Indiana entered the Union in 1816 and is also known as the Hoosier State. Over 6.6 million people live in Indiana, with the largest cities being Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Carmel, and Bloomington.
The state maintains 4.7 million acres of forestland (over 20% of the state) and 4.6 million acres of timberland, which makes it an ideal location for anyone looking to enjoy nature. And enjoy the nature they do!
In fact, 70% of people who visit Indiana’s state parks participate in hiking, while 52% participate in camping. Tent camping is particularly popular with 51% of park visitors participating in this form of camping, and 98% said they would recommend visiting these parks to others.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most highly-rated campgrounds in Indiana, many of which are located inside these glorious state parks.
Trending: 8 Great Summer Weekend Getaways In Indiana For Summer 2023
Best Campgrounds in Indiana
Yellowwood Campground
Phone: (812) 988-7945
Address: 772 South Yellowwood Road, Nashville, IN 47448
Activities:
- Fishing
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Horseback riding
Set in the heart of Yellowwood State Forest, Yellowwood Campground is a primitive camping area perfect for those who like to rough it. Now really. When we say primitive, we mean primitive – you won’t find showers there, there are only vault toilets and a drinking water source. However, you will get a perfect chance to reconnect with nature.
Rent a canoe or a kayak and explore the wildlife of Yellowwood Lake. You can also fish or tour the area from the back of a horse (you have to bring your own one, though.)
There are 90 sites in total. Some are located near the lake while others are closer to the horseback riding trails. They are all operated on a first come, first served basis, so make sure to arrive early to get the best spot.
Sycamore Springs Park
Phone: (812) 338-3846
Address: 717 W Tunnel Hill Rd, English, IN 47118
Activities:
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Playgrounds
- Wedding chapel
Located in the quiet town of English in Crawford County, Sycamore Springs Park is a great choice for a family getaway.
The park offers 35 tent camping sites, 62 RV sites, 10 shelter houses, 2 large restrooms, playgrounds, picnic tables, 3 fishing ponds, a softball field, and a basketball court. Are you planning a countryside wedding? Then, this might be it. Not only is the park spacious but there is also a wedding chapel.
Guests can enjoy fishing, hiking in the area, biking, as well as kayaking in early spring. There are multiple fire pits but you might want to bring your own grill, especially if you come along with the whole family. Firewood is furnished for free.
Note that as this campground is family-focused, there is no alcohol allowed in the park. On the other hand, pets on the leash are welcome.
Lake Haven Retreat
Phone: +1 317-783-5267
Address: 1739 W Edgewood Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46217, United States
- Cable TV
- Paddle and boat rentals
- Showers
- Wireless high-speed Internet
- Laundry service
- A dog park
One of the best campgrounds in Indiana, Lake Haven Retreat, is just a short drive from Indianapolis. There is a full-service campground on site that offers both pull-through and seasonal sites.
Basic tent camping is also available. Laundry service, showers, wireless high-speed Internet, cable TV, and paddle boat rentals are available as extras. Campfires are permitted at designated sites.
The park also features a dog park, a new laundry, and a playground (which is far from the campers). Best of all, it has one of the lowest daily, weekly, and monthly rates for RV parks in Indiana.
The park is conveniently located close to Indianapolis attractions, making it a fantastic place to stay if you want to explore the city. Because of its location, the Indianapolis Zoo, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the Indy 500 are all easily accessible to campers.
Indianapolis KOA Holiday
Phone: (317) 894-1397
Address: 5896 W 200 N, Greenfield, IN 46140
Activities:
- Water park
- Dog run
- Numerous area attractions
Conveniently located just a short drive from downtown Indy, yet far enough to feel like country camping. This is Indianapolis KOA Holiday, a spot to relax after a busy working weekend.
Right at the entrance to the campground, you will meet horses at the corral. Park your RV at one of the extra-long sites with patios, pitch a tent, or rent a vacation cabin. Then, set off exploring the campground.
Both kids and adults will appreciate the new water park featuring a pool, slides, a dump bucket, and gaga ball. There is also a dog run, snack bar, and group pavilion.
Area attractions feature Indianapolis ZOO, the Children’s Museum, Lucas Oils Stadium, the famous Motor Speedway Hall, as well as malls.
