Camping spots near Mount Vernon, Indiana extend across three states with options in Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois. The region sits along the Wabash and Ohio Rivers, with campgrounds generally below 500 feet elevation in gently rolling terrain. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable camping weather, with summer humidity often reaching above 80 percent between June and August.
What to do
Hiking at Pine Ridge: Located in the Shawnee National Forest about an hour from Mount Vernon, Pine Ridge offers numerous hiking opportunities. "There is a 2 mile loop road that goers around the whole campground and down to a beach access point for a gorgeous lake. That was a perfect little walk with the dog," notes one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Mauzy East provides free waterfront access for anglers. "The tent pads are right by the water, offering stunning lake views. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and access to toilets," reports a camper who appreciated the lakeside setting.
Halloween festivities: Fall camping brings special events at several campgrounds. "We stayed the weekend before Halloween. We missed reserving the weekend they have the campground trick or treating, which was the weekend before, but this was just as fun," explains a camper at Harmonie State Park Campground. "They had a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot and a hayride in the evening for a small fee that included making smore's at the bonfire."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites. At Vanderburgh 4H Campground, visitors appreciate the layout. "The sites are level. The connections are easy to access. The bathhouses are clean and well maintained," mentions one reviewer who found this campground to be "a nice little park with all of the basics and no frills."
Swimming facilities: Several campgrounds feature pools or swimming areas during summer months. "Olympic size pool open during summer-has water slide, diving boards, separate baby pool with shade awning, and concessions," describes a camper at Harmonie State Park, highlighting the extensive water recreation options.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers can find no-cost sites at Lake Mauzy East. "This is an amazing spot for free camping! We would have loved to stay longer, but incoming storms cut our trip short," shares a visitor who appreciated both the value and the setting.
What you should know
Limited privacy at some parks: Not all campgrounds offer secluded sites. "The campground is layed out parallel to highway 41. The sound of traffic whizzing by on the highway is constant," reports a camper at John James Audubon State Park Campground, noting that "the sites are small and tightly packed. There is no privacy at all."
Cell reception varies: Some rural campgrounds have limited connectivity. At Harmonie State Park, a camper points out it is "located back in the hills, far off the highway. Very little cell phone signal."
Seasonal campground closures: While some campgrounds operate year-round, others have limited seasons. John James Audubon State Park Campground operates from "April 1 to November 30," and Pine Ridge is available from "April 1 to December 15."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature multiple play areas for children. "There are 3 playgrounds throughout the campground," notes a visitor at Harmonie State Park, which also has "a nature center in the middle of the campground that is open Thursday-Sunday in the summer."
Consider water recreation: During summer months, swimming provides family entertainment. At Burdette Park, one visitor describes it as having "everything to keep your family entertained. A pool, mini golf, hiking cabins and so much more."
Reserve well in advance for Halloween: Fall camping events fill quickly at popular parks. "Apparently that weekend has to be reserved the day reservations open for it," explains a camper regarding the Halloween festivities at Harmonie State Park.
Tips from RVers
Check site layouts: Some campgrounds have awkward site positioning. "Had a problem finding our site number in the dark, as they are facing the wrong way from driving direction," mentions a visitor at Harmonie State Park.
Electric-only hookups common: Many campgrounds provide electric but not water or sewer at each site. At Pine Ridge, "The left loop has power 50/30/20 amp hook ups but no water or sewer on the campsite," according to a traveler testing a small trailer.
Level sites available: RVers seeking flat camping spots have options at several area campgrounds. At Grayville KOA, "The sites are large and level, the campground is new and well-kept," notes a visitor traveling with a small camper.
