Best Tent Camping near Charlestown, IN

Looking for the best Charlestown tent camping? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Charlestown, IN (7)

    Camper-submitted photo from Deam Lake State Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Deam Lake State Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Deam Lake State Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Deam Lake State Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Deam Lake State Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Deam Lake State Rec Area

    1. Deam Lake State Rec Area

    18 Reviews
    29 Photos
    69 Saves
    Borden, Indiana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest

    2. Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest

    17 Reviews
    92 Photos
    110 Saves
    Fairdale, Kentucky

    Jefferson Memorial Forest features a campground for tent camping and can accommodate both families and groups. Although the Forest is only minutes from Metro Louisville, camping here seems like a much more remote camping experience. Located within the Horine Reservation, the campground is in the uplands of the Forest and has good separation between individual campsites. Seven family campsites and four group campsites are available. Latrines and water are near to all the sites.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $15 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Happy Hollow Homestead
    Camper-submitted photo from Happy Hollow Homestead
    Camper-submitted photo from Happy Hollow Homestead
    Camper-submitted photo from Happy Hollow Homestead
    Camper-submitted photo from Happy Hollow Homestead
    Camper-submitted photo from Happy Hollow Homestead

    3. Happy Hollow Homestead

    5 Reviews
    49 Photos
    179 Saves
    English, Indiana

    Listed on Rachael Ray Magazine's "8 of America's Coolest Campgrounds" This listing is for tent, car, or small RV camping- We currently do not rent the tree house since it is my home. I may rent it out in the future and I will have a cabin available later in the year We are on a solar powered, off the grid 60 acre homestead that has 54 acres of wooded land and 6 acres of groomed land. Come explore our land and relax in the"Tree Web", see the 2 story tree house that I live in, have fun on the tire swing, or just sit and enjoy all that nature has to offer. You can explore our interesting topography that has close to 100 foot of elevation changes, our(mostly) dry creek system that starts with 2 springs that drain into 3 sinkholes or walk 3 miles of trails (if you follow each trail from end to end). Camping can be in the Black Walnut Grove, in an open field or a shady grove. We like to interact with people or you can keep to yourself and have a quiet getaway in the woods. We love groups- Host your event here or have a group gathering with all your friends and family. We have spaces large enough to host hundreds of people. \- 3.5 miles to Marengo Cave \- 7 miles to the Blue River(canoes, rafting and swimming) \- 30 minutes to Pataka Lake- 37 miles west of Louisville \- 13 miles north of Interstate 64

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    • Picnic Table

    $40 - $65 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping

    4. Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping

    3 Reviews
    3 Photos
    21 Saves
    English, Indiana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Birdsell Castle
    Camper-submitted photo from Birdsell Castle
    Camper-submitted photo from Birdsell Castle
    Camper-submitted photo from Birdsell Castle

    5. Birdsell Castle

    Be the first to review!
    4 Photos
    4 Saves
    Goshen, Kentucky

    Stop and camp at Birdsell Castle. Camping includes: Sit around the campfire with other enthusiast and enjoy a Castle lifestyle. Axe throwing and archery.

    The castle has several shops with a variety of items and is actively looking for additional consignments from artistians world wide. Some wholesale items available for vendors as well. Vacation rental rooms are being constructed and hope to be available this fall

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $25 - $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Springs Valley Rec Area

    6. Springs Valley Rec Area

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    9 Saves
    French Lick, Indiana

    Due to safety concerns from recent flooding, the Hoosier National Forest’s Springs Valley Campground in Orange County is closed effective 05/11/2017. The vault restroom facilities and boat ramp at Springs Valley Recreation Area will remain open for public use. The 141-acre lake, once known as Tucker Lake, surrounded by scenic hardwood forests features primitive camping with vault toilets. No drinking water is available. A boat ramp and picnic facilities are also available. No fees are charged. Visitors to this area should be aware of a vandalism problem in this area and people are asked to report any suspicious activity or damage. For a downloadable flier with information and a map of this area click here.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    • No image available

    Recent Tent Reviews in Charlestown

    439 Reviews of 7 Charlestown Campgrounds


    • licia S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Buzzard Roost Campground — Hoosier National Forest
      Nov. 18, 2024

