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Best Campgrounds near Indianapolis, IN

496 Reviews

The Indianapolis area features a mix of urban-adjacent and rural camping options within an hour's drive of the city center. White River Campground in Cicero offers full hookup sites with level concrete pads near hiking trails and water recreation, while Indianapolis KOA in Greenfield provides family-friendly amenities including playgrounds, a wading pool, and weekend activities. Urban options include Lake Haven Retreat, minutes from Lucas Oil Stadium, and the Indiana State Fairgrounds Campground, which serves as a convenient base for city events despite limited amenities. For those seeking more natural settings, state parks and forests like Morgan-Monroe State Forest offer traditional and backwoods camping within reasonable driving distance.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in the Indianapolis region. Most campgrounds operate from March through November, with some like Lake Haven Retreat and the State Fairgrounds remaining open year-round. Summer brings humid conditions with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F, while spring often features significant rainfall that can affect trail conditions. As one camper noted about Lieber State Recreation Area, "The sites were electric only and there were water sites positioned strategically throughout the campground." Fall brings spectacular foliage displays, particularly in Brown County State Park, where a reviewer mentioned "breathtaking vistas from the park's elevated vantage points." Winter camping options are limited, though some facilities maintain heated bathhouses during colder months.

Facility quality varies considerably across the region's campgrounds. White River Campground receives consistently high ratings for cleanliness and amenities, with one camper stating it has "free hot showers, great views, and free WiFi that worked so well we could both work online and stream TV." In contrast, the State Fairgrounds Campground has been criticized for poor signage, cramped sites, and dated facilities. Brown County State Park, about an hour south of Indianapolis, offers extensive mountain biking trails with "almost 30 miles of trails inside the park" according to one enthusiast. Many campgrounds provide electric hookups only, with water available at central stations. Cell service is generally reliable near the city but can be spotty in more remote areas like Shades State Park, where one visitor noted "there's no cellular signal in the park."

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Best Camping Sites Near Indianapolis, Indiana (97)

    1. Indianapolis KOA

    21 Reviews
    Lawrence, IN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (317) 894-1397

    $60 - $80 / night

    "It’s very close to an interstate so it’s not exactly a picturesque setting. The pricing seems high for what it is. Walking distance to Mount Comfort RV Dealership."

    "Clean and friendly..easy access to the highway..a lot of transient sites..nice pool!"

    2. Lake Haven Retreat

    7 Reviews
    Beech Grove, IN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (317) 783-5267

    "We attended a wedding at the Scottish Cathedral in the center of downtown Indy and from the campground, it was a nice drive into the city off the interstate that only took about 20 min."

    "Close to the city without being “in it”. We would stay here again."

    3. S and H Campground

    12 Reviews
    Greenfield, IN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (317) 326-3208

    "Looking for a monthly campsite in the Indianapolis area proved to be a challenge. We were so unsure about staying here as reviews we hit or miss."

    "Perfect distance from speedway."

    4. Indiana State Fairgrounds Campground

    4 Reviews
    Indianapolis, IN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (317) 927-7503

    $40 / night

    5. Indy Lakes Campground

    3 Reviews
    Waverly, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (317) 888-6006

    6. White River Campground

    22 Reviews
    Cicero, IN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (317) 770-4430

    $16 - $37 / night

    "Near a lake and hiking trails. That said, apart from it's proximity to Indianapolis, it's seems pretty quiet here."

    "First of all it's very clean which is surprising for Indiana. Back up to the river. Great views. Free hot showers! Quiet. Feels secluded though close to town. Good price too."

    7. Breaktime in Bargersville

    1 Review
    Waverly, IN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (313) 516-5462

    $75 - $150 / night

    8. Acacia Farms

    1 Review
    Brownsburg, IN
    17 miles
    +1 (260) 445-8000

    $58 / night

    "Acacia Farms is an awesome spot to slow down in the country and enjoy being around some small farm animals.  Check them out and share some pics of your stay!"

    9. Heartland Resort

    2 Reviews
    Greenfield, IN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (317) 326-3181

    10. Glo Wood Campground

    5 Reviews
    Pendleton, IN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (317) 485-5239

    $28 / night

    "Our spot, like all around us was very long and nice, wide space between campers. We camped with a 38 foot travel trailer and a 20 foot Ford F250, and still had room(about the size of a golf cart)."

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Recent Camping Photos near Indianapolis, IN

135 Photos of 97 Indianapolis Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Indianapolis, IN

496 Reviews of 97 Indianapolis Campgrounds

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park & Campground

    Festival Fun!

