Best Campgrounds near English, IN

Southern Indiana's rolling hills around English offer a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities within the Hoosier National Forest region. Sycamore Springs Park in English provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and drinking water. Nearby options include Patoka Lake Campground in Birdseye with full hookups and lakefront access, and the Indian-Celina Recreation Area in Bristow featuring boat-in sites and primitive camping areas. The region includes both developed facilities with modern amenities and more rustic forest service sites for those seeking a more natural experience.

Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the area, with most campgrounds operating year-round but offering different amenities depending on the season. Water access points at Patoka Lake and Tipsaw Lake become popular during summer months, while spring and fall provide more moderate temperatures for hiking the numerous trails. A recent review noted, "Mitchell Creek Road is perfect for invisible boondocking with pull-offs on public land, but nothing large enough for RVs or to turn a trailer around." Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly in the valleys and ravines of the Hoosier National Forest. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly.

Campers consistently highlight the region's natural features, including lakes, forests, and hiking opportunities. Tipsaw Lake receives particularly high ratings, with one visitor describing it as having "beautiful rolling hills of southern Indiana" with "paved roads with sloped, hard packed sites." The area's caves and rock formations provide additional exploration opportunities, with Marengo Cave and Hemlock Cliffs mentioned in several reviews as worthwhile side trips. Fishing is popular at many of the lakes, with electric-motor-only restrictions at some locations preserving the peaceful atmosphere. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer commonly spotted throughout the forested areas. The proximity to historic sites, including Lincoln's boyhood home, adds cultural interest to camping trips in this region.

Best Camping Sites Near English, Indiana (117)

    1. Patoka Lake Campground

    36 Reviews
    Birdseye, IN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 338-5589

    $12 - $32 / night

    "My Aunt loves their trips to Patoka Lake & I can relate as to why after this weekend. We went for a wedding at the marina & ended by a lovely cove."

    "Pick a site that has water near and you won’t have to unhook to fill your tanks. So many sites are in the shade all day and peaceful. Showers are spotless but fun on the push button system."

    2. Sycamore Springs Park

    17 Reviews
    English, IN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 338-3846

    "There is a fishing lake and a small river to fish in or wade and swim in. There is a miniature village for the kids along with 20 playgrounds in the campground."

    "We were right at the lake edge. The campsite had electric but no water, but the water was just across the road at a shelter."

    3. Indian-Celina Recreation Area

    20 Reviews
    Saint Croix, IN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 843-4880

    $21 - $44 / night

    "This was a very quiet campsite in southern Indiana. We had a hard time finding dispered camping in the national Forest so we settled for this site."

    "Indian Lake is co-located with Celina Lake and two campground.

    Once you turn off of IN37 you just keep straight to get to Indian Lake."

    4. O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Leavenworth, IN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 738-8232

    $22 - $496 / night

    "There is also no sewer hookup at the site which I assumed was wrong, because I have never been to an Indiana state park with sewer hookup on site."

    "The campground is near the trail to the old abandoned bridge which is well worth the hike. The fire tower has a commanding view."

    5. Marengo Cave Campgrounds

    8 Reviews
    English, IN
    7 miles
    Website

    $27 / night

    "Camp store, cave tours, gift shop, and other pay activities are within steps of camping, but only open until 5:00. No security or staff at all after hours."

    "I was really surprised that in my 30 years of living in Indiana, I had never been to Marengo Cave. It's both great for kids and adults."

    6. Happy Hollow Homestead

    5 Reviews
    English, IN
    7 miles
    Website

    $40 - $65 / night

    "The drive to this property is very easy and we had no trouble finding it. However, there is not a sign for the campground, so just follow your gps."

    7. Youngs Creek Horse Camp

    8 Reviews
    Paoli, IN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    "We camp here every time we come to Indiana. We have camped there in a truck camper, and now we tent camp with our Jeep. The sites are large, and there are fire rings available."

    "Site accommodates both horse, drive in and walk-in camping. There’s a privy and water on site. Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables."

    8. Buzzard Roost Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    11 Reviews
    Leopold, IN
    15 miles
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    "It used to have a sweet little walk in spot down the bouldering trail that looked over the river. Now it is overgrown and you can't get back there."

    "There actually wasn’t any camp grounds open when we got there but we were so exhausted from the drive and it was 4am so we parking at the trail head and got a 3 hour nap in."

    9. Tipsaw Lake

    10 Reviews
    Leopold, IN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 843-4891

    $21 - $70 / night

    "This was my first time camping in Indiana and it did not let me down!"

    "Located in the beautiful rolling hills of southern Indiana not far from I-64 (exit 79)."

    10. Newton Stewart State Rec Area - Patoka Lake

    4 Reviews
    Birdseye, IN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 685-2464

    "This SRA is right on Patoka Lake, so there's plenty to do on the water - boating, fishing, floating cabins, beaches. There's also a disc golf course, archery range, and plenty of paved & dirt trails."

    "Beautiful campground and lake. Quiet and very well maintained facilities."

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Recent Reviews near English, IN

634 Reviews of 117 English Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Charlestown State Park Campground

    Charlestown

    Very clean and friendly state park. Quick stop over but would definitely stay again if in the area. Would like to do some of the trails there

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Charlestown State Park Campground

    Charlestown

    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 feet at the gate besides the camp fee.

  • Desert B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Knobstone Trail

    not accessible

    Maybe Google Maps took me to the wrong place (probably not).  I drove back and forth on the road several times looking for this place  The only thing I found was what I believe was the entrance with a cable across it.  There was no place to park otherwise.