      Buzzard Roost Campground — Hoosier National Forest

      Buried Deep in the Forest- Nice View

      I’m grateful I got a spot, since there are only 5. I’m also grateful that’s it’s open (since past Nov 15th)- and that they are drive-in sites. It’s buried deep in the forest. Clean bathroom aka pit toilet, was literally just washed and stocked before I arrived. One bar with AT&T, was able to get online when the neighbors left (but not while they were home)- so a booster or better would be advised. Mine is unboosted. The neighbor running the loud generator (the noise in the video) did come over and ask if it was disturbing me, lol- which was nice. Of course I said no :) since I brought a fan that was able to drown out most of the noise. Overall, if I were staying for the 14 allowed days- I’d say it’s worth the trip in. The road in IS paved and well-maintained up until a tiny portion at the end. Grateful for a spot, though.

    • Kelsey R.
      Camper-submitted photo from O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground
      Nov. 3, 2024

      O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground

      Shaded and secluded

      Obannon Overall, this is a nice state park to camp in. Staff was very friendly. They have ice and wood. My kids enjoyed the nature center, pioneer village, and one of the easy trails.

      We stayed in 220. It was nice to be right by the playground and bathrooms (which is what we wanted). Some spots near the back would be nice and secluded like the 180s and 190s and they’re still not too far from the bathrooms and playground. The better playground is in loop A.

      I will say, I didn’t see any staff members cleaning up trash, getting campsites ready, or anything the 2 days we were there. Even though we went in November, it was a nice weekend and wasn’t dead, so I was surprised I didn’t see anyone cleaning. Wasn’t the cleanest state campground we’ve been at in Indiana. Certainly wasn’t awful though either.

      My biggest gripe was they were hosting a huge cycling group. Like the whole loop A. We were all the way back in C. They held a concert that went on from like 8-11 pm. Being in a pop up, it was so loud and never ending. Made it difficult for my kids to sleep. If they’re going to hold (or allow) events like these, it should be posted on their website. Even with our sound machine, we still couldn’t block it out. I realize quiet hours aren’t until 11, but to me there’s a difference.

      There is also hardly any signage and spots are difficult to find. No arrows about which way to go, signs saying which loop you’re in, and spots are only marked on the electrical boxes.

      Overall, may stay again and try out the pool since we’re not too far from home, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to stay here.

    • Kelsey R.
      Camper-submitted photo from Deam Lake State Rec Area
      Oct. 29, 2024

      Deam Lake State Rec Area

      Nice

      This is a nice campground. We went on a weekend in July and it was as pretty busy, as to be expected. Because of that, we didn’t visit the beach area, however my in laws did and they said it was nice. They swam and kayaked. Staff is friendly. Facilities are pretty clean, nothing to write home about. Didn’t use the showers. My sons enjoyed the nature center. This is the closest state park to us, so I’m sure we will be back. Be sure to stop in town for ice cream.

    • jThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Still Waters Campground
      Oct. 6, 2024

      Still Waters Campground

      Great for long term or seasonal

      Lots of run down RV’s and shanty town in the back of the park. More long term renters than weekend warriors. One dump station, no sewage on the sites. One bathroom, for the whole Park. lots of tents sites (that were busy) makes for poor bathrooms. Not to mention its outhouse style with no climate control. 1/3 men’s bathrooms were out of order and 1/3 urinals were too. 2/3 showers where out of order and the two useable toilets, the door locks were broken. No wifi. Fires are allowed. Fire pits are run down so be mindful. 2/5 bars for ATT services. Sites aren’t labeled or labeled extremely bad. Electrical seems very out dated. Make sure you have protection. Over priced at $60 + tax for the night. Scattered shade. Pull through sites mainly. Picnic tables have seen better days (years more like it). Good space between sites and access to the river for water sports. Little lake for fishing. No pet area and strict leash laws. I wanna give this a 2/5 because they were pleasant. They encouraged me to review on multiple sites but I think that would be bad for them so I’ll stick to my main review site. 1/5, if the price was better like 30-40/night maybe 2/5 but for the price of a motel 6 and only electrical and that is sketchy. Save your money book elsewhere or avoid.

    • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from White Acres Campground
      Sep. 26, 2024

      White Acres Campground

      Love this place!

