Best Campgrounds near Portland, IN

Camping near Portland, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Mounds State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Hiked in the morning on some great trails. Well maintained and mostly stone covered."
• Fishing and Boating: At White River Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A camper shared, "Fishing is good with a fish cleaning station for campers."
• Swimming and Beach Activities: Summit Lake State Park Campground has a beach area for swimming. One reviewer said, "There is also a beach area for swimming. Several picnic areas with beautiful views of the lake."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Indian Lake State Park Campground noted, "The campground is nice, clean restrooms and showers."
• Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Hueston Woods State Park Campground said, "Friendly camp hosts who were busy picking up trash in common areas and cleaning sites."
• Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites at Dayton KOA Holiday. A guest remarked, "Plenty of length for our 45’ fifth wheel and dually truck."

What you should know:

• Reservation Fees: Some campgrounds, like Indian Lake State Park Campground, have additional reservation fees. One camper mentioned, "The online reservation system is clumsy to use at best."
• Noise Levels: Be prepared for noise at certain campgrounds. A visitor at Indian Lake State Park Campground noted, "No one seemed to care about the 10 pm quiet time."
• Limited Amenities: Some sites may lack certain amenities. A camper at White River Campground pointed out, "The campground is clean...but the design leaves a lot to be desired."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. Grand Lake St. Marys State Park has a playground, but one camper noted, "The playground could definitely use some upkeep."
• Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for extra fun. A family at Summit Lake State Park Campground enjoyed, "We wanted a flat area for our dog/baby fencing, so we parked slightly off the gravel and it worked fine."
• Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A visitor at Hueston Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "Too much money to spend only to have to put up with no sleep because of loud music and drunks."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Dayton KOA Holiday said, "Nice spacious pull thru! Plenty of length for our 45’ fifth wheel."
• Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. One visitor at White River Campground noted, "FHU with a level concrete pad and sites decently spaced apart."
• Be Prepared for Weather: Check the forecast before you go. A camper at Miami State Recreation Area mentioned, "Be alert to the weather though as this area seems to always get hit by bad storms."

Camping in Portland, IN, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.