Camping options near Borden, Indiana range from rustic tent sites to upscale glamping accommodations across southern Indiana's forested hills. Located in Clark County at elevations between 400-700 feet, this region experiences humid summers with temperatures frequently reaching 90°F and mild winters with occasional snow. Many campgrounds remain open year-round with variable amenities depending on the season.
What to do
Trail hiking with history: Charlestown State Park features multiple hiking trails with unique historical elements. "I love this place, we visit all the time to hike/walk the trails. Very beautiful!!" notes Elizabeth S. The park's trail system includes routes along the Ohio River with varying difficulty levels.
Fishing opportunities: Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground offers excellent fishing in its 145-acre lake. "Great getaway for the family. We love this place and camp here 5 + times a year. It's clean and so much to do with kids," shares Bob S. Wake early for the best fishing conditions as one camper recommends: "wake early to see the sun rise over the lake."
Cave exploration: Marengo Cave Campgrounds provides unique underground exploration just steps from the camping area. "I stayed in late October and I was the only one there, except for a family on the cabins. The spots are just near and walking distance from the caves and other attractions," explains Sofia A. Cave tours operate until 5:00 PM daily with options for both family-friendly and more challenging explorations.
What campers like
Water activities: Delaney Creek Park features a lake with swimming areas and boat rentals. "Breathtaking Beautiful. Very clean and super friendly staff. They do allow boats and the Knobstone trail is accessible here," reports Tiffany T. The park also offers concrete pads for RVs with electric and water hookups.
Peace and quiet: Clark State Forest provides a more secluded glamping experience near Borden. "We tent camped and it was not a bad time. Very dead and very quiet, and we met a friendly raccoon," mentions Jordan C. The forest offers affordable camping with basic amenities for those seeking a less crowded experience.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance standards at local campgrounds. "Campground is clean and very well maintained. Owners are very involved and run things very thoughtfully," notes Kyle H. about Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA. Most glamping sites near Borden maintain regular cleaning schedules for shared facilities.
What you should know
Site elevation: Many campgrounds in the region have sloped sites. At Delaney Creek Park, "Sites for RVs are concrete and you will need to level some on all of them. They have electric and water. Reasonable prices," advises Pamela H. Bring leveling blocks, especially for larger rigs.
Limited cell service: Several camping areas near Borden have spotty connectivity. "No cell service" is mentioned specifically about Marengo Cave by Lisa D. Consider downloading maps and information before arrival.
Seasonal considerations: The region experiences tick activity during warmer months. "Tick were REALLY bad. Maybe the season, maybe the area, not sure," warns Kyle about O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground. Bring appropriate repellent when glamping in Borden, Indiana during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: State parks provide numerous child-friendly amenities. "Enjoyed trails, big lots and lots of stuff for the kids to do," reports Burns G. about Charlestown State Park. Most glamping locations offer organized activities during peak seasons.
Educational opportunities: Youngs Creek Horse Camp provides nature learning experiences with occasional horse sightings. "A quiet, peaceful spot in the forest. A few horses on the trail on weekends," mentions Mark D. Children can observe wildlife and learn about forest ecosystems.
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming areas for family enjoyment. "The beach area was huge and there were a lot of playgrounds," notes Martin M. about Starve Hollow. Many glamping sites near Borden maintain dedicated swimming areas with varying levels of supervision.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Many campgrounds offer various hookup options. "Sites are level, water is good, power is stable at 118 VAC," reports Charlie M. about Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA. Check specific site amenities when booking for glamping near Borden.
Maneuverability considerations: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. "We found it easy to maneuver our 36' Class A towing a dolly and Honda Civic. If you rig is more than 60' including Toad ask owner about available spaces," advises Charlie M. Larger RVs should call ahead to confirm accessibility.
Water access locations: Be prepared for different water hookup configurations. "The electric and water hookups are not in standard locations for RV hookups. Make sure you bring an extension for your electric hookup, otherwise you might not be able to reach the post," warns Kelsie E. about Delaney Creek Park. Pack extension cords and longer water hoses when glamping with an RV.