      Great hosts, quiet camping location, 5 minute drive into town. No, it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but we don’t need all that stuff. I’d rather pay a cheaper price than to stay at a place with activities going on all the time and so much noise you can’t enjoy the countryside.

    • jThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Elkhorn Creek RV Park
      Sep. 9, 2024

      Elkhorn Creek RV Park

      Great Family Spot

      We last minute booked this spot as a family getaway and we are so happy we did. It was perfect for our kids and dogs. Kids were none stop walking the dogs, and scootering up and down the road. Everyone was so kind, there was even live music! And can I take a moment to say the restroom/shower was the cleanest I have EVER used. Huge thanks to the staff, you can tell they truly take pride in their work. We had a site next to the creek and it was beautiful! We are already talking about coming back!

    • Kristen S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Still Waters Campground
      Aug. 27, 2024

      Still Waters Campground

      Excellent weekend trip

      Campsites are shady and flat, bathhouse is clean and well maintained. Office staff are friendly and helpful. We had a blast spending the day in the creek! Thanks for an A+ weekend campout!

    • Randy P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Follow The River RV Resort
      Aug. 25, 2024

      Follow The River RV Resort

      Great campground

      We absolutely love this campground, very friendly staff and well kept and clean!! They are pet friendly and allow portable fences.

    • D
      Camper-submitted photo from Louisville South KOA
      Jul. 22, 2024

      Louisville South KOA

      Clean and fun. Nice location.

      My family visited Louisville South at the beginning of June for an extended family trip.

      Pros- Lots of activities for kids. Nice pool, great playground, bounce pad. Bike rental. Decent (not spectacular) hiking trails. The RV sites with patio were very nice, but could be bigger.

      Cons- some (not all) of the staff. One lady in particular was always rude, and didn’t like answering questions. There was a security light for the bounce pad that was on all night long, and thoroughly illuminated the adjacent tent sites. My brother’s family of 6 did not sleep well. This is something that is easily corrected by installing a shade over one edge of the light, but the staff didn’t seem to care.

    • FThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Washington State Forest
      Jul. 21, 2024

      Jackson Washington State Forest

      Great primitive campground

      Spacious sites. Beautiful forest. Quiet, but only 5 minutes small town with gas stations, grocery, etc. Not many amenities. Only pit toilets and water spigots. Firewood was not available during our visit. No reservations. First come first serve, but even on a "busy" Saturday in July less than 1/3 of the sites were full. Two "loops" one in a pine forest below the small lake and one at the lake/up the hill. Multiple playgrounds. Great trails to hike. Cool CCC construction. Highly recommend.

    • JASON L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground
      Jul. 15, 2024

      Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground

      Great place to stay and close to Pure Kentucky

      Excellent campground. Clean and quiet. Can get busy but sites are not tight but spread out and plenty of space. Fine gravel sites with well kept grounds, shower house, and attentive host. We want to return and visit more Bourbon Trail Distilleries.

    • JASON L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Springs Park
      Jul. 15, 2024

      Sycamore Springs Park

      Great camping with enjoyable amenities

      This is a great family campground with excellent amenities, clean sites and grounds, beautiful surroundings, multiple cabins, pavilions, and a welcoming host office. We would love to visit and stay again. Do not let the short rural entry drive deter you. Yes it's hilly and curvy but take it slow and careful I promise it's worth it. Free firewood is just a bonus. Get a shady spot and enjoy the stay.

    • K
      Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Springs Park
      Jul. 15, 2024

      Sycamore Springs Park

      Child’s paradise !

      We went up in June 2024. There are several spots that are in the shade, but some of them are permanent campers. There is a fishing lake and a small river to fish in or wade and swim in. There is a miniature village for the kids along with 20 playgrounds in the campground. Golf carts are available to rent, and I feel are a necessity to get around this large park. There are also large fields to play in. Didn’t use the bath house. The general store has ice and a few souvenirs. There is cell service (AT&T and Verizon) There is also free wood. They have really cool spiral steps that lead up to a walk bridge. They also have a donkey and goats to pet. Altogether a really nice and clean park. Will definitely go again.

