Waveland is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Waveland is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Waveland and user-submitted reviews.
As Indiana’s second state park, Turkey Run Campground was established in 1916. The story behind its name suggests that local hunters would find herds of wild turkeys gathering in the area’s narrow canyon bottoms—called “runs”—and funnel them out for easy harvesting. The area’s natural history goes back a little father—upwards of 600 million years. It was around this time that the sandstone and coal deposits seen in the park were being formed and compacted in a vast, swampy plain. Fast-forward several million years, and Ice Age meltwaters cut and scoured the creeks, canyons, and potholes seen today. Some of the glacial erratics (boulders) seen in the park are actually pieces of bedrock that were transported from as far north as Canada. Visitors to Turkey Run can explore these unique canyons, enjoy the park’s natural scenery, fish and paddle in Sugar Creek, and see several historic sites.
Located 10 miles north of Rockville, and 70 miles west of Indianapolis, Turkey Run State Park is year-round nature and recreation area covering nearly 2,400 acres along Sugar Creek. The campground at Turkey Run features more than 200 tent and RV sites with electrical hookups, picnic tables and fire pits with cooking grills; some sites are ADA accessible. Most sites are back-in and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 45 feet; a few pull-throughs can accommodate larger. All sites have access to drinking water, flush and vault restrooms, and showers; two dump stations are available onsite. There are also two primitive tent camping areas for youth groups, several cabins for rent, and the historic Turkey Run Inn, which offers 61 lodge rooms, a dining room, and meeting spaces. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed. Campsites raters are $23–$33/night; other accommodations range from $67–$110/night; reservations accepted.
Besides exploring Turkey Run’s canyon runs, the park offers a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and sports courts. The park’s nature center showcases a variety of exhibits and interactive activities to educate visitors about the park’s geology, flora and fauna. Park naturalists offer guided hikes and nature walks, animal talks and campfire programs. Swimming is not permitted in Sugar Creek, but anglers can fish for bass and bluegill, and paddlers can head out in canoes and kayaks. Swimmers are invited to enjoy the park’s Olympic-sized swimming pool for cooling off during the warmer months. The park also offers hayrides and guided horseback rides. For a blast from the past, visitors can also tour the historic Lusk Home. Built in 1841, this restored European home displays a lifestyle from a bygone era. Watch out for the resident raccoons.
Native forest and large rock outcrops line the upper part of Big Raccoon Creek. Cecil M. Harden Lake resulted from the damming of the creek for flood control. Raccoon Lake Camping also provides recreation, wildlife management and economic benefits. A variety of fish, flora and fauna can be viewed at the property.
Nearby Historic Mansfield Roller Mill is a preserved, working example of industrialization in Indiana at the turn of the 20th century. This 1880s flour mill uses machinery from that time to show visitors how flour and cornmeal were processed from wheat and corn. It is an almost complete and unchanged example of flour mills from this time period.
Camping:
-Electric / 240 sites
-Non-electric / 37 sites
-Primitive / 35 sites
-Youth Tent Areas
-Camp Store
-Dumping Station
If you’re looking for the perfect camping destination to tell spooky stories around the campfire, Shades State Park is the place to do it. Just 16 miles southwest of Crawfordsville, the area’s original name was Shades of Death. This harkens to some of the grizzly legends from early settlement years that originated under the area’s dark and foreboding forests. In the late 1800s, a health resort named “The Shades” was built on the site, taking advantage of the many natural springs in the area. Today, Shades State Park offers a pleasant and serene outdoor getaway among 3,000 acres of beech and oak woods and sandstone ravines, where Sugar Creek flows through and spills over small waterfalls.
Open from April through October, the campground in Shades State Park offers 105 drive-in campsites, 7 hike-in sites, and 10 boat-in sites. The main sites are equipped with tent spaces, picnic tables and fire rings, and can accommodate trailers and RVs up to 55 feet. Hookups are not available in this park, but there is a dump station. A limited number of sites are ADA accessible. Facilities in the campground include drinking water, flush restrooms, hot showers, picnic areas and playgrounds, and sports fields. An amphitheater hosts seasonal nature programs, and ice and firewood are available to purchase onsite. Campsite rates range from $10–$24/night; hike-in and boat-in sites are first-come, first-serve.