Grandpa’s Farm Campground
Phone: (765) 962-7907
Address: 4244 IN-227 N., Richmond, IN 47374
Activities:
- Arcade games and ping pong
- Horseshoes and shuffleboard
- Basketball and volleyball
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Swimming
Grandpa’s Farm Campground is an especially attractive place for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Indianapolis and other major cities.
Its facilities include tent and RV sites, some of which are situated along the Whitewater River. Full hook-ups, picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, showers, a laundry room, and a dump station are available. Those who have stayed here in the past have commended its clean bathrooms and other facilities.
Note that there is some noise from the nearby road during the day but that it quiets down at night.
Indian Lakes RV Campground
Phone: (888) 481-6348
Address: 7234 E. State Rd. 46, Batesville, IN 47006
Activities:
- Volleyball
- Arts and crafts
- Bingo
- Mini golf
Indian Lakes RV Campground is conveniently situated within an easy drive from Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Louisville, Ky. Its rustic cabins provide easy access to a number of waterways while its playgrounds are well-kept. Fishing is also offered here with no license necessary to take part in that activity.
Pull-thru sites are available with electric up to 50 amps. So is tent camping. Meanwhile, those who want to stay in cabins have several choices available to them, ranging from accommodations that sleep four to those that sleep eight.
Take into account that some users have reported that upkeep here could be improved. In addition, some parts of the park appear to be top-notch while others are not near that quality. Also, some sites are shaded while others are not.
Eby’s Pines RV Park & Campground
Phone: 574-848-4583
Address: 14583 IN-120, Bristol, IN 46507
Activities:
- Swimming
- Camp store
- Indoor roller rink
- Laser tag
- Snowmobile trails
- Hiking trails
- Fishing pond and river
- Game room
- Sport courts
- Playground
- Scheduled activities
- Shelter houses for rent
- Catering available
Eby’s is a family-owned and operated campground that has been in business since 1968. Camping is allowed here on a seasonal, monthly, weekly, or daily basis. RV and tent camping is permitted.
Cabins are available for rent. RV sites and some tent sites come with full hook-ups and primitive sites are available for tents. This campground is sprawled out across a large field, dotted with trees, and surrounded by a river and forest.
This is an ideal campground for families looking to do simple, modern camping. Pets are allowed in this campground and there is a swimming pool on site, which makes this an ideal spot for a family camping getaway.
Hardin Ridge Recreation Area
Phone: (812) 837-9453
Address: 6464 Hardin Ridge Rd, Heltonville, IN 47436
Activities:
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Cycling
- Nature viewing
Located just 30 minutes south of Bloomington by Lake Monroe, Hardin Ridge Recreation Area is a fantastic place for a peaceful holiday or a weekend getaway from the city.
There are six campground loops able to accommodate both tents and RVs, each of which offers modern restrooms and shower facilities. Don’t want to rough it? Book one of the two rental cabins on the lake. There are also two picnic areas and three shelter houses, a great option for family gatherings, group outings, and other celebrations.
Activities include fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. The trails are also suitable for biking. Hardin Ridge Recreation Area is simply the best bet for outdoor enthusiasts who love to stay at quiet and private campsites.
Shipshewana North Park Amish Log Cabin Lodging & Campground
Phone: 260-768-7770
Address: 5970 IN-5, Shipshewana, IN 46565
Activities:
- Florida room
- Red barn conference center
- Ice cream and frozen custard stand
- Flea market nearby
- Blue Gate theatre nearby
- Millers Buggy Line Tours nearby
Shipshewana North campground is located 3 miles north of the Town of Shipshewana. The campground is surrounded by pine forests and features an Amish theme throughout.
The campground features sites with full hookups and permits RV and tent camping with cabins available for rent. Shipshewana offers 55 campsites and modernized rest facilities are available. The town of Shipshewana has only 670 residents, but it receives over 2 million tourists each year who come to enjoy all that “Shipshe” has to offer, including its rich Amish culture, the largest flea market in the Midwest, and its plethora of hand-crafted goods.
Shipshewana North campground is the ideal choice for antique and craft lovers who are looking to enjoy the classic feel and serenity of small-town America.