    We stayed here for the 1st Annual HikerFest and had a blast! 106 of our little Hikers took up the majority of the park. The full-timers that stay here for the season were very kind and cordial; freely giving of advice on local attractions to see and things to do during our stay. The museum was really interesting! They gave a great tour with lots of stories about country legends. The bath house was clean and tidy. The showers were ok. Porta-potties throughout the campground, not so much… Campsites are close together and without privacy, some more level than others. Try to grab a spot near the trees for a bit of shade. Great music. Awesome weekend!

  • M
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Glo Wood Campground

    Rip off

    Overall, this Campground rips people off. As a Traveling worker I despise places like this. I gave this Campground, a$200 deposit with the intent of Renting a site for a month from them. I was supposed to move onto site in approximately a week and a half and had to cancel as I found another campground that was closer to my job site. They had my deposit approximately two days to which they were supposedly receiving a huge amount of phone calls regarding the open site Turning people down left and right. When I asked for my deposit bank, they wanted to tell me it was nonrefundable because they are losing out on money by me canceling. I would be more understanding if they had the site open but the owner it was booked all the way until I was going to move onto site. I was never told my deposit was not refundable. As a traveler, I warn other monthly campers about this place as the Owners will rip you off no problem

  • Cynthia K.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Shades State Park Campground

    Primitive camping

      This is a primitive state park near Turkey Run State Park In Midwestern Indiana. First named The Shades Of Death State Park.

     The gatehouse is your only source of information. There's no nature center or visitor center. Get a park map! They do charge admission.

    This is a hikers park & it has some of the most rugged trails in Indiana. The Pine Hills Nature Preserve is maintained by the park. There's a parking area available to hike to the trailhead inside Shades. The Devils Backbone is a popular trail, but definitely on the rugged side. If you take small children(I wouldn't!) watch them carefully. 

    Trail 1 is.75M, but considered rugged. It has a lot of scenic views & a unique waterfall. Trails 4 & 5 have ladders. 

    Deers Mill Covered Bridge is on the property & there's a canoe launch. This is not a drive through bridge. The picnic area is a drive thru loop & is very nice. There's also a couple of shelters. The pond looked pretty scummy & my husband wouldn't fish in it.

     The campground is primitive camping- nonelectric. Water is available. There is a dump station. There is trail access if you don't want to drive. There's one modern showerhouse & several pit toilets. Choose your site carefully! Whitetail Loop has the showers & toilets. We did a drive thru & most all the sites looked very nice. There were mostly tents with a few popups. This wouldn't be a campground I would choose if I had a big rig.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping

    Camping area

    National forest area with 3ish campsites one of which can accommodate a vehicle. Wooded so no solar or starlink. Small lake nearby with what looks like some trails.

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Summit Lake State Park Campground

    Summit lake state park

    Its an ok park. The water is shared with your neighbor, so be sure to have a lo g hose. The showers were sketchy. I wouldn't use them personally. Wecsaw a couple of unattended fires smoldering in empty campsites. And we paid for an overnight reservation. Came in around 5pm. They charged us $7 for day use. I dont think you should have to pay for day use ANYWHERE that you've paid an overnight reservation. We are through travelers and its just plain irritating to me.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    Nice Trails & Big Campsites

    I had a great time camping here. The spots in Taylor ridge were mostly well-spaced and felt pretty private. The pit toilets were clean and the showers were nice. Busy campground but it was very quiet still. 262 was the biggest and most private site I saw when walking around. 260 is a pull through site.

  • David C.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Mystic Waters Campground

    Great campground for RVs and cabins

    This is a great campground for RVs and cabins, but unfortunately not for tents as the highway 69 is too noisy. Also there are not a lot of trees.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Summit Lake State Park Campground

    Peaceful park and great hiking trails

    Although we only spent one night here during the week, the campground seemed very peaceful and quiet, even though there were quite a few campers. Sites 1 through 74 seem to be a lot more level and larger, but they were in a sort of an open area with very little shade. The rest of the sites were fairly unlevel, but were in shaded areas. I would think a rig more than 31 or 32 feet long would have difficulty maneuvering around the curve at the end of the second loop. We are a 30ft. Fifth wheel and it was pretty tight for us. Lots of trees. The showers were your typical camp showers not great but not horrible. There was a large lake that one could enjoy fishing on. Also some great hiking trails in the area.

  • L
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Shades State Park Campground

    It was very clean, nicely spaced, and shaded.

    Very nice campground! It was close by Turkey Run State Park, which had amazing trails, that are pictured below. (We definitely recommend Trail 3!) The campground itself was very nice and clean, as well as shaded and pretty. We were camping in August, so it wasn't very busy and we got peace. There were many fun things to do in Turkey Run, although the pool was closed in August. There was also a fun little ice cream place and store in downtown Marshall! 

      Great place overall!