For exploring the area, more than 10 miles of hiking trails are available for exploring the Shades’ woods, waterways and canyons. Take a short, easy stroll along Red Fox Ravine, or more moderate hikes around Devil’s Punchbowl and Silver Cascade Falls. For more adventure, hike into the adjacent Pine Hills Nature Preserve on the east side of the park. Or, for a fun nighttime alternative, take a guided, full-moon hike with one of the park’s naturalists. Swimming and wading in Sugar Creek is not permitted, but you can cast a line for bass and bluegill, or visit one of the canoe outfitters outside the park to take a float down the creek.
$12 / night
Welcome to Rockville Lake County Park, a gem nestled near Rockville, Indiana. This campground is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a mix of tent, RV, cabin, and even glamping accommodations. The park is open from late March to the end of October, making it a perfect spot for spring blooms and fall foliage.
One of the standout features here is the full hookup sites, which include water, electric, and sewer connections. If you're planning to stay in one of these spots, make sure to bring extensions for your water and electric lines, as some sites share these amenities. The campground also boasts modern facilities, including clean restrooms and showers, which visitors have praised for their upkeep.
Fishing enthusiasts will love the busy fishing lake, and there's a beach area that's perfect for a relaxing day by the water. If you're into disc golf, you're in for a treat—there's an 18-hole course that winds through the woods and ravines, starting near the primitive sites close to the beach. Don't forget to grab a map at the gatehouse.
For families, there are multiple playgrounds scattered throughout the campground, ensuring the little ones have plenty to do. The park staff are known for being friendly and helpful, adding to the overall positive experience.
Whether you're here for the fishing, the trails, or just to unwind, Rockville Lake County Park offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of amenities to make your stay comfortable. So pack your bags, bring your fishing gear, and get ready to enjoy some quality time in nature.
$25 / night
Welcome to Crawfordsville KOA, a charming campground nestled near Crawfordsville, Indiana. This place is perfect for a quick stopover or a longer stay, offering a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. The campground is open all year, so you can enjoy it no matter the season.
One of the standout features here is the beautiful landscaping and ample shade, making it a pleasant spot to relax. The sites are a mix of gravel and grassy areas, and many are well-shaded, which is great for those hot summer days. Full hookups are available, and there's a sanitary dump station for your convenience.
Families will appreciate the basic but functional playground and the fenced-in area where dogs can run off-leash. There's also a pool to cool off in, which is always a hit with the kids. If you're traveling with a big rig, you'll find the sites spacious and easy to navigate.
The campground is conveniently located less than a minute off I-74, making it an easy stop for travelers. It's also close to town, so you can quickly get to restaurants and stores for any supplies you might need. The on-site store stocks basic dry goods and merchandise, though you'll want to bring your own ice and sodas.
Visitors have praised the friendly and helpful staff, who go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable. Whether you're here for a night or a few days, Crawfordsville KOA offers a peaceful and well-maintained environment to unwind. So, pack your bags, bring your pets, and enjoy a stay at this lovely campground.
$30 - $45 / night
$25 - $40 / night
Welcome to Lieber State Recreation Area, a gem for campers looking for a mix of relaxation and activities. Nestled near Cloverdale, IN, this campground offers a great escape with plenty to keep you busy. The campground is open year-round and caters to both tent and RV campers, making it a versatile spot for all kinds of adventurers.
One of the standout features here is the large pool, complete with a slide and an attached playground. It's a hit with families, especially since the pool area includes a sand-filled soccer pitch and green space. The pool does take a break every hour, but there's a concession stand that accepts credit cards, so you can grab a snack while you wait.
For those who enjoy a bit of socializing, the campground has a friendly vibe. Visitors have noted that it's a very social place, but it quiets down nicely after dark, making it perfect for a peaceful evening under the stars. The sites at Poplar Grove are particularly praised for their spaciousness and the variety of activities available, including a beach area that's great for a summer day.
