Camping options in Pendleton, Indiana center around a mix of natural lake settings and woodland terrain at elevations ranging from 830 to 915 feet above sea level. Many campsites near Pendleton sit within the White River watershed, providing fishing opportunities during the typical camping season from April through October. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from December through February, with summer highs regularly exceeding 85°F.
What to do
Kayaking on White River: White River Campground offers easy water access with a dedicated boat launch area. "White river campground is not a huge place, but it is always clean and very friendly staff. It's a great place to just go and relax and enjoy nature," notes one visitor.
Hiking nearby trails: Several campgrounds connect to local trail systems. At Mounds State Park Campground, "The hikes around the mounds and park are well laid out and the boardwalk is very interesting. Spray on an extra layer of bug juice because they are thick," advises a camper.
Swimming and water recreation: Most camping areas provide water-based activities during summer. Summit Lake State Park Campground features "a large lake that one could enjoy fishing on. Also some great hiking trails in the area," according to a visitor who rated their stay highly.
Visit historical sites: The region contains significant historical attractions. "Lots of historical significance. Very nice trails. Awesome visitors center," writes one camper about their experience at Mounds State Park, adding that "a rail line pretty close that woke us up couple times a night."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. At White River Campground, campers consistently praise the upkeep: "Their bathrooms and showers are the cleanest I've came across," reports one visitor.
Spacious sites: Some locations offer more room between campsites. "The sites are spacious, the water, sewer, and electric are good. All sites are paved, grounds are great to walk, campground people are nice," notes a White River Campground reviewer.
Lakefront views: Water access ranks highly among camper preferences. One camper at Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort commented, "The lake is fabulous, but there didn't seem to be too many fish available for catching!! Pretty place and fun for a laid back place to stay."
Proximity to attractions: Location relative to entertainment venues matters to many visitors. "This is a great option for concert goers," notes one camper about the campsite near Pendleton, adding details about travel times to local venues.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Campground conditions change throughout the year. "Potable water was available at the entrance but was not on yet in the campground itself," reports a spring visitor to Summit Lake State Park.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation routes. At Mounds State Park Campground, "It is right next to a small craft airfield do it can get noisy at times and there is little wind protection," advises a camper.
Site leveling requirements: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. "Our site was a pull through and, while level left to right, required a good bit of leveling front to back," notes a camper about Summit Lake State Park.
Reservation recommendations: During peak season, securing a spot requires planning. "Fills up fast, so make your reservation. It's small but one of my favorites," advises a visitor to White River Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. One visitor to S and H Campground noted, "Very nice campground. They have a little section full of carnival like rides. Several playgrounds! Campground big and spacious, highly recommend."
Educational opportunities: Some parks provide learning experiences. "Mounds State Park just struck me as a perfect spot to field trip to if you homeschool your children. Located in Chesterfield, the park is small but has a lot of historical, geographical and natural information to be had," shares a visitor.
Swimming options: Water recreation areas vary by location. About Mounds State Park, one camper comments, "This is a nice park for kids. Has a nice swimming pool. Easy trails. Nice playground. $5 firewood bundles."
Activities planning: Some campgrounds offer organized events. At S and H Campground, a visitor reported, "They have a ton of activities going on during the weekend including live music and cornhole tournaments."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose camping areas based on your specific needs. At Muncie RV Resort, a camper noted, "Worth noting that many of the back-in sites can be pull-through if you get there when it's not busy."
Hookup details: Understanding utility connections helps prevent surprises. "We had 50 amp/water and sewer. Sites are gravel and fairly level with a firepit and picnic table," reports a visitor to Glo Wood Campground.
Leveling requirements: Terrain varies significantly between locations. At Summit Lake State Park, "Sites 1 through 74 seem to be a lot more level and larger, but they were in a sort of an open area with very little shade. The rest of the sites were fairly unlevel, but were in shaded areas."
Size limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions based on RV length. A Summit Lake visitor warned, "I would think a rig more than 31 or 32 feet long would have difficulty maneuvering around the curve at the end of the second loop."
