Camping near Greencastle, Indiana offers a mix of state recreation areas and county-operated campgrounds across west-central Indiana. The region sits at approximately 750 feet above sea level with a climate that brings hot, humid summers and cold winters with temperatures frequently below freezing from December through February. Most campgrounds see heaviest usage from May through September when average temperatures range from 70-85°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cecil M. Harden Lake at Raccoon State Recreation Area provides multiple fishing spots with bass, bluegill, and catfish. "We love camping here! Lots to do. Love the archery range," notes Nicole B., highlighting additional activities beyond fishing.
Disc golf course: Rockville Lake County Park features an 18-hole disc golf course through wooded terrain. "Disc golf course is awesome, in the woods, up and down ravine. 18 holes plus practice basket. Hole 1 starts by primitive sites closer to beach," reports Smeeta T.
Creek exploration: The region's waterways offer wading and exploration opportunities, especially at Shades State Park. "Beautiful wooded campground neat Sugar Creek. Deep ravines and moderate to rugged trails encompass the area," mentions Rebecca J., describing the natural features.
Paddle sports: Many campgrounds offer access to creeks and lakes for canoeing and kayaking. "Sugar Creek is also great for floating with inner tubes, canoes, or kayaks," explains Joel R., describing activities at Turkey Run State Park.
What campers like
Beach access: Many campers appreciate the swimming options available during summer months. At Raccoon State Recreation Area, "I loved this camp ground, there was a beach which was nice and a building to get food. They have a basketball court, and a few trails," shares Staci J.
Pool facilities: Lieber State Recreation Area Campground offers a swimming pool that receives positive reviews. "The pool was excellent! Skip the lake and enjoy the pool," recommends Amy C., noting this amenity is preferable to lake swimming for some visitors.
Organized activities: Some campgrounds offer scheduled events, especially on weekends. "We love going to this park several times a year. We especially like camping in the fall for their Goblins weekend," mentions Timothy B. about Lieber State Recreation Area.
Shaded sites: Mature tree cover provides relief from summer heat at many campgrounds. At Turkey Run State Park Campground, "We were in a wooded section and it was pretty private however our site was pretty sloped. Next time I would probably pick the site on either side of 167," suggests Samantha S.
What you should know
Wildlife awareness: Several campgrounds report active wildlife, requiring proper food storage. "This place is so beautiful! We stayed in the hideaway loop and it was perfect. Lots of wildlife, so pack your food up right," advises Stacey S. at Raccoon State Recreation Area.
Sloped camping sites: Many campgrounds in this region feature uneven terrain. "Great place to camp, can be flooded at times, some of the sites have a huge inclines or declines, allot of sites reserved way in advanced," warns Dave R.
Shower facilities: Quality varies between campgrounds. At Lake Waveland Park, visitors note "The bath house was clean, and the grounds crew does a great job keeping the grass cut," according to Mike V.
Cell service limitations: Coverage can be spotty throughout the region. "We really enjoyed our visit to Raccoon Lake. Plenty of places to hike, awesome beach, clean restrooms. No cell service but who needs it!" reports Joe M.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple play areas make Rockville Lake County Park ideal for families with children. "Three playgrounds for kids," mentions Smeeta T., noting these facilities throughout the park.
Beach activities: Sandy shores provide swimming opportunities during summer months. "Beach area is nice. We were the only people there the first 2 days," reports Smeeta T. about Rockville Lake County Park's less crowded swimming area.
Family-friendly weekend programming: Several campgrounds offer organized activities. "It was a wonderful balance!! We'll definitely be back," notes Stephanie C. at Hickory Hills Camp Resort, describing the mix of weekday peace and weekend activities.
Halloween events: Fall camping includes special programming for families. "Great place to celebrate Halloween on goblins weekend," shares Timothy B. about Lieber State Recreation Area's seasonal festivities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites require leveling equipment due to terrain. "Great place to camp, can be flooded at times, some of the sites have a huge inclines or declines," notes Dave R. about Cecil M. Harden Lake.
Full hookup limitations: Cloverdale RV Park offers full service sites but in limited numbers. "5 full hook-up sites, 1 primitive site, and one primitive cabin. On a lake stocked with fish," explains Randy M.
Bathroom facilities: Quality of restrooms impacts RV campers who rely on campground facilities. "The bathrooms were okay. They were older but seemed to be fairly well maintained," reports Kaley A. about Turkey Run State Park.
Site spacing: Campgrounds vary in how close RVs are positioned. "The sites in modern electric water only can be awkward to back into with no room to pull forward due to a ditch in some areas," warns Jeremiah G. about Rockville Lake County Park.
