The terrain surrounding Hartsville, Indiana features gently sloping hills with elevations ranging from 700 to 900 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching into the 80s and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Cabin camping options near Hartsville range from rustic one-room structures to multi-bedroom accommodations with varying levels of privacy and access to natural features.
What to do
Kayaking and floating activities: At Hidden Paradise Campground in St. Paul, the Flat Rock River provides opportunities for water recreation. "We take our own rafts and kayaks, although both are available for rent/purchase at the camp store. Our boys & friends spend most of their time in the river, but also enjoy the quarry lake with inflatables & paddle boats," shared one visitor.
Swimming at quarries: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas in former quarries. "What is the best of the best for all in the family? A quarry full to swim with an aqua playground, with use of free life preservers, a creek to kayak or float and a clean campground! Life is good," noted a camper.
Hiking and exploring trails: The region features numerous trail systems. At Versailles State Park Campground, visitors can access multiple trail options. "Love the trails," mentioned a guest. Another added, "We went on one of the easy trails. Be aware this area is very rocky so easy is relate to the surroundings."
Mountain biking opportunities: Trails for cycling enthusiasts are abundant. "Versailles State Park is a clean and family friendly camping destination. There are some nice trails and a lake where you can fish and kayak," explained a regular visitor. When planning a trip, check for scheduled mountain bike events that might impact trail availability.
What campers like
Lake access for fishing: Starve Hollow State Recreation Area provides lakefront camping with fishing opportunities. "We stayed in site 21 which was right on the lake. All the lake front spots seem to have a good amount lakefront footage. We probably had at least 40 feet," explained a visitor. The 145-acre lake allows electric trolling motors only.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention facility quality. "Bathhouse was clean (even though it rained most of the weekend). These sites are a good size and able to get any size Trailer or RV into these sites," noted a Starve Hollow camper. Another mentioned, "The full hook-up sites are spacious with most offering a nice tree canopy."
Proximity to local attractions: Many campers appreciate the location of Brown County-Nashville KOA. "Very close to Brown County State Park and Nashville, IN. Lots of mature trees," commented a visitor. Another noted its convenient access: "We stayed in the cabins for a couple days. There is always so much to do, one day hiking the next we were shopping. It's located right off 46 and just a few mins from downtown."
Variety of recreational amenities: The recreational facilities at various campgrounds receive positive reviews. "We absolutely love this place. A lot to do, swimming, mini golf, etc. You can bring your golf cart for an extra fee," explained a visitor to CERA Sports Corporation. Another camper mentioned, "Grounds are always kept clean. Bathroom and shower house available, Playground, Pond to fish from."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Many cabins operate on limited schedules. "We stay here from April to November and love it. Plenty for the kids to do. And fun activities for the adults as well. Also can't forget the lakeside bar with live music every weekend," noted a seasonal camper at CERA Sports Corporation.
Site selection importance: Campgrounds often have significant variation between sites. "Some sites are not level at all. So be sure to read up on the site you want before you book it," advised a Versailles State Park visitor. At Starve Hollow, a reviewer pointed out, "Keep in mind that a lot of the electric only sites are very tight with a lot of trees in the area."
Check-in procedures vary: Each facility handles arrival differently. A visitor to Hidden Paradise noted, "The girl said she'd leave our paperwork at the office. No paperwork or maps. This little road is quite narrow, has some pretty tight turns with trees on both sides and in the night it's hard to tell where the rear end of your camper is."
Cost considerations: Pricing structures differ between properties. "The campground was $48 per night. More expensive than any other campground we have been to in more than 12 states. On top of the camping prices you had to pay to swim in the quarry. $10-$15 per day per person," reported a Hidden Paradise visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Friends O' Mine Campground offers facilities specifically for children. "Best place for camping, fishing, and relaxing. Pool onsite, rec room, firepits, showers, campstore, etc. You can get tent site or pull through sites," mentioned a visitor. Another added, "Facilities clean and weekend activities made the stay enjoyable for our kids."
Swimming options: Many campgrounds feature pools with child-friendly features. A CERA visitor noted, "Pool area is super nice with a waterslide, diving boards and a unique rock climbing wall in the deep end. My kids always look forward to this campground." Another camper mentioned, "Our grandkids love the pool with the slide and rock wall, the mini golf, the paddle boats and the amazing playground."
Halloween festivities: Some campgrounds host seasonal events. "We love the Halloween festivities! It is so fun to see all the costumes and the decorations all over the campground. We plan to make it an annual tradition," shared a visitor to Versailles State Park.
Family-sized cabin options: Cabin layouts vary significantly between properties. "The cabins look cute. Double bed with bunks in room. There's a loft for kids. A/C and heat but not bathroom. Bring a mattress or sleeping bags or you will sleep on wood. I recommend the water cabins," advised a Starve Hollow visitor.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Larger rigs require careful planning. At Moccasin Meadow, "There are spots available from primitive tent sites, to full hookup (when available). Grounds are always kept clean." However, other campgrounds can present challenges, as a Hidden Paradise visitor noted, "This little road is quite narrow, has some pretty tight turns with trees on both sides."
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited at some properties. A Starve Hollow visitor explained, "We stayed in the full hookup section (camping facilities: electric, sewer, and water hookup as well as fire ring, picnic table, and parking spur at each site)." At other locations, electric-only sites are more common.
Site leveling concerns: Several campgrounds require leveling equipment. "We did need to use several leveling blocks on our site, which made for a doosey of a bottom step into and out of our trailer," reported a Brown County-Nashville KOA visitor. Another camper noted, "Some campsites were nice and spacious others had no privacy. Most of the campground is shaded though."
Dump station logistics: Plan for potential wait times when departing. At Versailles State Park, "There is only one dump station for the three campgrounds so there can be quite the line when trying to get out of there on a Sunday afternoon."
