Looking for the perfect glamping experience near Boonville? The Dyrt can help find the best glamping in and around Boonville, IN. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a site closer to all the action, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect glamping spot.
Immerse yourself in the magic of America's Christmas Hometown with a stay at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph, formerly known as Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort. Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of southern Indiana, our resort offers a range of unforgettable camping and lodging experiences that cater to families of all sizes.
Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph, a two-time National RV Park of the Year, is nestled in the captivating town of Santa Claus. Discover spacious RV and tent sites, charming vacation rentals, and breathtaking scenery.
Experience an extraordinary stay with incredible amenities and activities. Dive into Santa's SplashDown WaterPark, make a splash at Blitzen Bay pool, and enjoy miniature golf. Treat yourself at our snack bar, let your furry friends play in the dog park, and embrace outdoor adventures like fishing, paddle boating, and scenic trails. Explore Santa Claus' magical attractions, including Santa's Candy Castle and the Santa Claus Christmas Store, with Holiday World Theme Park nearby.
Create cherished memories and embrace the joy and wonder of Santa Claus at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph. Your adventure awaits!
$45 - $101 / night
$17 - $140 / night
$30 / night
$2 - $40 / night
The Indian-Celina Lake Recreation Area is a tranquil getaway in the midst of the Hoosier National Forest. Both the Celina and Indian Lakes are within the area, offering camping, boating, fishing and hiking, as well as tours of a historic site.
Indian and Celina lakes are two of four fishing lakes along Highway 37. The lakes offer many miles of shoreline and coves for fishing for pan fish. Boat ramps are open year-round, and an accessible fishing pier is available on Celina Lake. Anglers can expect a variety of catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. The sandstone block, historic Rickenbaugh House was built in 1874 and is open to visitors periodically throughout the year. The home and adjacent historic cemetery are popular among visitors. A variety of hiking trails exist within the area, including the relatively easy, 1 mile Rickenbaugh Interpretive Trail, which is located behind the historic Rickenbaugh House. The Two Lakes Loop National Recreation Trail encircles both Indian and Celina lakes and winds through many acres of natural and peaceful forests. The trail is 16 miles, but can encompass multiple, shorter day hikes.
The area is located in south-central Indiana, in a dense hardwood and pine forest, on 152-acre Indian and 164-acre Celina lakes. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area.
Special Places on the Hoosier National Forest Brooks Cabin Buffalo Trace Carnes Mill Site Clover Lick Barrens Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower Initial Point Lick Creek African American Settlement The Jacob Rickenbaugh Homestead Wesley Chapel Gulf
$21 - $44 / night
$8 - $20 / night
North Face Loop includes 36 individual sites. The loop contains centralized water, flush toilets, hot showers, and a recharge table for electric boat motors. A selection of single or extra large, electric or non-electric sites are available in this shady campground. During winter months only 3 electric sites are available and several non-electric sites. Water is only at frost free hydrants (no flush toilets or showers, though pit toilets are available). ACTIVITIES Camping: This is one of two shady campground loops in the Indian-Celina Lake Recreation Area. It includes 36 sites for tent or RV camping. Most of these sites are not electric. This loop is open year-round with reduced services and fees in the fall and winter months. A maximum of 2 vehicles and 8 people are allowed on a single site. The loop has two double sites which allow a maximum of 4 people and 16 people. Three of the sites are walk-in. Interpretive Programs: During the spring and summer seasons, visitors are encouraged to attend our interpretive programs. Programs are offered at the amphitheater near the Rickenbaugh House or in some cases a few programs may be held at other locations. For more information on programs at Indian-Celina Lake contact 812-547-7051. Recreational Vehicles: This is one of two shady campground loops in the Indian-Celina Lake Recreation Area. It includes 33 sites appropriate for RVs of various length spurs. Most of these sites are not electric. This loop is open year-round with reduced services and fees in the fall and winter months. A maximum of 2 vehicles and 8 people are allowed on a single site. The loop has two double sites which allow a maximum of 4 people and 16 people.
