Best Campgrounds near Franklin, IN

The rolling hills surrounding Franklin, Indiana provide a mix of established campgrounds and recreational areas within a 30-mile radius. Johnson County Park in nearby Nineveh offers 58 sites with electric and water hookups on level gravel pads, making it a convenient stopover for RVers traveling along I-65. The Johnson County Fairgrounds in Franklin itself provides basic RV camping with full hookups, though reviews note the utility layout can be challenging with shared water connections between sites. For those seeking more natural settings, Brown County State Park, located about 25 miles south, features multiple campgrounds with electric sites nestled in the forested hills that are particularly scenic during autumn leaf season.

Camping availability varies significantly by season, with most area campgrounds operating from March through November. Brown County State Park maintains year-round camping with reduced winter services, including heated bathhouses during colder months. As one camper noted, "Large rigs must access the park through the West entrance due to a low clearance covered bridge at the North entrance." Summer weekends often reach capacity at popular destinations like Lake Monroe's recreation areas, where one reviewer observed it was "very noisy and busy on summer weekends. If you like a quieter experience, come Monday through Wednesday or wait until the off season." Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with most reviewers reporting adequate coverage for basic needs.

The camping experience near Franklin ranges from basic utility sites to more scenic natural settings. Johnson County Park receives consistent ratings for its accessibility and proximity to Camp Atterbury, though campers should be aware of occasional military exercises with "air traffic and the sounds of shells and artillery fire" from the nearby base. White River Campground earns praise for its riverside sites and amenities, with one visitor calling it "the best campground I've stayed in. Very clean, backs up to the river with great views and free hot showers." For primitive camping options, Yellowwood State Forest provides first-come, first-served sites with pit toilets and boat access on Yellowwood Lake, though reviewers caution that "most sites are small and unlevel and may challenge your maneuvering skills" for larger RVs.

Best Camping Sites Near Franklin, Indiana (120)

    1. Johnson County Park

    8 Reviews
    Nineveh, IN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 526-6809

    "The park is 622 acres that include two campgrounds, approximately 5 miles of hiking trails, equestrian school, 18 hole disc golf course, shelter houses, amphitheater, lakes, fishing and more."

    "We have camped here twice, we needed to be as close to Trafalgar Indiana as possible, not many camping options in the local area."

    2. Camp Atterbury Campground

    5 Reviews
    Nineveh, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 526-1128

    3. Lake Haven Retreat

    7 Reviews
    Beech Grove, IN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (317) 783-5267

    "We attended a wedding at the Scottish Cathedral in the center of downtown Indy and from the campground, it was a nice drive into the city off the interstate that only took about 20 min."

    "Close to the city without being “in it”. We would stay here again."

    4. Indianapolis KOA

    21 Reviews
    Lawrence, IN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (317) 894-1397

    $60 - $80 / night

    "It’s very close to an interstate so it’s not exactly a picturesque setting. The pricing seems high for what it is. Walking distance to Mount Comfort RV Dealership."

    "Clean and friendly..easy access to the highway..a lot of transient sites..nice pool!"

    5. Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    30 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6406

    $23 / night

    "We have visited Nashville Indiana several times but this is our first time camping nearby. My wife loves to visit Nashville and all the little shops they offer."

    "It was backed up to the edge of the woods which made for a lovely view. Driving through the campground it looks like there are some sites pretty close together but ours wasn’t too bad."

    6. Breaktime in Bargersville

    1 Review
    Waverly, IN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (313) 516-5462

    $75 - $150 / night

    7. Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    22 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6406

    $23 / night

    "This is a beautiful State Park situated in the rolling hills of southern Indiana."

    "I make multiple visits here every year, mainly for the mountain bike trails. There are almost 30 miles of trails inside the park with new trails every year for the past 3+ years."

    8. Hidden Paradise Campground

    16 Reviews
    Waldron, IN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 525-6582

    "Staff is visible and seem to do a good job of maintaining order etc Road Noise: This campground is nicely nestled away from public roads. Through Traffic in campground: No issue."

