Glamping near Avoca, Indiana offers upscale outdoor experiences within the region's mixed deciduous forests at elevations ranging from 500-800 feet. Most luxury camping options are positioned between the three major water bodies: Lake Monroe, Lake Lemon, and Yellowwood Lake. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making the prime glamping season April through October with autumn being the most sought-after time.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Ransburg Scout Reservation provides direct access to Monroe Lake's varied fishing opportunities. "Located on Monroe lake, they have canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing. Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails," explains one visitor who stayed at Ransburg Scout Reservation.
Mountain biking trails: The Brown County area contains over 30 miles of dedicated mountain biking trails ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty levels. A camper who visited eXplore Brown County mentioned, "About three years transpired between visits and they have added a lot of new features since my original visit. I haven't stayed here but they ha e some interesting retro campers set up for rent."
Frisbee golf course: Located just minutes from several glamping sites, the Brown County frisbee golf course offers a less strenuous outdoor activity option. A Hoosiers On The Ridge camper noted, "We loved this spot in Brown County. Far enough away from town to be peaceful but close enough to be convenient. We were able to make it to Lake Lemon quickly as well as Bloomington and downtown beautiful Nashville!"
What campers like
Quiet woodland settings: Many luxury camping sites offer secluded spots away from crowded campgrounds. At Morgan-Monroe State Forest, a visitor observed, "When tent camping and want something quiet and a place with great trails, this is a good place to go. Even though it's hot outside today, there's lots of shade and a breeze."
Swimming options: Several glamping sites feature swimming facilities for cooling off during summer months. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area provides "A large beach available for swimming from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Restrooms, dressing facilities, showers, and food concessions are available to visitors."
Kid-friendly amenities: Family-oriented glamping sites include dedicated children's activity areas. According to a camper at Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe, "Great Park! Great splash pad and pools lots to do for the kiddos! Great trails to hike, friendly staff!"
What you should know
Seasonal popularity: Fall is the busiest season for glamping near Avoca with most sites filling months in advance due to autumn colors. A visitor to Brown County-Nashville KOA warned, "If coming from the north-west, try to arrive before dark as the road over the hills to this place is beautiful, but narrow and forested with some trees very close to the roadway."
Varying site quality: Not all glamping sites are created equal, even within the same property. One camper noted about Brown County-Nashville KOA, "It's small, clean and owners are very friendly and helpful but one stretch of sites (where we were) is tight, short and cramped."
Noise levels: Some glamping facilities host activities that can create noise issues. A visitor to eXplore Brown County shared, "This is the campground for bringing your battery powered hammock string lights and bluetooth speakers to play Glass Animals or Boy Harsher at a reasonable volume."
Tips for camping with families
Splash pads and water play: The water features at Yogi Bears at Lake Monroe are particularly popular with younger children. A visitor remarked, "It is definitely for kids. They have a huge splash park, wading pool for toddlers, and a 4 foot pool besides tons of interactive activities for kids."
Age-appropriate activities: Different glamping sites cater to specific age ranges. According to a camper at Yogi Bears, "Nice family campground overall, but really geared toward the 8 and under crowd. The splash park was fun, even for the teen kids, but the pool was tiny and shallow and disappointing."
Pack for weather changes: The Indiana climate can shift quickly, especially in spring and fall. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area visitors recommended preparing for temperature swings: "Starve Hollow offers camping from full hookup, electric only (by the lake), tent camping, and cabins. The lake has a swimming area (no lifeguards), playgrounds, and bathhouse."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Many glamping facilities can accommodate RVs, but size restrictions apply. At Lake Monroe Village, a longtime visitor reported, "We keep our camper here full-time. Close to Lake Monroe. Nice pool. Great people."
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant leveling equipment. A camper at Yogi Bears mentioned, "Had a back in gravel site that was difficult to back into and sloped back. I had to nearly lower my tongue to the ground to get it level."
Hookup placement: Utility connections aren't always ideally positioned. One RVer noted, "Whereas power and water were reasonably placed, the sewer was setup in a manner that waste water had to flow uphill."
