Camping sites near Centerville, Indiana range from state parks with lakeside access to private campgrounds on farmland. Most campgrounds in this region are located along Interstate 70 or State Road 101, making access convenient for travelers coming from Indianapolis or Cincinnati. The local terrain consists primarily of gently rolling farmland with hardwood forest sections, particularly around the lake areas.
What to do
Watersports and boating: Summit Lake State Park offers excellent conditions for kayaking with a still lake that's ideal for beginners. "Huge lake if you want to do any water activities," notes one camper at Brookville Lake, which features both boating and swimming opportunities. The park maintains a designated dog swimming area alongside the human beach.
Fishing opportunities: At Whitewater Memorial State Park, anglers have access to both Brookville and Whitewater lakes. "Many fishermen and kayakers frequent the lake trails," a visitor observed. The park's location makes it accessible for visitors from Centerville looking for day fishing or overnight camping.
Mountain biking trails: Hueston Woods State Park features dedicated mountain biking trails that receive positive reviews. "I talked with mountain bikers that spoke favorably. There were several marked trails near the reservoir area," notes a visitor, adding that the tree cover "keeps it cool even in 80 degree weather."
What campers like
Family-friendly amenities: Hueston Woods State Park Campground offers diverse activities for families. "From walk-in camping to paintball, Hueston Woods has it all. Lots of trails and creeks, biking, boating, playgrounds, swimming, food, store, movie nights, mini golf and more!" The park even includes an animal preserve that appeals to families with children.
Clean facilities: Many first-time RVers appreciate well-maintained campgrounds. "We just purchased an RV and was so excited to take a trip with it! I got spoiled by going to Hueston Woods for our first outing! VERY clean, there was a playground for the kids, bathroom and shower facilities were available, and lets not forget the easy access to fresh water and dumping stations!"
Water recreation: Natural Springs Resort features a spring-fed quarry with exceptionally clear water. "Wow, so much fun stuff to do here including swimming, hiking and boating. Very nice bath house. And golf cart rentals also," shares one camper. The crystal clear water is particularly popular during hot summer months.
What you should know
Highway noise concerns: Richmond KOA's proximity to the interstate affects the camping experience for some visitors. "It's really close to the highway and LOUD! I like to hear nature when I came to destress not semis all night long," notes one camper. Similar concerns exist at Deer Ridge Camping Resort, where "the only issue is, it is somewhat close to the interstate, thus, you can hear the traffic and it can get a bit loud."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven sites. At Brookville Lake, "most have slopes. A few too steep to level a trailer." Before booking, check site descriptions or call ahead about specific site conditions.
Bathroom facilities vary: While some campgrounds maintain modern facilities, others have basic amenities. At Archway Campground, a visitor noted: "Restrooms/showers very basic and dated... The showers had mold and stains, ceiling tiles missing or hanging down." At Summit Lake's non-electric sites, "Don't expect flush or shower at non-electric site."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Grandpas Farm Camp Ground receives high marks from families with children. "The owners are super nice, they have a nice pool and the playground is really big!" For families prioritizing play areas, request sites near recreational facilities when making reservations.
Beach activities: Several campgrounds offer beach access, with Hueston Woods maintaining a particularly family-friendly swimming area. "The beach is a short distance away and love that they also include a dog swimming area," notes one camper. Families should pack water toys and sun protection during summer months.
Wildlife awareness: Some campgrounds have active wildlife that children should be supervised around. At Whitewater Memorial State Park, a camper warned: "Watch out for the raccoons they are pretty aggressive and were all over our campsite. Clearly they are used to getting handouts, so keep your foodstuffs in your vehicle or well secured."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Whitewater Memorial State Park Campground, RVers recommend taking time to scout potential sites. "Drove around looking at all the sites, wrote down numbers of sites we'd like to stay at (near bathrooms)." The campground provides "sites are pretty far apart at least twice as far as in private campgrounds."
Leveling equipment: Many RVers recommend bringing extra leveling blocks for campsites in this region. At Brookville Lake, one RVer noted that while their site was "Pretty level, plenty of room for our 43' fifth wheel," others found "most have slopes. A few too steep to level a trailer."
Backing challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult site arrangements. At Brookville Lake, "Oddly the roads were one way but all of the sites were at 90 degrees from the narrow road making it difficult to back in." Newer RVers may want to request pull-through sites when available.
