Best Cabin Camping near Independence, IN

Ashley here with The Dyrt. I love the thought and effort that went into each lodging experience. The TiPi is right on the river and there's also a hot tub available for soaking. Come check out this magical place and then come back here to leave a review!

I learned of this place through the Dyrt (thank you!) and knew I wanted to stay here! There are several options available: tent camping (including a tree tent!), RV camping (two with electric hookups), and a 170-year-old log cabin. If you are RV camping, there are two very clean, private, and fully stocked "outhouses" (see photo below)

We originally planned to camp in our van but with below-freezing temperatures and a forecasted snowstorm, we decided to take refuge in the log cabin. To call this a log cabin is a disservice; yes, it is made from logs(and is 170 years old) but I was expecting a tiny one-room cabin; instead it is a two-story cozy home that can sleep up to six people, all in one upstairs room (two full-size beds and two twin beds; would be great for families). It was cozy and warm, heated by a gas stove. The bathroom (with a shower) is accessed from just outside the back door but is heated. The kitchen is an outdoor grill and picnic table, but we did not use this. 

Tim and Beth were very welcoming, as was Juno, their dog. We enjoyed helping to feed the Alpacas– they have over 50. The rooster crowed gustily at dawn (but dawn was after 7 am and we were already awake). Also on the farm is Stormy, the horse, chickens, and some barn cats. There is a shop that sells goods made from Alpaca wool and we made sure to visit before departing. 

Staying here was truly special and we hope to return to camp in one of the RV spots or the tree tent in the future.

Much enjoyed hiking some of the trails at Turkey Run State Park near Marshall, Indiana. This is Indiana's 2nd oldest state park, now 100 years old (1916-2016). Visitors can camp in RV's or in tents in campground area that has water/electrical hook-ups, modern bathrooms w/ showers. There is also cabins to rent, or you can stay at Turkey Run Inn. Canoeing down Sugar Creek was great, and it passes through the state park at a fairly scenic section. Some hiking trails are easy to walk along, others trails are more rugged and difficult. Cross over Sugar Creek on a suspension bridge to get to more hiking trails in a more remote section of woods. We ate a very nice lunch in the restaurant in the Inn, and even played pinball in the gameroom. Great state park. Would be happy to go again some day.

The staff was great, all the amenities were fantastic. This campsite would be great if you were staying in an RV, camper, or one of the cabins, but the tent sites are terrible. They are right next to the highway, and they are all very exposed, and have little protection from mosquitoes.

This KOA served as " home" for my husband and I for 3 weeks while moving. The family that runs the campground is wonderful and extremely helpful. The little restaurant has great food at good prices, and many ice cream flavors for those hot summer day's! Great pool and a place to let your dog run! The cabin we stayed in had so much privacy and was adorable! We love this KOA and can't wait to go back!

SCC has about 50 full hook sites and several electric and water. There is quite a few primitive areas as well. They remodeled their restroom and shower facilities this year. they also have 3 cabins on site. There are two catch and release ponds as well as Sugar Creek to fish at. We are locals and this is our go to as it is quiet and we can see the kids play from our campsite. They even have a frisbee golf course.

We recommend this place to anyone coming into the area, the owners are nice and do not put up with loud campers/partiers. They are ok with most anything as long as it doesn’t disturb other guest or cause damage to the campground.

This was a favorite getaway spot when I was a student at Purdue University. This area is such a drastic difference from the surrounding areas with canyon-like structures and cooler temperatures on the trails. It definitely doesn't feel like you are in Indiana. There are ample campsites (all electric) and a camp store. It is separate from the rest of the rest of the park, just down the road but easily accessible. Personally, the best part for me is the awesome hiking trails, rivaling my favorites in Tennessee!

