Campgrounds near Bloomingdale, Indiana offer varied terrain with elevations ranging from 500-700 feet above sea level in the west-central portion of the state. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F and winter lows often dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in the area are situated near Sugar Creek, which cuts through sandstone formations creating unique hiking opportunities at nearby state parks.
What to do
Hiking challenging trails: At Turkey Run State Park Campground, visitors can explore rugged paths with significant elevation changes. "We hiked Trail 3, which has the ladders, and parts of trail 10, 4, and 2. Trail 10 was nothing special but was relatively flat," reports one camper. Another notes that "on one trail part of it went through box canyons up an active, though trickling, stream bed."
Fishing at stocked ponds: Peaceful Waters Campground maintains a well-kept fishing pond where campers can cast their lines. "There is a nice pond in the center of the property that has good size fish! The pond seems to be well maintained and clean," notes a visitor. Equipment rentals are available for those without gear.
Water recreation: Several campgrounds provide water activities during summer months. A camper at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area shared, "I loved this camp ground, there was a beach which was nice and a building to get food. They have a basketball court, and a few trails."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Campsites in the area offer varying degrees of seclusion. At Shades State Park Campground, "Great sites that offer decent privacy with brush & trees as a barrier between sites. Paved parking pad, steel fire-ring with steel grid to cook on." Another camper noted it has "large campground with lots of space between sites. Privacy allowed my friends and I to play cards late into the night without bothering anyone."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. A visitor to Peaceful Waters Campground stated, "The shower house was one of the cleanest we've seen and the staff makes a concerted effort to keep it that way." Similar reports come from Cecil M Harden Lake where a camper mentioned "bathroom facilities are very clean, new bike, walking, rollerblading path. Beach is large and clean."
Convenience to attractions: Proximity to multiple outdoor destinations remains a key advantage. One camper reported, "Very affordable. Owners are very nice and easy to communicate with. Theres a campstore and ice on site. Great fishing pond. Look around for cute carvings. Very close to Turkey Run, Shades, and Raccoon Lake!"
What you should know
Site characteristics: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At Rockville Lake County Park, a visitor observed "The sites in modern electric water only can be awkward to back into with no room to pull forward due to a ditch in some areas. We stayed in site 10 which was uneven, no room for a tent, and small."
Seasonal operations: Operating schedules vary significantly. Rockville Lake County Park runs from March 26 through October 31, while Cloverdale RV Park remains open year-round. Turkey Run Canoe & Camping operates from April 15 to November 1.
Wildlife considerations: Local wildlife may interact with campsites. At Turkey Run, campers are advised to "watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything." Cecil M Harden Lake visitors similarly recommend securing food items properly as "lots of wildlife, so pack your food up right."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Turkey Run Canoe & Camping, family-friendly amenities include playground equipment near the wooded sites. A reviewer noted, "Site 91 was tucked away in a more forested area away from RVs. Did a nice kayaking loop using their service."
Beach activities: Water features provide entertainment for children. One Cecil M Harden Lake visitor commented, "Great place to camp, can be flooded at times, some of the sites have a huge inclines or declines, allot of sites reserved way in advanced." Rockville Lake County Park offers "a beach and fairly busy fishing lake, some trails."
Site selection for shade: Temperature management matters for family comfort. A Turkey Run State Park camper advised, "We were in a wooded section and it was pretty private however our site was pretty sloped. Next time I would probably pick the site on either side of 167."
Tips from RVers
Hookup configuration: RV sites near Bloomingdale, Indiana often share utility connections. At Turkey Run Canoe & Camping, "The electric is shared with another site which could be a problem if you have the same type of service since there is only one 50 amp, one 30 amp, and one 20 amp service per hook up."
Site levelness: Multiple RV campgrounds present leveling challenges. At Cloverdale RV Park, "This easy-access-from-the-highway RV park is really nice. The spots are accessible, the bathrooms are AMAZING (no…seriously), the little attractions are adorable and the host is terrific."
Site spacing concerns: Some RV areas have tight spacing between units. A Turkey Run Canoe & Camping visitor reported, "The sites are difficult to get into and although they allow one car on the site there is barely room for that one car." At Rockville Lake County Park, "The full hookup site section is flat but with less tree cover."