    "This little road is quite narrow, has some pretty tight turns with trees on both sides and in the night it’s hard to tell where the rear end of your camper is on the turns where there are trees close to"

    9. Johnson County Fairgrounds

    1 Review
    Franklin, IN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (317) 738-3247

    $30 / night

    10. Heflen Park

    3 Reviews
    Edinburgh, IN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 526-4154
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Showing results 1-10 of 120 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Franklin, IN

565 Reviews of 120 Franklin Campgrounds



Guide to Franklin

Camping near Franklin, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful nature, fun activities, and a chance to unwind. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Clifty Falls State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The wooded hiking trails helped keep us comfortable," making it a great choice for nature lovers.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A camper shared, "The campground is well maintained... Great areas to walk your dog."
  • Historical Sites: Visit the pioneer village at Spring Mill State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "The pioneer village is beautiful and really something to see with staff playing as villagers of the period."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Paynetown Campground. A visitor remarked, "Restrooms/showers were state park clean. I was impressed with the hard-working staff."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Hardin Ridge. One camper said, "Beautiful spacious sites. Spread out with plenty of room between sites."
  • Pet-Friendly: Campgrounds like Starve Hollow State Rec Area welcome pets. A reviewer mentioned, "The staff was very friendly, and overall a cute, quiet, and nice campground!"

What you should know

  • Entry Fees: Some parks, like Clifty Falls State Park Campground, charge an entry fee. One camper noted, "I had to pay the $9 fee to drive into the park, although having already booked and paid for a campsite."
  • Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in areas like Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area. A visitor mentioned, "I question the validity of these reviews sometimes... both were spotty at best."
  • Site Conditions: Some sites may not be level. A camper at Taylor Ridge Campground said, "The roads are not marked very well and it took a bit to find our site which needed level blocks."

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Buffalo Ridge Campground. A reviewer noted, "One of the playgrounds is right off the site."
  • Safety Precautions: Keep an eye on kids near steep areas, especially at campgrounds like Buffalo Ridge Campground. One parent warned, "Be aware if you have kids that you are on a ledge and a trail goes down and gets super steep."
  • Plan for Wildlife: Be cautious of raccoons and other wildlife. A camper at Spring Mill State Park Campground mentioned, "I see raccoons... but they attack."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of RV sites. A visitor at White River Campground said, "Be sure to check pad size. Several sites have 20' or so."
  • Leveling Blocks: Bring leveling blocks for uneven sites. A camper at Paynetown Campground noted, "Many of these sites have a bad incline."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours, especially in busier campgrounds like Starve Hollow State Rec Area. A visitor shared, "It was a quiet weekend."

Camping around Franklin, Indiana, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available near Franklin, Indiana?

Franklin, Indiana has several quality campgrounds within a reasonable driving distance. Johnson County Park offers convenient camping options closest to Franklin. Just a short drive away, Hidden Paradise Campground near St. Paul provides both water access and various site types including hike-in and drive-in options. Other nearby options include Camp Atterbury Campground near Edinburgh, White River Campground with river access, and Breaktime in Bargersville. Most campgrounds in the area offer basic amenities like water and toilets, with several providing reservable sites. The Franklin region serves as a good home base for exploring central Indiana's outdoor recreation areas while remaining close to urban conveniences.

What state parks with camping facilities can I find near Franklin?

Brown County State Park is one of the premier state parks near Franklin, offering three campgrounds: Buffalo Ridge, Raccoon Ridge, and Taylor Ridge. As Indiana's largest state park, it features hiking trails, mountain biking paths, two small lakes, and a seasonal outdoor pool. The park is particularly stunning during fall with its vibrant leaf displays. Lieber State Recreation Area is another excellent option west of Franklin via I-70, situated alongside Cagles Mill Lake. Additional options include Yellowwood State Forest with its 79 primitive campsites and Charles C. Deam Wilderness for more rustic camping experiences. Most state parks in the area offer electric sites, water fill stations, and clean bathhouses.

Are there any full-time camping options available in the Franklin area?

For those seeking longer-term or full-time camping near Franklin, Lake Haven Retreat near Indianapolis offers extended-stay options with amenities suitable for longer residency including full hookups and big-rig friendly sites. Indianapolis KOA near Greenfield also accommodates longer stays with comprehensive facilities. While most state parks and public campgrounds in the area have stay limits (typically 14 days), private campgrounds often offer monthly rates and seasonal packages. For those considering full-time camping, it's advisable to contact campgrounds directly about extended-stay policies, winter availability, and mail service options as these details aren't always published online.