Camping near Evansville sits along the Ohio River valley where Indiana's southwest corner meets Kentucky. The area features gently rolling hills with elevations ranging between 380-500 feet above sea level and a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Several campgrounds cluster around small lakes and reclaimed mining lands that create distinctive outdoor recreation opportunities within 30 minutes of the city.
What to do
Hiking trails for all abilities: Harmonie State Park Campground offers multiple trail options through wooded hillsides. "There are 3 playgrounds through out the campground. They have a nature center in the middle of the campground that is open Thursday-Sunday in the summer," notes Olivia S.
Swimming options: Public pools provide summer cooling at several parks. "Olympic size pool open during summer-has water slide, diving boards, separate baby pool with shade awning, and concessions," explains a reviewer about Harmonie State Park. At Scales Lake Park, "a beautiful lake front for swimming with water slide and diving boards" awaits families according to Jennifer T.
Fishing opportunities: Most area lakes permit fishing, though some have motor restrictions. "Scales Lake is beautiful," writes Stefanie W., while at Lynnville Park you'll find "nice little campground next to a small lake" with sites "right on the lake" according to recent visitors.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses at multiple parks. "Bathhouse was extremely clean and well taken care of," writes Keith P. about Warrick County Park Scales Lake Park, while another camper notes the convenience of "5 bath houses and 2 pit toilets" at Harmonie State Park.
Spacious sites: Miles Landing Campground receives praise for roomier camping spots. "The sites were very spacious and far enough apart that you had room to spread out," explains Jacinda L., while another reviewer mentions it has "lots of ponds and young trees. Great modern sites mostly dispersed."
Convenient locations: Many campgrounds provide easy access to Evansville. "We live right across the Ohio in Evansville thus this is our go to park for a last minute getaway where we don't have to worry about making reservations months in advance to get a decent spot," says a camper about John James Audubon State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Several facilities limit operations after summer. At Lake Lincoln Campground, "the camp store is in the pavilion by the beach & has limited hours after Labor Day" and "the beach is closed after Labor Day," according to Cynthia K.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience road noise due to their location. At John James Audubon State Park, "the campground is layed out parallel to highway 41. The sound of traffic whizzing by on the highway is constant," warns Laura E.
Reservation timing: Popular weekends fill quickly at dog friendly campgrounds near Evansville. For Halloween events at Harmonie State Park, a camper notes that weekend "has to be reserved the day reservations open for it" due to popularity of their trunk-or-treat activities.
Cell service variations: Reception differs between parks. At Miles Landing, reviewers report "great wifi and cell signal," while at Burdette Park, signal strength varies depending on your campsite location.
Tips for camping with families
Halloween events: Several parks offer special fall activities for children. "We stayed the weekend before Halloween. They had a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot and although there weren't a ton of vehicles, it was definitely enough for the kids to have fun trick or treating," shares a Harmonie State Park visitor.
Petting zoo access: Warrick County Park Scales Lake Park features a small animal area. "There is a small petting zoo at the park and in the morning they let the animals out to feed on the grass. So expect to see them in the campground," Keith P. explains.
BMX track activities: Burdette Park offers unique recreation for active children. "BMX track, HUGE swimming pool/water park with slides and several other outdoor activities," notes Shelly S., while another camper mentions "Practice Wednesdays, Races Friday per schedule."
Tips from RVers
Site layouts: Campgrounds vary significantly in how RV sites are arranged. At Vanderburgh 4H Campground, "if you don't need full hookups, they have 30a's in back and by an old ww2 bunker," says Joe D. At Scales Lake Park, one camper explains their unique configuration: "We had 3 RVs in our group and we camped in one of the 'wagon wheels'. It was a very cool experience. I'm not sure how you could get in or out if all the spots were reserved."
Hookup options: Most parks offer various electrical service types. "All sites are pull through, and within 2 feet of the drive. Good spacing between sites," notes Jon P. about Burdette Park, while at Harmonie State Park, a visitor explains there are "30 & 50 Amp sites with water at each site."
Site measurements: Check dimensions before booking larger rigs. "The sites seemed short, but people were able to park very large rigs in them. Check the site dimensions before booking or call the office to make sure you'll fit," advises a camper about Lake Lincoln Campground.
