RV camping near New Albany, Indiana offers access to both the Ohio River corridor and forested state parks in southern Indiana and north-central Kentucky. Many campgrounds in this region have gravel sites that remain usable during wet weather, though seasonal closures typically run from mid-December through March. Cellular service quality varies significantly throughout the river valley, with better connectivity at higher elevation campgrounds.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground provides good bank and boat fishing access. "We fished one evening on Taylorsville Lake, though it was a drive from our campsite, so wish the campsites were closer to the lake!" reports Sara U. The park has "nice boat ramps as well" according to Justin S.
Historic exploration: Campers staying at Grand Trails RV Park can walk to nearby attractions. "It's is right in front of the Grand Trails Station and short walking distance from downtown and it's beautiful historic sites," notes Sofia A. The campground serves as a convenient base for exploring local heritage.
River watching: The Ohio River offers peaceful views and commercial vessel traffic. At Swiss Haven RV Resort, campers enjoy "great sites, even some on the river front" with views of passing barges according to Stephen & Theresa B. They note the location "provides easy access to both the communities of Vevay and Madison Indiana which are rich in history, unique architecture, dining, shopping and wineries."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many RV parks near New Albany maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At Camp Carlson Army RV Park, "the bathrooms are clean and there are tons of washers," according to Samantha G. Jim C. adds that the park has "newer facilities" that are "very clean and pleasant."
Level campsites: Horseshoe Bend RV Campground offers "gravel sites that were fairly level" with "full hookups with 50 amp or 30 amp available," according to Randy S. The consistent site preparation makes setup easier for fifth wheels and travel trailers.
Quiet camping: Several campgrounds offer peaceful surroundings despite being near travel corridors. Camp Carlson is described as "the ONLY bad thing about this campground is that it is in a bowl -- no cell service, no satellite, no internet. Perfect for a QUIET getaway!!" by Felicia H. At Taylorsville Lake, Sara U. reports using it as a "home base" while exploring Louisville and bourbon country.
What you should know
Site privacy varies: At Taylorsville Lake State Park, Justin S. notes "the majority of the sites are spaced out and private" but warns "site #4 is best suited for a group of friends because your neighbors are 10-15 yards away with no trees or anything in between." Research site maps before booking.
Cell service limitations: Coverage gaps affect several campgrounds. Camp Carlson "is in a bowl -- no cell service, no satellite, no internet" while Swiss Haven offers stronger connectivity. Check signal strength in advance if you need to stay connected.
Wildlife awareness: Secure food properly when camping. At Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground, Stephanie T. warns "lots of raccoons in the area, so make sure your food is secure." These nighttime visitors are common at campgrounds near water.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Taylorsville Lake, Heather K. found the "playground was close and perfect for everyone to go run and play" near the group campsite. Justin S. noted "several playgrounds nearby if you have kids to occupy."
Trail difficulty: Hiking options vary in maintenance and difficulty. Justin S. warns about Taylorsville Lake trails: "Some of the hiking trails were well marked and up kept but some others were not so if you aren't good with navigation, choose wisely. Biggest issue we had was with the Gazebo Loop Trail/Pioneer Trail. Several spots were overgrown and not marked."
Supervision requirements: Some campgrounds require extra vigilance. At Camp Carlson, Samantha G. cautions "don't let your kids run around unsupervised" due to the pond area and campground layout. Check each park's specific safety considerations.
Tips from RVers
Extended stay flexibility: Some parks accommodate unexpected schedule changes. James S. at Brooks RV Park found "the staff was friendly, they answer the phone" when assistance was needed. At Camp Carlson, another camper noted "I had truck problems and it extended our stay so I just had to move trailer to different site."
Fire policies: Fire regulations differ between campgrounds. Grand Trails prohibits fires entirely, while Brooks RV Park provides "a fire pit" at each site according to Dana S. Horseshoe Bend and Swiss Haven both allow fires but may have seasonal restrictions.
Campground lighting: Some RV parks feature nighttime illumination. Dana S. describes Brooks RV Park as "Fairy Land RV Park - with twinkly lights that come on every night" creating a pleasant evening atmosphere. Scott S. confirms the campground is "nicely landscaped with fairy lights at night."
