Camping in the Andrews, Indiana area centers around lake recreation and state-managed facilities. Salamonie Lake serves as the primary attraction with Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area offering electric hookups, water access, and both tent and RV sites. The region includes a mix of developed campgrounds like Kilsoquah Camp on J. Edward Roush Lake and more primitive options at Salamonie River State Forest, providing diverse accommodation types from basic tent sites to cabins and glamping opportunities within a 15-mile radius of Andrews.
Seasonal flooding impacts campsite availability, particularly at Salamonie Lake where water levels fluctuate significantly. Most campgrounds operate year-round but experience peak usage from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "Some sites are very close together, while some offer a little more room. Sites 221-243, 202-204 offer lake views," noted one camper regarding Lost Bridge West. Electric sites fill quickly during summer weekends, while primitive areas tend to have better availability even without reservations. Modern restroom facilities exist at most developed campgrounds, though amenities vary considerably between locations. Water access points may close during high water periods or drought conditions.
Waterfront sites receive consistently high ratings from visitors, especially those with direct lake access or views. Several campgrounds feature hiking trails, including Salamonie River State Forest where one visitor remarked, "Even the trails we frequent always seem new because each season offers a different kind of beauty." Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer and eagle sightings, particularly during fall when foliage colors enhance the camping experience. The area balances water recreation with forest experiences, though noise can be an issue at some campgrounds. Salamonie River State Forest offers more secluded camping for those seeking quieter surroundings, with one camper describing it as "cheap, $13 self-pay, no electric or showers but do have bathroom, very secluded." Playgrounds and family-friendly amenities are available at most developed campgrounds, making the area suitable for various camping styles.
$14 - $32 / night
"This is one of the best parks we have been to in Indiana. We Volunteer all over our the USA at State Parks and National Forest. So we know what to look for."
"Sites 221- 243, 202-204 offer lake views. I say VIEWS, not access. Sites 228& 232 have sites with good access to the lake. Scattered throughout the park are sites with 50amp service."
"It was very relaxing and I also enjoyed walking on different paths to enjoy nature as it was. I would highly recommend this campground to anyone. It is also family friended"
"Kil-so-qauh, used to be a little hidden gem right outside of town but has turned into quite a popular place, but for good reason."
$12 - $15 / night
"Some sites around the back are more private than others. There are not trails to hike but some space to bike. Access to the lake is quite a distance from the actual campground."
"We found a cozy camp site along the back ring near the river. We didn’t have a view but there was an area to go walk over to that had a very picturesque."
"If you can get a lake view site enjoy. Some spot are far away from the shower houses but you can drive to them. Nice marina with a great store and boat rentals"
"Nice level lots, beach, playgrounds, 15 miles of hiking/walking. Gorgeous lake sunrise/sunsets. Lots of eagle sightings! Plenty of deer. Leaves are beautiful in fall"
$13 - $15 / night
"As far as Indiana parks goes, this is a hidden gem. We have camped here many times. Even the trails we frequent always seem new because each season offers a different kind of beauty."
$16 - $55 / night
"We went swimming in the lake. We also had fun trying to outsmart the raccoons that lived under the mini cabins. They were everywhere!"
"I have been to 9 other Indiana State parks, this one is in the top half. Great sites and clean. Large clean lake with beach. Lots of trails and many views. Staff is very friendly."
$20 - $25 / night
"Escaped to this little place on the outskirts of Fort Wayne, Indiana and it was absolutely worth it. Everyone was nice including the neighboring campers."
"Campground is located on private property and all of the primitive spots are right on the lake or very close to it. "
$14 - $90 / night
"Met up with 18 other skoolies our first Indiana meet. Met great people had a fantastic time. Great park kids swam, showers are clean. Electric at sites but water isn’t but very close by."
"Chain is perfect for kayaking and canoeing with 9 connected lakes and 11 total. A couple lakes are perfect for boat fishing as long as you have an electric motor only."
ScoutBeen camping here for years. The sites have not changed. They make a fortune every week and dont invest in the leveling of the sites. We are looking elsewhere. By the way, the rates are going up...👎
LegendThe location here is pretty crazy it’s right in the middle of town but feels like a park there is a river and wooded area that makes you feel like you are in nature but you are just a parking lot away from an arena and college. There is a playground and a dog park. Here as well as ball diamonds. This is a great family friendly place but is very very busy during the season.
LegendThis is a decent place. Very close to the event center and auto center where they have alot of big events. Its a gravel lot in the middle of a field but they have all the normal amenities. Even have a pool and propane fills. Alot of the people in here during the winter are people living long-term for seasonal work. Not the best rigs so you wont feel bad if yours isnt new or clean. Strong highway noise but overall a quite place
ScoutPSA, this was my first time camping. EVER. I came here with a few family member to hike and get away from the rat race of life and that's exactly what I got. An awesome 1st time experience. My site was NOT fully shaded and was level, a plus because I slept in my vehicle. Our camp neighbors were friendly. So many people, kids and well behaved dogs. The quiet hours were quiet with exception of the couple loud drunk guys who ended up laying in the road near our sites. I thought it was funny, but my experienced camping family members not so much. Bathroom was clean and stocked. Didn't use the available free showers, next time. Water water everywhere and no mosquitos. Trails were well kept. They do have an enclosed fish cleaning station which looked nice. Everything is within walking distance from your campsite. Boat & kayak rentals are available, but closed after Labor Day. The camp store has everything and anything you would need or need including souvenirs. My late September weekend was cooler than normal, lows in the 40's and highs in the 60's. The campfire smoke that hung in the air like ground fog. Not a deal breaker. I will be back in April 2026. Going to give the cabins a try and do some fishing. I will come back here !
