Camping opportunities near Jasonville, Indiana center around a region shaped by former mining operations that have been reclaimed into waterways. The area sits at approximately 600 feet elevation with summer highs averaging 84°F and winter lows around 20°F. Most camping facilities in this coal country region were developed in the mid-20th century as part of environmental reclamation projects that transformed strip mines into recreational lakes.
What to do
Fishing access points: At Shakamak State Park Campground, campers appreciate the dedicated fishing areas. "Great place to camp. They have pull spaces for large motor homes with 50 Amp electric. They also have several nice shower houses and plenty of dumpsters for dumping trash," notes Josh S. The park features a fishing pier specifically for campers.
Trail exploration: The seven hiking trails at Shakamak range from easy walks to more challenging terrain. "There's 7 hiking trails. All are nice walks in the woods. All were muddy in sections. There's an old coal mine on Trail 2. Blocked off for safety," reports Cynthia K. Most trails are under 2 miles in length and rated easy to moderate difficulty.
Aquatic recreation: Fowler County Park offers swimming and paddling options. "Pretty awesome site. Parked right by the lake front. Private and quiet. There is also a really nice loop around the lake with a swimming spot and some old cabins for some westworld feels," notes Aaron A. The beach area operates from noon to 6pm daily during summer months.
Mountain biking: Near Terre Haute, mountain biking trails provide additional recreation. "This park is a short four minute bike ride from Griffin Bike Park, which is an amazing mountain bike park," says Ken K. about Fowler County Park. The mountain bike trails feature beginner through advanced routes with dedicated skills sections.
What campers like
Level camping pads: "Most of the spaces that had both water and electric were mostly in the sun. But all the other spaces had plenty of shade and trees around them. Our space was spot on level and nice area around each space," notes Lisa M. about Narrow Lake Campground. Many sites throughout the area feature gravel pads that accommodate larger rigs.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness receives consistent positive feedback. "The bathrooms/showers are KOA clean. Also unheard of in an Indiana State Park. I couldn't even find a spider web. Kudos to the park employees and camp hosts!" remarks Cynthia K. Most park facilities are cleaned daily with additional deep cleaning weekly.
Lake views: Terre Haute Campground provides waterfront opportunities despite its proximity to highways. "We woke this morning at 8 to donkeys braying which was cool. The area is clean, well-managed and has the look of a nice neighborhood of campers in the trees," notes Steve A. Many campsites around Jasonville feature water views with direct lake access.
Organized activities: Family-oriented programming is available at several rv campgrounds in Jasonville, Indiana and surrounding areas. "Clean and a friendly staff! TONS OF FUN activities for all ages," Michelle Worman M. reports about Terre Haute Campground. Scheduled activities typically include fishing derbies, nature walks, and holiday-themed events during peak season.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many parks require advance booking during summer months. "Summer weekends fill quickly, particularly at Shakamak State Park where the proximity to fishing lakes attracts numerous visitors," according to sources. At Cloverdale RV Park, reservations are recommended: "This easy-access-from-the-highway RV park is really nice. The spots are accessible, the bathrooms are AMAZING (no...seriously), the little attractions are adorable and the host is terrific," Linda R. explains.
Seasonal operations: Some campgrounds close during winter months. "Most RV parks in the region remain open year-round, though some operate seasonally from April to October," according to reports. Thousand Trails Horseshoe Lakes specifically operates "April 25 to October 20" according to their listing information.
Wildlife encounters: Nocturnal visitors are common in the area. "We did have several nighttime visits from a couple large raccoon families, but it became a game for the kids as they watched for them," reports DevinandKalah H. Proper food storage in sealed containers is recommended at all campgrounds.
Cell service reliability: Coverage varies significantly based on carrier and precise location. "One downside was we had Verizon as a cell phone carrier and only had one bar," notes Lisa M. about Shakamak. Other campers report better coverage at locations closer to larger towns.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Thousand Trails Horseshoe Lakes offers swimming amenities. "The park is very large, has many activities such as swimming, fishing, arcades, cornhole, volleyball. You will need a vehicle to travel to activities because they are far away," advises April D. The park's pool operates daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with reduced hours in late August.
Playground proximity: When booking with children, consider site location relative to play areas. "If you have kids I recommend spot #1. It's big and borders a very nice playground," suggests Randy E. about New Vision RV Park. Most campgrounds in the area feature at least basic playground equipment within walking distance of campsites.
Beach swimming: Natural swimming areas provide alternatives to pools. "Primitive and camper sites available first come, first serve. $12 primitive tent sites on water. Kinda close together and some are shaded. Sites have sandbox pads. Pets allowed. Nice bathhouses. 'Beach' open 12-6," explains Laura C. about Fowler Park. These natural swimming areas typically have no lifeguards on duty.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience transportation noise. "We originally planned to tent camp the first weekend in October but with 30 degree temps and children, we decided to check out the cabins at Greene Sullivan. They did not disappoint. Heat was phenomenal," reports Lerin P. Train tracks near certain campgrounds can create intermittent noise disruption.
Tips from RVers
Utility placement: RV campgrounds around Jasonville, Indiana have varying hookup configurations. "Bring an extension cord if you're in a pull through. If you want your door facing the fire pit - the electric box is in an awkward place," advises Cynthia K. Most sites require at least a 25-foot water hose and 25-foot electric cord.
Access road conditions: Some forest service campgrounds have challenging approach roads. "Sites on Wampler Lake and Reservoir 26 are all class c and offered as first come–first serve basis with self-serve check in stations for $13. Scout ahead to determine your comfort level as most of these sites are not conducive to larger campers and the gravel access roads are sometimes washboard," notes Stephen & Theresa B.
Site leveling: Forest service campgrounds may require additional equipment. "Reservoir 26 is open and flat (good for larger RVs) Wampler lake is not as open but RVs can get into some of the sites," explains Ron H. Most commercial campgrounds offer more consistently level sites than public facilities.
Overhead clearance: Tree canopy can present challenges for taller rigs. "If it is your first time, follow your GPS through two traffic circles then back around to the campground. Some of the other sites in this CG, not so much, so look up and watch your turn into the pull-throughs," advises MickandKarla W. about Happy Campers Campground. Many established campgrounds have 12-14 foot overhead clearance on main roads.
