Camping options near Somerset, Indiana are primarily centered around water access points, with several sites offering water recreation as the main attraction. The region's terrain is primarily flat to gently rolling, with elevations ranging from 790 to 850 feet above sea level. Winter camping opportunities remain available at several locations with reduced services, though temperatures typically drop to the 20-30°F range from December through February.
What to do
Fishing and boating access: At Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area, water activities dominate recreational options. "Water view sites reserve quickly. No full hook-up. Beach within the park. Comfort Stations are fairly clean. 3 playgrounds. some woodsy sites. Visit Pirate's Cove Marina for supplies, wood, and boat rentals," notes camper J C. The reservoir provides ample boating opportunities with boat rentals available seasonally.
Hiking year-round: Salamonie River State Forest offers multiple trail options within a 20-minute drive from Somerset. Camper Fern B. describes it as having "Small campground. 13$. No reservations, but sites seem readily available, even on weekends in the summer. Spacious sites. Fairly wooded." The trails here remain accessible during winter months when many other recreational areas close.
Playground access for kids: Several campgrounds in the region feature dedicated play areas. At Kil-So-Quah Camp, camper Robin H. notes, "plenty of play spots for kids, electric and primitive, the sites come with picnic tables and fire rings with cooktops." This campsite near Somerset, Indiana offers both open areas and wooded sites for varied camping experiences.
What campers like
Affordable primitive camping: Budget-conscious campers appreciate Salamonie River State Forest for its low fees. "Cheap, 13$ self pay. No electric or showers but do have bathroom. Very secluded luv it here," writes amber P. This represents one of the most economical camping options in the Somerset area.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Somerset camping region hosts diverse wildlife. At Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake, camper Erica A. reports, "Good bird watching spot. Lots of eagles. Nice place, there is gunfire noise from the range across the lake. Not bad though." Eagle sightings occur most frequently during early morning hours near the water.
Spacious campsites: Many campers value the generous site sizes at certain campgrounds. At Mississinewa Lake Campground, Lauren Z. found "Clean sites, definitely seemed geared towards rv/campers but we fit in with our tent. Amazing spot for stargazing. Local trails are abundant and vary in difficulty." The campground's open design allows for better stargazing than more densely wooded alternatives.
What you should know
Seasonal water management affects sites: Water levels at reservoirs fluctuate significantly throughout the year. According to Shasta K. at Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area, "A lot of the campsites were closed due to flooding but we managed to have a site that was untouched. During a walk, we stumbled down to the reservoir. The view was incredible and eye opening to my daughter who has never seen the effects of flooding."
Limited availability for walk-in sites: Several campgrounds in the area operate on first-come, first-served basis. At Kil-So-Quah, kim K. advises, "Cash only self check in on sight. Very small campground. About 20 electric and 20 tent. Level gravel lots. Not any hiking really, mostly fishing and boating. Nearby town for supplies."
Variable shower and bathroom conditions: Facility maintenance differs widely between campsites near Somerset, Indiana. Donna G. noted at Mississinewa Lake Campground, "Campground was nice. Site was clean and level. People were friendly. Downside was the bathrooms. The women's bathrooms had overflowing toilets the whole time we were there. They couldn't seem to figure out how to fix the problem."
Tips for camping with families
Seek shaded sites for summer comfort: During hot months, shade becomes critical for family camping. At Kilsoquah Camp, Alysha W. reports, "There are many sites which are pretty large. Some sites around the back are more private than others. There are not trails to hike but some space to bike." Sites along the outer ring typically offer more shade than central locations.
Consider off-season weekends for fewer crowds: Beaver Point Campground offers a quieter alternative to busier locations. Jennifer B. describes it as "Middle of nowhere!! Unless someone has told you about this place or you find it by searching an app like Dyrt, only people who live in the area know about it. Nice, quiet, clean. Some year round RVers. Fishing usually good."
Check for playground proximity: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment for children. At Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake, Sadye H. notes, "There are also 2 nice play grounds in this area as well. Continuing down the road you begin to enter the woods which is non electric sites with plenty of trees to make your weekend private."
Tips from RVers
Water and dump station logistics: RVers should plan accordingly for water access. Elizabeth T. cautions about Mississinewa Lake Campground: "Down side is if you don't haul with water you better fill up at the full station when you see it cuz it gets busy. And when you are leaving there are 3 dump stations and it can get really really busy and long waits."
Site leveling challenges: Some campsites require significant leveling. Burns G. shares about Lost Bridge West, "We stayed on Campsite 208. Nice size campsite, which good shade. The campsite did have a bigger than expected slope, but nothing horrible. Some campsite s looked amazing and others looked to be in major need of some TLC. Most of the campsites were in need of a fresh layer of gravel for their parking pads."
Electrical hookup distribution: At Wabash City RV Park, Don H. advises, "Our electrical pedestal had no 30amp receptacle. If you have a 30amp plug, bring a 50amp adapter. There are two 20amp outlets available. The pedestals are between sites, which aren't really close. You will need a long (30-40'?) extension cord suited to your amperage to reach the pedestal."
