Best Campgrounds near Greencastle, IN

Central Indiana's recreational landscape includes several established campgrounds near Greencastle. Lieber State Recreation Area, located just outside Cloverdale, and Turkey Run State Park Campground in Marshall offer options ranging from tent camping to RV sites with full hookups and cabin accommodations. Raccoon State Recreation Area at Cecil M. Harden Lake provides another mixed-use camping destination with facilities for both primitive and developed camping experiences. Most campgrounds in this region maintain electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities, with many sites featuring picnic tables and fire rings.

Seasonal operations vary among the area's campgrounds, with some like Shades State Park only open April through October, while others such as Lieber State Recreation Area remain accessible year-round. A camper noted that "Turkey Run is my all time favorite State Park in Indiana. It has great camping with both reserved and walk up options." Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer months and fall foliage season when visitation peaks. Access roads throughout the region are generally well-maintained for standard vehicles, though some primitive camping areas may require more careful navigation. Cell phone coverage varies significantly between campgrounds, with reception often strongest near campground entrances and weakest in heavily wooded areas.

Campgrounds near lakes and water features receive consistently positive reviews from visitors. Several sites at Cecil M. Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area provide lake views and water access, making them popular choices during warmer months. The natural landscape surrounding these campgrounds features rolling hills and forested terrain characteristic of west-central Indiana. Campers frequently mention the proximity to hiking trails as a significant advantage, particularly at Turkey Run State Park where rugged trails traverse unique sandstone formations and ravines. "We love the hiking trails," one visitor commented about Turkey Run. Campground noise levels tend to increase on weekends and during peak season, with family-oriented activities common throughout the developed camping areas. Wildlife sightings, particularly raccoons, are frequently reported at several campgrounds in the region.

Detours Nearby

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Cagles Mill Lake

Cagles Mill Lake

19 min away

Sugar Creek Campground

Sugar Creek Campground

35 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Greencastle, Indiana (104)

    1. Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Rockville, IN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 344-1412

    $12 - $32 / night

    "Raccoon State Recreation Area | Cecil M Harden Lake is located in the heart of historic covered bridge country just 50 miles West of Indianapolis."

    "There are multiple boat ramps for easy access to the water. I met a friend there who is a resident of Indianapolis and we had a great time on the water."

    2. Lieber State Recreation Area Campground

    22 Reviews
    Cloverdale, IN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 276-0194

    $16 - $25 / night

    "Cagles Mill Lake borders the southwestern side of the area.

    We arrived to a very quiet campground with few campers."

    "Each campsite is spacious and has plenty of space away from your neighbors. There was plenty of shade even though our pad wasn't tucked back in the woods."

    3. Turkey Run State Park Campground

    70 Reviews
    Marshall, IN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 597-2635

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Turkey Run is arguably the most popular campground (and state park) in Indiana and has its pros and cons."

    "Much enjoyed hiking some of the trails at Turkey Run State Park near Marshall, Indiana. This is Indiana's 2nd oldest state park, now 100 years old (1916-2016)."

    4. Cloverdale RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Cloverdale, IN
    7 miles
    +1 (765) 795-3294

    "This easy-access-from-the-highway RV park is really nice. The spots are accessible, the bathrooms are AMAZING (no…seriously), the little attractions are adorable and the host is terrific."

    5. Shades State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Alamo, IN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 435-2810

    $12 - $20 / night

    "Canopied by the big beautiful Indiana trees. Close to some good hiking trails."

    "Located north of turkey run state park shades offers all the hiking and scenic terrain with less amenities and less crowds. Sugar creek cuts through the ancient sandstone floor creating canyon walls."

    6. Cagles Mill Lake

    3 Reviews
    Cloverdale, IN
    15 miles
    Website

    $10 - $30 / night

    "This wonderful hidden gem is 14 miles away from McCormick's Creek State Park. It is a DNR state operated and has some pretty cool fishing. It was family-approved by my kin."

