures. We hope you’re able to get out and ride into the world around you!