Tent camping options near Crawfordsville, Indiana extend beyond the established facilities at Lake Waveland Park and French Post Park. The area sits at approximately 800 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, while spring and fall offer cooler camping conditions with occasional precipitation that campers should prepare for.
What to do
Water recreation access: Lake Waveland Park provides opportunities for fishing and boating during the camping season from May through October. "If fishing is your way of relaxing, you should have a good time here," notes Randy A., who appreciates the convenient water access at the Lake Waveland Park campground.
Seasonal events: The campgrounds host special activities during peak periods. According to Nicole B., Lake Waveland offers "fireworks in July and Halloween for the whole family in October," making it ideal for campers seeking structured recreational opportunities.
Explore nearby state parks: The central location serves as a practical base camp for day trips. Sammii D. describes French Post Park as a "pretty cool area to hang out" with "a playground" and "shelter with plenty of picnic tables," offering alternative recreation when not exploring further afield.
What campers like
Spacious primitive sites: Many tent campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites. Randy A. notes that Lake Waveland Park has "a TON of green space on this property" with "endless opportunities to pitch a tent," providing more room than typically found at other campgrounds.
Well-maintained grounds: The consistent maintenance receives positive mentions from visitors. "Lake Waveland's grounds crew does a very good job keeping the property in order," reports Randy A., highlighting the care given to the camping areas.
Wildlife observation: The natural setting supports diverse birdlife. William David S. describes Clovis Creek as "a lovely space with lots of birds to observe," making it appealing for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers.
What you should know
Varying amenities between sites: Facilities differ significantly between primitive and developed areas. William David S. mentions that at Lake Waveland Park, "sites aren't marked, but are indicated by picnic table and fire ring, though fire rings are not always present," requiring campers to identify suitable locations.
Infrastructure condition: Some facilities may need updating. According to William David S., Lake Waveland Park is "not fancy, some updating of infrastructure is due," but remains "a decent stop" for campers with appropriate expectations.
Limited drinking water: Some locations have restricted access to potable water. Nicole B. cautions that Rattlesnake offers "primitive only no drinking water at campgrounds," requiring visitors to bring sufficient water supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Several locations cater specifically to less experienced campers. Sammii D. describes French Post Park as a place that "seems like a beginner place to go camping. Easy for families with young kids," with convenient facilities and simple access.
Reservation requirements: Booking procedures vary by location. For French Post Park, Sammii D. advises that "you need to call to make reservations from the town," highlighting the importance of advance planning for family trips.
Accessibility considerations: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles or equipment. Nicole B. notes that at Lake Waveland Park there are "lots of pop up size sites" but they "need more spots for those long campers," which affects family camping with substantial gear.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up availability: Water and electrical connections exist at select locations. According to Nicole B., at Covered Bridge State Forest Retreat, "the best part is sites include water and electric," providing essential services for RV campers seeking partial amenities.
Site limitations: Tree coverage impacts larger vehicle accessibility. Nicole B. mentions that "trees need cut or maintained" at Lake Waveland Park, potentially creating clearance issues for taller recreational vehicles.
Seasonal accessibility: The camping window typically runs from mid-spring through mid-fall. Most established campgrounds in the Crawfordsville area operate seasonally, with primary facilities available between May and October, requiring RV campers to plan accordingly.
