Huntington County offers multiple campgrounds situated around reservoirs, lakes, and rivers. Most camping areas sit at elevations between 700-800 feet with moderate humidity during summer months. Seasonal water level changes affect accessibility at some sites, particularly during spring when reservoirs can rise rapidly after heavy rains.
What to do
Hiking trails: The 1-mile hiking loop near Salamonie River State Forest provides woodland exploration with seasonal waterfalls. "Small campground. 13$. No reservations, but sites seem readily available, even on weekends in the summer. Spacious sites. Fairly wooded."
Boating access: Launch directly from Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground where multiple connected lakes create unique paddling opportunities. "Between the hiking trails, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and biking. You won't ever get bored. The facility is clean and very safe."
Wildlife viewing: Eagles and other birds frequent Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake, making it ideal for birdwatching. "Regular campground with pit toilets. Electric and primitive sites available. Good bird watching spot. Lots of eagles. Nice place, there is gunfire noise from the range across the lake. Not bad though."
What campers like
Affordability: Kilsoquah Camp offers budget-friendly camping with basic amenities. "The oweners are nice people. The camp ground is small and clean. There is pull through full hook up sites. But they are full sun and small sites. So no privacy."
Water recreation: The beach at Mississinewa Lake Campground provides clean swimming areas though dogs aren't allowed on the beach. "We really enjoy Mississinewa. The beach is always nice and clean and the campsites are large and accommodating for any type of camper."
Natural settings: Many campsites at Salamonie River State Forest offer seclusion within wooded areas. "As far as Indiana parks goes, this is a hidden gem. We have camped here many times. Even the trails we frequent always seem new because each season offers a different kind of beauty."
What you should know
Weather impacts: Spring flooding can affect campsite availability, especially at lower-elevation sites near water. "During the weekends it gets packed. Only 60 sites so show up early if you want one. No reservations so first come gets it."
Off-season benefits: Winter camping options exist at Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area Campgrounds with heated facilities. "They have a awesome Mariana ppl are friendly clean showers bathrooms access to lake."
Background noise: The shooting range across from Kil-So-Quah creates periodic noise that may disturb some campers. "Great little camp ground. Electric sites are small and not private. The outhouses are very clean."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple play areas at Kilsoquah Camp give children space to burn energy while camping. "We love camping at Kil-So-Quah. A nice quiet get away!"
Swimming options: Chain O' Lakes State Park offers beach swimming that's popular with families. "Very clean state park. Reasonable prices. Kayaking and the beach was a huge hit with the kids."
Educational opportunities: Take kids to see the bison at Ouabache State Park Campground. "Nice quiet campground. Plenty of activities for families to do. The kids loved the Bison. 200 ft fire tower you can climb. Beach is nice."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Lost Bridge West, sites 221-243 and 202-204 offer lake views while sites 228 and 232 provide better lake access. "Double dump station. Stay away from campsites 101& 102- these are right by the dump station."
Electric hookups: Mississinewa Lake Campground offers 50-amp service at select sites with full hookups available. "There are some spots with full hookups. Most are electric only. There are also quite a few spots that are full though so for bigger rigs that is really nice."
Water planning: Fill tanks at water stations before setting up at sites without water hookups. "Down side is if you don't haul with water you better fill up at the full station when you see it cuz it gets busy."
Dog friendly options: Several campgrounds near Huntington welcome pets, but have specific rules about where dogs can go. Kilsoquah Camp and Lost Bridge West are both dog friendly campgrounds near Huntington with designated areas for walking pets.
