Best Cabin Camping near Independence, IN

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.

I have to say it is always nice to stay at a state park in the off season. There are a couple hundred sites in this park and we were one of about 12 occupants. Even if this park had been full, the sites offer nice space. Sites vary from full shade to wide open out in the sun. Bathrooms are clean, but they are pretty spread out. Most sites offer electricity, but no water or sewer hook-up for RV. Water spigots are pretty spread out too. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. I didn't see any camp hosts that sold firewood when office is closed. Park is located right across the street from the local high school, I thought this was sort of odd.

We were just passing through for a nights stay, but it looked like there were some nice trails for hiking. The children playgrounds looked nice as well.

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.

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.

This campground was reasonably priced, had clean facilities and quite unusual and intesting hiking nearby. There are multiple trails and some quite challenging ones. No water hookups at the site but all except the "youth sites" had 110, 30, and 50 amp power. I was able to charge my ev without issue. Sites tried from all concrete to a dusty dirt and rock tent area, and all had old wood picnic tables. While the hiking was incredible, the maps of the trails were poor and not up to date, with some trails not on map at all. On one trail part of it went through box canyons up an active, though trickling, stream bed.

We stayed here this weekend and had a terrific time. The weather was very hot but there is a river to tube and canoe in to keep you cool. We stayed at site #35. It is in a very quiet, off the main road, in a circle, in full shade. It’s is very close to the restroom but a distance from the camp store and dumpster. The site was clean and well equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. The site is very uneven. It definitely sloops to the back corner. It’s was difficult to level our camper but we got it in the end. The site was huge but given the unevenness it would be difficult for tents. The campground is family friendly and was quiet at night. There is a lot to do at this state park. We hiked the #3 and #5 trails and it took us about 2 hours. It was very busy but everyone was very polite. It was a great stay all around.

Camped here for Labor Day weekend. The koa is right next to Indiana Beach campground and we learned campers can use amenities at both sites. Koa has two nice pools (one large pool for kids and adults and smaller one for toddlers). The IB side has a large mini golf course ($8 for those > 5) and a nice arcade our boys enjoyed (also for a fee). The IB side has a very large spalsh pad, but was never open or on when we went over there. We stayed in a pull through spot with full hook up and it was mostly quiet. Quiet time is supposed to be after 11. The first night some people across from us were loud until after 1am. Reading other Google reviews it sounds like the quiet hours are not enforced and it can get very loud in the tent area. There is a nice camp store with essentials and ice cream. Lots of bathrooms around and the ones we used were clean. It was a nice weekend.
Also we had a very poor wifi signal. My husband had a hot spot from work and that was helpful. We were unable to get many channels on on tv with our antenna. If you have a satellite dish bring it.