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Best Campgrounds near Columbus, IN

586 Reviews

Several good camping areas surround Columbus, Indiana, making it a nice base for families and campers. Lake Monroe's Paynetown Campground works well for fishing trips and has boat access right from camp. Campers looking for hiking can head to Clifty Falls State Park Campground, where trails wind through shady woods that help during hot weather. Charlestown State Park Campground sits close to what used to be Rose Island Theme Park, combining some local history with regular hiking paths. All these places have basic needs covered with decent bathrooms and tables for meals. You should book ahead if you're planning a summer trip since sites fill up fast. Watch for fire bans during dry spells - rangers will post current rules at entrances. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable camping weather with mild days and cool nights. Winter camping is doable but you'll need extra gear for cold nights. Summers get sticky with high humidity, so pack extra water and sunscreen. When you need a break from camp, Madison is about an hour away with some good local wine and food spots. The area has plenty to do whether you like trails, lakes, or small towns. Just remember to pack out your trash to keep these places looking good for the next group.

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Best Camping Sites Near Columbus, Indiana (113)

    1. CERA Sports Corporation

    8 Reviews
    Columbus, IN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 377-5849

    $60 - $999 / night

    "Close to a bigger town, lots of food places and shopping close by. Our family loves this place."

    "My husband and I didn’t get to explore too much because it was our maiden voyage and we were trying to figure out how to organize our new home away from home, but from what we saw there are a lot of reasons"

    2. Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    29 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6406

    $23 / night

    "We have visited Nashville Indiana several times but this is our first time camping nearby. My wife loves to visit Nashville and all the little shops they offer."

    "It was backed up to the edge of the woods which made for a lovely view. Driving through the campground it looks like there are some sites pretty close together but ours wasn’t too bad."

    3. Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    22 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6406

    $23 / night

    "This is a beautiful State Park situated in the rolling hills of southern Indiana."

    "I make multiple visits here every year, mainly for the mountain bike trails. There are almost 30 miles of trails inside the park with new trails every year for the past 3+ years."

    4. Columbus Woods-N-Waters Kampground

    7 Reviews
    Columbus, IN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 342-1619

    $30 - $98 / night

    "Close to the interstate and shopping. It is close to the interstate and at times when there is high traffic you can here the traffic."

    "Convenient location. Clean restrooms & showers. Had a shady spot for our overnight tent stay. Quiet. Friendly staff."

    5. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    14 Reviews
    Freetown, IN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "If you are into boondocking at all defiantly check out berry ridge it’s just south of brown county Indiana beautiful country mostly hills tons of camp spots sometimes half mile or more apart haven’t seen"

    "I have lived in Indiana for ever and have made many trips this way, but I never knew sites like this existed."

    6. Brown County-Nashville KOA

    9 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-4675

    "If coming from the north-west, try to arrive before dark as the road over the hills to this place is beautiful, but narrow and forested with some trees very close to the roadway."

    "And the town of Nashville Indiana is about 10 minutes away with lots of neat shops and food. We had a great time."

    7. Johnson County Park

    8 Reviews
    Nineveh, IN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 526-6809

    "The park is 622 acres that include two campgrounds, approximately 5 miles of hiking trails, equestrian school, 18 hole disc golf course, shelter houses, amphitheater, lakes, fishing and more."

    "We have camped here twice, we needed to be as close to Trafalgar Indiana as possible, not many camping options in the local area."

    8. eXplore Brown County

    6 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-7750

    $15 - $40 / night

    "This place has zip-lining, paintball, arrow tag, ATVs, off-road tours, mountain biking, hiking, cabins."

    "The free bike trails were hard to find. The “lake” was really more like a large pond. Lots of trails and spaces to explore but many of the amenities were run down."

    9. Hidden Paradise Campground

    15 Reviews
    Waldron, IN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 525-6582

    "Staff is visible and seem to do a good job of maintaining order etc Road Noise: This campground is nicely nestled away from public roads. Through Traffic in campground: No issue."

    "This little road is quite narrow, has some pretty tight turns with trees on both sides and in the night it’s hard to tell where the rear end of your camper is on the turns where there are trees close to"

    10. Camp Atterbury Campground

    5 Reviews
    Nineveh, IN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 526-1128
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Recent Camping Photos near Columbus, IN

156 Photos of 113 Columbus Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Columbus, IN

586 Reviews of 113 Columbus Campgrounds

Guide to Columbus

Camping near Columbus, Indiana, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Clifty Falls State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “The wooded hiking trails helped keep us comfortable,” making it a great spot for a summer hike.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Paynetown Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating on Lake Monroe. A camper noted, “This campground is by far cheaper than the other DNR sites and way better,” highlighting its appeal for water activities.
  • Exploring Historic Sites: Visit Charlestown State Park Campground to check out the historic Rose Island Theme Park. One reviewer said, “Great hiking opportunities and cool exploration,” making it a fun adventure for families.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Charlestown State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, “Area is clean, outhouses were well maintained,” which is always a plus when camping.
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spaciousness at Starve Hollow State Rec Area. One camper said, “Full hook-up sites that are well spread out so you are not on top of each other,” making it a comfortable choice.
  • Friendly Staff: The welcoming atmosphere at Hardin Ridge is a highlight for many. A reviewer shared, “Staff are very friendly and helpful,” which can make a camping trip even more enjoyable.

What you should know

  • Entry Fees: Be prepared for entry fees at some parks. For instance, at Clifty Falls State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, “I had to pay the $9 fee to drive in to the park, although having already booked and paid for a campsite.”
  • Cell Service: Cell service can be spotty in some areas. A visitor at Paynetown Campground noted, “Verizon is one bar,” so plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.
  • Level Sites: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. A camper at Spring Mill State Park Campground mentioned, “It is mostly uneven and the shaded loop is very unlevel,” so check site conditions before booking.

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. At Charlestown State Park Campground, one parent said, “My children loved all the playgrounds around the state park,” making it a hit for families.
  • Quiet Off-Season Visits: Consider camping during the off-season for a quieter experience. A visitor at Versailles State Park Campground noted, “We enjoyed the stay at site 77,” emphasizing the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Many campgrounds allow pets. A camper at Hardin Ridge appreciated that “pets are allowed,” making it easier to bring the whole family along.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at Buffalo Ridge Campground advised, “Be sure to check pad size. Several sites have 20' or so,” which is crucial for larger RVs.
  • Plan for Busy Weekends: Expect crowded conditions on summer weekends. A visitor at Paynetown Campground mentioned, “This is known in Indiana as a party park,” so consider visiting during the week for a more relaxed experience.
  • Leveling Blocks: Bring leveling blocks for uneven sites. A camper at Taylor Ridge Campground noted, “The roads are not marked very well and it took a bit to find our site which needed level blocks,” so be prepared for some adjustments.

Camping around Columbus, Indiana, has its perks and quirks. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Columbus, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Columbus, IN offers a wide range of camping options, with 113 campgrounds and RV parks near Columbus, IN and 10 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Columbus, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Columbus, IN is CERA Sports Corporation with a 5-star rating from 8 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Columbus, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Columbus, IN.

What parks are near Columbus, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Columbus, IN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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