I am tent camper and stayed at tent primitive section right by the creek. They have RV section, electric tent sites and primitive and those do not mix - no tents at rv section and vice versa. I camp weekdays so I had all section to myself for three days. You can carry your chair right to the creek and hang out in the shade. There are few trails looping around for the walks. Most of tent sites got shade. Rv sites all seem to be level, although kind of close together. Nice and clean bathrooms and shower facility. I have not tried renting canoe because they were closed for a season, due to low water level in the creek. There are a lot of nice places around to visit Turkey Run and Shades state parks are not far as well as numerous covered bridges to explore. Campground stays quiet at night - haven’t seen partying or noise. They also have few cute cabins for rent right by the creek. Will definitely be back and would recommend this place to anyone.

The beautiful farm is located in a rural area. Upon arrival we wasn’t sure where to go. There wasn’t a sign but we called Tim and he came right out and showed us to our spot. He was very friendly and accommodating. We felt safe and knew if we needed anything he was there to help. The tree tent was very comfortable. Picnic table and fire pit right there. We cooked dinner on the fire pit grill. The only one small complaint is the people staying in the cabin were extremely loud. Even though we was at the secluded area their voices carried until 3am. It would not stop us from coming back but should be noted. We walked around the farm, checked out the alpacas and goats. There was a class reunion going on so we didn’t want to bother anyone for a farm tour. Plus we was only there one night. We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely go back. I recommend checking this place out.

Great location to river and rentals on site, one of the friendliest people at the office and make sure your taken care of!

Close to great hiking trails, swimming, canoeing & rafting rental. Quiet and family friendly on every visit. Rv, tent w/electric available.

Enjoyed our stay. Site 198 had lots of room to roam. No neighbors too close. But close to a good size hill. Not a grass spot. No water hookup. But would recommend. Little store has lots to offer. Gas station and good near by. Fantastic walking trails within a mile or 2 also. And canoe rental directly across street.

We were able to reserve our spot online weeks in advance. Check-in & check-out times are 2pm every day. Each camp spot has a nice metal ringed firepit with a grill grate for cooking on the fire. Camp store is filled with stuff you'd need on case you forgot it, and they have plenty of firewood for sale too! My wife and I will definitely be going back every summer now that we know how gorgeous Turkey Run State Park is!! There have over 10 miles of hiking trails ranging from novice to expert. There is also a kayak rental company right down the road called Sugar Creek Valley where you can rent kayaks, canoes, and even tubes to float down the river on.

We love this state park.  The hiking trails are beautiful especially down in the caverns.  

Sugar Creek runs through the park and is great for kayaking or canoeing in the spring.  There is a rental place across the street from the park.  There is also a lodge and restaurant in the park.  

Many of the campsites are in the woods and well-shaded.  We stayed on 162 which is in a small circle of campsites.  It was quiet and well shaded.  There are others that are in full sun in some parts of the campground.  The state park website provides good description of the sites and photos.  The campground is very popular and weekends need to be booked very early.

Book a weekend at Heritage Alpaca Farm (be it in a tent, RV, historic cabin, or forest tensile) and you will not regret it. This well-kept farm is tended to by incredible hosts, Tim & Beth. They have put much love into their inviting and scenic country haven. 

As RV campers, we pulled into the circular driveway and parked with ease. A 30 amp hookup and water spigot are available within the recreation barn (along with ping-pong and often times Frost, the friendly Great Pyranese). From your rig you have a view of a small alpaca pasture and their covered event space.

Around the barn is a private fire pit, and Tim provided firewood upon request. Private toilets are a few steps away which are very clean. 

WHAT MAKES HERITAGE FARM A GEM:

SUNSETS: We loved walking the grounds at dusk, enjoying epic sunsets and watching the fireflies light up, as far as the eye can see. The bicentennial barn is stunning and wonderfully restored. It's great for an excellent up-close look at the alpacas. Tim is a wealth of knowledge about the docile creatures and happy to answer any questions.

FRESH EGGS: We enjoyed farm fresh eggs every morning from their free-range chickens.

COOL CREEK: A small creek runs across the back of their property. On a hot Summer day, it's a nice place to sit and cool off.

ITALIAN PIZZA: An Italian style wood-fired outdoor pizza oven on the grounds is fired up for community pizza nights. Check with hosts to see when they are doing their next pizza night al fresco.

