Campgrounds surrounding Beech Grove, Indiana range from small one-site operations to expansive facilities with hundreds of campsites. The region sits at approximately 800 feet above sea level within the Central Till Plain physiographic region, characterized by gently rolling terrain formed by glacial deposits. Most camping options remain open from April through October, though several sites near Beech Grove offer year-round camping with varying levels of winter services.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Indy Lakes Campground, anglers can enjoy multiple fishing ponds, though non-fishers should note restrictions. According to a camper: "The 'lakes' are more like ponds but you have to stay away so the anglers get the water."
Hiking trails: White River Campground provides access to extensive trail networks. One visitor notes: "Park next door is great for hiking, has walk bridge over river to trails, horse backing riding, high ropes course."
Water recreation: Hidden Paradise Campground offers unique water activities beyond typical camping. A visitor reports: "A quarry full to swim with an aqua playground, with use of free life preservers, a creek to kayak or float and a clean campground!"
Children's activities: S and H Campground features numerous play options for families. As one camper shares: "They have a little section full of carnival like rides. Several playgrounds! Campground big and spacious."
What campers like
Full hookup convenience: Many campsites near Beech Grove provide complete utility connections. A visitor to Indianapolis KOA reports: "Everything you would expect from a KOA: clean, easy in-and-out, all the amenities. We stayed two nights during the week, but it was spring break, and the campground was still quiet and orderly."
Proximity to downtown: Several campgrounds offer convenient access to Indianapolis. One visitor to Indianapolis KOA states: "Used this campground as a home base to visit downtown Indy. 20 minutes to downtown attractions."
Clean facilities: Lake Haven Retreat receives praise for well-maintained facilities. A camper notes: "This place is pretty awesome. The laundry and bathhouse is really stellar too. Clean and open 24/7. Plenty of washers and dryers."
Level sites: Quality camping spots with solid foundations make setup easier. A recent visitor to Lake Haven Retreat observed: "The sites were all nice and level with a crushed stone base. Our site had a nice grass lawn near the water."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Beech Grove require advance booking, especially during summer weekends and fall color season. Sites fill quickly at popular locations.
Traffic noise levels: Several campgrounds sit near highways or busy roads. A visitor to Indy Lakes noted: "You hear all the traffic noise plus gunshots or blasts from somewhere nearby."
Campfire restrictions: Some facilities limit or prohibit open fires. At Indiana State Fairgrounds Campground, fires aren't allowed according to the amenities list.
Navigation challenges: Finding some campgrounds can be difficult, especially after dark. A visitor to Hidden Paradise Campground advised: "While the campground sign can be seen from the main road on the way in- it all disappears in the dark after you turn onto the road. It needs to be marked better."
Tips for camping with families
Water features: Children enjoy the splash areas at Indianapolis KOA. One visitor reports: "The splash pad/water park was fun, but was not a pool. It only goes to 3 feet so if you want to swim this is not for you. The water was cold but my kiddos finally got in and had fun on the slides."
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds offer wildlife or farm animal interactions. According to one family at Indianapolis KOA: "Our favorite part is visiting with Fred and Rain, the friendly onsite horses who are always ready for head rubs and snacks."
Entertainment options: Johnson County Park provides numerous recreational facilities. A visitor notes: "The park is 622 acres that include two campgrounds, approximately 5 miles of hiking trails, equestrian school, 18 hole disc golf course, shelter houses, amphitheater, lakes, fishing and more."
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. One camper observed about S and H Campground: "Great space for the kiddos. There is a pool which looked clean and well maintained."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose locations carefully based on your needs. An RVer at Lake Haven Retreat recommended: "Easy back-ins and pull-thrus. Think some of the pull-thrus are for group camping too the way it's set up."
Space considerations: Some campgrounds offer more room than others. An RVer at Indianapolis KOA shared: "Sites are spacious and level. There is everything to love about this location!"
Utility reliability: Power supply quality varies between campgrounds. A visitor to Johnson County Park noted: "The power and water pressure was just fine. The campsite was muddy and needed maintenance. Let's just say it was 'Rustic'."
Big rig access: Larger RVs may struggle at some locations. One RVer at Hidden Paradise Campground reported: "Sites are large and easy to maneuver our 42' 5th wheel. Our site had full hookup, flat ground so easy setup."
