Best Campgrounds near Carmel, IN

Camping near Carmel, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

• Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Turkey Run State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "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."
• Fishing and Kayaking: At Summit Lake State Park Campground, enjoy fishing or kayaking on the large, shallow lake. A visitor shared, "There is a large (shallow) lake for fishing and kayaking. Idle speed only allowed using a motorized boat."
• Wildlife Watching: Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area is great for spotting local wildlife. One camper noted, "The raccoons definitely are active so make sure you lock it all up at night."

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Turkey Run State Park Campground stated, "The campground has two large modern bathrooms that are cleaned regularly."
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the activities available. One reviewer at Prophetstown State Park Campground said, "This park has it all. Multiple playgrounds for the kids, great hiking/biking trails, and a resort-like water park in the summer."
• Spacious Sites: Campers often mention the spaciousness of the sites. A visitor at Buffalo Ridge Campground remarked, "Most sites are located along the main thoroughfare of the campground and offer little privacy."

What you should know

• Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Turkey Run State Park Campground noted, "If you’re here on a weekend, you’ll definitely have neighbors close by."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A review for Shades State Park Campground mentioned, "The facilities, however, were poorly maintained. The vault toilets were dirty, needed to be emptied."
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially raccoons. One camper at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area humorously warned, "Do not turn your back to your dinner table at any time if there’s food out."

Tips for camping with families

• Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities for kids. One family at Lieber State Recreation Area enjoyed, "We hiked a nature trail, went to the beach, visited the nature center, and went to see the falls."
• Choose Shady Spots: Look for campsites with shade to keep cool. A visitor at Summit Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Several campsites offer full shade and most are level."
• Bring Games and Snacks: Keep kids entertained with games and snacks. One camper at Indianapolis KOA said, "The campground is huge with a cool stream separating them."

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Levels: Make sure to check the level of your campsite. A reviewer at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area noted, "We had to take it off to get level."
• Be Mindful of Space: Some sites can be cramped. A camper at Buffalo Ridge Campground advised, "Pay attention to your campsite for slope and camper accessibility."
• Use Extra Levelers: Bring extra levelers for uneven sites. A visitor at Lieber State Recreation Area mentioned, "We dealt with it, but I noticed 4 or 5 quality spots that sat vacant through the weekend."

Camping around Carmel, Indiana, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!