Several established campgrounds surround Upland, Indiana, providing a mix of accommodation options within a 30-mile radius. Wildwood Outdoor Escape in Hartford City and Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area near Salamonie Lake offer tent, RV, and cabin camping opportunities with scenic lake views. Mar-Brook Camp Ground in Gas City and Hidden Lake Campground in Fairmount provide additional camping facilities for visitors seeking outdoor recreation in central Indiana's rural landscape. Campers searching for the perfect campground near Upland can find options ranging from waterfront sites to secluded woodland settings.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. "This is one of the best parks we have been to in Indiana. We Volunteer all over our the USA at State Parks and National Forest. So we know what to look for. Friendly people to answer questions plenty to do. And affordable," noted one visitor about Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area. Water levels at reservoirs like Salamonie Lake can fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline campsites and boat access. Several campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months and holiday periods. Electrical hookups are common throughout area campgrounds, though amenities vary significantly between locations.
Waterfront camping represents a key attraction in the region, with sites offering views of Salamonie Lake receiving consistently positive reviews. The Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area Campground features lakeside sites that allow visitors to enjoy water recreation directly from their campsite. One reviewer highlighted that "Site 191 and 196 share grassy areas," noting buddy site options for group camping. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with regularly serviced restrooms and showers. Families appreciate the recreational amenities at locations like Wildwood Outdoor Escape, which features a small pool, mini-golf, and recreation center. Sites with mature trees provide needed shade during hot summer months, while open areas accommodate larger RVs requiring satellite access.
"This was our second stay here…campground is surrounded by corn fields but park itself is quite picturesque with mature trees, a lake, and very well-manicured grounds."
$14 - $29 / night
"This is one of the best parks we have been to in Indiana. We Volunteer all over our the USA at State Parks and National Forest. So we know what to look for."
"Sites 221- 243, 202-204 offer lake views. I say VIEWS, not access. Sites 228& 232 have sites with good access to the lake. Scattered throughout the park are sites with 50amp service."
$20 - $28 / night
"Nice state park in Indiana. Only offering electric hook up. Water locations could block traffic if camper does not park accurately. Store at Check in offered necessities. Hiking trails were nice."
"This is a nice state park outside of Anderson In. It has nice walking trails and is on the White river. There is a gorgeous swimming pool. The bath house is clean, but not the best."
$16 - $50 / night
"We went swimming in the lake. We also had fun trying to outsmart the raccoons that lived under the mini cabins. They were everywhere!"
"I have been to 9 other Indiana State parks, this one is in the top half. Great sites and clean. Large clean lake with beach. Lots of trails and many views. Staff is very friendly."
$20 - $28 / night
"Very large camping spots with huge lawns away from lake; This spot was #53. lakeside camping a little more packed in but more shade. Reserve early!"
"Many of the campsites are right near the water with lake view. Fishing is fun too with a dock within short walking distance of most campsites."
$20 - $33 / night
"The paved bike trail in the park starts near the campground, and connects with a bike trail along the Wabash River that goes into nearby Bluffton, and is an easy ride. "
"Plenty of trails to hike and a nice little lake to enjoy. Will definitely come back here"
$16 - $37 / night
"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."
"White River Campground is a county owned park within 15 minutes small town Indiana (Cicero) complete with a small town grocery and dollar general. Within 20 minutes or Walmart and Grocery stores."
ScoutLoved our 2 night stay, the camp store was great. Glad they had extra firewood. Cicero the town close by is a cute one with a nice water scene. Only 2 other tents set up in the whole campground. Most of the rv/camper spots were taken though.
LegendThe Indianapolis KOA was easy to find just off I-70. We had heard that check-in involved a tight turn near the office, but we had no issues navigating the turn with our 40’ fifth wheel and F450. Check-in was quick and easy, and we proceeded to deluxe Paw Pen Site D55, a pull-through with full hookups. We’ve stayed at KOAs with Paw Pens before, but this location had the largest fenced dog area we’ve seen to date, which was a nice surprise. Cell coverage was solid with 3 bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile. The campground has a lot of mature trees, so satellite service could be challenging depending on site location. For this overnight stay, we used our T-Mobile Home Internet and saw 35.4 Mbps download speeds instead of deploying Starlink. Campground Wi-Fi was available but slow at 3.89 Mbps download. The laundry room was clean and well maintained, with large washers and dryers. There was signage noting that the well water may stain white clothing, but we washed some white items without any issues. Take a few minutes to read the campground rules—they’re surprisingly hilarious and worth the laugh. Overall, this was a great overnight stop and one of the better KOA stays we’ve had.
ScoutNice small town fairgrounds with modern amenities.
LegendThe location here is pretty crazy it’s right in the middle of town but feels like a park there is a river and wooded area that makes you feel like you are in nature but you are just a parking lot away from an arena and college. There is a playground and a dog park. Here as well as ball diamonds. This is a great family friendly place but is very very busy during the season.
ScoutThis place is under new management. New owners are great. Good spot for a layover, or place to stay if at a concert or something else in the area. It's just far enough off the beaten path, but close enough to everything.
