Carlisle, Indiana camping areas sit within the Wabash River valley, where the terrain alternates between forested hills and open farmland at elevations around 500 feet. RV camping near Carlisle offers access to the region's numerous lakes and waterways, many formed from reclaimed coal mining operations. Summer temperatures typically reach highs in the mid-80s, with humidity levels creating warm camping conditions from June through August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: West Boggs Park features a large lake popular with anglers. "There's plenty of areas to fish from the bank if you don't have a boat," notes one camper. The park also offers "frisbee golf and 9 hole golf course are all a part of the grounds."
Hiking trails: Shakamak State Park Campground provides multiple walking paths through wooded areas. "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," shares one visitor who rated the park 4 stars.
Water activities: Many campgrounds in the area feature swimming options during summer. At Shakamak, "There's no beach, but they have an enormous pool. It has slides & everything," according to a review. The park also allows "Boating with electric motors, so a quiet lake."
Mountain biking: Fowler County Park provides excellent access to nearby trails. "This park is a short four minute bike ride from Griffin Bike Park, which is an amazing mountain bike park," explains one reviewer who appreciated the convenience.
What campers like
Lake access: Camping near water ranks high with visitors to Carlisle area campgrounds. "We prefer a small section of the park called Milligan's Point. There are only 10 spots, you're right on the water, and has full hook ups," reports one West Boggs Park camper.
Quiet atmosphere: Narrow Lake Campground in Greene Sullivan State Forest appeals to those seeking peace. "This is a really interesting State Forest property evolving from a reclamation project of donated land from various coal companies. Now encompassing nearly 9000 acres of woodlands and what it's best known for, some 120 lakes," notes one visitor.
Fishing-focused destinations: Greene Sullivan State Forest offers exceptional fishing opportunities. "The lakes are rich with bass, bluegill, crappy, redear and Airline Lake is even stocked annually with rainbow trout. This is truly a fisherman paradise," according to a 3-star review.
Theme weekends: Many local campgrounds host special events. At West Boggs Park, "They host different themed events," and another camper adds, "Their holiday/theme weekends are fun for all ages. They have normal lake life, beach, and fishing."
What you should know
Reservation systems: Most campgrounds in the area use different booking methods. At Oblong Park and Lake, "Price per night is $10 that includes electric and water only...you drop your payment at the bathhouse on the honor system."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping experiences. At Shakamak State Park, a visitor warned, "The Nature Center was inexplicably closed 'for the season'. Disappointing!" Summer brings challenges too, with one camper noting, "In August beware of the bugs!"
Site spacing: Campground layouts vary significantly. At Shakamak, sites are "wooded. This is a well established campground. The sites are all flat- ALL FLAT!!! No inclined sites at all!" which contrasts with other parks in the region.
Utility placement: At Shakamak, one camper suggests you "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many campgrounds offer play areas. At Red Hills Lake State Park, "Lots to do for kids, as the park has basketball courts, volleyball court, and lots of playground equipment around the park," notes one camper in their 4-star review.
Swimming options: Pools provide recreation when temperatures rise. "Great walking woods. but the restaurant is awesome. plenty of fish in the lake," says a Red Hills visitor, while another mentions the park has "Beautiful lake with good fishing."
Kid-friendly spots: Certain campsites work better for children. At New Vision RV Park, "If you have kids i recommend spot #1. It's big and borders a very nice playground," advises a camper who rated the park 5 stars.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have unavoidable noise sources. "Train tracks are way too close," warns a New Vision RV Park reviewer, suggesting families avoid "the back left (NE) corner" of the campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for varying pad conditions. At West Boggs Park, "There are plenty of campsites with gravel pads. I haven't seen any of the pads that are terribly unlevel," notes one camper.
Space constraints: Some parks have tight spacing. At Terre Haute Campground, "There are definitely sites big enough for big-rigs with tow vehicles so you don't have to unhook if you are just stopping for a night," according to a 4-star review.
Tree clearance: Mature trees can present challenges. At Terre Haute Campground, "watch the tree to the right as you turn in as we brushed our awning," cautions a reviewer. Another notes, "The only problem we had with the park was that some of the trees were not trimmed and the roads where narrow and would rub against our RV."
Cell service: Connectivity varies by carrier. At Shakamak State Park, "One downside was we had Verizon as a cell phone carrier and only had one bar," reports a 5-star review, which contrasts with other campgrounds in the region.