South Slope Loop includes 27 individual sites. The loop contains centralized water, flush toilets, hot showers, and a recharge table for electric boat motors. A selection of single or extra large sites are available in this shady campground.
Legend
Ranger Review: Primus at Harmonie State Park
I recently visited Harmonie State Park near New Harmony, In. https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=IN&parkId=570048 Just a heads up when camping in Indiana there is a fee to visit the State Parks. I always carry cash for that , laundry and in some states bathroom use. So, the number one thing that stuck out to me about this campground was the shade. For the most part it’s level (floodplain...I saw no standing water) And all the sites are nicely shaded (we are talking full growth) and good size. The sites are electric only, no water, no sewer. There are centrally located water hydrants and a dump station on the way out of the campground. The campground wasn’t very full when we visited, but there is a plethora of activities to enjoy. An Olympic size pool which back in the day my kids woulda loved. Hiking paths (very wide), one right by the campground and a connector trail to the mountain bike trail area. There’s also a bike section on the paved roads. You could spend a comfortable week here and not be bored.
Product Review: As a Dyrt Ranger I get to occasionally try out outdoor products while camping and this trip I brought along some Primus “kitchen gear” https://primus.us/ . Primus is known for its camping stoves , the kitchen accessories are pretty sweet too. I have the Trailsporks , a long spoon , a spatula for grilling , campfire plates and a campfire knife. These are very sturdy made accessories and pack in my kit without taking up a lot of space. There are a lot of options on the site to fit your packing needs too, from family fireside to fastpacking . I’m building my fireside kitchen kit .
Legend
Scales Lake Park is right outside Boonville, In on South Parklane Dr.
I drove through the RV park, it was okay. The main area had little shade, definitely go for the outer sites if you want some grass and shade. The showerhouse was centrally located next to the playground and there was a laundromat of sorts included.
Water sports and a bike/hike trail, so plenty to keep you occupued. The paved road that runs all the way through to the closed gate, is good for biking or jogging if you don't want to run the trail.
My favorite part was one; the handicap primitive site had a handicap accessible fishing deck and two; near that was McCool Point. A secluded primitive site with a stairway down to your own little boat tieoff. Sorta cool :)
Traveler
This park is conveniently located beside Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana! There is a wide variety of activities and it's a fun place to camp with family! Some of the sites are a little too close together but other than that, my family really enjoys camping at Lake Rudolph!
Traveler
This was a very quiet campsite in southern Indiana. We had a hard time finding dispered camping in the national Forest so we settled for this site. There was one other site occupied in the middle of the week so it was definitely quiet. Gravel platform for pitching a tent. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and sinks which were nice.
LegendThis is a small state park in an out of the way part of the state. Located in Southwest Indiana, about 40 miles from Evansville.
This is a typical Indiana State Park. Some sites are pretty close together, some are spacious. There's electricity, but water is shared. Some sites have 50 amp, so when you're looking to reserve, check that out. IMO, the best site is site 39. It's at the end of the row, with somewhat secluded. It's a walk to the bathroom, but worth it. Site 22 is also a good site at the end of a row & has a trail from the site to the small pond.
Be sure to watch for the grade also. Some of the sites had a noticeable incline.
Bathrooms are pretty dismal. They smelled bad too. They need to start replacing these old, worn out comfort stations with something from this century! The nature center is in the campground & is pretty small. We enjoyed it though.
The camp store is in the park office& is ridiculous. Bring everything you need, cause you won't find it there!
8 trails the longest is 2.5 miles, the shortest.25 miles. There's also mountain bike trails & a 4 mile horse trail.