    7. Rockville Lake County Park

    11 Reviews
    Rockville, IN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 569-6541

    $25 / night

    "Only sites are next to us. Woods behind and open grass and field in front of this site. Disc golf course is awesome, in the woods, up and down ravine. 18 holes plus practice basket."

    "That spot has a trail behind it to go down to a little dock which seems like many other people may use the trail, so probably won't use that site when it gets busy."

    8. Lake Waveland Park

    8 Reviews
    Waveland, IN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 435-2073

    $25 - $40 / night

    "Nice clean park in west-central Indiana that has a lake and a large number of camping sites along with restrooms and showers."

    "The campground is located within close proximity of both Turkey Run and Shades State Park."

    9. Happy Campers Campground

    1 Review
    Poland, IN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 239-6263

    $35 - $40 / night

    "On a lake stocked with fish. Port-a-potty and shower house available."

    10. Hickory Hills Camp Resort

    1 Review
    Cloverdale, IN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 795-6079

    "There’s two pools, a pickle ball court, a basketball half court, farm animals, golf cart trails, kayak/canoe/row boats, exploring creeks, fishing, a dog park, several playgrounds, Gaga ball, tether ball"

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Recent Reviews near Greencastle, IN

630 Reviews of 104 Greencastle Campgrounds


  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Shakamak State Park Campground

    Great State Park

    Most of the spaces that had both water and electric were mostly in the sun. But all the other spaces had plenty of shade and trees around them. Our space was spot on level and nice area around each space to where you didn’t feel like you were camped on top of other people. The showers were adequate. Great hiking trails in the area. Very quiet. Although we were there on a weekday. One downside was we had Verizon as a cell phone carrier and only had one bar.

  • L
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Shakamak State Park Campground

    Clean, pretty, quiet, spacey.

    We had a nice site that was evenly spaced from the other campsites by trees and was nice and close to water, the bathrooms, and the shower houses, which were very clean! The camp store was nice and the paddle boats were fun! The pool was only opened on the weekends in August which was disappointing but there was a large fishing dock and many boating opportunities. Very nice camping spot, but in August beware of the bugs!

  • L
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Shades State Park Campground

    It was very clean, nicely spaced, and shaded.

    Very nice campground! It was close by Turkey Run State Park, which had amazing trails, that are pictured below. (We definitely recommend Trail 3!) The campground itself was very nice and clean, as well as shaded and pretty. We were camping in August, so it wasn't very busy and we got peace. There were many fun things to do in Turkey Run, although the pool was closed in August. There was also a fun little ice cream place and store in downtown Marshall! 

      Great place overall!

  • T
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC

    Horrible experience

    To much money rv/campsites way way to small they charge for EVERYTHING INCLUDING GUEST TO SEE IF THEY WANT TO CAMP , u can only have 4 people then its 10$ per each for a weekend ridiculous

  • T
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC

    Ripped off for sure read your itinerary is what she told me 4 times instead of trying to make it right !!!!

    Experience was good , except do not get sites 33, 34 or 35 we had maybe 5ft between us and the camper beside us , no way and the electricity hookup is right there so putting out awning was so very dangerous!!!! Bc the water dripped straight onto the electric hookup and who knows if someone may have a cut or anything wrong with there cord electric shock for sure !!!! Visitors JUST TO VISIT TO SEE IF THEY WANT TO CAMP THERE 5$ each Could not cook out or anything bc there’s no room in between your camper and your neighbor’s camper They tell u to look at the four day itinerary, but we’ve always just called or got on the website and booked our site, but it is pretty ridiculous for a camper to hold six or eight and you can only have four people and then on top of that an arm and a leg just for a float to float downstream which the gal young gal told me it was 2 miles 2 to 4 hour trip and it took us an hour so basically got ripped off pretty good this weekend so make sure to read your email b4 going here ! Thank goodness we had family bc we had absolutely no room for anything Bugs horrible And they tell you to have dogs on leash , no one had their dogs on leash except us . A blue healer tried to bite one of us ! It was pouring down and the guy on golf cart while we’re trying to hurry in the rain was so worried about our card he couldn’t wait till we was leaving to turn it in . They give u a code so why not put it in your phone bc if u lose there card they charge u 40$ Seems like more of a money thing to us . We enjoy camping but my gosh break the bank here for sure no gravel on sites hardly mainly dirt and sand so come prepared to sweep your caper or rv every hour . Very very tiny sites and unacceptable for us and anyone wanting to enjoy outside of your camper with your awning

