Camping in Danville, Indiana benefits from the area's rolling terrain and moderate climate with average summer temperatures in the mid-80s. Located in west-central Indiana about 20 miles west of Indianapolis, the area features several state parks and recreation areas within a 45-minute drive. Camping options range from primitive sites to full-hookup RV accommodations.
What to do
Hiking through ravines: Turkey Run State Park offers unique hiking experiences through scenic ravines with varying difficulty levels. "We hiked Trail 3 with our dog, but we cut off early before the ladders using Trail 10. Our dog did pretty well in the section of Trail 3 before the ladders, and be prepared to get wet," shares Samantha S. from Turkey Run State Park Campground.
Swimming and water activities: Summer visitors can enjoy the lake at Lieber State Recreation Area. "The pool was excellent! Skip the lake and enjoy the pool. Very flat and ideal for bike riding," according to Amy C. at Lieber State Recreation Area Campground.
Archery practice: Cecil M. Harden Lake at Raccoon SRA offers activities beyond typical water recreation. "We love camping here! Lots to do. Love the archery range," notes Nicole B. who visited Cecil M. Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area.
What campers like
Level, well-maintained sites: Campers appreciate the practical features of Lake Haven Retreat's sites. "The sites were all nice and level with a crushed stone base. Our site had a nice grass lawn near the water," mentions Todd L. at Lake Haven Retreat.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness ranks high with campers at Shades State Park. "Restroom/showers are fully plumbed and have electrical outlets, but they're not really the cleanest I've seen," reports Nick S. highlighting that while functional, the facilities have room for improvement at Shades State Park Campground.
Convenient location: Sites near Indianapolis provide easy access to urban attractions. "This campground is minutes away from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. For an urban campground, it is better than others. The grounds are clean and the sites aren't too tight," explains Scott P. about Lake Haven Retreat.
What you should know
Pet-friendly policies: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Danville enforce standard rules. At Indianapolis KOA, "The staff are always chipper cheery and eager to help... Our favorite part is visiting with Fred and Rain, the friendly onsite horses who are always ready for head rubs and snacks," shares Keri at Indianapolis KOA.
Wildlife awareness: Several campgrounds have active wildlife that requires caution. "Watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything," warns Samantha S. about Turkey Run State Park.
Limited cell coverage: Not all campgrounds provide reliable connectivity. "No cell service but who needs it!" mentions Joe M. about Cecil M. Harden Lake, indicating campers should prepare for limited communication options.
Tips for camping with families
Splash pad options: Indianapolis KOA features water activities specifically designed for children. "The splash pad/water park was fun, but was not a pool. It only goes to 3 feet so if you want to swim this is not for you. The water was cold but my kiddos finally got in and had fun on the slides," explains Megan T.
Educational experiences: Family farms offer unique camping experiences for children. "Acacia Farms is an awesome spot to slow down in the country and enjoy being around some small farm animals," notes Jake C. about Acacia Farms, a pet-friendly campground within 30 minutes of Danville.
Site selection: For families seeking privacy, wooded sites provide better separation. "Get a wooded site... 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 Turkey Run State Park.
Tips from RVers
Electric reliability: RVers report consistent power at most area campgrounds. "We had 50amp service and measured 119vac with both a/c units running," reports Todd L. about Lake Haven Retreat.
Site gradients: Leveling challenges exist at some campgrounds. "The site was huge but given the unevenness it would be difficult for tents," mentions Michelle M. about Turkey Run State Park. Similarly, at Shades State Park, "Nice quiet campground with spacious sites. Canopied by the big beautiful Indiana trees," notes Kate M.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging navigation. "We were trying to turn around and get out but it's like a maze in there," cautions Corey M. about Lake Haven Retreat, suggesting RVers scout their route in advance.