    • Nathan G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground
      Jul. 13, 2024

      O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground

      Decent campground, best on weekdays

      Had the typical state park experience. Bathrooms are decent, a little dated but oh well. The weekends in the middle middle of the season are typically busy. Plan your site well, many lack a level spot for tents and have a lot of slope near the pull off.

    • Billy B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Springs Park
      Jul. 7, 2024

      Sycamore Springs Park

      Bad campground

      The bathrooms are dirty, showers are full of hair, the toilets are dirty, staff can be rude, not a lot to do besides walk/drive around, not a very fun park if u was to bring ur kids to it, there’s not much to see. I wouldn’t waste ur take time comming here and instead go to a better park that’s much better

    • Jennifer M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground
      Jul. 6, 2024

      Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground

      Great stay!

      The campground is easy to navigate. The ranger met us on the way in and was super-friendly. Our site was small bit not cramped, and there was a picnic table and fire pit. Plenty of space between each site. Neighbors were quiet and friendly. Will camp here again!

    • EThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Youngs Creek Horse Camp
      Jun. 3, 2024

      Youngs Creek Horse Camp

      Beautiful

      The chorus frog do roar through the night. 100% worth it, make sure to bring bug spray, and travel carefully up the roads. Lots of wildlife, and kind people.

    • Ima C.
      Camper-submitted photo from Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA
      May. 14, 2024

      Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA

      Repeat Visit

      This was a repeat visit. Just as perfect as the first time. Lake was beautiful and staff are always so helpful. They even have an on-site RV Tech that works for them who helped us fix our hot water heater. Very professional young man. We also enjoyed live music at the pavilion, and PIZZA from their new café, it was fabulous. They even have Boba tea.

    • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from White Acres Campground
      Apr. 17, 2024

      White Acres Campground

      Good quiet place to stay

      If you’re looking for a quiet campground in a semi-rural setting, this is the place for you. No frills, full hookups for 50 amp. No laundry on site and only one local laundromat. Super Walmart and Kroger within 5 or so miles. There’s a lake on-site but requires a medium sized hike downhill and through undergrowth. Shade is at a premium as there aren’t many trees.

    • Makada L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Charlestown State Park Campground
      Apr. 14, 2024

      Charlestown State Park Campground

      Great Adventures in Charlestown

      First time in RV sites, loved it! Great hiking opportunities and cool exploration of historic Rose Island Theme Park. It's definitely a new favorite!

    • Bob C.
      Camper-submitted photo from Spring Mill State Park Campground
      Apr. 13, 2024

      Spring Mill State Park Campground

      Perfect location for the 2024 eclipse

      In January we found a couple of available sites at Spring Mill when trying to plan where we'd go for the eclipse, so we took them and then started looking at what the park had to offer. We started to really look forward to the park as much as the eclipse. The park lived up to expectations. We were able to do a lot of hiking. Our dog was welcome in most areas of the park (pioneer village being the only significant exception). They were planning for a ton of folks to be there for the eclipse, but the numbers were lower than expected. We had the perfect spot for viewing it right across the lane from our campsite, so it didn't really matter how many people came into the park for it. 

      The only possible negative was that our site wasn't very level for our pop up. We had our leveler with us, so it didn't matter. My wife and I decided that the eclipse was simply the cherry on top of a very good sundae. We loved the park and will likely return again.

    • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Louisville South KOA
      Apr. 10, 2024

      Louisville South KOA

      Great place to stay

      The staff are super helpful. The site we had was for a 38’ RV. Full hookups, dog park, lots of places to walk, even trails. We had a great stay here and will most likely come back next time we’re near Louisville.

    • Kelsey R.
      Camper-submitted photo from Charlestown State Park Campground
      Mar. 14, 2024

      Charlestown State Park Campground

      Very nice

      We stayed in the off season and it was lovely. Area is clean, outhouses were well maintained. My children loved all the playgrounds around the state park, great trails. Highly recommend.

    • k
      Camper-submitted photo from Delaney Creek Park
      Feb. 17, 2024

      Delaney Creek Park

      My go to campground

      I have never had a bad stay. I absolutely love camping here. The scenery is beautiful and I love how small the campground is.



    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Charlestown, IN?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Charlestown, IN is Deam Lake State Rec Area with a 3.9-star rating from 18 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Charlestown, IN?

      TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Charlestown, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.