Anderson, Indiana camping areas combine lakeside recreation with historic sites and hiking opportunities. Most campgrounds open year-round, though some amenities close during winter months. Campsites range from gravel pads with full hookups to primitive tent spots, with access to fishing, boating, and nearby trail systems that connect to the White River.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: At Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort, visitors can enjoy lakefront recreation close to Indianapolis. "This was really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children's museum. The lake is fabulous," notes one camper, though they mention fish were difficult to catch.
Explore Native American earthworks: Mounds State Park Campground offers educational opportunities with historical significance. "The hikes around the mounds and park are well laid out and the boardwalk is very interesting. Spray on an extra layer of bug juice because they are thick," advises one visitor who found the park ideal for homeschooling field trips.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water recreation beyond the beach at Mounds State Park. At Timberline Family Campground, campers appreciate the swimming pool, with one reviewer noting they "Love playing in the river" at nearby water access points.
What campers like
Clean facilities: White River Campground consistently receives praise for its maintenance. "Very clean and efficient bathrooms. I especially like the roomy sites," mentions one camper. Another adds, "White river campground is not a huge place, but it is always clean and very friendly staff."
Spacious campsites: Several campgrounds offer generous site spacing. At Glo Wood Campground, "Our spot, like all around us was very long and nice, wide space between campers. We camped with a 38 foot travel trailer and a 20 foot Ford F250, and still had room."
Recreational trails: Trail systems for hiking and biking are popular throughout the Anderson area. "This is a great campsite attached to a wonderful park with great trails," notes a White River Campground visitor, while Summit Lake State Park offers "several trails around a beautiful lake" with opportunities for scenic photographs.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Weather impacts camping conditions throughout the year. At Summit Lake State Park Campground, "We stayed before the peak season opened up. Potable water was available at the entrance but was not on yet in the campground itself."
Airport noise: Several campgrounds are located near small airfields. "It is right next to a small craft airfield so it can get noisy at times and there is little wind protection," notes one Mounds State Park camper. Another mentions, "The campground is right next to a local airport. Not terrible, but can be noisy. Can also be entertaining!"
Train tracks: Railroad noise affects some campgrounds. At Mounds State Park, a visitor reports "a rail line pretty close that woke us up couple times a night," though another camper notes "the noise is not bothersome."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Muncie RV Resort provides family-friendly facilities. "This a a very quiet, clean campground. They directed us to our side and the staff was very friendly. Although we didn't use it, the beach looked nice and a good play set for the kits."
Swimming opportunities: Multiple water recreation options exist for families. "The park is clean and quiet. Staff is very nice and accommodating," reports one camper at Muncie RV Resort, while Mounds State Park features "a nice swimming pool" and is described as "a nice park for kids."
Educational value: Historical sites offer learning opportunities. Mounds State Park "has a lot of historical, geographical and natural information to be had. There are programs offered also at the nature center," making it ideal for families interested in educational camping experiences.
Tips for RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds require adjustments for RVs. At Indianapolis KOA, sites are "spacious and level" according to reviews, while other campgrounds may need leveling blocks. One Glo Wood Campground visitor notes their site "needed to raise one side 1 inch."
Water access points: Some campgrounds have shared water hookups. At Mounds State Park, "Water locations could block traffic if camper does not park accurately," which requires careful positioning of your RV.
Maneuverability considerations: Road layout affects larger rigs. A Summit Lake State Park camper notes "I would think a rig more than 31 or 32 feet long would have difficulty maneuvering around the curve at the end of the second loop. We are a 30ft. Fifth wheel and it was pretty tight for us."
