Best Campgrounds near Bloomington, IN

Camping near Bloomington, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails at Turkey Run State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Be prepared with hiking boots and sticks," as the trails can be challenging with lots of steps and stream crossings.
• Fishing and Boating: At Patoka Lake Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A visitor shared, "The nature center is a delightful feature, offering a serene escape into the beauty of the surrounding area."
• Wildlife Watching: Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area is great for spotting raccoons and other wildlife. One camper noted, "The raccoons definitely are active, so make sure you lock it all up at night."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the clean restrooms and showers at Hardin Ridge. A reviewer said, "Restrooms are clean. Well maintained facility."
• Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Starve Hollow State Rec Area. One visitor mentioned, "Full hook up sites that are well spread out so you are not on top of each other."
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Terre Haute Campground is noted for being family-friendly. A reviewer stated, "Lots of free activities for kids. Friendly and helpful staff."

What you should know:

• Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds, like Turkey Run State Park Campground, have sites that are close together. One camper mentioned, "Many sites are in an open, level area without a lot of trees or bushes between them."
• Limited Amenities: At Paynetown Campground, some facilities may not be as modern. A visitor noted, "The electric campground has 227 sites... Many have lake access due to camper made trails to the lake."
• Busy on Weekends: Campgrounds like Buffalo Ridge Campground can get crowded. One reviewer said, "Traffic can be a distraction if you are looking for a peaceful night around the campfire."

Tips for camping with families:

• Plan for Activities: Choose a campground with plenty of activities, like Patoka Lake Campground, where one family enjoyed "exploring the local winery and brewery."
• Bring Snacks: Campers at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area recommend keeping food secure. One camper humorously warned, "Do not turn your back to your dinner table at any time if there’s food out."
• Check for Playground Facilities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Terre Haute Campground, which has "lots of free activities for kids."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Accessibility: Before booking, check the site’s accessibility, especially at Paynetown Campground. One RVer mentioned, "Most sites are gravel... the sites are packed in fairly tight."
• Bring Leveling Blocks: Many RVers recommend bringing leveling blocks, especially for sites with slopes, as noted by a camper at Buffalo Ridge Campground.
• Use Online Reservations: For convenience, make reservations online, as suggested by a visitor at Hardin Ridge, who found it "super easy" to reserve a spot.

Camping near Bloomington, Indiana, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!