Are you in need of a campground near Buck Creek, IN? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Buck Creek, reviewed by campers like you.
As Indiana’s second state park, Turkey Run Campground was established in 1916. The story behind its name suggests that local hunters would find herds of wild turkeys gathering in the area’s narrow canyon bottoms—called “runs”—and funnel them out for easy harvesting. The area’s natural history goes back a little father—upwards of 600 million years. It was around this time that the sandstone and coal deposits seen in the park were being formed and compacted in a vast, swampy plain. Fast-forward several million years, and Ice Age meltwaters cut and scoured the creeks, canyons, and potholes seen today. Some of the glacial erratics (boulders) seen in the park are actually pieces of bedrock that were transported from as far north as Canada. Visitors to Turkey Run can explore these unique canyons, enjoy the park’s natural scenery, fish and paddle in Sugar Creek, and see several historic sites. Located 10 miles north of Rockville, and 70 miles west of Indianapolis, Turkey Run State Park is year-round nature and recreation area covering nearly 2,400 acres along Sugar Creek. The campground at Turkey Run features more than 200 tent and RV sites with electrical hookups, picnic tables and fire pits with cooking grills; some sites are ADA accessible. Most sites are back-in and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 45 feet; a few pull-throughs can accommodate larger. All sites have access to drinking water, flush and vault restrooms, and showers; two dump stations are available onsite. There are also two primitive tent camping areas for youth groups, several cabins for rent, and the historic Turkey Run Inn, which offers 61 lodge rooms, a dining room, and meeting spaces. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed. Campsites raters are $23–$33/night; other accommodations range from $67–$110/night; reservations accepted. Besides exploring Turkey Run’s canyon runs, the park offers a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and sports courts. The park’s nature center showcases a variety of exhibits and interactive activities to educate visitors about the park’s geology, flora and fauna. Park naturalists offer guided hikes and nature walks, animal talks and campfire programs. Swimming is not permitted in Sugar Creek, but anglers can fish for bass and bluegill, and paddlers can head out in canoes and kayaks. Swimmers are invited to enjoy the park’s Olympic-sized swimming pool for cooling off during the warmer months. The park also offers hayrides and guided horseback rides. For a blast from the past, visitors can also tour the historic Lusk Home. Built in 1841, this restored European home displays a lifestyle from a bygone era. Watch out for the resident raccoons.
While visiting Cass County, discover the best that outdoor recreation has to offer at France Park. Swimming or scuba diving in the crystal clear water of a long ago abandoned stone quarry, hiking, biking or cross country skiing the 5-7 miles of well maintained trails, fishing in Lake Trimer, camping at one of the 200 modern or primitive campsites and the 24 hole Disc Golf course are some of the many activities available. There are over 200 wooded campsites,both primitive and electric. Primitive sites ,only, are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Modern sites can be made by reservations. 130 sites have electricity which consists of 30 amp, 50 amp and 110 Volt plug ins. Water hook up is also available for most modern sites. There is no direct sewer hook up but we do provide a dump station. We also have one Primitive Cabin. It has a bunk bed and a double bed, which sleeps four people in total. NO Dogs allowed in the Cabin. The campground has two shower houses, one newly built with private showers rooms, and several playgrounds, there is also The Old Kenith Depot Store that sells ice, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, and ice cream. Everything the camper needs!
$18 - $45 / night
$30 - $45 / night
Located on the west bank of a picturesque stretch of the White River, the White River Campground offers the perfect spot to spend a getaway weekend in Hamilton County. Explore 26 acres of beautiful terrain by foot or by river, enjoy the wildlife and have fun with friends and family close to home. The campground has 106 modern and primitive campsites with quiet spots for fishing, boating and relaxation. Our 2021 camping season is from April 15th - October 31st.
$15 - $30 / night
Scout
Hit a little rough patch in life and needed a break from sleeping in the car and hotels . All the staff at the park were very friendly and understanding of our situation. At $20 a nite for tent site ,showers ,clean toilets ,whole park is very clean ! Lots of things to do here and the waterfall was our fav part ! Deff will be back when in the area . Our site was right down the Rd from the waterfall so had a great view !
Scout
We are here for just one night as we are headed back to Georgia. I used the Dyrt search and in this area I looked at this place and boy am I glad I did. I wish it were closer to home. We are next to the river and we are loving it. Beautiful sites and family friendly. Staff are great too.
Scout
Highway is louder than you’d think. No good night rest had. People spy on you just to report you. Main office head woman will not work with you and just give you a flat no when you ask about a refund.
Guide
We arrived late, and the friendly park security directed us to the campground.
The vault toilets were acceptably clean. Spots were close to the river. The campground has cabins, trails for hiking and horseback riding.
