Campsites near Chandler, Indiana offer diverse experiences across both wooded and lake-adjacent settings within Warrick County and surrounding areas. Elevation in the region ranges from about 380 to 500 feet above sea level, with gently rolling terrain created by past glaciation and mining reclamation. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October with limited wintertime availability, though water systems typically shut down from November through March.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Scales Lake Park in Boonville features purpose-built mountain bike trails with a pump track designed specifically for younger riders. "They have hiking, mountain bike trails along with pump track for kids," notes Jennifer T., who appreciates the variety of outdoor activities available at this Warrick County park.
BMX racing: Friday nights feature scheduled BMX races at Burdette Park just outside Evansville. "BMX racing on Friday nights and tons of shelters for your get-togethers!" mentions Barry B. in his review of Burdette Park, where the track has been operating since the 1980s.
Historical exploration: Take a short drive to tour Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial across from Lincoln State Park. "This park has the Lincoln boyhood memorial that is a must see," writes Keith M., who recommends combining camping with educational experiences at this historical site.
Fishing access: The reclaimed mining area at Miles Landing Campground provides multiple pond fishing opportunities. "Fairly new with great access to fishing. Bike riding enjoying nature. Several pull through sites and all are full hook up," states Wendy T. about Miles Landing Campground.
What campers like
Affordable swimming options: The beach area at Scales Lake Park includes water slides and diving boards with separate facilities for younger children. "A beautiful lake front for swimming with water slide and diving boards. There is a boat ramp for fishing boats and kayaks," explains Jennifer T., highlighting the water recreation available without the cost of a commercial water park.
Spacious primitive sites: Some campers prefer the more secluded primitive camping areas for greater privacy. "We prefer the primitive sites on the other side of the lake. Literally just a picnic table and fire pit. There's pit toilets nearby," reports Laura D., contrasting these with the more densely arranged RV sites.
Clean shower facilities: Many campgrounds in the region maintain modern bathhouse facilities. "The bathrooms were probably the cleanest, nicest shower houses I've seen at a campground," says Jacinda L. about her Labor Day stay at Miles Landing, where the attention to cleanliness stands out compared to other camping areas.
Woodland camping environment: The reclaimed mining areas provide a mix of young forests and water features. "The camp is in the middle of a large reclamation. Lots of ponds and young trees. Great modern sites mostly dispersed," describes Doug about the natural setting at Miles Landing Campground.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Some state parks have active raccoon populations that may visit campsites. "Our only problem was 1 or more raccoons kept coming into our site. We shooed them away but they kept coming back," warns Barbie G. about her experience at Harmonie State Park.
Cell coverage limitations: Some parks have poor connectivity due to their remote locations. Harmonie State Park is "located back in the hills, far off the highway. Very little cell phone signal," according to Olivia S., which makes it ideal for unplugging but challenging for those needing to stay connected.
Site identification challenges: Finding specific sites can be difficult after dark in some campgrounds. As Linette G. notes about Harmonie State Park, campers had "a problem finding our site number in the dark, as they are facing the wrong way from driving direction."
Campground loops: Many parks feature wagon wheel or loop designs for RV parking. At Scales Lake, Dan H. explains, "We had 3 RVs in our group and we camped in one of the 'wagon wheels'... I'm not sure how you could get in or out if all the spots were reserved. It took a collaborative effort when it was time to pull out."
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Several campgrounds feature animal experiences for children. "Two playgrounds, little petting zoo for kids. Beach area with small fee. Full hook up sites," says Jessica D. about Scales Lake Park, where the petting zoo animals sometimes roam the campground in mornings.
Halloween events: Fall camping offers special holiday-themed activities at several parks. "We stayed the weekend before Halloween... They had a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot... There was also a hayride in the evening for a small fee and that included making smore's at the bonfire," shares Nichole M. about Harmonie State Park's autumn festivities.
Playground access: Consider site location in relation to play areas when booking. Nichole M. notes that at Harmonie State Park, they had "adjacent sites that worked perfectly for us, plenty of space for the kids to play, although a little far from the playground."
Theme park proximity: Some campgrounds offer convenient access to Holiday World. "Lincoln State Park is usually packed. It's less than 10 miles away from Holiday World. I think a lot of theme park visitors camp here," explains Danielle M., highlighting this popular lodging option for families visiting the amusement park.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary significantly in privacy levels across different campgrounds. "The sites are very close together, so when the campsites are full you don't feel like you have much privacy or personal space," advises Stefanie W. about camping at Scales Lake Park in mid-October.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds provide complete utility connections at each site. "All pads are drive through and very level. They don't have much going on in winter but summertime is great," explains Barry B. about the year-round RV facilities at Burdette Park.
Arrival timing: Office hours vary significantly between parks, with some having limited staffing. "Check in is 2 pm SHARP (if you are arriving any later than that, the office is closed and it is a big inconvenience to the campground warden to assist you)," cautions Krystal E. about Burdette Park's strict scheduling policies.
