Camping near Independence, Indiana offers various options from primitive tent sites to full-service RV sites with hookups. Located in Indiana's west-central region, the area experiences moderate seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and humidity often exceeding 70%. Most campgrounds remain open April through October, with Prophetstown State Park and several RV parks offering year-round availability.
What to do
Hiking the rugged trails: Turkey Run State Park Campground features some of the most challenging hiking in the region. "This state park is definitely the Gem of Indiana. There are lots of view stops along the river, the suspension bridge is super neat, and the rocks, waterfalls, and streams will have you awestruck the whole time," notes one visitor. Trail 3 includes ladder sections and stream crossings that require proper footwear.
Water recreation on Sugar Creek: Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks or tubes for floating trips from outfitters near the campgrounds. "We had fun tubing in sugar creek through Clements Canoes. It was August so the river was kinda low and we had to stand up and walk a few times," reports one camper at Sugar Creek Campground. Most floating trips take 1-4 hours depending on water levels.
Disc golf and fishing: Several campgrounds maintain stocked fishing ponds for catch-and-release fishing. "There are two catch and release ponds as well as Sugar Creek to fish at," mentions a local camper about Sugar Creek Campground. The campground also features a disc golf course, making it popular for families seeking varied activities without leaving the property.
What campers like
Shaded, spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the natural settings at Shades State Park Campground, where one visitor noted, "Nice quiet campground with spacious sites. Canopied by the big beautiful Indiana trees." The primitive camping area offers a more secluded experience with pit toilets and water pumps available throughout the grounds.
Family-oriented amenities: Lost Acres RV Park receives praise for its recreational options. "This is a beautiful family orientation campground. There is something for everyone. Playgrounds, new pool, kids activities, corn hole tournaments, fishing pond," writes one seasonal camper. The campground maintains dedicated areas for children's activities.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance matters to visitors, with one camper noting about Prophetstown State Park: "Very nice campground - clean, sites with some shade (especially the section with full hookups). Nice walking trails right off of campground." Most state parks in the region clean shower facilities daily during peak season.
What you should know
Raccoons and wildlife: Several campgrounds warn about wildlife encounters, particularly after dark. "Raccoons will show up at night so pack up your snacks," advises one Sugar Creek camper. Food storage containers are recommended as raccoons in established campgrounds have become accustomed to campers.
Site spacing varies significantly: Site proximity differs dramatically between campgrounds and specific loops. At Prophetstown State Park Campground, a camper observes that "sites are level and private" in the full-hookup section, while others mention that electric-only sites offer less privacy and shade. Research specific site numbers when making reservations.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region close partially or completely from November through March, with limited winter camping available. According to one visitor, "Prophetstown State Park Campground provides full hookup RV sites with 50-amp service on level concrete pads, remaining open year-round with shower facilities and dump stations." Call ahead during off-season months to confirm availability.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose campsites strategically based on amenity proximity. One Prophetstown visitor noted, "The playgrounds are nice and big but far away from the electric sites." Family-oriented rv sites near Independence, Indiana often feature playgrounds, but location within the campground matters for convenience.
Swimming options: Crawfordsville KOA maintains a pool that receives positive reviews. Another popular option is the waterpark at Prophetstown State Park, though one camper cautions, "The water park. Not included for camping price but still decent priced. We did go 3 days in a row which cost us $40 total for the weekend."
Kid-friendly trails: For families with children, select appropriate hiking options. "We hiked Trail 3 with our dog, but we cut off early before the ladders using Trail 10. Our dog did pretty well in the section of Trail 3 before the ladders," shares one Turkey Run visitor, suggesting this partial route for families with young children or pets.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At some campgrounds, utility placement creates challenges. A visitor to Sugar Creek Campground warns, "The electricity hookup is right there so putting out awning was so very dangerous because the water dripped straight onto the electric hookup." Check site maps or call ahead to verify hookup locations for larger RVs.
Leveling requirements: RV sites around Independence, Indiana often require significant leveling. One camper at Turkey Run stated, "The site was very uneven. It definitely sloops to the back corner. It was difficult to level our camper but we got it in the end." Bring additional leveling blocks, especially for sites backing to wooded areas.
Off-season availability: For those seeking year-round camping options near Independence, Indiana, Prophetstown State Park offers the most reliable RV sites with full hookups. One camper notes it provides "full hookup RV sites with 50-amp service on level concrete pads, remaining open year-round with shower facilities and dump stations." Reservations are still recommended during winter months.
