French Lick camping areas sit within the rolling hills of southern Indiana at elevations between 600-900 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with summer highs reaching the upper 80s. Many campgrounds in the region feature limestone outcroppings typical of the area's karst topography.
What to do
**Creek exploration: **Families camping at Sycamore Springs Park can spend hours in the water. "So much to do with the kids, from swimming in the creek, fishing, campfires, s'mores, fresh black topped roads, and such friendly staff," notes one visitor. The park offers multiple swimming holes along its creek.
Mountain biking trails: Brown County State Park features nearly 30 miles of dedicated mountain biking paths. According to one rider at Buffalo Ridge Campground, "The mountain biking is excellent, with purpose built trails for beginner to expert (flow, berms, rollers, jumps...)." Trail connectivity extends to Yellowwood and Hoosier National Forest for longer rides.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access, with stocked ponds and river access points. "The fishing pond has a ton of fish in it. We caught crappie, bluegill, and a few smaller bass - but there are definitely some larger bass in there," reports a camper about Lake Rudolph.
What campers like
Themed camping experiences: Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph offers seasonal themed weekends. "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," explains one visitor.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention clean bathrooms and showers across the region. At Taylor Ridge Campground, "Pit toilets at the back of the loop were probably the cleanest pits I've ever used. Bonus that there are dedicated mens/womens pits."
Nature-based activities: The region offers extensive hiking trails through forested hills. "The park has a classic old CCC lodge (though you enter through the modern addition) so if you don't want to cook, eat at the restaurant (open till 8:PM), great food, generous portions," notes a visitor to Raccoon Ridge.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds limit services during colder months. "The park offers year around camping with reduced services in the winter months (they do have a heated bath house in the off season)," mentions a visitor to Buffalo Ridge.
Terrain challenges: The topography creates uneven campsites at some locations. A camper at Raccoon Ridge Campground notes, "Some spots are uneven and tight, but also some very large (back of loop and some of the spots on side of loop in the front)."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance bookings, especially during peak fall foliage season. Weekends in October typically fill months ahead at popular campgrounds across the region.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Children enjoy multiple play areas at some campgrounds. "Playgrounds everywhere. Nice big sites with full hookups in the newer section. They even have a little village set up houses to play in," reports a family visiting Sycamore Springs Park.
Entertainment options: The proximity to Holiday World theme park adds family appeal. One camper notes, "Lake Rudolph is a fun park to visit, you can rent RVs if you don't have your own camper. They also have golf cart rental if you want to cruise around the park. Holiday world is also down the road."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water-based recreation. Taylor Ridge Campground provides "a trailhead that's walking distance from the campsite that leads down a beautiful trail to a lake" according to a recent visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: RV parks French Lick, Indiana visitors should research specific site characteristics. A camper at Horseshoe Bend RV Campground reports, "The campground was very clean and well maintained with gravel sites that were fairly level. Full hookups with 50 amp or 30 amp available. The sites could accommodate up to 5th wheel rigs."
Access considerations: Large motorhomes require specific entry points at some campgrounds. "Large rigs must access the park through the West entrance due to a low clearance covered bridge at the North entrance," advises a camper visiting Buffalo Ridge about the 9-foot clearance limitation.
Riverfront opportunities: Several rv parks near French Lick offer water views. At Horseshoe Bend, campers enjoy "great views of the Ohio River and an occasional barge" from their campsites.