ALPACA STORE: A boutique on property sells luxury alpaca goods like scarves, wraps, socks, and more. The perfect place to pick up Christmas gifts. In November, a local artisan market is hosted here.

BIKING: The roads around the farm are quiet and smooth and make for excellent bike riding.

SWING: A swing on the property is a fun pastime for kids....Or for a small adult with a childlike spirit :)

*The town of Kokomo offers any groceries or amenities you need and is only a 20-minute drive.

Raccoon State Recreation Area | Cecil M Harden Lake is located in the heart of historic covered bridge country just 50 miles West of Indianapolis. The campground is surrounded by the 2,060 acre Cecil M Harden reservoir offering boating (boat rental), fishing and a large swimming beach with concessions and amenities. The campground is extremely well maintained with many sites sheltered by tree canopy ranging from non-electric, 30 amp, to 50 amp. Fresh water is available at fill stations and a spacious dump station area make for easy disposal. Many of the sites are not level so chose wisely to suit your needs. Easy beach access from the campground via a paved walk/bike path, well stocked camp store at the entrance to the campground, well maintained bath house facilities, active interpretive Naturalist programs, and numerous hiking trail opportunities round out the amenities. This is a beautiful campground; and if you like to explore...take a drive through the area and enjoy the many historic towns, covered bridges and roller mills throughout the county.

We just left after a 2 night stay and we’re really pleased with this camp ground. The staff were very friendly and wanted to make sure our stay was the best it could be.

Our primitive tent site was in the very back isolated from the rest of the grounds. A port-a-potty was near by, but the shower house was a short drive away. Also, the site, 27C, was alone with timber separating it from the nearest site. The downside to this site is the morning/afternoon sun, but we adapted with a pop-up canopy and positioning our tent to utilize the little shady available.

The shower house was one of the cleanest we’ve seen and the staff makes a concerted effort to keep it that way.

The camp store was a nice convenience and wood delivery was a plus.

Lastly, features include a pond to fish (and rental of paddle boats/canoes) where my son and I caught two decent sized fish from the dock. Playground, volleyball court, and a half court basketball were right off the backside fishing dock.

General: We rarely return to the same campground as there are so many new ones and areas to explore but when we were here 3.5 years ago on a cool April day, we thought the only thing that would make it better would be to return in the fall. However, many others must have had the same idea! When we were here in April, this almost 300-site campground was maybe 10% occupied but in mid-October on a Monday the day AFTER the nearby 10-day covered bridge festival, it was about 98% full! Additionally, the yellow jackets came out in full force with the sun; we ended up eating lunch inside our camper van (fortunately, once the sun went down, we could be outside). 

Site Quality: When I made our reservation, we decided to stay at the same site we were in last time! If I recall correctly, the website was good at letting you know if the sites were not level (not all were) and if they were in full or partial sun. This was a very helpful bit of information to have! Our site (18) was very long and many could accommodate large RVs. The picnic table was very skimpy and could seat only four people comfortably.

Bathhouse: Clean with hot water and showers. Did not use the showers so cannot comment on them. 

Activities: Hiking! There is a large network of trails, many of which criss-cross each other so you can shorten or lengthen your hike depending on how you are feeling. We were able to explore different trails than the last time we were here. I thought the description of the difficulty scale was a bit over-exaggerated but if you take the trail with the three ladders, I do recommend traveling in a clockwise direction so that you climb up instead of down. For the most part, the trails are well-marked. There is a nearby canoe rental outfitter for in-season. There is also a decent playground and many families biked along the camp loops. 

Conclusion: Five stars last time but four this time. Camp at this beautiful park in the spring if you want peace and quiet but it is nice in the fall too!

One of the best parks in Indiana! If your looking for rugged trails look no further. For the most part campground is nicely shaded.

Turkey Run has the best trails in Indiana with water features, rock, and ladders. Good canoeing, tubbing and the best junk food at Up The Creek.

We have stayed here for several years. The best hiking in Indiana and rent a kayak and take a trip down Sugar Creek! Pictures are from our trip in Oct of 2016.