Clarksville, Indiana lies along the Ohio River where limestone bedrock has created unique cave formations throughout the region. Most glamping sites near Clarksville sit at elevations between 400-900 feet above sea level, with seasonal temperature fluctuations ranging from below freezing in winter to humid 90°F days in summer. Full-service campgrounds typically remain open year-round, though water hookups may be winterized from November through March.
What to do
Cave exploration: 30 minutes from Clarksville at Marengo Cave Campgrounds offers access to two distinct cave systems. "I was really surprised that in my 30 years of living in Indiana, I had never been to Marengo Cave. It's both great for kids and adults. The people are super friendly and there are two different parts to explore. The dripslide caverns and the crystal palace cavern," notes a visitor.
Fishing opportunities: multiple species available at Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground where campsites border a 145-acre lake. A camper reports, "We brought our canoe and a kayak, and enjoyed fishing the lake for small mouth bass, crappie, and cat fish. It was very nice to camp right on the water!"
Historical exploration: pioneer structures throughout the area showcase early settlement history. One visitor to O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "Great nature center w ranger tours. Several hiking trails w various difficulties. Lots of caving activity in area, several local restaurants to visit. Overlook and 1816."
Creek wading: accessible stream beds provide cooling relief during summer months. "Camp sites are pretty small, but are aligned along a small stream. Sites equipped with electricity, a gazebo & picnic table, and fire pit," explains a Marengo Cave visitor, noting that "Camp store, cave tours, gift shop, and other pay activities are within steps of camping."
What campers like
Lakefront camping: direct water access is available at multiple locations. A Starve Hollow camper shared, "We stayed in site 21 which was right on the lake. All the lake front spots seem to have a good amount lakefront footage. We probably had at least 40 feet."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: many glamping sites near Clarksville position visitors for animal sightings. A camper at Lake Shelby Campground noted, "Great space between the tent sites, but virtually no real privacy as public traffic into park was steady. Awesome wildlife for a park within the city: herons, geese (except for poop), ducks, turtles, beavers."
Proximity to Louisville: urban amenities remain accessible while glamping close to Clarksville, Indiana. "We also spent half a day in Madison Indiana, (shopping, dining & winery) and biked the Ohio River Greenway path - nice 7 mile one way bike path from Jeffersonville to New Albany and stopped for lunch before turning around to head back," explains a visitor.
Off-season peace: fewer crowds in fall and spring. "We stayed 5 nights and had a wonderful time. Enjoyed trails, big lots and lots of stuff for the kids to do," reports an October visitor to Charlestown State Park.
What you should know
Elevation changes impact hiking difficulty: many trails require moderate fitness levels. At O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Several trails in walking, horse or bike riding distance. Some direct access from the campground. You can set up here and have plenty to do without ever leaving the park."
Seasonal facility closures: bathhouses may shut down during winter months. A Lake Shelby camper advised, "Long way to a newer bath house, port-a-john almost as far away in opposite direction. Bathhouse is four units, each with sink, toilet and shower. Could have been a lot cleaner."
Aircraft noise impacts some sites: proximity to Louisville International Airport affects certain campgrounds. At Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest, a camper warned, "This is a great little well-kept campground. Unfortunately it's in the departure path of Louisville's airport, so be prepared for once-a-minute takeoffs if the airport is using its southbound runways for departures. UPS releases about 100 planes from around 3-5am."
Reservation policies vary by campground: some accept advance bookings while others operate first-come, first-served. "This campground does allow you to make reservations," notes an Otter Creek Park Campground visitor, which provides peace of mind for planned trips.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: different age options provide entertainment throughout Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA. "There is a sand volleyball net, gah gah ball, dog park, playground, mini golf (not ready for summer yet), and a new pool soon," reports a camper, noting the campground is "a few miles from interstate and right off the highway."
Educational experiences: ranger-led programs help children learn about regional ecology and history. "We also enjoyed the nature center, pioneer village, and one of the easy trails," shares a visitor to O'Bannon Woods State Park.
Halloween activities: special seasonal events create memorable experiences for children. A camper at Otter Creek Park explained, "We go every fall with our entire family to enjoy the Halloween activities. The campers all go all out and let the kids trick or treat. There is even a group who does a haunted house and it is so fun!"
Swimming options: beach and pool access provides relief from summer heat. "The beach area was huge and there were a lot of playgrounds. Overall there was nothing bad to report," notes a Starve Hollow visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: vintage campgrounds may have shorter parking pads. A camper at Louisville South KOA observed, "The sites were close to each other but provided plenty of space for the average sized rig. Many were longer than other KOAs, which enabled the tow vehicle and TT to be parked."
Leveling requirements: prepare for uneven sites at some locations. "The campground sites are spacious with most offering a nice tree canopy," notes a Starve Hollow camper, adding that "A large number of electric only sites are bordering the 145-acre Starve Hollow Lake with a large swimming beach, and picnic area."
Full hookup availability: limited at state parks but more common at private campgrounds. At O'Bannon Woods, a camper clarified, "50,30,20 amp service in one box. There was no water at the site though. Throughout the campground are potable water spigots that you can hook up to and add water to your tank."
Off-season closures: verify facilities before booking winter trips. "We would 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," explains a camper who visited O'Bannon Woods in November.