ScoutI have tried to contact corporate and been ignored.. We stayed at the Rudolph campsite in Santa Claus Indiana like I stated before we would like a refund for one night and one night of the golf cart as we wound up leaving. the toilet seat was cracked, which pinched me and one of my Children left marks, there were also mouse droppings in the drawer where the silverware was and stains on the sheets. I have pictures of all this and since nobody has contacting us, I will give it until Monday morning and then I will have my attorney contact them with all the pictures since they don’t want to do anything about this and then I will also be posting with the Better Business Bureau and attaching all the pictures.
Legend
Celina Recreation Area is located in Hoosier National Forest near Branchville, IN off IN37. My drive in took me first through the rolling hills of upper Kentucky farmland, than across the Ohio River into Cannelton, IN where I found a sweet Winery named Blue Heron with excellent views and an awesome host/owner. There is a wine trail through the lower Indiana area that might interest you (Hoosier Wine Trail) if that’s your kinda sightseeing .
Tell City is where you might want to stop and get your supplies, there’s the usual fast food, gas stations and Wally World. The area Ranger Station is also in Tell City but it is closed on the weekends.
We took IN37 which runs down the middle more or less of Hoosier NF. There is a zip-line “Eagles Wings” and a Citgo fuel stop enroute to the Celina RA.
Once you turn into the Recreation Area Celina Lake and the two campgrounds (North Face Loop and South Slope Loop) are to the left, Indian Lake is straight.
Indian Lake is accessed by a basic boat ramp with parking only. I liked the fact that there are several parking pull offs along the road to the ramp to park and access the Two Lakes Trail which meanders around both lakes covering about 15 miles in all. The trail is moderate, technical but not too steep, a good workout. You can disperse camp for 5$ a night as long as you are 300 ft off the trail.
Celina Lake boat ramp has more to offer. There is a pit toilet and small picnic area in a small shaded grassy area between the parking area and boat ramp access road.
The parking area is handicap accessible with a small fishing pier that can be reached directly from the handicap parking spot.
The Rickenbaugh Historic family home and cemetery are located in the far side of the boat ramp with a kiosk and 1 mile Interpretive trail that tells the story of the area.
We enjoyed the trails which is where we spent most of our time, sight seeing and communing with the crazy number of ticks present and hitching rides.
The boat dock was pretty busy though quiet due to the electric motor restriction.
The lake is good size, you could paddle to an area and disperse camp to fish or just enjoy the area.
The two campgrounds were well maintained with helpful live in hosts. North is Basic and South is RV with electric hook up. The dump station is south on IN37 near Tipsaw Lake. Both offer good shade and privacy. They were very peaceful . I liked North more then South the North sites were further apart offering the most privacy and quiet.
TravelerThis was our first time camping and I must say I absolutely loved our site. We were on a primitive site number 109. Though the ground was a little rocky the lake views were spectacular. There was a porto potty in walking distance. When we first arrived it was pretty clean but after the weekend it was really bad and ran out of toilet paper. But the bathroom facilities by the slide were great you just had to drive to it from the primitive sites. Water slide was a blast and loved the petting zoo, also the volleyball court was a fun addition too. Though a little close to the road. All in all we will definitely be staying there again.
GuideNice beach, trails and playground. Friendly camper. Pet friendly. Would've given 5 stars but our site was tight. Squeezed between 2 sites, out the front door fight to neighbors sewer hose.
ScoutHave stayed here several times and always enjoy it. This park is kept clean and has nice trails for those who enjoy hiking.
GuideWe’ve camped there as a large group and as a family several times. There’s a beach for swimming and a shower house. The RV sites are kinda cramped. We prefer the primitive sites on the other side of the lake. Literally just a picnic table and fire pit. There’s pit toilets nearby.
GuidePrivate campgound with friendly staff. Sites are not very private but it was not busy at all. Great fishing and looks like a fun place for families.
Scout
The kids had a blast
TravelerRecently tried out Scales Lake...not my 1st choice. 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. The fire rings were very small with no grates to cook on. There was 1 bath house, very nice and clean and cooled, but not assemble to all camping sites. Also there were 2 playgrounds and a petting zoo. Lake has a small beach for swimming, slide with its own catch pool separate. Fishing allowed.
