Best Campgrounds near Carlisle, IN
The southwestern Indiana landscape surrounding Carlisle features a mix of state parks, county recreation areas, and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Shakamak State Park, located 15 miles northeast in Jasonville, stands out with its three interconnected lakes spanning 400 acres and heavily wooded campsites offering shade and privacy. Greene-Sullivan State Forest's Narrow Lake Campground provides year-round access with both primitive and electric sites. Sullivan County Park and Fowler County Park offer lakeside camping with boat access, while smaller private operations like Hillbilly Acres Campground and Eagles Nest Camping provide alternatives for those seeking less crowded experiences. Most facilities accommodate both tent and RV camping, with many offering cabin rentals for those preferring more shelter.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the region. Many county parks, including Fowler County Park, operate only from May through mid-October, with gates typically closing at 10 p.m. Indiana state parks charge a one-time entry fee ($7-9) that covers the duration of a stay. As one camper noted about Shakamak State Park, "The sites are all flat—unheard of in an Indiana State Park!" Cell service varies considerably throughout the area, with some campgrounds like those in Lieber State Recreation Area having virtually no coverage. Highway noise affects some locations, particularly at Narrow Lake Campground where one reviewer mentioned, "We did not like it due to its proximity to a highway." Firewood restrictions apply throughout Indiana, with regulations requiring wood to be purchased within state boundaries to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Fishing opportunities dominate the recreational landscape around Carlisle, with multiple lakes and reservoirs drawing anglers throughout the camping season. According to a visitor at Shakamak State Park, "This is a fishing park with electric motors only, so a quiet lake." Many campgrounds feature dedicated fishing piers for campers, boat launches, and bait shops. Shaded sites are highly valued during summer months, with most established campgrounds offering good tree cover. Bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews across the region, though Shakamak earns praise for exceptionally clean facilities that are "KOA clean—couldn't even find a spider web." Family-friendly amenities include playgrounds, swimming pools, and hiking trails, with several parks featuring historical attractions like the pioneer village at Fowler County Park that one visitor called "a must go, especially during pioneer days in the fall."