As other reviews have stated….the mosquitoes are prolific and abundant! We left early.
Scout
It was overly crowded, the lake was murky (worse than normal), and we weren't even allowed to bring our floating island on to the lake.
Guide
Turkey Run is a fabulous state park with a nice campground. My only complaint about the campground is that many sites are in an open, level area without a lot of trees or bushes between them. You don’t have a lot of privacy. Two sections of the campground, with the higher numbered sites, are much more wooded. If I go again, I will try to be there!
But the campground has two large modern bathrooms that are cleaned regularly. It also has clean well maintained vault toilets throughout the campground. Best of all, from the back of the campground you can access Trail 7, a moderate level trail that leads unexpectedly to a small stream running past a recessed cave. It’s a peaceful spot.
Be advised that a “moderate” hike at Turkey Run can be challenging, with plenty of steps up and down the hillsides. Many of the trails go along stream beds, so you often need to make your way across the rocks to avoid wet feet. Be prepared with hiking boots and sticks.
There are two covered bridges on the edges of the park. Be sure to check them out!
GuideTurkey Run is arguably the most popular campground (and state park) in Indiana and has its pros and cons.
It is definitely designed to accommodate RVs, as the majority of the sites are situated in an open field. There are a few dozen sites that are in “loops” that are situated in shaded areas. Some camp sites have zero privacy while others have a little. Either way, if you’re here on a weekend, you’ll definitely have neighbors close by. You can see the entire campground via google maps street view, just FYI
This is a very family friendly campground and you will see lots of kids on bicycles flying around. I’ve stayed here a few times, and no matter the day of the week or the time of year, there are always lots of kids.
This campground has a raccoon “problem” due to campers having poor camp etiquette and feeding them. They come out of the woods towards dusk looking for food. They will come right up to you without hesitation, so don’t be alarmed if there’s one next to you while you cook s’mores over your fire (ask me how I know, hah). They will take any food that is left out. Do not turn your back to your dinner table at any time if there’s food out.
On my last visit to turkey run (I’ve camped here 3 or 4 times) I arrived to my campsite and someone had left dog food out for the raccoons in little piles all over the place which was super disappointing. Additionally, my neighbors didn’t put their campfire out when they packed up and left.
Perhaps I’m just used to camping in other areas where you have to worry about bears and burning the forests down…But campers here just aren’t as mindful or respectful of the campground.
The restrooms and showers (at least the one I use at this campground) is modernized and cleaned daily but there’s no dish pit/wash room available if you cook. Just be prepared to clean up accordingly and put trash in trash receptacles. There are a few vault toilets in the campground as well.
You can hike from the CG into the state park (highly recommend. It’s gorgeous!) just wear shoes that youre willing to get wet.
Overall, it’s a beautiful state park with a conveniently located campground. It’s not the best campground ever but for Indiana standards, it’s great. Even with my complaints, I always return because I enjoy visiting and hiking through the state park.
GuideWe visited this park twice (once in Sept 2020 and again in June 2021). Both times we stayed in the cabin campground and both times had very good experiences. Each time we went mid-week so there was hardly anyone else there, and that was great. The cabins are small but perfectly fine for our group with two bunk beds, a small loft, and a small table inside. They have electricity so charging phones and devices is not a problem. Cabins 4 and 5 are up this small driveway and are slightly separated and I would recommend those if you can. We never had to go to "town" so not sure how far it is to any stores.
Each time we rented a canoe and did a paddle/float trip on the river that ended at the canoe rental location. Would not hesitate to stay here again.
TravelerWe stay mid-week as we are retired. Full hookup site were $30 a night. Sites seem large and well maintained. All the staff that we interacted with were very friendly. We kayaked the reservoir, used the beach and fished. Finally, we hauled our bikes to the reservoir overlook and then rode them over the dam. A very relaxing trip. T- mobile cell service was 1 bar, however we had our T-mobile internet tower and got 3 bars. Slow speeds but we could still stream tv.
ScoutKinda of outdated facilities and some rundown recreation but hiking and swimming are fun
ScoutWhile this is always listed among the top Indiana state parks because of its amazing beauty and historic sites, the campgrounds are not up to the same level. The shower houses are old. No sinks, no flush toilets, no solid doors for privacy. Just curtains. So yes, that means put/vault toilets only, and there is no light for a middle of the night visit except the flashlight you will hopefully remember. Other state parks in the area do have modern shower houses. If you are disabled or just prefer better hygiene amenities, camp at Raccoon Lake SRA and take day trips to Turkey Run. I’m not sure of the status of nearby Shades Stare Park comfort facilities since we haven’t camped there yet.
