Cabin camping options near Deputy, Indiana span from primitive sites to luxury accommodations throughout southern Indiana's rolling hills. The terrain features dense forests, multiple lakes, and hiking trails with significant elevation changes of up to 2,000 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, with summer highs regularly exceeding 85°F, affecting camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Hiking trails: Access the challenging Knobstone Trail from Delaney Creek Park, which offers a strenuous loop option. "Its at the start to a Fifty mile trail (Knobstone Trail) or you can do the Delaney Loop in about 6 hours (7.5 miles and 2000 ft elevation change) a good challenge for all ages. trail is well marked and maps at gate."
Fishing opportunities: Hardy Lake State Recreation Area provides primitive camping with direct water access. "The Wooster Bay primitive area allows campers to moor their boats overnight. It has a very relaxed atmosphere. There is a pit toilet and water pump and overflow parking lot in the primitive area."
Historic sites: Visit Rose Island within Charlestown State Park Campground to explore ruins and hiking trails. "Rose Island is very cool- Haunting but sublime. The paved trail to see Rose Island is about 1/2 mile long hill that is very steep in parts."
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the lakeside camping at Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground with direct water access. "We stayed in site 21 which was right on the lake. All the lake front spots seem to have a good amount lakefront footage. We probably had at least 40 feet."
Quieter primitive options: Jackson Washington State Forest offers less crowded camping with basic amenities and scenic views. "Spacious sites. Beautiful forest. Quiet, but only 5 minutes small town with gas stations, grocery, etc. Not many amenities. Only pit toilets and water spigots."
Variety of water activities: Ponds, lakes, and rivers create multiple water recreation options. A camper noted, "Hidden Paradise has many activities, but we were stopping just for the night. It was a campground I would definitely go back to."
What you should know
Winter availability: While many campgrounds remain open year-round, services may be limited during colder months. At Follow The River RV Resort, "We live only 35 minutes from here but we'll be back if we just need to get away!"
Additional entrance fees: Some parks charge daily entrance fees beyond the camping cost. One visitor to Charlestown State Park noted: "Quick stop over. Would definitely return if in the area. Would have like to have had more time to do some of the trails. Very clean, friendly. Be aware of an additional $9 fee at the gate besides the camp fee."
Terrain challenges: Many sites have sloping terrain that requires additional equipment for leveling. "Sites for RVs are concrete and you will need to level some on all of them. They have electric and water. Reasonable prices."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Starve Hollow offers numerous play areas scattered throughout the campground. "Great getaway for the family. We love this place and camp here 5+ times a year. It's clean and so much to do with kids."
Kid-friendly water options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas with additional attractions. "A quarry full to swim with an aqua playground, with use of free life preservers, a creek to kayak or float and a clean campground! Life is good."
Rental equipment available: Many parks rent boats, kayaks, and other equipment for family activities. "The lake has a swimming area (no lifeguards), playgrounds, and bathhouse. The lake allows boats with electric trolling motor only."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: When glamping close to Deputy, Indiana, carefully research site dimensions. "Our site had full hookup, flat ground so easy setup. Sites are large and easy to maneuver our 42' 5th wheel."
Arrival planning: Consider timing your arrival during daylight hours. "We avoid setting up in the dark at all costs because it's absolutely the worst but sometimes you just get caught for various reasons."
Hook-up locations: Utility connections aren't always where you expect them. "The electric and water hookups are not in standard locations for RV hookups. Make sure you bring an extension for your electric hookup, otherwise you might not be able to reach the post. Same for water hookup."