Guide to Indianapolis

Camping near Indianapolis offers a great escape into nature, with plenty of campgrounds that cater to different preferences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are options to suit everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Turkey Run State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Trail 7 leads unexpectedly to a small stream running past a recessed cave. It’s a peaceful spot."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy fishing and kayaking. One camper noted, "The water was breathtaking and very calm even with all of the boat activity."
  • Wildlife Watching: Hardin Ridge is a great place for spotting wildlife. A visitor shared, "Screech owls and active birds made it an exciting evening."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A review for Paynetown Campground stated, "Restrooms/showers were state park clean. I was impressed with the hard-working staff."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Buffalo Ridge Campground, offer roomy sites. One camper mentioned, "The woods surrounding the Buffalo Ridge campground is very peaceful."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Turkey Run State Park Campground is noted for being family-friendly. A reviewer said, "This is a very family-friendly campground, and you will see lots of kids on bicycles flying around."

What you should know:

  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Paynetown Campground noted, "This is a SRA on the shores of Lake Monroe... it was completely full."
  • Limited Privacy: Some sites, like those at Turkey Run State Park Campground, may lack privacy. One camper mentioned, "Many sites are in an open, level area without a lot of trees or bushes between them."
  • Variable Amenities: Facilities can vary widely. A review for Shades State Park Campground pointed out, "The vault toilets were dirty, needed to be emptied, and the women’s stalls didn’t have doors."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area that have activities for kids. One camper said, "Great areas to walk your dog. We would definitely stop again but pick a different site."
  • Plan for Crowds: If you’re camping on a weekend, arrive early to secure a good spot. A visitor at Paynetown Campground mentioned, "This campground is known in Indiana as a party park."
  • Bring Entertainment: Keep kids engaged with games or outdoor activities. A reviewer at Turkey Run State Park Campground noted, "Best of all, from the back of the campground, you can access Trail 7."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Many sites have slopes, so be sure to check the levelness before booking. A camper at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area mentioned, "Described the pad as level when it was actually about a 30% grade."
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some campgrounds, like Paynetown Campground, have tight spaces. One reviewer said, "Campsites are crammed together and packed too hard for stakes."
  • Plan for Amenities: Make sure to check what amenities are available. A visitor at Turkey Run State Park Campground noted, "The restrooms and showers... are modernized and cleaned daily."

Camping around Indianapolis has something for everyone, whether you're in an RV or tent. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What state parks offer camping near Indianapolis?

Mounds State Park Campground, just 45 minutes north of Indianapolis, features immaculate campsites and exceptionally clean bathrooms. Shades State Park Campground is widely regarded as one of Indiana's best, offering spacious sites with excellent privacy between them. Other excellent options include Brown County State Park (about an hour south), featuring both Buffalo Ridge and Raccoon Ridge campgrounds with beautiful rolling hills, hiking trails, and seasonal amenities. Lieber State Recreation Area is another alternative, located west of Indianapolis via I-70, centered around the 1,400-acre Cagles Mill Lake. Most state parks offer electric sites, modern restrooms, and shower facilities, though amenities may be reduced during winter months.

Where are the best campgrounds near Indianapolis?

Indianapolis offers excellent camping options within easy driving distance. Lake Haven Retreat is minutes from Lucas Oil Stadium, providing clean grounds and reasonably spaced sites for urban camping. For those seeking more natural settings, White River Campground offers full hookups with level concrete pads, lake access, and hiking trails while remaining close to the city. Other notable options include the Indianapolis KOA and Woods Campground in Carthage (about 41 miles east). Each provides different amenities and atmospheres, from convenient city access to more secluded experiences, making it easy to find the perfect camping spot near Indianapolis regardless of your preferences.

What are some good river camping options near Indianapolis?

Lieber State Recreation Area Campground offers excellent water-based camping with its centerpiece 1,400-acre Cagles Mill Lake. The area is popular for boating, small houseboats, and sport fishing, with the beautiful Cataract Falls nearby. The campground provides 115 electric sites and is located west of Indianapolis down I-70. S and H Campground is another good option for water-oriented camping. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers backwoods camping areas near water features. When camping near rivers or lakes in the Indianapolis area, be aware that water levels can fluctuate seasonally, especially at flood control reservoirs like Cagles Mill Lake.

Is tent camping available near Indianapolis?

Tent camping is readily available around Indianapolis with diverse options. Oak Ridge Camping Area — Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers traditional camping, backwoods camping, and even a pioneer cabin for rent, making it a favorite for primitive camping enthusiasts within an hour of Indianapolis. Buffalo Ridge Campground in Brown County State Park provides beautiful tent sites surrounded by rolling hills and access to hiking and mountain biking trails. Many campgrounds welcome both RVs and tents, including Heartland Resort near Greenfield and Glo Wood Campground near Pendleton. When booking, check for tent-specific areas as some campgrounds have dedicated tent loops with more privacy and natural settings.

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