Camping options near Covington, Indiana include both state parks and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region features mixed hardwood forests with limestone formations and sits at approximately 600 feet elevation. Weather can be unpredictable in spring and fall, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-90°F.
What to do
Hiking through diverse terrain: Forest Glen County Preserve offers an 11-mile backpacking trail with designated camping areas. "This has a 12 mile loop for backpackers to camp on (although be sure to register for it) and tent camping! it has a really cool look out tower. definitely recommend," notes Jennifer S. at Forest Glen County Preserve.
Water activities on Sugar Creek: Canoeing and tubing are popular during summer months. "Sugar Creek is also great for floating with inner tubes, canoes, or kayaks. There is a stable and a campground store," explains Joel R. about Turkey Run State Park Campground.
Early morning wildlife viewing: Dawn offers the best opportunity to spot deer and other wildlife. "Wildlife encounters are common at these campgrounds, so keeping pets secured prevents unwanted interactions with deer, turkey, and other forest animals that frequent these areas," explains a camper at Kickapoo State Recreation Area.
What campers like
Shaded, private sites: Many campgrounds offer wooded sites with natural separation. "We were in a wooded section and it was pretty private however our site was pretty sloped. Next time I would probably pick the site on either side of 167," recommends Samantha S. about her experience at Turkey Run State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are consistently mentioned in reviews. "The bathrooms were super clean and the showers were hot with good water pressure," notes another camper at Turkey Run State Park.
Riverside camping opportunities: Shades State Park Campground provides access to beautiful river areas. "Beautiful wooded campground neat Sugar Creek. Deep ravines and moderate to rugged trails encompass the area. There are multiple pit toilets, water pumps, and also an electric bathroom," writes Rebecca J.
What you should know
Raccoon awareness: Multiple campgrounds report bold wildlife. "As some other reviews stated, watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything," warns Samantha S. about Turkey Run.
Site selection matters: Terrain varies significantly within campgrounds. "The open, grassy area sites don't offer any privacy. If that's what you're looking for, try to get a wooded site on the outsides that back up to woods," advises a visitor to Turkey Run.
Trail difficulty varies: Some trails present unexpected challenges. "While the hiking was incredible, the maps of the trails were poor and not up to date, with some trails not on map at all. On one trail part of it went through box canyons up an active, though trickling, stream bed," explains leif D. at Kickapoo State Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Weekend activity planning: Many campgrounds offer scheduled programs. "Host are the nicest people you could ask for. Always have activities on the weekend and very quiet," notes Douglas W. about Charlarose Campground.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Covington: Multiple sites welcome pets with specific amenities. "We stayed in buddy sites 81 and 82. Buddy sites are large, have full hookup, fire pits, and picnic tables. Lots of dogs around, pricing was about $50 a night per site," shares Kelsey S. about Off The Trail Campground.
Timing for popular attractions: Early weekday arrivals help avoid crowds. "In order to avoid crowds on the trails, we got there Thursday night so we could hike Friday morning / early afternoon," suggests a camper from Turkey Run.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup information: Most campgrounds offer electric sites with varying amp options. "This campground was reasonably priced, had clean facilities and quite unusual and interesting hiking nearby. No water hookups at the site but all except the 'youth sites' had 110, 30, and 50 amp power. I was able to charge my EV without issue," shares leif D.
Pull-through site availability: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "Nice campground electric hookups my 34' travel trailer fit nicely," reports Napoleon H. about Turkey Run Canoe & Camping.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment for leveling RVs. "The site was clean and well equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. The site is very uneven. It definitely sloops to the back corner. It's was difficult to level our camper but we got it in the end," explains Michelle M.
Legend
