Best Campgrounds near Henryville, IN
Camping in southern Indiana near Henryville features a mix of state parks, recreation areas, and forest lands with varied accommodation options. Charlestown State Park and Deam Lake State Recreation Area offer developed camping with electric hookups and modern amenities, while the Knobstone Trail provides more primitive backcountry experiences. Several campgrounds in the region support tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals, with Deam Lake and Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA offering glamping options for those seeking additional comfort.
Trailhead access and campground roads vary significantly across the region, with some areas requiring navigation on gravel or forest roads. "The KT is rugged and has lots of elevation gains over short distances. Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail and creek beds," noted one visitor about the Knobstone Trail. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though water systems may be shut off during colder months. Reservations are recommended for developed campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends when lake access becomes a premium feature. Jackson Trailhead offers dispersed camping opportunities but requires some effort to locate suitable sites, while Clark State Forest provides more primitive camping experiences away from the more popular recreation areas.
The lake-based recreation areas receive consistent praise from visitors, with Deam Lake offering swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating opportunities. Campers particularly appreciate the no-wake zones, making these waters ideal for paddling. A recent review highlighted that "Nice lake with outboard motors allowed. We enjoyed the water without listening to the motors." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the area, with hikers commonly reporting deer sightings along trails. Campground amenities vary widely, with most state park facilities offering clean restrooms and some providing shower facilities. The Knobstone Trail, often called "The Little AT" by experienced hikers, represents one of Indiana's premier backpacking destinations, connecting multiple camping areas through challenging terrain that features significant elevation changes despite the state's generally flat reputation.
