W
William M.
Scout
ScoutDunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
Excellent and clean
Super great here, some bugs, people were quiet
Best Campgrounds in Indiana
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Indiana offers a range of developed campgrounds across both state and national parks, with notable options like Turkey Run State Park and Indiana Dunes National Park. Most established campgrounds provide amenities for both tent and RV camping, while several locations like Chain O' Lakes and Pokagon State Park also feature cabin accommodations. Many campgrounds maintain year-round operations, particularly those within the state park system where electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities are standard.
Reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds, especially during summer weekends and holidays when sites often reach capacity. "Big spots for almost any type of camper," noted one visitor to Hoosier National Forest, though primitive camping areas typically have more limited facilities. Seasonal considerations affect water availability at some locations, with freezing temperatures potentially limiting services during winter months. Campers should verify which amenities remain operational during off-peak seasons, as shower facilities and water hookups may be winterized at certain campgrounds from November through March.
State parks consistently receive high ratings for their maintained facilities and natural surroundings. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground earned particularly strong reviews for its location near Lake Michigan, while more secluded options like dispersed sites in Hoosier National Forest appeal to those seeking quieter experiences. A review from The Dyrt described one primitive site as "more secluded than I was expecting," highlighting the availability of remote camping options even in a state not typically known for wilderness. Campground amenities vary significantly, with most state parks providing electric hookups, showers, and dump stations for RVs, while primitive sites typically offer more basic facilities with vault toilets and limited services. Travelers should note that alcohol policies differ between parks, with some locations prohibiting consumption and others allowing it within designated camping areas.
Best Camping Sites in Indiana (453)
1. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
128 ReviewsBeverly Shores, INWebsite+1 (219) 395-1882$25 / night
"There’s tons of trails to do along the lakeshore and none are really far from one another. I grew up in NWI so I didn’t camp in Indiana often but I did here and loved it!"
"General: Dunewood campground is located within Indiana Dunes National Park, established in 2019 (The national seashore was established in the 1960s)."
2. Turkey Run State Park Campground
73 ReviewsMarshall, INWebsite+1 (765) 597-2635$20 - $52 / night
"Turkey Run is arguably the most popular campground (and state park) in Indiana and has its pros and cons."
"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)."
3. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground
55 ReviewsAlbion, INWebsite+1 (260) 636-2654$14 - $90 / night
"Met up with 18 other skoolies our first Indiana meet. Met great people had a fantastic time. Great park kids swam, showers are clean. Electric at sites but water isn’t but very close by."
"Chain O Lakes State Park, Albion Indiana. Northwest of Fort Wayne. 416 electric, nonelectric & primitive campsites. Water is available & 3 dumps.
This was our 3rd time camping here."
4. Pokagon State Park Campground
53 ReviewsAngola, INWebsite+1 (260) 833-2012$20 - $480 / night
"Pokagon (po KAY gun) has everything from a toboggan run to a lodge to lakes all around...you cannot be bored here. Open year round (limited campgrounds and services in winter)."
"There's 2 dump stations located in loops 3 & 4. IN THE CAMPGROUND! NEXT TO CAMPSITES!!!!"
5. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
52 ReviewsIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore, INWebsite+1 (219) 926-1952$50 / night
"The most beautiful state park in Indiana IMO."
"The campground although nearly full was relatively calm and quiet. Unlike the craziness of other Indiana state parks I have visited."
6. Potato Creek State Park Campground
51 ReviewsNorth Liberty, INWebsite+1 (574) 656-8186$20 - $100 / night
"I feel this is one of the best state parks in Indiana. Come with your own water as they don’t have water hookups at your campsite but there are some nearby. The sites are very spacious and clean."
"Younger families tend to book up front near the playground and the noise and activities are more robust. Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up."
7. Clifty Falls State Park Campground
46 ReviewsMadison, INWebsite+1 (812) 273-8885$20 - $42 / night
"If you live outside of Indiana you have to pay a $9 entrance fee on top of the campground reservation fee, which makes for a pricey weekend trip for those on a budget."
"No sewer or water hookup as you would expect at most Indiana State Parks. The sites are extremely spacious and plenty of sites with shade."
8. Charlestown State Park Campground
38 ReviewsCharlestown, INWebsite+1 (812) 256-5600$40 - $50 / night
"We biked throughout the park and hiked 4 of the trails, 3 of which were pretty rugged and all had elevation changes for a good hiking challenge. "
"It's a fairly new park on the site that used to be the Indiana Ammunition Plant. Good-sized sites with a very helpful staff. I hiked trail 2 and found the waterfall and several other gorgeous views."
