Tent campers visiting Bloomingdale, Indiana can access primitive sites in several county and state parks within a 30-mile radius. The region features oak-hickory forests and rolling terrain typical of west-central Indiana, with elevations ranging from 500-700 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with moderate humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Waveland Park offers a stocked lake popular with anglers. "If fishing is your way of relaxing, you should have a good time here," notes Randy A. who appreciates the property's extensive green space.
Seasonal events: Lake Waveland hosts community activities throughout their May-October season. According to Nicole B., "Fireworks in July and Halloween for the whole family in October" provide additional recreational options beyond standard camping activities.
Bird watching: The primitive camping areas at Lake Waveland Park offer natural settings for wildlife observation. William David S. notes, "This is a lovely space with lots of birds to observe," making it suitable for casual birders.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Compared to many public campgrounds, Lake Waveland provides generous spacing between sites. "Camp sites seem more spread out here compared to most state parks," mentions Mike V., highlighting a key advantage for those seeking more privacy.
Well-maintained grounds: The campground receives regular maintenance throughout the season. "Lake Waveland's grounds crew does a very good job keeping the property in order... and that's no small task, there is a TON of green space on this property!" observes Randy A.
Variety of accommodation options: Covered Bridge State Forest Retreat accepts both tent campers and those seeking cabin rentals, providing flexibility for different camping preferences and weather conditions.
What you should know
Site identification: Many primitive areas lack clear markings. William David S. explains, "The sites aren't marked, but are indicated by picnic table and fire ring, though fire rings are not always present."
Facility conditions: Some campgrounds require updates to infrastructure. "Not fancy, some updating of infrastructure is due," notes William regarding Lake Waveland Park, though he still considers it "a decent stop."
Water access limitations: At Rattlesnake campground in Owen Putnam State Forest, Nicole B. cautions there is "primitive only no drinking water at campgrounds," requiring campers to bring all necessary water supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Families with children can take advantage of water recreation options. Nicole B. points out that Lake Waveland "do[es] have a beach," providing swimming opportunities during summer months.
Small campground option: For families seeking quieter environments, Attica Family Campground provides a smaller-scale alternative to the larger county parks in the region.
Family-friendly atmosphere: When looking for campgrounds suitable for children, consider Douglas W.'s assessment of Lake Waveland as a "Small but peaceful campground. Well worth the time spent here."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: RVers should be aware of size constraints at many campgrounds in the region. Nicole B. observes that Lake Waveland has "lots of pop up size sites" but they "need more spots for those long campers," suggesting larger RVs may have difficulty finding suitable sites.
Shaded options: Electric sites at Lake Waveland Park typically offer good tree cover. Randy A. notes "The majority of electric sites are well shaded," which helps keep RVs cooler during summer months.
Tree maintenance concerns: Some campgrounds have overhanging branches that can pose challenges for taller rigs. Nicole B. mentions "Trees need cut or maintained," suggesting RVers should inspect sites carefully before setup.