Dunewood Campground
Phone: 219-395-1882
Address: 645 Broadway Avenue, Beverly Shores, IN 4630
Activities:
- Beaches nearby
- Educational displays and videos
- Bookstore
- Visitor center
- Hiking trails
- Birding
Dunewood Campground is located in the Indiana Dunes National Park. The park features beaches, rugged dunes, forests, and wetlands. The 15,000-acre park is one of the most biologically diverse parks in the U.S., home to over 1,100 native plant species.
One of the most wonderful aspects of the Indiana Dunes National Park is that it rests on 15 miles of pristine Michigan Lake shoreline. The campground is open from April 1st through November 1st and features 67 campsites. RV and tent camping is available, however, none of the campsites features electric or water hookups.
A handful of sites are wheelchair accessible. Ample restrooms and showers are provided on-site, as well as a dumping station for trailers. The Town of Beverly Shores features a gas station, shopping, and railroad station with passenger service that connects with Chicago and South Bend.
Suggested: Best Camping in Nebraska
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
Phone: 765-737-6585
Address: 5964 IN-109, Knightstown, IN 4614
Activities:
- Themed weekends
- Daily activities
- Crafts
- Swimming pool
- Games
- Yogi Meet&Greet
- Jump Pad
- Playgrounds
- Basketball and Volleyball Court
- Horseshoes
- Fishing
- Paddle Boating
- Pedal Karts
- Wagon Rides
- Bingo
- Dancing
Jellystone is a family-centric campground that features a wide range of activities and attractions for kids and families.
The campground is set across many acres of well-maintained lawn space and concrete roads. All activity spaces and facilities are in great shape and the whole campground aligns with a rustic, wilderness, Yogi Bear theme.
Cabin and camping trailers are available for rent. There are a number of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts scattered throughout the Midwest. The chain of resorts was originally founded in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin in 1969, and today, each location is run as a franchise.
Brown County State Park
Phone: 812-988-6406
Address: 1801 Indiana 46 East, Nashville, IN 47448
Activities:
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Park Events: Smokey Safety Day, Snake Fest, Nature Fest, Brown County Survivor, Wildflower Meadow Workday, Sunset Nature Ride, Halloween in the Hills
- Dining facilities
- Conference facilities
- Indoor Water Park
- Hiking
- Mountain biking trails
- Interpretive services
- Saddle barn/guided horse rides
- Horse trails
This campground features a historic covered bridge and amazing natural scenery that is especially awesome in the fall months.
The campground is surrounded by 16,000 acres of rugged wilderness, full of hills, ridges, and ravines; this is one of the most beautiful glacial parks in the United States. Nearby, the Town of Nashville, Indiana supplies unique shopping experiences, dining locations, local arts and crafts, historical activities, entertainment venues, and various outdoor exploration and adventure activities.
The campground at Brown County State Park supports TV, trailer, tend, and equestrian camping. There is also a lodge in the park that offers motel rooms and cabins for rent.
Potato Creek State Park
Phone: 574-656-8186
Address: 25601 IN-4, North Liberty, IN 46554
Activities:
- Park Events: Help Feed the Birds, Yoga on the Beach, Women’s Learn to Kayak Fish, Osprey Observation, Cemetery Tour, Eagle Hike, Hike the Bluebird Trail, Owl Prowl, Worster Lake Evening Paddle Adventure, and Star Party
- Worster Lake
- Nature observation and center
- Biking trails
- Boat launch
- Horse trails
- Fish cleaning station
- Playground
- Canoe, paddleboat, rowboat, kayak, and bicycle rentals
- Swimming beach
- On-site store
Potato Creek is located in north-central Indiana and offers activities year-round. Natural scenery includes 327 acres of lake, old fields, woods, prairies, and wetlands. The nearest major city is South Bend, which is 12 miles away.
This campground features nicely decorated cabins, horse camping, and electric sites. Recreation buildings are available for rent. Tent and trailer camping is allowed with reservations recommended.
Supplies and souvenirs can be purchased at the park store from spring thru fall. Potato Creek is the perfect camping destination for anyone who loves horses or wants to bring their own horses on their nature adventure.