The southwestern Indiana area around Carlisle features varied terrain where reclaimed coal mining land creates unique fishing and recreational opportunities. Within a 30-mile radius, campers find options ranging from state forests to county parks that offer water-based activities. Camping elevations typically range from 450-600 feet above sea level with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F during peak camping months.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Greene Sullivan State Forest offers exceptional fishing across approximately 120 lakes formed from former strip mines. According to a camper, "This is a fisherman paradise…the lakes are rich with bass, bluegill, crappy, redear and Airline Lake is even stocked annually with rainbow trout."
Kayaking and canoeing: Sullivan County Park provides boat rentals for exploring its large lake. "Boating, fishing, and lake swimming/beach area are great... They also have boat rentals now!" notes one visitor who gave the park a 5-star rating.
Mountain biking: Fowler County Park offers easy access to nearby biking trails. A camper explains, "This park is a short four minute bike ride from Griffin Bike Park, which is an amazing mountain bike park."
Historical exploration: Visit the pioneer village at Fowler County Park for a glimpse into early settler life. One visitor shared, "There is a nice loop around the lake with a swimming spot and some old cabins for some westworld feels."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Shakamak State Park Campground receives high marks for maintenance. A reviewer noted, "The bathrooms/showers are KOA clean. Also unheard of in an Indiana State Park. I couldn't even find a spider web. Kudos to the park employees & camp hosts!"
Lake access for fishing: Many campsites at Sullivan County Park allow you to fish directly from your site. One camper stated, "My family has stayed at Sullivan Lake many times. It is an awesome place to go for a family outing... a huge lake that can support all sizes of family boating."
Level campsites: Flat sites are particularly valued in this region. At Shakamak, a visitor observed, "The sites are great- wooded. This is a well established campground. The sites are all flat- ALL FLAT!!! No inclined sites at all!"
Winter options: Narrow Lake Campground offers year-round accommodations including heated cabins. "We originally planned to tent camp the first weekend in October but with 30 degree temps and children, we decided to check out the cabins at Greene Sullivan. They did not disappoint. Heat was phenomenal," reported a satisfied guest.
What you should know
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. At Narrow Lake Campground, one camper reported, "My wife and I camped at the Narrow Lake Campground here for 4 nights, but did not like it due to its proximity to a highway."
Gate closure times: Many parks enforce strict access hours. At Sunset Park & Lake Campground, "The gates close at 11. No visitors after 11 and you are to be in the campground by then."
Utility hookup locations: At Shakamak State Park, a visitor advised, "Bring an extension cord if you're in a pull through. If you want your door facing the fire pit- the electric box is in an awkward place."
Cell service quality: Coverage varies significantly by location. A camper at Shakamak noted, "One downside was we had Verizon as a cell phone carrier and only had one bar."
Seasonal closures: Most county parks in the region operate only from May through mid-October, with some facilities like swimming pools open only on weekends during shoulder seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Shakamak State Park features an impressive swimming facility. "They have an enormous pool. It has slides & everything," mentions one reviewer, while another adds that the pool also has "a splash area/wading pool for your smaller kiddos."
Playground proximity: At Eagles Nest Camping, families can request specific sites for easier access to play areas. "This property is neat, clean and well cared for with a small pond, children's play area," notes a visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer chances to observe local fauna. At Shakamak State Park, one camper shared, "We did have several nighttime visits from a couple large raccoon families, but it became a game for the kids as they watched for them."
Educational activities: Various parks offer scheduled nature programs. A visitor to Shakamak mentioned, "Today, the Nature Center had a snake demonstration at 2 pm. Yesterday was planned a kayak trip by the DNR there."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Ouabache Trails County Park accommodates various sized RVs but requires planning. "If you are coming in for one night, definitely pick site 23 or 24 pull throughs. TIP: Make sure you have an extension for your 30/50 AMP, and one for your water as well," advises an experienced RVer.
Full hookup availability: Several of the best places to camp near Carlisle, Indiana now offer complete services. At Shakamak State Park, a camper noted, "There's also another campground that has a mix of electric/full hookup & non electric sites. They have a beautiful bathhouse."
Water quality considerations: At some smaller campgrounds, water systems may require brief flushing. A visitor to Arrowhead Campground recommended, "Power was good but let the water run a bit because it's brown when first turned on."
Worker-friendly campgrounds: For those staying longer-term, certain areas cater to workers. A reviewer at New Vision RV Park shared, "Most spots there are occupied by traveling workers for the nearby power plant so even when the campground is full it's very quiet."