  • L
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Spring Mill State Park Campground

    Fun, sunny, clean.

    This was an amazing campground! There were amazing trails and a cave, as well as Pioneer Village which was so fascinating and well run. Our campsite wasn't far from the bathrooms and showers house which were pretty clean. We were near water as well. Our campsite was on a small hill so it was well distanced from all the other campers, which was nice and peaceful. 

         There was a sweet place where you could get ice cream down the road from Spring Mill called Dairy Bell. Spring Mill wasn't far from the town were there was a Walmart, Rural King, and several more stores. 

    Very pretty and nice campground!

  • Becca M.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Grand Trails RV Park

    Not for rv stsys

    This place could be nice but it is full of permanent trailer occupants, which is fine but .  It shouldn’t be advertised as a RV park.  There were 3 empty spaces, we chose  one and we couldn’t hook the sewer up because the pipe is too high off the ground.  They charged us 45.95 which is too high for the amenities offered.  The spaces are very close, no table, no place to set up a bbq.  We should have left but we were very tired.

  • B
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Louisville South KOA

    Avoid Louisville South KOA

    My family of 5 has camped at KOAs across the country with our professionally converted 12’x6’ RV trailer (electrical, but no AC/septic). Upon arrival at Louisville South KOA, I checked in and was escorted to our site by staff. Moments later, we were approached by the campground owners who told us we could not stay because our trailer did not come from a factory with AC or septic.

    I confirmed with KOA Corporate that no such rule exists, and this KOA’s justification was based on “KY Health Codes” which they could not show me in writing. Despite offering to tent-camp with our trailer in storage, we had to leave and pay $100 more to stay at a private campground over an hour away.

    Nowhere on the Louisville South KOA website is this “rule” disclosed. This was a clearly discriminatory and arbitrary. If you travel in a custom trailer or unique camper, avoid this location.


Guide to English

Camping near English, Indiana, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly parks, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: Many campgrounds, like Charlestown State Park Campground, have great trails. One visitor mentioned, “Great hiking opportunities and cool exploration of historic Rose Island Theme Park. It's definitely a new favorite!”
  • Fishing and Boating: At Patoka Lake Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A camper shared, “Patoka has always had a hype about it for years; big lake, tons of boats, and fishing.”
  • Local Attractions: Check out nearby wineries and breweries. One family enjoyed their visit, saying, “We also had the pleasure of exploring the local winery and brewery, which were a big hit with our group.”

What campers like:

  • Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at places like Hardin Ridge. One reviewer noted, “Beautiful spacious sites. Spread out with plenty of room between sites.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers mention the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A visitor at Paynetown Campground said, “Restrooms/showers were state park clean. I was impressed with the hard-working staff trying their best to give us a clean bathroom!”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful environment at spots like Indian-Celina Recreation Area. One camper remarked, “This location is much more laid back than neighboring state parks. It’s low key and quiet.”

What you should know:

  • No Water Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Patoka Lake Campground, do not have water hookups. A reviewer advised, “It's worth noting that there are no water hookups, so remember to fill your tank before arriving at your site.”
  • Busy on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get crowded, especially during summer weekends. A visitor at Paynetown Campground mentioned, “This is known in Indiana as a party park. It's VERY noisy & busy on a summer weekend.”
  • Limited Cell Service: Some areas, like Lake Rudolph Campground, have poor cell service. A camper noted, “Cell service was poor... but NO internet service when things get busy Thursday to Sunday afternoon.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Check for Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. One family at Charlestown State Park Campground enjoyed the playgrounds, saying, “My children loved all the playgrounds around the state park, great trails.”
  • Be Cautious Around Water: If camping near lakes, keep an eye on kids. A reviewer at Patoka Lake Campground warned, “It's important to exercise caution due to the high volume of boats in and out of the campground.”
  • Plan for Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. One camper at Hardin Ridge shared, “Make sure to put away all of your food!!! Even scraps and yes, even DOG FOOD. We had raccoon visitors both nights.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites Matter: Check the levelness of sites before booking. A reviewer at Buffalo Ridge Campground advised, “Pay attention to your campsite for slope and camper accessibility.”
  • Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a big plus. A camper at Lake Rudolph Campground mentioned, “Having electric and water was nice.”
  • Plan for Crowds: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider camping during the week. A visitor at Paynetown Campground suggested, “If you like a quieter experience come Monday through Wednesday or wait until the off-season.”

Camping near English, Indiana, offers a mix of fun, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Sycamore Springs Park located in English, Indiana?

Sycamore Springs Park is located in the town of English in Crawford County, Indiana. This park sits in the rolling hills of southern Indiana and is easily accessible via drive-in, hike-in, or walk-in routes. The park offers reservable sites and is conveniently positioned in English, making it a good base for exploring the scenic natural areas of southern Indiana.

Are there full hookup campsites available in English, Indiana?

While English itself has limited full hookup options, nearby Patoka Lake Campground in Birdseye offers full hookup sites for RVs. Alternatively, Tipsaw Lake recreation area, located not far from I-64 (exit 79), provides water and electric hookups (50A) on hard-packed sites. This area is within reasonable driving distance from English and accommodates RVs with its paved roads and spacious camping areas.

What campgrounds with swimming pools can I find near English, Indiana?

Louisville South KOA in Shepherdsville, KY has a swimming pool and is within driving distance of English, Indiana. For natural swimming options closer to English, Lake Lincoln Campground offers a lake with designated swimming areas. Similarly, Starve Hollow State Recreation Area features a beautiful lake with swimming opportunities during the warmer months.