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Raccoon Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    the non-RV loop of the three camp areas (I think)

    Our third Indiana state park. Still impressed, they have all been friendly, well maintained with good, spread out sites and good signage everywhere (even the trails). All the rest rooms are spotlessly clean.
    We were there mid-week, so very few of the 480 (!) sites were occupied, except in Buffalo Ridge, the primary RV loop. There are three loops, Buffalo ridge (RV), Raccoon Ridge which is tent sites around the outside, with electric inside the loop. Which would be suitable for RVs. Many of the tent sites are split-level, meaning the fire pit and tent area is down a hill from where you park your car. We have a mini pop-up, and had no problem parking both it and car on the pad, and, these sites have two picnic tables, upper and lower. Check the photos when you reserve!
    We drove through Taylor ridge loop, and it's your best choice for getting away from it all. 
    The camp store is stocked with the basics, but has more souvenirs than food or camp needs. That's okay, as some of their goods are better quality than many other places.
    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. 
    The park also features an Olympic size pool (capacity 2,000). You cannot walk there from the campground unless you are very hardy and very determined. 
    You may think of Indiana as flat farmland, but this park is VERY hilly, with many scenic overlooks. It has two man-made lakes. Unsure about boating options on the larger one. 
    Another big feature are equestrian trails and a horse campground, see someone else's review for that.
    Nearby is the town of Nashville, which is full of art and craft galleries as well as multiple fudge shops, hand-made soaps, etc... Touristy but quaint. Was surprisingly crowded when we passed through on a Friday morning.   
    We are planning to go back to take advantage of all we missed in the area. Oh, I should point out that there are many private campgrounds nearby, it's a very popular  area.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Brown County-Nashville KOA

    KOA Brown County

    Very nice campground, full hookup up, helpful staff. Small pool with limited hours. Camp store. Very close to Brown County State Park and Nashville, IN. Lots of mature trees.

  • Emilee B.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Broadview Lake and Campground

    Home away from home!

    This campground has a personality of its own. Majority of the lots are permanent Indiana residents but the option for an impromptu night of camping here is always open. The staff have been here years and you can tell genuinely care about this place. They make sure to know you, which makes me feel safe cuz they know who’s here whether tenant or guest. Neighbors are great. You have the occasion person that likes to hear themselves but that’s everywhere. If u want to make friends you can and if you want to stay to yourself you can. The pool was just put in a year ago and is a relaxing place to go. Also what I thought was different was that no matter what is going on here , everyone settles down around 10 to 11 pm and by midnight you hear the crickets and owls. Everyone is so respectful of quiet time here no matter the festivity. There is a pond you can fish as well. If you wanna stick around a while this is the campground for you.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Peaceful Waters Campground

    Peaceful Waters

    Cute little park, off of 41, most sites are water and electric, most do not have sewer but there's a dump station. Very affordable. Owners are very nice and easy to communicate with. Theres a campstore and ice on site. Great fishing pond. Look around for cute carvings. Very close to Turkey Run, Shades, and Raccoon Lake!


