Camping sites near Elizabeth, Indiana offer mixed forest terrain with stands of deciduous and coniferous trees throughout Harrison and neighboring counties. The area gets an average of 45 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush vegetation during spring and summer months. While most campgrounds sit at elevations between 400-700 feet above sea level, the rolling topography creates diverse camping environments with varying levels of shade and ground conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails with varied difficulty: At Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground, trails range from easy walks to challenging routes. "Lots of trails ranging from 1.5 to 13.0 miles through gorgeous mixed forest of old and new growth deciduous and coniferous hardwoods," notes Robert P., who appreciates the diversity of trail options in all seasons.
Lake swimming and water recreation: Deam Lake State Recreation Area Campground features a dedicated swimming beach and calm waters for beginners. "The lake looked very nice and is electric motor only. It will be nice to head back with the kayaks," shares Tom J. The no-wake zone makes it ideal for new paddlers, as Brandy A. confirms: "Perfect lake to kayak for a beginner bc no wake zone."
Historic sites exploration: Discover the historic ruins at Charlestown State Park. "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," explains Greg S., describing the remnants of an early 20th century amusement park destroyed by flooding.
What campers like
Accessibility to urban amenities: Many campers appreciate how these rural sites maintain proximity to Louisville. At Otter Creek Park Campground, visitors enjoy both wilderness and convenience. "We are on a cross country road trip and just stopped for the night. Very nice campsite. The area we were in was nice and private," reports Melissa M., highlighting the campground's position as a convenient stopover.
Wooded privacy at select sites: Several campgrounds feature heavily wooded sites that create natural barriers between campers. Joshua S. says of Jefferson Memorial Forest, "Close to home and close to nature. Overall this campsite is amazing in the sense that its in a very natural setting. The firepit is pretty huge and you can cook on it real easy."
Seasonal diversity: The camping experience changes dramatically through the seasons. "Being the first weekend in April, the water wasn't turned on so there were no modern restrooms/shower houses available," notes Joshua W. about Deam Lake, which operates year-round but with varying facility access.
What you should know
Airport noise impacts: Several campgrounds near Elizabeth sit under flight paths from Louisville International Airport. At Louisville South KOA, Thomas P. notes, "Very sauber nettes Personal, ein Nachteil der Platz liegt in der Einflugschneise des Flughafens. Auch die ganze Nacht hört man Fluglärm." Derek P. at Jefferson Memorial Forest similarly cautions, "Unfortunately it's in the departure path of Louisville's airport... UPS releases about 100 planes from around 3-5am."
Reservation requirements vary: Some campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis while others require advance planning. Ella L. explains about Otter Creek, "This campground does allow you to make reservations," which can be essential during peak season.
Terrain challenges: Not all sites are level, which creates setup difficulties for some equipment. Tom J. warns about Deam Lake, "Some can be short and a bit uneven, so be prepared," indicating visitors should bring leveling equipment.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid-friendly features: O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground receives praise for its family amenities. "The kids love the pool and trails. The campground sites are spacious and lots of shade in the summer," shares Audria J., highlighting features that make this location family-friendly all season.
Halloween events provide special experiences: Seasonal programming makes some campgrounds particularly exciting for children during October. Amber S. recommends Otter Creek Park: "We go every fall with our entire family to enjoy the Halloween activities. The campers all go all out and let the kids trick or treat. There is even a group who does a haunted house and it is so fun!"
Nature education opportunities: Several parks offer ranger-led programs and nature centers. Donald S. notes about O'Bannon Woods, "Great nature center w ranger tours. Several hiking trails w various difficulties," giving families ways to combine fun with learning about local ecology.
Tips from RVers
Electrical capacity considerations: Camp Carlson Army RV Park and other area campgrounds offer varying electrical hookup options. James S. describes Camp Carlson as "Very quiet. Two fenced dog runs that were slightly overgrown when we first arrived but were cut when the rain allowed. Paved roads throughout but very few paved sights."
Connectivity challenges: Cell service and internet access vary dramatically across campgrounds. "The ONLY bad thing about this campground is that it is in a bowl -- no cell service, no satellite, no internet. Perfect for a QUIET getaway!!" explains Felicia H. about Camp Carlson, which sits in a topographical depression.
Site width variations: RVers with slideouts should verify site dimensions before booking. Shannon C. cautions about Deam Lake, "No room for slide to come out when it said there was when we booked," and "Pads were so narrow that it was hard to park.. wasn't just us.. others said the same thing."