If you're into hiking, there are some nature trails to explore, though the options are somewhat limited. However, the nearby Cataract Falls and Cagles Mill Lake offer beautiful scenery and additional activities like boating and fishing. The lake is a popular spot for pleasure boating and sport fishing, adding another layer of fun to your stay.
Amenities include electric hookups, drinking water, showers, and toilets. Pets are welcome, and there's a camp store for basic supplies, though it has a limited selection. Firewood is available, and campfires are allowed, so you can enjoy a classic camping experience.
Overall, Lieber State Recreation Area is a fantastic spot for families and anyone looking to enjoy a mix of relaxation and outdoor activities. Whether you're here for the pool, the trails, or just to unwind, you're in for a good time.
$16 - $32 / night
$22 - $120 / night
As Indiana’s second state park, Turkey Run Campground was established in 1916. The story behind its name suggests that local hunters would find herds of wild turkeys gathering in the area’s narrow canyon bottoms—called “runs”—and funnel them out for easy harvesting. The area’s natural history goes back a little father—upwards of 600 million years. It was around this time that the sandstone and coal deposits seen in the park were being formed and compacted in a vast, swampy plain. Fast-forward several million years, and Ice Age meltwaters cut and scoured the creeks, canyons, and potholes seen today. Some of the glacial erratics (boulders) seen in the park are actually pieces of bedrock that were transported from as far north as Canada. Visitors to Turkey Run can explore these unique canyons, enjoy the park’s natural scenery, fish and paddle in Sugar Creek, and see several historic sites.
Located 10 miles north of Rockville, and 70 miles west of Indianapolis, Turkey Run State Park is year-round nature and recreation area covering nearly 2,400 acres along Sugar Creek. The campground at Turkey Run features more than 200 tent and RV sites with electrical hookups, picnic tables and fire pits with cooking grills; some sites are ADA accessible. Most sites are back-in and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 45 feet; a few pull-throughs can accommodate larger. All sites have access to drinking water, flush and vault restrooms, and showers; two dump stations are available onsite. There are also two primitive tent camping areas for youth groups, several cabins for rent, and the historic Turkey Run Inn, which offers 61 lodge rooms, a dining room, and meeting spaces. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed. Campsites raters are $23–$33/night; other accommodations range from $67–$110/night; reservations accepted.
Besides exploring Turkey Run’s canyon runs, the park offers a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and sports courts. The park’s nature center showcases a variety of exhibits and interactive activities to educate visitors about the park’s geology, flora and fauna. Park naturalists offer guided hikes and nature walks, animal talks and campfire programs. Swimming is not permitted in Sugar Creek, but anglers can fish for bass and bluegill, and paddlers can head out in canoes and kayaks. Swimmers are invited to enjoy the park’s Olympic-sized swimming pool for cooling off during the warmer months. The park also offers hayrides and guided horseback rides. For a blast from the past, visitors can also tour the historic Lusk Home. Built in 1841, this restored European home displays a lifestyle from a bygone era. Watch out for the resident raccoons.
Native forest and large rock outcrops line the upper part of Big Raccoon Creek. Cecil M. Harden Lake resulted from the damming of the creek for flood control. Raccoon Lake Camping also provides recreation, wildlife management and economic benefits. A variety of fish, flora and fauna can be viewed at the property.
Nearby Historic Mansfield Roller Mill is a preserved, working example of industrialization in Indiana at the turn of the 20th century. This 1880s flour mill uses machinery from that time to show visitors how flour and cornmeal were processed from wheat and corn. It is an almost complete and unchanged example of flour mills from this time period.
Camping:
-Electric / 240 sites
-Non-electric / 37 sites
-Primitive / 35 sites
-Youth Tent Areas
-Camp Store
-Dumping Station
If you’re looking for the perfect camping destination to tell spooky stories around the campfire, Shades State Park is the place to do it. Just 16 miles southwest of Crawfordsville, the area’s original name was Shades of Death. This harkens to some of the grizzly legends from early settlement years that originated under the area’s dark and foreboding forests. In the late 1800s, a health resort named “The Shades” was built on the site, taking advantage of the many natural springs in the area. Today, Shades State Park offers a pleasant and serene outdoor getaway among 3,000 acres of beech and oak woods and sandstone ravines, where Sugar Creek flows through and spills over small waterfalls.
