Water recreation opportunities in the Johnsonville area extend beyond the lakes into multiple river systems. Situated near both the Wabash and Little Wabash Rivers, campgrounds near Johnsonville provide access to diverse water activities throughout the spring to fall camping season. Weather conditions in this region can fluctuate dramatically, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F and occasional flooding affecting campground accessibility in spring.
What to do
Hiking through wooded terrain: Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area offers multiple hiking trails including a main trail connecting the campground to the marina. "Main trail was nice but could be better marked. Lost our way a few times but still a good hike," notes one visitor. The park also features minimal cell service, making it ideal for disconnecting from technology.
Fishing across multiple waterways: Gun Creek Campground provides access to Rend Lake with numerous fishing spots. "Gun Creek has many sites for all campers. For cheap you get a simple site with electric or for not too much more there are sites with water and sewage dump," mentions one reviewer who visits regularly for fishing. The campground includes a boat launch and dedicated boat parking area.
Water recreation beyond swimming: Harmonie State Park Campground offers boating access to the Wabash River via a dedicated boat ramp. The park features an Olympic-sized swimming pool with water slides, diving boards, and a separate shaded baby pool during summer months. "Great all around campground. Nice clean campground. Most sites are pretty large. Nice pool with water slide," reports a visitor.
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area provides spacious campsites with good separation. "Absolutely huge site with old growth trees throughout the campground without lots of space between," shares one camper. The campground includes waterfront sites with lake views and short trails leading directly to the water.
Access to provisions: Okaw Valley Kampground offers convenient proximity to nearby towns. "Small campground that offers a playground, bathhouse, hiking trails, and a small swimming area. There is easy access walking down to the marina. With small towns close to this state park," explains a camper. Many Johnsonville-area campgrounds are within 10-15 minutes of stores for supplies.
Seasonal events: Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park hosts seasonal activities throughout the year. The park's abundant wildlife provides nature viewing opportunities right from campsites. "Never been to a CG with such abundant wildlife! Can sit at your spot and watch deer throughout the day," mentions one visitor. Several campgrounds offer Halloween events with decorating contests and trick-or-treating.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Most state parks in the Johnsonville area use a mix of reservation and first-come systems. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground operates on a unique system: "Basically people show up and throw a cooler or tent onto a site to claim it and then leave. They have to pay for the spot by 8pm. And people can stay as long as they want as long as they pay for the next day by then."
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds feature sloping sites that can complicate vehicle leveling. "Lots of interstate noise. Many sites are very off level. CHECK carefully," warns a camper about Wayne Fitzgerrell. Similarly, at Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground: "Some sites do have steep grade, originally booked Bluejay 48 and moved."
Facility condition fluctuates: Bathhouse and restroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds and seasons. At Sam Dale Lake, "There are no restrooms, only pit toilets, so obviously no showers." Budget constraints also impact maintenance: "Swim beach is not well maintained due to the budget but also doesn't cost anything since they can't pay anyone to man the gate."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Charley Brown City Park offers family-friendly camping with playground areas nearby. The park features spacious grassy sites with fire rings and picnic tables. One visitor mentioned, "We were really looking forward to this camp out but it didn't deliver. The sites are not clearly marked at all, you just kind of pull into the grass somewhere by a power pole."
Pool access during summer: Several campgrounds feature swimming pools for families. Eldon Hazlet provides "a nice large zero entry pool for a $5 fee on weekends." Harmonie State Park offers an "Olympic size pool open during summer-has water slide, diving boards, separate baby pool with shade awning, and concessions."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds provide nature encounters for children. "There are lots of squirrels for the dogs to chase and lots of wood in & around the campground," notes a visitor to Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park visitors report consistently seeing deer throughout the day right from campsites.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Archway RV Park offers full hookups for RVs with 50-amp service. "Sites are nice, although all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front. Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter," advises one RVer.
Water supply considerations: Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground provides electric-only hookups at many sites. "Campsites are electric only, so you need to fill your water tank before parking," notes one RV camper. The campground does offer a water hookup station for refilling tanks as needed.
Pull-through accessibility: Okaw Valley Kampground features long, narrow pull-through sites for larger rigs. "Small park but very long, narrow pull through sites on the full hook up side, there were some smaller water/electric sites that looked to be more of a parking lot that sites, but well spaced out and adequate," explains a reviewer who appreciates the easy access.
