Scales Lake Park and Miles Landing Campground combine natural settings with modern camping facilities near Chandler, Indiana. Most campsites at Scales Lake Park accommodate recreational vehicles with electric hookups, while primitive tent sites offer a more rustic experience on the other side of the lake. The terrain consists primarily of reclaimed woodland and fishing ponds with elevation changes along hiking paths. Camping season typically runs from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 80-90°F and occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Hiking trails for all levels: Indian-Celina Recreation Area features multiple trail options through wooded terrain. "The trails were long, but not too difficult, but slightly overgrown. They had very pretty views of the lake," notes Hadley O., who especially enjoyed the lakeside scenery.
Fishing opportunities: Hoosier National Forest South Slope Loop Campground offers access to calm waters where electric motors only are permitted. "Nice facilities. Camping spots not on top of each other. Great hiking. Quiet," according to Russell, who appreciated the peaceful atmosphere for fishing.
Water recreation: Swimming areas provide relief during hot summer days. One camper at Vastwood Co Park mentions the "Beautiful lakeside campsites. Great for small groups or individuals," along with a swimming area that helps beat the summer heat.
What campers like
Private camping spaces: While some areas have close sites, other campgrounds offer more seclusion. "We've camped there as a large group and as a family several times. There's a beach for swimming and a shower house. The RV sites are kinda cramped. We prefer the primitive sites on the other side of the lake," says Laura D. about camping options.
Clean facilities: Hoosier National Forest North Face Loop Campground receives praise for its well-maintained sites and spacious layout. "This camp ground is delightful. All of the sites are spaced far enough away that you'll have your privacy. The sites are clean and spacious as well as very flat for tents," according to Chelsi S.
Wildlife viewing: The reclaimed woodland areas create habitat for various species. At Miles Landing Campground, one camper noted the "Great woodland Setting. I used to live near here before the strip mine went through. The camp is in the middle of a large reclamation. Lots of ponds and young trees. Great modern sites mostly dispersed."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures typically range from 80-90°F with occasional thunderstorms. Pack accordingly with rain gear during peak season.
Yurt camping options: While traditional yurt camping near Chandler, Indiana is limited, some campgrounds offer alternative glamping accommodations that provide similar experiences with canvas structures.
Reservation timing: Harmonie State Park Campground has popular seasonal events that fill quickly. "We stayed the weekend before Halloween. We missed reserving the weekend they have the campground trick or treating, which was the weekend before, but this was just as fun. Apparently that weekend has to be reserved the day reservations open for it," advises Nichole M.
Tick prevention: Ticks can be problematic in wooded areas. One camper at Hoosier National Forest North Face Loop noted, "We hiked extensively and though this is definitely not mountainous terrain it will give you a work out. A lot of cool rock formations and wild life to be seen, then there's the tick's... the tick's here seem like the Infantry, swarming the objective from all side's. Bring your bug stuff!"
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Vastwood Co Park offers family-friendly amenities. "Park features playground, paved biking and walking trails, disc golf, plenty of shade, lake with boat dock (non-motorized boats only), bath house, and dump station. Friendly staff; trash seemed to be emptied each weekday," reports Chelsea B.
Special events: Seasonal activities enhance family camping experiences. Harmonie State Park hosts Halloween events where "They had a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot and although there weren't a ton of vehicles, it was definitely enough for the kids to have fun trick or treating... There was also a hayride in the evening for a small fee and that included making smore's at the bonfire."
Site selection for groups: When camping with multiple families, specific loops work better for group settings. At Harmonie State Park, "We camped with 3 other families and had adjacent sites that worked perfectly for us, plenty of space for the kids to play, although a little far from the playground."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing awareness: RV sites vary significantly in privacy and space. At Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph, a camper noted "Our spot was great and didn't require much leveling. We did get a deluxe spot. However we only got the spot because the others were sold out. Many of the other spots were on hills and right on top of each other."
Hookup variations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. Shelly S. reports about Hoosier National Forest, "This is the RV friendly campground with electrical hookups for your toys. You give up some privacy and quiet to have your electric as the sites are closer together and of course your neighbor may not be as courteous with the noise said electronics create."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. One camper mentioned about Scales Lake Park, "The streets in the town are extremely narrow, making it hard to get into the park," which larger RVs should consider when planning routes.