Open from April through October, the campground in Shades State Park offers 105 drive-in campsites, 7 hike-in sites, and 10 boat-in sites. The main sites are equipped with tent spaces, picnic tables and fire rings, and can accommodate trailers and RVs up to 55 feet. Hookups are not available in this park, but there is a dump station. A limited number of sites are ADA accessible. Facilities in the campground include drinking water, flush restrooms, hot showers, picnic areas and playgrounds, and sports fields. An amphitheater hosts seasonal nature programs, and ice and firewood are available to purchase onsite. Campsite rates range from $10–$24/night; hike-in and boat-in sites are first-come, first-serve.
For exploring the area, more than 10 miles of hiking trails are available for exploring the Shades’ woods, waterways and canyons. Take a short, easy stroll along Red Fox Ravine, or more moderate hikes around Devil’s Punchbowl and Silver Cascade Falls. For more adventure, hike into the adjacent Pine Hills Nature Preserve on the east side of the park. Or, for a fun nighttime alternative, take a guided, full-moon hike with one of the park’s naturalists. Swimming and wading in Sugar Creek is not permitted, but you can cast a line for bass and bluegill, or visit one of the canoe outfitters outside the park to take a float down the creek.
$12 / night
Welcome to Rockville Lake County Park, a gem nestled near Rockville, Indiana. This campground is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a mix of tent, RV, cabin, and even glamping accommodations. The park is open from late March to the end of October, making it a perfect spot for spring blooms and fall foliage.
One of the standout features here is the full hookup sites, which include water, electric, and sewer connections. If you're planning to stay in one of these spots, make sure to bring extensions for your water and electric lines, as some sites share these amenities. The campground also boasts modern facilities, including clean restrooms and showers, which visitors have praised for their upkeep.
Fishing enthusiasts will love the busy fishing lake, and there's a beach area that's perfect for a relaxing day by the water. If you're into disc golf, you're in for a treat—there's an 18-hole course that winds through the woods and ravines, starting near the primitive sites close to the beach. Don't forget to grab a map at the gatehouse.
For families, there are multiple playgrounds scattered throughout the campground, ensuring the little ones have plenty to do. The park staff are known for being friendly and helpful, adding to the overall positive experience.
Whether you're here for the fishing, the trails, or just to unwind, Rockville Lake County Park offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of amenities to make your stay comfortable. So pack your bags, bring your fishing gear, and get ready to enjoy some quality time in nature.
$25 / night
Welcome to Crawfordsville KOA, a charming campground nestled near Crawfordsville, Indiana. This place is perfect for a quick stopover or a longer stay, offering a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. The campground is open all year, so you can enjoy it no matter the season.
One of the standout features here is the beautiful landscaping and ample shade, making it a pleasant spot to relax. The sites are a mix of gravel and grassy areas, and many are well-shaded, which is great for those hot summer days. Full hookups are available, and there's a sanitary dump station for your convenience.
Families will appreciate the basic but functional playground and the fenced-in area where dogs can run off-leash. There's also a pool to cool off in, which is always a hit with the kids. If you're traveling with a big rig, you'll find the sites spacious and easy to navigate.
The campground is conveniently located less than a minute off I-74, making it an easy stop for travelers. It's also close to town, so you can quickly get to restaurants and stores for any supplies you might need. The on-site store stocks basic dry goods and merchandise, though you'll want to bring your own ice and sodas.
Visitors have praised the friendly and helpful staff, who go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable. Whether you're here for a night or a few days, Crawfordsville KOA offers a peaceful and well-maintained environment to unwind. So, pack your bags, bring your pets, and enjoy a stay at this lovely campground.
$30 - $45 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Waveland, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Waveland, IN is Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 66 reviews.
What parks are near Waveland, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Waveland, IN that allow camping, notably Hoosier National Forest and Lake Shelbyville.