ScoutI loved the management, a beautiful clean Park that focuses on kids safety and Respect and A Good Time. Clean Restrooms and parks and Nice Pool on The Beautiful Wabash River. I suggest Primitive Camping myself👌🤌. Tent and camper camping is a little Too Tight for my taste. Very Nice and Secluded Primitive Camping!
ScoutDo you have kids? They have it covered, from playground, to lake with inflatables, train rides, Holiday fun.
Adults? I see Cornhole every weekend, Campfires, Holiday Events, Golf Cart Parades, DJ's or Live Bands on the weekend, Friendly Seasonal Folks always up for a good time.
Ameneties? Bath Houses, Laundry, General Store, Small Grill and Pizza Oven. (Pizza is not half bad either).
Amish make their presence felt on a few weekends throughout the season, from fresh Bakery Goods to a Healthy Sized Sausage Egg Biscuit. (You won't be disappointed)
Food Trucks on a few weekends throughout the season.
ScoutOverall, 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
GuideIts 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.
Camping spots near Upland, Indiana range from lakeside to forested settings across the region's rolling rural landscape. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers reaching 85°F and mild spring and fall temperatures between 55-75°F. Winter camping opportunities exist at select locations like Kil-So-Quah where heated comfort stations remain open year-round.
Kayak at Salamonie Lake: The Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area Campgrounds offers excellent water recreation opportunities. "They have a awesome Mariana ppl are friendly clean showers bathrooms access to lake," notes Randy R. Campers appreciate the variety of water activities available directly from lakeside sites.
Explore hiking trails: The Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake features several walking paths through wooded areas. "Entering the camping area there is a lush grass opening with large campsites with water and electric hook ups for the RV folk... Continuing down the road you begin to enter the woods which is non electric sites with plenty of trees," explains reviewer Sadye H. The area is also known for wildlife viewing, with one camper noting it's a "Good bird watching spot. Lots of eagles."
Try fishing: Multiple ponds at Wildwood Outdoor Escape provide fishing opportunities without needing a boat. The campground also features recreational amenities like "basketball net, volleyball court, small playground and fishing ponds," according to Sammii D. Several campgrounds in the region offer fishing as their primary attraction.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities at Mounds State Park Campground. "The showers were great! No push button for the water. You can adjust the temp as well, which you often don't get. There was soap at the sink," reports Cynthia K. The well-maintained grounds make for a comfortable experience even in primitive sites.
Quiet atmosphere: Many reviewers appreciate the peaceful setting at Hidden Lake Campground, noting "Seasonal campers are all great friends and helpful. Top Notch," according to Scott F. Weekday stays typically offer more solitude than busy summer weekends and holidays.
Affordable rates: State parks and recreation areas provide budget-friendly options. Kil-So-Quah receives praise for value: "Electric for $15. Lots of traffic in and out though," mentions Shawn. Most campgrounds in the region maintain reasonable pricing compared to more tourist-heavy areas of Indiana.
Reservations vs. first-come: While many campgrounds require reservations, Kil-So-Quah operates differently. "No reservations so first come gets it. During the week it's great. Hardly anyone here and so peaceful," explains Darrell B. Weekend availability can be limited during summer months.
Payment methods: Some campgrounds have specific payment requirements. At Wildwood Outdoor Escape, "Payment needs to be by cash or check which I thought was strange in this day and age," notes Sammii D.
Bathroom variations: Facilities range from modern to primitive. Mississinewa Lake Campground has "Brand new bathhouse was extremely nice," according to Josh, while other locations may only offer pit toilets. One camper noted at Kil-So-Quah, "No bathhouse just pit toilets," though they were reported as clean.
Water levels: Lake conditions can vary seasonally. Marc P. observed at Kil-So-Quah, "The view was amazing even with the lake drained," indicating water levels fluctuate throughout the year.
Pool access restrictions: Families with young children should note pool policies. At Wildwood Outdoor Escape, "We found out the hard way toddlers who are not potty trained are not allowed in the pool even with swimmy diapers on," shares Sammii D.
Educational opportunities: Mounds State Park offers historical learning experiences. One camper noted it "just struck me as a perfect spot to field trip to if you homeschool your children... There are programs offered also at the nature center."
Playground accessibility: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. Mississinewa Lake Campground has "2 nice play grounds" according to reviews, making it suitable for families with young children needing recreational options beyond hiking and water activities.
Site leveling challenges: Many sites require significant leveling. At Summit Lake State Park, one RVer noted, "Our site was a pull through and, while level left to right, required a good bit of leveling front to back." Bringing adequate leveling blocks is recommended.
Hookup configurations: Some campgrounds have unusual utility layouts. At Big Oak Park, "Sewer connection on one side and power on the other," according to Sandy O., which can require longer hoses or cables than typically needed.
Satellite access considerations: Tree coverage affects satellite reception. Wildwood Outdoor Escape has "mature trees, a lake, and very well-manicured grounds," notes M.S., which provides shade but may interfere with satellite dishes in certain sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Upland, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Upland, IN is Wildwood Outdoor Escape with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.
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