Camping near Ferdinand, Indiana offers access to several water-based recreation areas within Hoosier National Forest. The region features forested hills with elevations ranging from 450 to 900 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s with moderate humidity, while winter camping means dealing with temperatures that can dip below freezing, particularly from December through February.
What to Do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Saddle Lake Recreation Area provides a smaller, quieter fishing experience. "The campground is small (13 sites). Lots of trail located within a short drive," notes Ronald H. The lake attracts anglers throughout spring and summer.
Hiking trails of various lengths: The Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area offers a technical 5.9-mile trail through rolling hills. "We enjoyed the Tipsaw Lake 5.9 mile Trail. I kept thinking Trail Run event! The trail is not difficult, it's hilly and technical, but an enjoyable excursion," explains one visitor.
Explore historic sites: The Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial sits directly across from Lake Lincoln Campground. "This park has the Lincoln boyhood memorial that is a must see," says Keith M., making it educational for history enthusiasts.
Seasonal events: Holiday-themed camping experiences occur throughout the region. At Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph, "We went to Lake Rudolph for their Halloweekends and it is a one of a kind experience. They have so many activities for the kids such as hayrides, a DJ, pumpkin carving, and so many other things throughout the day!" reports Ashley D.
What Campers Like
Well-spaced sites at state parks: Ferdinand State Forest offers more secluded camping options. The sites provide a more rustic experience while still maintaining basic amenities for tent and small RV camping.
Clean facilities: Patoka Lake Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and showers. "Roads and grounds are in good shape. Tons of sites and all different types (secluded, group, field, lake access, lake view, etc.) Sites were clean and in working order with 30A service," reports Kyle.
Lake activities: Swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities exist at several locations. "The beach area on Tipsaw Lake is very family oriented, nice bathhouse facility, small picnic pavilions on cement walkways and a nice beach with play area for the kids," explains a visitor.
Nature immersion: Indian-Celina Recreation Area provides quiet forest settings. "This was a very quiet campsite in southern Indiana. We had a hard time finding dispersed camping in the national Forest so we settled for this site," notes Akiva G.
What You Should Know
Limited services in dispersed areas: Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed camping offers no amenities. "This is NOT a campground, but just roadside pull-offs on public land. There are no restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, or other amenities," explains Jaymi A.
Cell service varies significantly: Coverage becomes spotty in more remote areas. At Patoka Lake, one camper noted "Cell service was poor. (T-Mobile 0-1 bar LTE, AT&T 1-2 bars LTE, but NO internet service when things get busy Thursday to Sunday afternoon)."
Road conditions: Some areas require careful vehicle selection. Regarding Mitchell Creek Road, one visitor stated: "I did not see any pull offs that would accommodate an RV of any size, and nothing large enough to turn a trailer around. One pull off was nearly too small to turn around my small pick up truck."
Weather impacts: Heavy rain can affect camping areas, especially those near creeks and rivers. At Sycamore Springs Park, "The river sites are a bit close and were evacuated during a flash flood for good reason. Water came up to their sites."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Sycamore Springs Park features multiple play areas. "Playgrounds everywhere. Nice big sites with full hookups in the newer section. We were able to go 'creeking' do trail walking, bike riding. Just a super neat little place. They even have a little village set up houses to play in!" explains Beth H.
Beach facilities: Check beach conditions before visiting. At Lincoln State Park, one camper shared: "Sites are well spaced. Clean, professional state park. Lake is being drained, so no beach until 2026."
Theme park proximity: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to Holiday World. One camper at Lincoln State Park explained it's "Less than 10 miles away from Holiday World. I think a lot of theme park visitors camp here."
Quiet times: During weekdays, campgrounds typically have fewer visitors. At Patoka Lake, a visitor noted: "Camped Monday thru Friday, quite until Thursday. Filled up and noisy."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Lake Rudolph, "Our spot was great and didn't require much leveling. We did get a deluxe spot. However we only got the spot because at the others were sold out. Many of the other Spots were on hills and right on top of each other," reports Megan.
Dump station availability: Multiple stations exist at Patoka Lake. "4 dump stations at exit but still lines due to shear number of sites but things moved quickly," notes one camper.
Water access planning: Not all campgrounds offer water hookups at each site. At Patoka Lake, "It's worth noting that there are no water hookups, so remember to fill your tank before arriving at your site."
Electrical options: Many established campgrounds provide 50-amp service. Patoka Lake offers "Sites were clean and in working order with 30A service," which accommodates most RV electrical needs.
