The Mount Carmel area offers diverse camping options across eastern Illinois and western Indiana. Sites range from primitive woodland settings to fully developed campgrounds along the Wabash River valley. Most locations sit at elevations between 400-500 feet with seasonal weather patterns bringing warm summers and moderate precipitation. Campgrounds remain accessible year-round but offer different amenities depending on the season.
What to do
Hiking trails year-round: Harmonie State Park Campground has multiple nature paths suitable for all skill levels. A camper noted, "We camped with 3 other families and had adjacent sites that worked perfectly for us, plenty of space for the kids to play, although a little far from the playground. Their hiking trails are nice, at least they were years ago when I camped here as a kid."
Water recreation options: Scales Lake Park provides lake-based activities including swimming with water features. A visitor shared, "There is a boat ramp for fishing boats and kayaks. My husband and I live about ten miles away and we love staying at the campground. We always feel we are off on an adventure when we stay."
Animal interactions: Kids enjoy the small petting zoo at Warrick County Park. According to a recent camper, "There is a small petting zoo at the park and in the morning they let the animals out to feed on the grass. So expect to see them in the campground. Harmless and unique."
What campers like
Spacious natural sites: Miles Landing Campground offers well-spaced sites with woodland surroundings. One reviewer mentioned, "The sites were very spacious and far enough apart that you had room to spread out. The bathrooms were probably the cleanest, nicest shower houses I've seen at a campground."
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently praise the maintenance standards at multiple locations. A guest at Harmonie State Park commented, "This campground is very well kept. There are paved roads the kids can bike on as well as mountain bike trails. Clean showers with hot water. Campsites are spacious."
Seasonal events: Halloween activities draw families during fall months. One camper explained, "We stayed the weekend before Halloween. They had a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot and although there weren't a ton of vehicles, it was definitely enough for the kids to have fun trick or treating. There was also a hayride in the evening for a small fee and that included making smore's at the bonfire."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many facilities have limited schedules. Charley Brown City Park operates from May 15 to November 15, while other parks maintain year-round operations with reduced winter services.
Site organization varies: Some campgrounds have unconventional layouts. One visitor to Scales Lake Park observed, "We had 3 RVs in our group and we camped in one of the 'wagon wheels'. It was a very cool experience. I'm not sure how you could get in or out if all the spots were reserved. It took a collaborative effort when it was time to pull out."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local fauna interactions. A camper noted, "Our only problem was 1 or more raccoons kept coming into our site. We shooed them away but they kept coming back. I'm sure they were just looking for food."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playground options: Warrick County Park Scales Lake Park offers recreation facilities beyond camping. A visitor mentioned, "A very peaceful place to camp with helpful rangers. There was a free petting zoo which was great but the animals seemed very discontented."
Water activities for different ages: Swimming areas accommodate various skill levels. According to a reviewer, "Olympic size pool open during summer-has water slide, diving boards, separate baby pool with shade awning, and concessions."
Bike-friendly environments: Several campgrounds offer safe riding areas. One camper shared, "There are paved roads the kids can bike on as well as mountain bike trails. Very nice swimming pool."
Tips from RVers
Site identification challenges: Some campgrounds have unclear markings. At one location, a camper observed, "The sites are not clearly marked at all, you just kind of pull into the grass somewhere by a power pole. No sewer hookup, but there is a dump station."
Hookup variations: Electric service differs between locations. While yurt camping near Mount Carmel, Illinois isn't widely available, RV sites offer various hookup options. A guest at one park mentioned, "The only thing I wish that would have been better, is the electrical hookups could probably be updated."
Space considerations: Site proximity varies significantly. One camper noted, "Sites were very small and close together. There were several different spots/clusters of camp sites. Some where full hook up, some primitive, some just electric, and all mixed together."
