Camping options near Winslow, Indiana center around several county parks, state forests, and recreation areas within a 20-mile radius. The terrain consists primarily of reclaimed strip mine land transformed into fishing ponds and young woodland areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer more moderate conditions in the 50-70°F range.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Dogwood Lake at Glendale State Fish and Wildlife Area offers productive fishing spots accessible from campsites. "Great place for fishing in Dogwood Lake," notes a visitor, highlighting the park's primary attraction.
Disc golf courses: Prides Creek Co Park features an excellent disc golf course that draws enthusiasts. According to one camper, "The disc golf course is top notice. One (if not best in the state)." The course is conveniently located near camping areas.
Water recreation: Several small lakes provide swimming and boating opportunities at Scales Lake Park where visitors can enjoy "a beach area with small fee" and multiple water activities. The park includes "a beautiful lake front for swimming with water slide and diving boards," plus "a boat ramp for fishing boats and kayaks."
What campers like
Quiet, secluded spots: For those seeking solitude, primitive camping areas often provide the most peaceful experience. A camper at Glendale noted they "stayed in the primitive area and we were tucked away back by the lake," offering a more remote experience than developed sites.
Campground activities: Prides Creek Co Park receives praise for its diverse recreational offerings: "A beautiful park. plenty space to explore, frisbee golf, regular golf, swimming area in the lake. I suggest you bring a kayak to explore the gorgeous lake."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region generally maintain clean restrooms and shower facilities. At Miles Landing Campground, campers report "the bathrooms were probably the cleanest, nicest shower houses I've seen at a campground," indicating well-maintained infrastructure.
What you should know
Limited amenities at state forest sites: Pike State Forest offers truly rustic camping with minimal facilities. A visitor noted, "The park is very primitive with no electricity. There is running water but you have to walk quite a ways to get to it if you aren't camping by it. There are no shower houses and the bathrooms are just a glorified porta potty."
Tick activity: Wooded areas throughout the region have significant tick populations, especially in warmer months. At Miles Landing, campers warn: "Lots and lots of ticks, beware if you have pups."
Seasonal variations: Many campgrounds reduce services after Labor Day. At Lincoln State Park, "the beach, but closed after Labor Day. The camp store is in the pavilion by the beach & has limited hours after Labor Day."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible playgrounds: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. Scales Lake Park offers "two playgrounds, little petting zoo for kids. Beach area with small fee."
Educational opportunities: Historical attractions add educational value to camping trips. "Lincoln State Park has the Lincoln boyhood memorial that is a must see," providing context about the area's connection to President Lincoln's childhood.
Holiday-themed events: Lake Rudolph Campground offers special seasonal programming. "We went to Lake Rudolph for their Halloweekends and it is a one of a kind experience. They have so many activities for the kids such as hayrides, a DJ, pumpkin carving, and so many other things throughout the day!"
Tips from RVers
Site layouts and positioning: Some campgrounds have unusual site arrangements that require planning. At Scales Lake Park, "We had 3 RVs in our group and we camped in one of the 'wagon wheels'. It was a very cool experience. I'm not sure how you could get in or out if all the spots were reserved."
Limited level sites at Pike: RVers should know that Pike State Forest has few suitable spaces. "Most of the sites are small and not very level. There are only 2 sites that a small camper could use."
Navigation challenges: Access roads to some campgrounds can be tricky. At Lynnville Park, registration works through "the honor system as the store/office closed at 5p; we filled out a registration form put $22 in it and put it in the mail slot." The park provides riverside sites with good spacing: "The grounds were clean and maintained, it sits along a river so there were many there with boating and fishing gear."