The streets in the town are extremely narrow, making it hard to get into the park.
TravelerTwo playgrounds, little petting zoo for kids. Beach area with small fee. Full hook up sites.
GuideScales 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, a small petting zoo, and a beautiful lake front for swimming with water slide and diving boards. There is a boat ramp for fishing boats and kayaks. My husband and I live about ten miles away and we love staying at the campground. we always feel we are off on an adventure when we stay. The people are friendly and bathrooms are clean.
Travelerpeaceful and quiet with a small trolling only lake and swimming area.
TravelerWe camped here in the middle of October. The sites are very close together, so when the campsites are full you don't feel like you have much privacy or personal space. It was nice having full hookups for our camper, and there are plenty of hiking trails to get out and explore. Scales Lake is beautiful, my daughter enjoyed the playground and the petting zoo, and we'd probably like to come back, just maybe not on such a busy weekend.
GuideOverall good experience. The staff was friendly and helpful. 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. Bathhouse was extremely clean and well taken care of. The only thing I wish that would have been better, is the electrical hookups could probably be updated.
ScoutVery quiet though it is winter season. There is still water available and a place to dump. We camped close to the lake in a pull through site. This time of year very few campers. But everyone I encountered even park staff was very friendly.
ScoutWhat a gem of a park! From the stunning trails to the pristine lake, this place is a nature lover's paradise. The shower facilities are top-notch, ensuring a comfortable stay for all campers. One thing to note is the strict parking rule at camp sites, but don't worry, there's overflow parking available for visitors. It's enforced for everyone's safety and convenience. The highlight for many is the petting zoo—an absolute must-visit for campers of all ages. It's a fantastic experience that adds an extra layer of fun to your stay. While there's no on-site camp store, fret not! You're just a short drive away from a local dollar store and the famous Tastee Freeze. Trust me, their ice cream is out of this world, and the food is equally delightful. I highly recommend treating yourself to a visit. Overall, this park offers everything you need for a memorable camping experience. Can't wait to visit again!
TravelerA very peaceful place to camp with helpful rangers. There was a free petting zoo which was great but the animals seemed very discontented. The trails were interesting but vacant of trail markers and some plaques were vandalized from years before. Firewood is $8 a bundle and parking is $3 a day. Well priced and serene, but I would recommend this for people without children or someone looking for a camp away from any kind of excitement.
ScoutThis is one of our favorite places to camp. Very clean and lots for us to do!
GuideThis is a small campground. Campsites are tight but all centered around a decent sized bath house. There is a lot to do at this park, playgrounds, bike and walking trails and a good sized lake with a beach, all within walking distance. I would definitely do this one again.
ScoutMy wife and I camped here in February of 2020. This is a very well maintained park. We had just bought our 29' motorhome. It was too cold to do much, but the campground is nice. There is a petting zoo for the kids, a nice pool with a large water slide, 1 shower house that was very clean. Clean restrooms. A large lake for fishing and swimming. Walking trails, wood available for purchase. They even have cabins for rent, and lots of primitive sites. I recommend this park to all!
TravelerWe had 3 RVs in our group and we camped in one of the "wagon wheels". It was a very cool experience. I'm not sure how you could get in or out if all the spots were reserved. It took a collaborative effort when it was time to pull out. The "front" camper had to pull out first before the second could get hitched up. Then after the second was pulled forward, the third could hitch up. It was kind-of weird, but we loved the set-up while we were there. The pull through sites are nice, but they were pretty close together. (Nothing like sitting under your awning and looking at your neighbor's sewer pipe.) The park was absolutely beautiful. They put a lot of hard work in keeping it maintained. Very nice place. Definitely going back soon.
Guide
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Boonville, IN is Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph with a 3.9-star rating from 33 reviews.
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