Campbellsburg's glamping opportunities sit within south-central Indiana's knobby hills, an unusual terrain formed by erosion-resistant rock formations that create steep slopes and plateaus. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing at night from November through March, while summer daytime temperatures range from 75-85°F with moderate humidity. The area's numerous lakes and waterways provide water recreation options at several campgrounds, with both trolling-motor only and unrestricted watercraft policies depending on location.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Starve Hollow Lake offers shoreline fishing access directly from waterfront campsites. According to Martin M., "We stayed in site 21 which was right on the lake. All the lake front spots seem to have a good amount lakefront footage. We probably had at least 40 feet." The 145-acre lake contains smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish.
Trail hiking: The Knobstone Trail system offers challenging terrain with significant elevation changes. "Its at the start to a Fifty mile trail (Knobstone Trail) or you can do the Delaney Loop in about 6 hours (7.5 miles and 2000 ft elevation change) a good challenge for all ages," notes James M. The trail markers are well-maintained with maps available at park entrances.
Cave exploration: Marengo Cave Campgrounds provides direct access to underground cave systems. "It's both great for kids and adults. The people are super friendly and there are two different parts to explore. The dripslide caverns and the crystal palace cavern," reports Tiffany T. Cave tours operate until 5:00 PM daily, with advance tickets recommended during summer weekends.
Water recreation: Several lakes support various water activities. At Starve Hollow State Rec Area, "If you want to rent one of the kayaks, get to the office right at 8 or they will be gone for the day," advises Martin M. The recreation area features a designated swimming beach and boat rental operations from mid-April through October.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Youngs Creek Horse Camp offers quiet primitive camping in a forest setting. "Secluded camping area with horse hitch. 5 - 6 primitive spots with fire rings and tables. Very little privacy. Tents and vans only," notes Michael U. The campground includes vault toilets and a water pump onsite.
Lake views: Many campgrounds feature waterfront sites. At Delaney Creek Park, "Down in the hills and hollers, is this beautiful campground and park. This place is beautiful and breathtaking. Very clean and super friendly staff. They do allow boats and the Knobstone trail is accessible here," describes Tiffany T. Lakefront sites may require advance reservation during summer months.
Family-friendly amenities: Campsites with playgrounds and activities appeal to families. According to Lisa D. at Marengo Cave Campgrounds, "The campground is small and intimate. We had sites 8-9 and they were perfect. Lots of activities and of course the cave." Most family-oriented campgrounds fill quickly on summer weekends and holidays.
Dark skies for stargazing: Sleeping Bear Retreat offers excellent night sky viewing. "It is so dark at night that you can see the stars! Biggest lots too, you can fit like 10 tents and still have space to move!" writes Alyssa S. The retreat sits far enough from urban light pollution to allow for astronomical observation on clear nights.
What you should know
Campground accessibility: Some locations have challenging access roads. At Delaney Creek Park, "the decent into this park is steep and the road is narrow. I think there is one section that is close to 8%, however it's short," notes Lora H. Large RVs and trailers may have difficulty navigating some forest roads.
Site flooding concerns: Certain campgrounds have drainage issues during heavy rain. At Starve Hollow, "some campsites flood easy," reports Aleta C. Sites at higher elevations or with improved drainage are recommended during spring or after significant rainfall.
Hookup locations: Standard utility connections may be positioned differently than expected. "The electric and water hookups are not in standard locations for RV hookups. Make sure you bring an extension for your electric hookup, otherwise you might not be able to reach the post," advises Kelsie E. about Delaney Creek Park.
Site selection for views: Not all lakefront sites provide clear water views. "We had a lakefront site, however it wasn't lake view. Sites 12/13 do not have a view of the lake due to dense brush in front of it. All other lakefront sites have a view," notes Kelsie E. at Delaney Creek Park.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Jackson Washington State Forest offers family-friendly spaces. According to Fern B., "Spacious sites. Beautiful forest. Quiet, but only 5 minutes small town with gas stations, grocery, etc. Not many amenities. Only pit toilets and water spigots... Multiple playgrounds. Great trails to hike." The proximity to town allows for quick supply runs.
Swimming areas: Several parks feature dedicated swimming beaches for children. At Starve Hollow, "The beach area was huge and there were a lot of playgrounds. Overall there was nothing bad to report," shares Martin M. Beaches typically operate from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Education opportunities: Nature centers provide learning experiences for children. At O'Bannon Woods State Park, Kyle notes, "Nature Center was basic but well prepared with critters and educational items. Everything except the nature center was reachable via bikes." Programs often run on weekends during summer months.
Insect protection: Bring appropriate repellent for the season. "Take bug spray in the summer!" advises Melinda P. about Starve Hollow. Ticks can be particularly prevalent in wooded areas during warmer months, as noted by Kyle: "Ticks were REALLY bad. Maybe the season, maybe the area, not sure."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites require substantial leveling equipment. At Delaney Creek Park, Lora H. cautions, "every lot slopes down towards the lake. If you have levelers, should not be a problem, but be sure to bring extra, because it's a good 3" to 5"." Fifth wheels and larger trailers should bring additional leveling blocks.
Site selection by size: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. At Camp Raintree Lake, Kyle H. notes, "They were able to accommodate our 44ft 5th wheel and navigating to the site was simple." At Starve Hollow, one camper advises that electric-only sites have limitations: "Keep in mind that a lot of the electric only sites are very tight with a lot of trees in the area. I can probably only get my 36 ft 5th wheel into a third of the sites."
Full-hookup availability: Limited options exist for complete RV services. Camper James L. details Starve Hollow's offerings: "Starve Hollow offers camping from full hookup, electric only (by the lake), tent camping, and cabins... We stayed in the full hookup section (camping facilities: electric, sewer, and water hookup as well as fire ring, picnic table, and parking spur at each site."
Cell service considerations: Mobile coverage varies by location and carrier. At O'Bannon Woods State Park, Kyle reports, "Cell service was OK. (T-Mobile 1-2 bars LTE and AT&T 1-3 bars)." At Delaney Creek Park, Lora H. notes, "Verizon phone, Verizon mifi and Dish Satellite, all excellent."
