Within Jackson-Washington State Forest, Starve Hollow State Recreation Area Campground provides both lakeside electric sites and full-hookup camping on 280 acres adjacent to the 18,000-acre state forest. The campground divides into two distinct sections: 43 electric-only sites along Starve Hollow Lake's shoreline and 53 full-hookup sites set back from the water in a more wooded area.
The lakeside electric sites cluster closely together, each offering direct lake views and access. Cynthia K. notes "all 43 are close to each other" with "water spigots scattered throughout the campground." Sites 30-34 receive frequent mentions for their combination of lake views, shade, and water access. The full-hookup section provides more spacious sites with grass surfaces, though reviewers consistently describe it as less scenic than the waterfront area.
Starve Hollow Lake allows only electric trolling motors, making it suitable for quiet fishing and paddling. The recreation area rents kayaks, canoes, and rowboats from mid-April through October, though several campers recommend arriving at the office by 8 AM for rentals. A large swimming beach operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, complete with concessions and changing facilities. Eleven miles of hiking and mountain biking trails extend into the adjacent state forest, with trailheads accessible from the campground.
Reviewers note algae issues on the lake during warmer months, and the beach area can become muddy and shallow. The modern bathhouses receive mixed reviews for cleanliness, typical of state facilities. Sites fill quickly during peak season, particularly the lakefront spots. Campgrounds around Vallonia provide additional options for visitors to the area. The campground operates year-round with rates ranging from $33-52 per night, and reservations are available through the Indiana state park system.
Description
Starve-Hollow State Recreation Area encompasses approximately 280 acres including a scenic 145 acre lake where wildlife is bountiful including regular bald eagle sightings. Some of the best camping in southern Indiana can be found here with 90 electric camp sites some of which are right on the lake shore, 55 full hookup sites and multiple rent-a-camp cabins as well. Firewood is sold on the property for campers' convenience, and concessions are also available on weekends at the boat rental facility during the summer season. Carved out of the 18,000 acre Jackson-Washington State Forest, it provides an array of recreational opportunities such as fishing, boat & canoe rental, swimming on the large sandy beach, or learning about conservation at the Nature Center. Other recreational facilities available on the property include basketball, horseshoes, playgrounds, shelter houses, softball field, fish cleaning station, fishing docks and 3 boat ramps. For the more avid outdoor enthusiast, hiking and mountain biking on nearby trails are also available. Hunting can be done during various seasons by accessing nearby Jackson -Washington State Forest.
Must be 18 years of age or older to register for a campsite or book a reservation. Up to six people per site, 1 main camping unit with 1 additional tent, and 1 dining unit permitted per site, subject to the Property Manager's discretion and a 2 car per site maximum. Leasing or sub-leasing campsites or equipment on a site is prohibited. Quiet hours are daily 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Check-in/check-out time is 2:00 p.m. Monday proximity Spring Mill State Park 36 miles, Brown County State Park 44 miles, Hardy Lake 29 miles, Monroe Reservoir 35 miles, Louisville, Ky. 55 miles, Indianapolis 75 miles, Bloomington 50 miles, and Cincinnati, Ohio 135 miles.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Found in lakes year-round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsStarve Hollow State Rec Area Campground is located in Indiana near Vallonia
Directions
FROM THE NORTH: I-65 SOUTH TO US 50. TAKE US 50 WEST TO BROWNSTOWN, TURN SOUTH ON STATE ROAD 135 FOR 4 MILES TO VALLONIA. TURN LEFT AT THE SIGN. FROM THE SOUTH: I-65 NORTH TO US 50. TAKE US WEST TO BROWNSTOWN, TURN SOUTH ON STATE ROAD 135 FOR 4 MILES TO VALLONIA. TURN LEFT AT SIGN.
Address
4345 South CR. 275 West
Vallonia, IN 47281
Coordinates
38.81665051 N
86.07855875 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/30/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/30/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/30/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/30/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 44 min from Columbus, IN
- 56 min from Bloomington, IN
- 1 hr 7 min from Louisville, KY
- 1 hr 15 min from Indianapolis, IN











































