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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."
"This is just a beautiful Indiana State Park located near the small community of Jasonville, Indiana which offers simple dining, grocery store, hardware store and fuel."
"There's 7 hiking trails. All are nice walks in the woods. All were muddy in sections. There's an old coal mine on Trail 2. Blocked off for safety. "
from $20 - $1200 / night
Check Availability"There are many lake with good fishing, most of which have boat ramps (small boats). Great for kayaking and canoeing. There are cabins for rent, two campgrounds on Reservoir 26 and Wampler lake."
from $33 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Oubache is super close to home and a regular spot that I take my 3 kiddos to hike and play on the different playgrounds! It is also adjacent to Fort Knox II for any history buffs as well!"
"This is a very nice campground just outside of Vincennes. Love the camp ground, does have electricity and water. Very shaded. Also has cabin rentals that are fantastic. Lots of trails to walk."
"Most spots there are occupied by traveling workers for the nearby power plant so even when the campground is full it’s very quiet. If you have kids i recommend spot #1."
"My family has stayed at Sullivan Lake many times. It is an awesome place to go for a family outing. They have all kinds of camping sites, a huge lake that can support all sizes of family boating."
"Boating, fishing, and lake swimming/beach area are great. The bath houses have vault toilets. Many weekends they have live music and/or activities for the family."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"Shaded campground sites at lake's edge on east side of park, 53 electrical hookups including 1 pull-thru, 14 primitive/tent sites. Fire ring and picnic table at each site. Water hydrants nearby."
"The access to the campground is gated and locked at 10pm each night. There is a colonial village and covered bridge on the north end of the lake. The lake that it is located on is beautiful."
"Most of the other campers there are workers for the refinery nearby. Only 2 of the 12 sites seemed to be long term and they were all well kept."
from $25 / night
from $40 / night
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TravelerCasey is a very welcoming place. Almost reminds you a little of the town in the Music Man, River City I believe? Fairview Park is extremely nice and the camp spots are level and green with many shaded under beautiful trees. $15.00/night for residents and $25.00/night for non-residents.
TravelerWe've stayed here a few times now. The town is is charming and definitely wants some tourist business. Great coffee shop and barber shop next door. The park is quiet and quite pretty. The sites are a little difficult to figure out, but water and electric and a dump station nearby. Big trees for shade and a lake with a fountain for a peaceful setting
TravelerLevel gravel sites, site 17 needs extra long electric cord, extremely well cared for park with helpful hosts. Very clean bathroom, shower and laundry facilities, decorated with homey touches. Firewood and ice available at campground. Some road and train noise, but park itself was quiet.
TravelerLovely nature sanctuary featuring family-friendly camping and a separate, clothing optional area. Showers and ports potties available as well. There are occasional festivals & events with bonfires, activities, and drumming
GuideWe secured a spot on the look near the lake. The view was awesome! The spots not on that little circle were eh, ok. If you can get a good one it’s worth it for sure.
GuideOne of my favorite places to stay. 5 full hook up, one cozy cabin, and plenty of room for tents
LegendMost of the spaces that had both water and electric were mostly in the sun. But all the other spaces had plenty of shade and trees around them. Our space was spot on level and nice area around each space to where you didn’t feel like you were camped on top of other people. The showers were adequate. Great hiking trails in the area. Very quiet. Although we were there on a weekday. One downside was we had Verizon as a cell phone carrier and only had one bar.
TravelerWe had a nice site that was evenly spaced from the other campsites by trees and was nice and close to water, the bathrooms, and the shower houses, which were very clean! The camp store was nice and the paddle boats were fun! The pool was only opened on the weekends in August which was disappointing but there was a large fishing dock and many boating opportunities. Very nice camping spot, but in August beware of the bugs!
GuideCamp sites had some trash from previous campers. Bathrooms were dirty and outdated. Only scolding hot water in the shower. Host and another staff member made me turn my camper to face the other direction so the door wouldn't face another camp site, even though I have a door on both sides after we had camp set up. Sites themselves are nicely spaced apart. Place was pretty empty for our 4 day weekend there.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Carlisle, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carlisle, IN is Shakamak State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
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