Henryville, Indiana offers diverse camping environments across the Clark State Forest region, ranging from lakeside sites with fishing access to wooded campgrounds with hiking trails connecting to broader wilderness areas. The area sits within the Knobstone Escarpment, characterized by steep forested hills and valleys with elevation changes of 300-400 feet. Many campgrounds provide tent and RV accommodations alongside cabin and yurt camping options that cater to different comfort preferences.
What to do
Hiking challenging trails: Clark State Forest features rugged hiking paths with significant elevation changes, giving visitors a more strenuous experience than typically expected in Indiana. "The Knobstone trail is at the start to a Fifty mile trail or you can do the Delaney Loop in about 6 hours (7.5 miles and 2000 ft elevation change) a good challenge for all ages," notes a camper at Delaney Creek Park.
Exploring historic ruins: Beyond the popular Rose Island trail, O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground offers visitors access to a pioneer village and fire tower. "We enjoyed trails, big lots and lots of stuff for the kids to do," mentions one visitor who spent five nights at the park, while another noted they "enjoyed the nature center, pioneer village, and one of the easy trails."
Fishing and boating: Several area lakes support active fishing programs with boat rentals available. At Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground, visitors can enjoy "a beautiful lake with geese nesting areas and great fishing opportunities. Calm waters for kayaking." The lake "has three boat ramps to choose from, one at the dam and two in the electric campground. Kayak, rowboat and canoe rental is available."
What campers like
Lakefront camping sites: Many campgrounds feature premium sites directly adjacent to water. At Starve Hollow, campers appreciate that "all the lake front spots seem to have a good amount lakefront footage. We probably had at least 40 feet." Similarly, at Wooster Campground — Hardy Lake State Recreation Area, "The Wooster Bay primitive area allows campers to moor their boats overnight. It has a very relaxed atmosphere."
Privacy between sites: Natural vegetation creates space between campers in many locations. "Down in the hills and hollers, is this beautiful campground and park...very clean and super friendly staff," notes a visitor to Delaney Creek Park, adding "The primitive camping sites looked a little more spaced out." At Clark State Forest, campers mentioned it was "very dead and very quiet" during their tent camping experience.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking a glamping experience near Henryville, Indiana, several parks now offer yurt accommodations that blend comfort with outdoor immersion. While traditional camping remains popular, yurt camping in Henryville provides weatherproof shelter with amenities. "They added a new saltwater pool, deluxe cabins, deluxe camping sites," notes a reviewer at Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA, which offers structured yurt-style accommodations.
What you should know
Entrance fees beyond camping costs: Some parks charge day-use fees in addition to camping rates. As one camper at Charlestown State Park Campground notes: "Be aware of an additional $9 fee at the gate besides the camp fee." This can affect your overall budget planning.
Variable site levelness: Many campgrounds feature sloping terrain that requires leveling equipment. At Delaney Creek Park, one camper warned: "Every lot slopes down towards the lake. If you have levelers, should not be a problem, but be sure to bring extra, because it's a good 3" to 5"." They added their class C motorhome "had to raise the back end (facing the lake) off the ground with our hydraulic levelers."
Airport noise impacts: Some campgrounds experience periodic aircraft noise. At Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest, campers should note: "This campground rests below the route to Louisville's international airport. For a hour or two in the morning and in the afternoon huge jets fly right over the campgrounds." Another camper explained: "UPS releases about 100 planes from around 3-5am."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Starve Hollow State Rec Area provides numerous play areas throughout the property. A visitor documented "a wheelchair accessible playground, basketball goals, softball fields, horseshoe pits and a sand volleyball court are located on or near the swimming beach." Another mentioned that "There was a huge swimming beach, and picnic area."
Nature centers with programs: Several parks maintain educational facilities with ranger-led activities. O'Bannon Woods features a "nature center was basic but well prepared with critters and educational items," according to one family. Another added they "had a wonderful time and plan on returning many times to hike all the trails."
Boat rentals for kids: Accessible water recreation exists for families without their own equipment. At Delaney Park, a camper mentioned it's "a great family place, nice cabins, good fishing and lots of boats to rent or bring your own." The property maintains multiple options for getting on the water with children of various ages.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Non-standard placement of utilities requires advance preparation. At Delaney Creek Park, a camper warned: "The electric and water hookups are not in standard locations for RV hookups. Make sure you bring an extension for your electric hookup, otherwise you might not be able to reach the post. Same for water hookup."
Big rig accessibility varies: Some campgrounds have limitations on maximum vehicle lengths. At Jackson Washington State Forest, a reviewer noted there are "several RV sites (10 to 15) available most are pretty level" but cautioned the sites work better for smaller units. When staying at Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA, an RVer reported: "They were able to accommodate our 44ft 5th wheel and navigating to the site was simple."
Technical assistance: Some campgrounds provide maintenance support for RV issues. At Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA, a camper reported: "They even have an on-site RV Tech that works for them who helped us fix our hot water heater. Very professional young man." The campground also offers "high-speed Wi-Fi that actually works" according to another review.