Guide to Greencastle

Camping near Greencastle, Indiana, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic trails to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Turkey Run State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Be prepared with hiking boots and sticks," as the trails can be challenging with plenty of steps and stream crossings.
  • Fishing and Boating: Head to Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area for fishing and boating. A visitor shared, "Great areas to walk your dog," highlighting the park's accessibility and beauty.
  • Wildlife Watching: Enjoy the natural surroundings at Hardin Ridge. One camper noted, "Beautiful spacious sites," perfect for spotting local wildlife.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Paynetown Campground. A reviewer stated, "Facilities are clean," which adds to the overall camping experience.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the activities available at Prophetstown State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "This park has it all," referring to the playgrounds and bike trails.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers at Buffalo Ridge Campground appreciate the large, shaded sites. A review highlighted, "The woods surrounding the campground is very peaceful," making it a great spot for relaxation.

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds, like Turkey Run State Park Campground, have sites that are close together. One camper noted, "You don’t have a lot of privacy," so be prepared for neighbors.
  • Wildlife Caution: At Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area, raccoons can be a nuisance. A visitor warned, "Do not turn your back to your dinner table at any time if there’s food out."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Shades State Park Campground, have fewer amenities. A reviewer mentioned, "The vault toilets were dirty," so be prepared for basic facilities.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with plenty of activities, like Paynetown Campground, which offers swimming and fishing. One family shared, "Lots of free activities for kids."
  • Check Site Conditions: Before booking, check the site conditions. A camper at Buffalo Ridge Campground advised, "Pay attention to your campsite for slope and camper accessibility."
  • Bring Games: Keep kids entertained with outdoor games. A visitor at Terre Haute Campground mentioned, "Friendly and helpful staff," which can help with local recommendations for family fun.

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Prophetstown State Park Campground offer full hookups, making it easier for RVers. One reviewer said, "One of only a handful of state parks which offer full hookups."
  • Check Site Size: Be aware of site sizes at places like Terre Haute Campground. A visitor noted, "Most sites are gravel," which can affect parking.
  • Plan for Tight Turns: Some RVers found navigating sites challenging. One camper shared, "We had to unhook and were not able to park our truck on our site," so be cautious when selecting a site.

Camping near Greencastle, Indiana, provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great destination for families and outdoor lovers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available near Greencastle, Indiana?

Greencastle offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Lieber State Recreation Area Campground is one of the closest options, located just west of Greencastle near Cagles Mill Lake. This peaceful area features wooded campsites with attached gravel pads and proximity to shower facilities. For those seeking more activities, Turkey Run State Park Campground is a popular destination with both open field sites for RVs and shaded loop sites. Other nearby options include Cloverdale RV Park, Happy Campers Campground near Brazil, and Cecil M. Harden Lake Recreation Area. Most campgrounds in this region offer electric hookups, with some providing full RV accommodations, while others focus on more primitive tent camping experiences.

Are there any free or budget-friendly campgrounds near Greencastle?

Budget-conscious campers near Greencastle should consider Charles C. Deam Wilderness, which offers dispersed camping options at minimal cost. This wilderness area provides primitive camping with several hidden sites off trails, making it perfect for those seeking an affordable outdoor experience. Yellowwood State Forest is another economical option with 79 primitive campsites at lower rates than full-service campgrounds. For those willing to drive a bit further, Rockville Lake County Park offers reasonably priced camping with basic amenities. State parks in the region typically have moderate fees but provide excellent value with their extensive facilities and recreation options. Most budget locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis for primitive sites, while offering reservations for developed campsites.

What amenities do Greencastle area campgrounds typically offer?

Campgrounds near Greencastle typically offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Brown County State Park features electric hookups, water fill stations throughout the campground, clean bath houses, and a seasonal outdoor pool. The park also boasts extensive hiking and mountain biking trails. Raccoon Ridge Campground provides spacious, well-maintained sites with good separation between campers. Most area campgrounds offer restrooms and shower facilities, with state parks typically featuring exceptionally clean facilities. Electric sites are common, though full hookups are less prevalent. Many campgrounds include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to recreational activities like fishing, boating, and swimming. Campground stores, playgrounds, and dump stations are available at larger facilities, while more remote locations offer a more primitive experience with basic amenities.