9. Patoka Lake Campground
37 ReviewsBirdseye, INWebsite+1 (812) 338-5589$14 - $52 / night
"My Aunt loves their trips to Patoka Lake & I can relate as to why after this weekend. We went for a wedding at the marina & ended by a lovely cove."
"Pick a site that has water near and you won’t have to unhook to fill your tanks. So many sites are in the shade all day and peaceful. Showers are spotless but fun on the push button system."
10. Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area
33 ReviewsRockville, INWebsite+1 (765) 344-1412$14 - $62 / night
"Raccoon State Recreation Area | Cecil M Harden Lake is located in the heart of historic covered bridge country just 50 miles West of Indianapolis."
"There are multiple boat ramps for easy access to the water. I met a friend there who is a resident of Indianapolis and we had a great time on the water."
Recent Camping Photos in Indiana
641 Photos of 453 Indiana Campgrounds
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Tippecanoe River Run
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S and H Campground
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Jennifer T.
Fowler County Park
Recent Reviews in Indiana
2580 Reviews of 453 Indiana Campgrounds
- EEd B.
TravelerLakeshore Camp Resort
looks like a dump at first glance but found out it’s storm damage
Trailer was nice plenty to do. A lot of seasonal sites. was a pleasant enough stay. Looks like a converted Yogi Bear campground. A lot of storm damage around the campground. Pools were clean, bathrooms and shower houses are a bit dated but clean. They are about every 5 rows/streets. You can rent golf carts which seems the main mode of transportation. Nice rowboat lake with a beach for swimming. Small fast food restaurant small menu weird hours and more expensive that your normal fast food places. All in all it was a nice place and activities are plenty close to Chicago and one of the closest, also very close to the Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan.
Claudia W.ScoutDeer Ridge Camping Resort
very cozy in a nicely wooded area. very clean. Owners were so gracious.
we have never met such nice people who were so nice to help in any way. We loved our stay at Deer Ridge Campground in Richmond IN.
- Matthew C.Scout
Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park
Beautiful but Needs Some Love
We stayed a Thursday and Friday night in July 2026 on site 1. We did need to head to the Welcome Center for a piece of paper to display on your dash so that we can park in the parking lot. There isn't a National Park entrance to access the site, you just park in a parking lot that a park ranger at the visitors center told us was owned and operated by the town and not the park service. There was an area of reserved parking for those camping at the walk-in sites.
There is a decent sandy hill that you need to go up to access the site, which really wasn't bad. The site itself was heavily wooded and secluded. It is fairly sandy, but there was a nice spot to set up the tent that was grassy. The mosquitos were aggressive, but a little Deep Woods Off and they left us along mostly. We got to the site and there was trash and cigarette butts scattered around that we had to clean up. I discovered the first night that a contributing factor to some of the trash is most likely a sizeable and bold raccoon that was not afraid of us, and both nights came wandering into our campsite looking for food while we were sitting there.
Additionally, the fire pit has probably not been cleaned out in years, since it was filled to the top with ash. With this being a wooded site, this could increase the risk of a fire getting out of the pit.
We were at site 1, so heading to the port-o-potty was fine and it was well kept. The beach was about 3-5 minutes walking. However, the bathrooms and outdoor shower were all "Closed for the Season". There were a couple port-o-pottys there, but they were not in as good of shape as the one near the campground. There was also a ton of trash in that bathroom building area, which was disappointing to see.
paul Z.
GuideBuffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
Nice campground with large sites
The campground is very nice with decent sized sites and very clean. The bath houses are kept in good order and the camp store is nearby for everything you forgot.
One important thing. There is no water at the sites. you have to fill your tanks at a central spigot before setting up. 5o map power was great.
Sarah L.ScoutCaboose Lake Campground
I’d stay there again
Chris likes to run a tight ship, but she has a good heart. There are so many activities in the summer for kids it’s non stop action and for the adults it’s usually just a chill by the fire or lakeside kind of of place. I’m a heavy sleeper so the highway traffic doesn’t bother me one bit!
- MMontyScout
Hardin Ridge
Great relaxation .
Very clean. Well kept, mostly full shade . Easy access to ramp on lake.
- AAngela B.Scout
Pokagon State Park Campground
Great site/ DNR presence too much
Great site, however, DNR drives by every five minutes. The primitive bathroom facilities are absolutely horrid, the newer ones up the road from site 238 are beautiful.
Helen C.TravelerHappy Acres Campground
Loved this Campground
Small, quaint, peaceful, and beautiful campground. Lots of amnesties, nice clean pool and very friendly staff. The lots here are very spacious and the site we were at was a FHU with a concrete pad, picnic table, and fire ring. We will definitely be visiting again.
Guide to Indiana
Camping in Indiana offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in the Hoosier State.
