Camping options near Beech Grove, Indiana range from lakeside sites to river-adjacent properties, with most positioned within 20 miles of the city. The area experiences humid continental climate with summer temperatures frequently reaching 85-90°F, while winter lows can drop to the mid-20s. Several campgrounds maintain extended season availability, with facilities like White River Campground remaining open from April through October.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: White River Campground provides direct access to the White River with a boat launch ramp. "I love this campground. They will deliver firewood for $5, there's a ramp into the river right there, trails, clean," notes one camper.
Swimming activities: At Hidden Paradise Campground, visitors can enjoy both river and quarry swimming. "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! Life is good," shares a reviewer.
Urban exploration: Camp near downtown Indianapolis for easy access to city attractions. "Used this campground as a home base to visit downtown Indy. 20 minutes to downtown attractions," reports a camper about Indianapolis KOA.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers prioritize bathroom cleanliness when selecting campgrounds. "Their bathrooms and showers are the cleanest I've came across," mentions a White River Campground visitor.
Spacious sites: S and H Campground offers room to spread out. "Very nice campground. They have a little section full of carnival like rides. Several playgrounds! Campground big and spacious, highly recommend. Perfect distance from speedway," notes a recent visitor.
Convenient location: Lake Haven Retreat provides proximity to Indianapolis. "This campground is minutes away from Luca Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. For an urban campground, it is better than others. The grounds are clean and the sites aren't too tight," writes one reviewer.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer weekends fill quickly at popular campgrounds, requiring advance reservations. "Fills up fast, so make your reservation. It's small but one of my favorites," cautions a White River Campground camper.
Site variations: Some campgrounds offer different camping experiences within the same property. "They have all different types of sites. Pull through back in. Super deluxe, deluxe, full hook ups etc.," explains a visitor to Indianapolis KOA.
Fire restrictions: Not all campgrounds permit individual campfires. Lake Haven Retreat has a different approach: "Campsites also don't have fire rings but there are a bunch of communal ones around the lake. Plus free communal firewood," notes one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation: Hidden Paradise Campground offers multiple water activities for children. "Great river front sites. Our boys & friends spend most of their time in the river, but also enjoy the quarry lake with inflatables & paddle boats," shares a repeat visitor.
Budget planning: Factor in additional activity costs beyond campsite fees. "The campground was $48 per night. More expensive than any other campground we have been to in more than 12 states. On top of the camping prices you had to pay to swim in the quarry. $10-$15 per day per person," warns a Hidden Paradise camper.
Pet-friendly options: For families traveling with dogs, most campgrounds welcome pets but have specific rules. S and H Campground allows pets but requires owners to clean up after them. "Nobody cleans up after their dogs," noted one camper about their experience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: At Indianapolis KOA, location matters. "Used this campground as a home base to visit downtown Indy. 20 minutes to downtown attractions," shares one RVer.
Utility reliability: Power issues can occur during peak usage. "When everyone started turning on their AC, my surge protector kept kicking due to voltage swings," reports an S and H Campground visitor.
Leveling considerations: Some sites require additional effort to level RVs. "Our site was incredibly uneven," notes a reviewer at S and H Campground.
Navigation challenges: Arriving after dark can complicate finding your site. "Sites are large and easy to maneuver our 42' 5th wheel. Our site had full hookup, flat ground so easy setup. The only cons are - 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," explains a camper at Hidden Paradise.
