Madison area campgrounds provide extensive options for seasonal RV stays from spring to fall, with terrain ranging from flat riverfront sites to more wooded inland locations. The Ohio River influence creates mild camping conditions in spring and fall with occasional flooding in low-lying areas. Summer temperatures typically reach the high 80s with moderate humidity.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Follow The River RV Resort includes a fishing lake on property. According to one camper, "There is a pool, volleyball courts and a dog park. It is hot in June, so bring a canopy if your RV doesn't have one."
Walking distance to historic sites: Campers at Madison City Park can access local attractions by foot. "You can easily walk to everything; river walk, local dining hot spots, grocery, wineries, brewery, antique stores and several historic sites," notes one visitor.
Water recreation: Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA offers multiple water-based activities. "The lake is GORGEOUS. Sites have mature trees, variety of singing birds. There is a sand volleyball net, gah gah ball, dog park, playground, mini golf, and a new pool," writes one reviewer.
Trail riding: Brown County State Park provides extensive equestrian trails 90 minutes from Hanover. "There are a lot of fun hills and trails that you can ride for hours," explains one rider, with miles of forested terrain suitable for day trips.
What campers like
Family-friendly amenities: CERA Sports Corporation receives praise for its extensive recreation options. One camper reported, "We absolutely love this place. A lot to do, swimming, mini golf, ect. You can bring your golf cart for a extra fee."
Riverside views: Madison City Park's location provides direct river access. "This is a wonderful campground with beautiful views of the picturesque Ohio River. Relax at your campsite and watch the barges and boats go by," states one reviewer.
Seasonal entertainment: Campgrounds near Hanover frequently offer summer activities. CERA features "the dockside bar and pizza oven," while another visitor appreciates that "our grandkids love the pool with the slide and rock wall, the mini golf, the paddle boats and the amazing playground."
Modern facilities: Newer campgrounds maintain updated shower facilities. "The bathrooms having regular working toilets and showers. The bathrooms are very nice," notes one visitor to Follow The River RV Resort, a factor particularly important during hot summer months.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Summer weekends fill quickly at popular campgrounds. One visitor to Taylorsville Lake State Park noted timing issues: "We got in shortly after 7PM and there was no ranger or staff to be found to get firewood. No honor system or anything so we had to venture out to find some."
Site selection considerations: Some campgrounds have significant site variation. For Madison City Park, "Sites are very close together with little privacy however; location is the trade off." Similarly, at Taylorsville Lake, "The majority of the sites are spaced out and private but unfortunately I couldn't find any pictures online of the sites so the one we got was not private."
Seasonal operations: Operating schedules vary across the region. Thousand Trails Indian Lakes opens "April 1 to November 1," while Madison City Park operates "April 1 to October 31," requiring winter camping alternatives.
Weather preparedness: Summer heat affects camping comfort. At Follow The River RV Resort, a camper advises, "It is hot in June, so bring a canopy if your RV doesn't have one," indicating limited natural shade at some locations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple rv sites near Hanover, Indiana feature dedicated children's areas. "My kids always look forward to this campground," writes a visitor to CERA Sports Corporation, which maintains "a unique rock climbing wall in the deep end" of their pool.
Multi-generational activities: Swiss Haven RV Resort accommodates various age groups. "The owners here are focused on growing their business and have just completed a new building to accommodate a store and reception area, potential for limited dining, and activity center."
Extended stays: Longer visits allow full exploration of amenities. "We spent a week there and the kids never got bored. Everyone had a blast," reports a CERA visitor, suggesting minimum 3-day stays to experience all available activities.
Seasonal timing: School vacation periods increase occupancy and activity levels. One camper notes Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA has "live music at the pavilion, and PIZZA from their new café," with programming concentrated during summer break periods.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some rv sites around Hanover require additional equipment. At Thousand Trails Indian Lakes, a reviewer cautions the park is "completely inundated with annual spots being reserved by weekend warriors meaning minimal availability for people who want to be here during the week."
Utility connections: Full-hookup availability varies across campgrounds. At Brooks RV Park, "All 50 amp full hook up sites" are standard, with one visitor noting, "Nice sized sites, reasonable priced compared to the KOA, all good full hookups."
Site spacing: RVers should expect varied site dimensions. At Madison City Park, "Sites 1 through 18: Daily $40, Weekly $240. Sites 19 through 34: Daily $30, Weekly $180," with pricing reflecting location and utility differences.
Technical support: Some parks offer maintenance assistance. At Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA, "They even have an on-site RV Tech that works for them who helped us fix our hot water heater," a valuable service for travelers experiencing equipment issues.
