The camping sites near Deputy, Indiana offer diverse terrain and year-round access across southern Indiana's rolling hills. Located at elevations between 450-900 feet, this region features limestone outcroppings and hardwood forests that create distinct camping experiences in each season. Most campgrounds maintain accessibility through winter months, though water systems may be shut off from November through March.
What to do
Hiking trails: Starve Hollow State Recreation Area provides approximately 11 miles of hiking paths that extend into Jackson-Washington State Forest. "Starve Hollow offers a great camping experience with accommodations ranging from primitive to full hook-ups and the park is impeccably maintained," notes a reviewer who appreciated the educational center and mountain bike trails.
Fishing opportunities: Hardy Lake State Recreation Area provides prime fishing access with calm waters suitable for beginners. "The Wooster Bay primitive area allows campers to moor their boats overnight. It has a very relaxed atmosphere," mentions one camper who enjoyed the lakeside camping experience.
Swimming and beaches: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas during summer months. "A large beach is available for swimming from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Restrooms, dressing facilities, showers, and food concessions are available to visitors," reports a camper at Starve Hollow.
Wildlife viewing: The raptor rehabilitation program at Hardy Lake provides unique wildlife viewing opportunities. "Don't forget to ask at the main gate if breakfast with the raptors will be happening if you are going to be there on a Saturday morning," suggests one visitor who enjoyed this special program.
What campers like
Lake access: Shale Bluff Campground at Hardy Lake receives high marks for its waterfront locations. "Beautiful lake with geese nesting areas and great fishing opportunities. Calm waters for kayaking," writes one visitor who enjoyed the peaceful water activities.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities. At Muscatatuck Park, a camper noted: "The bathrooms were nice as well. Cannot complain about indoor plumbing! They even have showers if you stayed a long weekend."
Historic surroundings: The camping areas provide access to regional history. At Starve Hollow, a visitor mentioned the "surrounding communities are full of interesting history; the longest existing (460') covered bridge built in 1875, classic round barns, original iron bridges, and the historic Medora Shale Brick Plant (1904) to name a few."
Seasonal beauty: Fall camping receives particular praise. A visitor to Deam Lake noted, "This campground is very family-friendly and fun. There are horse trails, a beach, and great water for swimming/kayaking/canoeing. It is pet friendly as well... Beautiful in the Fall!"
What you should know
Site conditions: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. At Clifty Falls State Park Campground, a visitor noted: "Site 22 was so sloped our red levelers barely made it work. Sore needed gravel, it was mostly sticky dirt that got tracked into our travel trailer immediately after sweeping."
Seasonal limitations: Most park facilities reduce services in winter. "Zero cellular or wifi service so that could be good or bad. Bathrooms aren't heated in the cooler months," reports a Clifty Falls visitor who camped during off-season.
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites book quickly. "We were able to find a great spot to really kick back and chill," mentioned a tent camper at Muscatatuck, but noted that weekends often fill up fast during summer months.
Additional fees: Some parks charge entrance fees beyond camping costs. "If you live outside of Indiana you have to pay a $9 entrance fee on top of the campground reservation fee, which makes for a pricey weekend trip for those on a budget," noted a Clifty Falls visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Madison City Park provides easy access to river activities. "Great place to camp if you like being next to water, amazing views, fast boats, and good food," writes a visitor who enjoyed the location for families.
Nature programs: Educational opportunities enhance family camping trips. At Shale Bluff, "The naturalists hosted a very good talk on raptors, with a guest star, a bald eagle. We will definitely return to kayak and trek the rest of the trails," wrote one visitor.
Playground access: Multiple play areas accommodate children of different ages. A Starve Hollow visitor mentioned, "A wheelchair accessible playground, basketball goals, softball fields, horseshoe pits and a sand volleyball court are located on or near the swimming beach."
Cabin options: For families new to camping, cabin rentals provide a comfortable introduction. At Deam Lake, "Neat cabins all wood with Portable AC" were appreciated by first-time campers, though they noted you should "bring a mattress" for more comfort.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Charlestown State Park Campground offers particularly well-developed RV sites. "Huge state park with long roadway to various trails and shelters. The campground is very large and very well kept. All the sites are pretty much the same with good spacing between them," noted an RV camper who appreciated the concrete pads.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete services. "We spent 5 nights at Charlestown State Park in mid-September 2020. Campground was nice with concrete pads and full hookups," reported one RVer who used this as a base to explore the region.
Dump station access: Seasonal campers should verify services. "Public restrooms and showers. Dump station available," noted a visitor to Deam Lake, though availability may change during winter months.
Level sites: Site levelness varies considerably between campgrounds. "The full hook-up sites are spacious with most offering a nice tree canopy," wrote a Starve Hollow visitor, contrasting with more challenging terrain at other parks in the region.
