Camping sites near Boonville, Indiana range from lakeside parks to rural retreats, with most campgrounds situated within 30 miles of town. The area's rolling terrain and moderate climate make camping viable from early spring through late fall, with summer highs typically reaching the upper 80s. At 400 feet above sea level, many campgrounds in the region offer both shaded wooded sites and open areas for different camping preferences.
What to do
Mountain biking: Try the trails at Scales Lake Park. This park features dedicated mountain bike trails and a pump track for kids. "Scales Lake is a wonderful campground. It has primitive, cabIns, and RV camping. The camp has so much to do for kids and adults. Hiking, mountain bike trails along wIth pump track for kIds," notes Jennifer T.
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at Miles Landing Campground. This newer campground provides access to multiple fishing ponds created from reclaimed land. "Fairly new with great access to fishing. Bike riding enjoying nature. Several pull through sites and all are full hook up," reports Wendy T. The campground sits on former strip mine land that has been reclaimed with numerous ponds.
Wildlife watching: Observe animals at Lynnville Park. The park offers both camping and opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Nice little campground next to a small lake. We stayed for one night. Sites are big and spaced apart. Nice and quiet, apart from the interstate background noise which is noticeable but not too bad," says Thomas W.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers praise Miles Landing Campground's shower houses. This campground maintains exceptionally clean bathroom facilities. "The sites were very spacious and far enough apart that you had room to spread out. The bathrooms were probably the cleanest, nicest shower houses I've seen at a campground," states Jacinda L.
Unique camping layouts: Wagon wheel arrangements at Scales Lake Park. Some RV sites are arranged in circular "wagon wheels" for group camping. "We had 3 RVs in our group and we camped in one of the 'wagon wheels'. It was a very cool experience," reports Dan H., though he notes that coordination is needed when departing: "The 'front' camper had to pull out first before the second could get hitched up."
Quiet atmosphere: Multiple campgrounds offer peaceful settings. "I used to live near here before the strip mine went through. The camp is in the middle of a large reclamation. Lots of ponds and young trees. Great modern sites mostly dispersed," says Doug about Miles Landing Campground.
What you should know
Variable site spacing: Consider proximity preferences when booking. Some campgrounds have tightly packed sites while others offer more room. "The sites were very small and close together. There were several different spots/clusters of camp sites. Some where full hook up, some primitive, some just electric, and all mixed together," reports Olivia S. about Scales Lake Park.
Roadway access: Some parks have narrow entrance roads. Larger RVs may face challenges navigating to certain campgrounds. "The streets in the town are extremely narrow, making it hard to get into the park," notes one Scales Lake Park visitor.
Seasonal considerations: Vanderburgh 4H Campground operates year-round. While many area campgrounds have seasonal closures, some remain open through winter. "This is a nice little park with all of the basics and no frills. The sites are level. The connections are easy to access The bathhouses are clean and well maintained," shares Eric R.
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Kids enjoy the petting zoo at Scales Lake Park. "There is a small petting zoo at the park and in the morning they let the animals out to feed on the grass. So expect to see them in the campground. Harmless and unique," explains Keith P. This unusual feature allows children to see animals up close.
Swimming options: Lincoln State Park offers beach access during summer. The lake provides swimming opportunities, though availability changes seasonally. "Sites are well spaced. Clean, professional state park. Lake is being drained, so no beach until 2026," reports Tom B., highlighting the importance of checking current conditions.
Playground access: Multiple parks feature play areas. "Two playgrounds, little petting zoo for kids. Beach area with small fee. Full hook up sites," notes Jessica D. about Scales Lake Park. Most family-oriented campgrounds in the area include dedicated children's areas.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Check utility placement when selecting a site. "The only thing I wish that would have been better, is the electrical hookups could probably be updated," mentions Keith P. about Scales Lake Park. Several campgrounds have older electrical systems that may not be ideally positioned.
Site leveling needs: Burdette Park offers level RV pads. "All pads are drive through and very level. They don't have much going on in winter but summertime is great," notes Barry B. Level sites eliminate the need for extensive blocking or leveling systems.
Extended stay options: Some parks allow longer-term camping. "Currently we are full timing there. They have maybe 24 full hook up spots and about 10 or so w/o sewer. 30/50 amp electric on all," shares Barry B. about Burdette Park, which permits stays up to three months or longer.