ScoutI loved the management, a beautiful clean Park that focuses on kids safety and Respect and A Good Time. Clean Restrooms and parks and Nice Pool on The Beautiful Wabash River. I suggest Primitive Camping myself👌🤌. Tent and camper camping is a little Too Tight for my taste. Very Nice and Secluded Primitive Camping!
ScoutThis campground has around 500 sites and ONLY ONE BATH HOUSE! It is cramped and is full of long term campers. It is geared toward kids with all kinds of bounce houses, etc. It is listed as a reaort but this is no resort. We paid more than the other sites we have stayed at in this area. So sorry we did but we did have trouble finding places in Indiana.
RangerForest settings, electricity for only $15/night. Lots of traffic in and out. A lot of older rigs.
RangerNo lake view, but nice site. Electric for $15. Lots of traffic in and out though.
ScoutQuiet,kid friendly, fur babies friendly (dogs),nice place, friendly and accommodating staff, fishing and swimming,hot showers and lots of activities in summer 👍
Camping options near Andrews, Indiana range from secluded forest sites to lakeside facilities with varying amenities. The region experiences seasonal temperature fluctuations with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s and winter lows frequently below freezing. Water levels at reservoirs like Salamonie Lake can change by up to 15 feet between seasons, affecting campsite availability and water access points.
Hiking trails: Salamonie River State Forest offers multiple trail systems suitable for various skill levels. "As far as Indiana parks goes, this is a hidden gem. We have camped here many times. Even the trails we frequent always seem new because each season offers a different kind of beauty," notes one regular visitor.
Fishing: Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake provides fishing access with regular eagle sightings. "Good bird watching spot. Lots of eagles. Nice place, there is gunfire noise from the range across the lake. Not bad though," mentions a camper who frequents the area.
Paddling: Several lakes offer kayak and canoe opportunities with rentals available at certain locations. "They have a awesome Mariana ppl are friendly clean showers bathrooms access to lake," reports a visitor to Lost Bridge West.
Privacy in primitive areas: Salamonie River State Forest gets high marks for seclusion. "Cheap, $13 self pay. No electric or showers but do have bathroom. Very secluded luv it here," writes one reviewer who appreciates the quieter camping experience.
Lakefront sites: Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area offers premium water view sites. "Sites 228& 232 have sites with good access to the lake. Scattered throughout the park are sites with 50amp service," notes a camper who documented the best locations.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. "They also have the nicest pit toilets I've ever seen ANYWHERE! They didn't even smell," reported a surprised visitor about the Lost Bridge facilities.
Campsite reservations: Electric sites at popular locations fill quickly during peak season. At Mississinewa Lake Campground, "There are some spots with full hookups. Most are electric only. There are also quite a few spots that are full though so for bigger rigs that is really nice."
Bathhouse locations: Facility distribution varies between campgrounds. "Some spots are far away from the shower houses but you can drive to them," notes a reviewer at Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area.
Seasonal changes: Winter camping offers different experiences. At Mississinewa, one camper observed, "Winter camping so no showers/bathrooms. Great area, lots of wildlife. They have wifi (by the water tower) nice lake, some trails."
Noise factors: Be prepared for sounds from neighboring recreation. "There is a shooting range across the lake so there is gunfire noise from the range across the lake. Not bad though," mentions a Kil-So-Quah visitor.
Playgrounds: Camp Timber Lake offers unique recreation options. "We loved the fact that fur babies are allowed in. However, they are not allowed in the water or near the beach. Next time we will have to try the zip-lines!"
Beach access: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas with varying amenities. "The beach was clean and fun. Not very busy when we were there, which was nice," reported a camper at Lost Bridge West.
Budget-friendly options: State forests offer affordable alternatives to more developed campgrounds. At Salamonie River State Forest, "Small campground. $13. No reservations, but sites seem readily available, even on weekends in the summer. Spacious sites."
Hookup locations: Wabash City RV Park provides basic amenities at a budget price. "I give this three stars not because there's nothing really wrong about it. It's just a grassy parking lot with utilities and a corner grassy knoll with shade. $16/night with electric and water it's worth at least three stars."
Adaptors needed: Electrical pedestals vary between campgrounds. "Our electrical pedestal had no 30amp receptacle. If you have a 30amp plug, bring a 50amp adapter. There are two 20amp outlets available," advises a camper at Wabash City RV Park.
Dump station timing: Plan accordingly for waste disposal. "Double dump station. Stay away from campsites 101& 102- these are right by the dump station," warns a visitor about locations to avoid at Lost Bridge West.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Andrews, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Andrews, IN offers a wide range of camping options, with 67 campgrounds and RV parks near Andrews, IN and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Andrews, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Andrews, IN is Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area Campgrounds — Salamonie Lake with a 4.8-star rating from 11 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Andrews, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Andrews, IN.
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