What to do
- Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds, like Turkey Run State Park Campground, have great hiking trails. One reviewer mentioned, “Be prepared with hiking boots and sticks” for the moderate trails that can be challenging.
- Fishing and Boating: At Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A camper noted, “The water was breathtaking and very calm even with all of the boat activity.”
- Exploring Nature: Shades State Park Campground offers beautiful scenery. One visitor said, “The park is quite, shaded, rugged at times and the canyon/creek can be breathtaking.”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Cecil M Harden Lake stated, “Bathhouse clean, plenty of showers, flush toilets.”
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds have roomy sites. One camper at Turkey Run State Park mentioned, “Large campground with spacious sites.”
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Prophetstown State Park are great for families. A reviewer said, “This park has it all. Multiple playgrounds for the kids, great hiking/biking trails.”
What you should know
- Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. One visitor at Paynetown Campground noted, “This is known in Indiana as a party park. It's VERY noisy & busy on a summer weekend.”
- Limited Privacy: Some sites are close together, which can affect privacy. A camper at Turkey Run State Park mentioned, “Many sites are in an open, level area without a lot of trees or bushes between them.”
- Variable Amenities: Not all campgrounds have the same facilities. A review for Shades State Park pointed out, “The vault toilets were dirty, needed to be emptied.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. Prophetstown State Park has multiple playgrounds and a water park, making it ideal for kids.
- Plan for Crowds: If you want a quieter experience, try to camp during the week. A reviewer at Paynetown Campground suggested, “If you like a quieter experience come Monday through Wed.”
- Pack for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for added fun. One family at Summit Lake State Park enjoyed, “We took Kayaks and had a good time.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Levels: Some sites may have slopes that make parking tricky. A camper at Buffalo Ridge Campground warned, “Pay attention to your campsite for slope and camper accessibility.”
- Book Early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at Prophetstown State Park said, “Book early, as these sites go fast!”
- Be Mindful of Rules: Some campgrounds have strict rules about vehicle limits. A camper at Summit Lake State Park expressed frustration with the host's reminders about car limits.
Camping in Indiana has its quirks, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time exploring the outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Indiana for families?
What are the best campgrounds in Indiana for families?
Indiana offers excellent family-friendly camping options with activities for all ages. Burdette Park on the outskirts of Evansville provides both primitive tent sites and RV sites with electric and water hookups. Families appreciate the numerous nearby attractions and activities, with options for weekend stays or extended visits up to three months. Brown County State Park delivers a beautiful setting in southern Indiana's rolling hills with year-round camping (reduced winter services), hiking trails, mountain biking, and a seasonal outdoor pool. The park also features Abe Martin Lodge with additional amenities. Most family-friendly campgrounds in Indiana offer playgrounds, accessible trails, and ranger-led programs during peak season.
What are the most scenic camping sites in Indiana?
What are the most scenic camping sites in Indiana?
Charles C. Deam Wilderness represents one of Indiana's most beautiful natural settings with dispersed camping opportunities. Despite occasional storm damage affecting trail access, campers discover hidden sites while exploring this scenic wilderness area. Every dispersed camper should experience its natural beauty. Harmonie State Park Campground near New Harmony provides another picturesque camping destination with natural surroundings and scenic views. For dramatic landscapes, southern Indiana offers the most scenic camping with rolling hills, forests, and limestone features. Northern Indiana provides beautiful lake views and dunes landscapes. The most scenic campgrounds fill quickly during peak fall color season (mid-October), so reservations are highly recommended.
Where can I find lakeside camping in Indiana?
Where can I find lakeside camping in Indiana?
Indiana offers excellent lakeside camping options throughout the state. Tipsaw Lake provides a clean, well-maintained campground with helpful rangers and lake access perfect for water activities. First-time Indiana campers particularly enjoy this location. Paynetown Campground offers lakeside camping that provides an escape from city life while enjoying nature, though it can become crowded during peak seasons. Other notable lakeside options include Patoka Lake near Birdseye and Potato Creek State Park near North Liberty. Most lakeside campgrounds in Indiana provide boat ramps, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill months in advance.
Are there any private campgrounds in Indiana with full amenities?
Are there any private campgrounds in Indiana with full amenities?
Indiana offers several private campgrounds with comprehensive amenities. Michigan City Campground stands out with premium 90-foot pull-through sites featuring 50-amp service, water, sewer, cement patios, and exceptional WiFi. The gated facility provides excellent security and easy access to Michigan City attractions. Camp Timber Lake near Fort Wayne delivers full-service camping with immaculately maintained facilities and pet-friendly policies. Many private campgrounds in Indiana offer amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, camp stores, and laundry facilities. Rates typically range from $35-75 per night depending on hookups and season, with most accepting reservations online or by phone several months in advance.
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