TravelerSetup was quick and easy on the large, level concrete pad. We had full hookup site. There were no mosquitoes even being close to river. Plenty to do in area. Our T-mobile internet had a good connection.
Scout
Not a lot of tent-camping options, but we found a nice open area not far from the showers. Quiet campground in September. I would do this again...
RangerStayed here as a stopover going south. FHU with a level concrete pad and sites decently spaced apart. Near a lake and hiking trails. That said, apart from it's proximity to Indianapolis, it's seems pretty quiet here.
ScoutMy family and I have camped here twice, and we love it. Sometimes we just come for the day to go swimming, hiking, fishing. It's beautiful.
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt. I love the thought and effort that went into each lodging experience. The TiPi is right on the river and there's also a hot tub available for soaking. Come check out this magical place and then come back here to leave a review!
GuideLarge campground with spacious sites. The pictures for each site and details they give while booking are pretty good. However, it said 202 was level and for a tent there's def a bit of a slope (manageable but definitely present). The women at the gate was friendly and buying firewood from her was easy. Only checked out the pit toilets near our site, but they were incredibly clean!
ScoutStayed in one of the primitive sites during the week. Most RV sites were occupied, but only one other tent was out there. Well maintained for the most part, showing its age in some spots. Dealt with some late night noise primarily from vehicles coming and going.
Traveler
Surprised to see they had a pool too and the water to fish from was much larger than. It appeared from the road hit wraps around so you can’t get it all in one picture. Very tranquil and quiet
ScoutPleasant experience. Only crowded on Friday and Saturday. Shady spot.
TravelerThe area is extremely nice and relatively quiet. Sites are spacious and it did not feel like we were cramped in, like some campgrounds. Not many grocery stores in the immediate area, ensure you have what you need or.plan to drive in to Peru (about 25-30 min away). Internet rarely worked and Verizon coverage was extremely minimal. Brand new bathhouse was extremely nice.
TravelerThe Turkey Run State Park Campground is great because of its location to the various creek tour spots.
The camp store is small, but has enough stuff to get you out of a basic bind: food items, household stuff, some clothing, souvenirs.
Campground had decent signal for Verizon and AT&T.
Camp spots were tight, uneven, and many had strong-to-severe grades.
The campsite has a wonky layout and for a lot of the bigger rigs, this is a tight camp ground to navigate.
We had a pull-through site so no complaints.
Septic dumps were almost a complete 90* angle turn from the main camp road into the lane for waste dumping. For a longer rig, the angle of the turn will give you some anxiety.
LegendI have never been to a campground with so many children. At first it was a nice break from all the old folks at the RV parks, but then it got to be too much. There was constant noise and commotion and kids (and adults) constantly walking through my site. One boy was even riding his bike over my Starlink wire. A lot of the kids had electric scooters and bikes and were zooming through the campground endlessly. I had a group from across the road come into my site and start playing frisbee golf because they did not have enough room in their own site but didn't say a word to me. Really? The surrounding area is very beautiful with rock outcroppings and small gorges unlike the rest of Indiana. However, the walking paths around this beautiful area were MOBBED. The area around the suspension bridge was like being in Times Square. The bathrooms were good….a solid B+.
TravelerWe love Caboose! If you have kids or teens this is your spot. Super clean water and beach area with inflatables- so fun! They do require wristbands which cost 10$ a day but that includes bumper boats and unlimited paddle boat rentals, for us it’s perfect! Fun to take out the kayaks too. We will be back!
GuideWhite River Campground is a county owned park within 15 minutes small town Indiana (Cicero) complete with a small town grocery and dollar general. Within 20 minutes or Walmart and Grocery stores. Campground is divided up into A-B-C sections. A is accessible. B is full hookup with sewer and C is water/elec only and tent camping. Park next door is great for hiking, has walk bridge over river to trails, horse backing riding, high ropes course. Campground is on the white river, offers boat launching. Bathrooms are decent. Playground is newly remodeled. Laundry onsite, wood for sale, and some wifi. We found the wifi only reaches in sections A-B even though it’s advertised as reaching the entire camp. Camp office and IT support were no help.
TravelerThe folks here are great if you ever need help at your camp site find Christie and Eddie they are the best
LegendSites away from the river are BRF. On the river, not so much. Place seems old and needed general maintenance. We were suppose to stay three nights but only stayed two. I would only stay one night and go for us.
Camping near Buck Creek, Indiana, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From family-friendly parks to serene spots for RVers, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Camping near Buck Creek, Indiana, has a lot to offer, whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful getaway. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Buck Creek, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Buck Creek, IN is Turkey Run State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 66 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 15 glamping camping locations near Buck Creek, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
