Top Tent Camping near Charlestown, IN

Searching for a tent camping spot near Charlestown? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Charlestown with tent camping. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Charlestown, Indiana's most popular destinations.

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
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground

    2. Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground

    17 Reviews
    92 Photos
    109 Saves

    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 - $35 / 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

    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
    20 Saves
    • 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

    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

    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

    410 Reviews of 7 Charlestown Campgrounds


    • 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
      Jul. 15, 2024

      Taylorsville Lake State Park

      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.

    • 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
      Jul. 6, 2024

      Taylorsville Lake State Park

      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.

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

      Spring Mill State Park

      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.

    • 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.

    • Ima C.
      Camper-submitted photo from Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA
      Jan. 21, 2024

      Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA

      High speed Wifi

      This campground  offers, high-speed Wi-Fi that actually works!  the new owners upgraded last year and it’s fabulous !

    • Ima C.
      Camper-submitted photo from Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA
      Jan. 21, 2024

      Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA

      Family Owned KOA!

      This campground became a KOA in late fall 2022. Since the new owners took over they have made wonderful improvements. Added a new saltwater pool, deluxe cabins, deluxe camping sites. All sites have 50/30 AMP. Most with lake views or select a site right nearest the lake. They added a New Cafe with pizza, coffees and Boba tea. Super clean park & restrooms

    • April S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Buzzard Roost Campground — Hoosier National Forest
      Nov. 5, 2023

      Buzzard Roost Campground — Hoosier National Forest

      Good clean camp ground

      Very clean area with restrooms. There is very limited spaces that are pretty close together. There actually wasn’t any camp grounds open when we got there but we were so exhausted from the drive and it was 4am so we parking at the trail head and got a 3 hour nap in. I walked a bit of the trail that morning and used the bathrooms. Perfect little spot if you don’t mind people and want a dispersed spot. Not running water or electricity. Att service was ok

    • Fred L.
      Camper-submitted photo from General Butler State Resort Park
      Oct. 26, 2023

      General Butler State Resort Park

      Small sites but lovely location

      We stayed two nights in our small mobile home. The pluses were electric and water hookups, and the beauty of the area. The trees were at peak color! The minuses were that some of the sites were very narrow, and some had a huge drop off from the camping pad to the grass. You almost have to drive there and look at the sites one by one to make sure what you're getting! Having said that, the area is well lighted and boasts a beautiful (though not really as easy as advertised) trail around the lake.

    • Brandi M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Starve Hollow State Rec Area
      Oct. 11, 2023

      Starve Hollow State Rec Area

      Great place to stay!

      Electric sites near the lake with several water front sites. Full hook up sites that are well spread out so you are not on top of each other. Very friendly staff. Clean facilities. Quite the hidden gem.



    Guide to Charlestown

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

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Charlestown State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Great hiking opportunities and cool exploration of historic Rose Island Theme Park."
    • Fishing and Boating: At Starve Hollow State Rec Area, you can enjoy fishing and canoeing. A camper shared, "Electric sites near the lake with several waterfront sites. Very friendly staff."
    • Visiting Distilleries: If you're a fan of bourbon, the area is close to many distilleries. One reviewer noted, "Located very close to Bardstown and a lot of distilleries on the bourbon trail."

    What campers like:

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Hardin Ridge said, "Restrooms are clean. Well maintained facility."
    • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space between sites. A reviewer at Patoka Lake Campground mentioned, "Nice Park, but not cheap for nonresidents. Well spaced & few with a water view."
    • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Paynetown Campground remarked, "Staff were very friendly and helpful."

    What you should know:

    • Site Sizes Vary: Some sites may require leveling, as noted by a camper at Big Bone Lick State Park Campground: "Most of the sites will require some extra leveling."
    • Busy on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get crowded, especially during summer weekends. A visitor at Paynetown Campground said, "It's always been a busy place."
    • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A camper at Clifty Falls State Park Campground mentioned, "I question the validity of these reviews sometimes also, as cell signal was rated good...and both were spotty at best."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. A parent at Charlestown State Park Campground said, "My children loved all the playgrounds around the state park."
    • Plan for Wildlife: Be cautious of raccoons and other wildlife. One camper at Big Bone Lick State Park Campground warned, "Put ALL your food away!"
    • Bring Outdoor Games: Keep kids entertained with outdoor games. A family at Patoka Lake Campground enjoyed the "abundance of activities at this state park."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Site Levels: Make sure to check if your site is level enough for your RV. A camper at Clifty Falls State Park Campground noted, "The electric situation is poor...the park was put in about 1919."
    • Reserve Early: Popular sites fill up fast, especially on weekends. A visitor at Paynetown Campground mentioned, "It's always been a busy place."
    • Bring Extra Cords: Many sites require long power cords and hoses. A camper at My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground advised, "Be prepared for required extensions to your power and water hoses."

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

    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.