Jonesboro, Indiana offers diverse camping experiences within 25 miles of the city center. The region sits at approximately 830 feet above sea level in the Eastern Corn Belt Plains ecoregion, with moderate seasonal temperature variations. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, though several provide year-round access with winter facilities.
What to do
Water activities at Salamonie Lake: Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area Campgrounds offers lake-based recreation with boat access. "They have a awesome Mariana ppl are friendly clean showers bathrooms access to lake," notes Randy R. The beach area provides additional water options, as Burns G. points out: "The beach was clean and fun. Not very busy when we were there, which was nice."
Hiking trails around local parks: Several campgrounds connect to scenic hiking trails. "This is one of my first trails I went on that started my love for hiking. It's so short and simple but we loved it," shares Caitlin W. about the 3 Falls Trail near Lost Bridge West. Trails range from easy walking paths to more challenging routes with elevation changes.
Outdoor sports facilities: France Park maintains multiple recreation areas for various activities. "The swimming beach at the Quarry is very nice. If You're A Primitive camper this place has some awesome camping spots for you," says Tammy F. The park also features fishing opportunities, with one visitor noting, "Great place to fish. Beautiful waterfalls."
What campers like
Lake views from select sites: Campers particularly appreciate waterfront locations. "Sites 221-243, 202-204 offer lake views. I say VIEWS, not access," explains Cynthia K. about Lost Bridge West. For direct water access, she recommends specific sites: "Sites 228 & 232 have sites with good access to the lake."
Varied camping styles: From basic tent sites to yurt camping, Jonesboro, Indiana offers multiple accommodation options. Spring Valley Camp Grounds includes yurts among their offerings, with Erin S. noting, "Really friendly staff. Love when they put concerts on. Love the swimming pool." This makes it ideal for those seeking yurt camping near Jonesboro without sacrificing amenities.
Natural features and landscapes: The quarry at France Park stands out as a distinctive attraction. "The quarry, wow! It was beyond stunning and never what I expected to see in an Indiana park," shares Jennifer K. Another visitor adds, "There are sooooo many trails and they are very well maintained, although if it's rained, there may be standing water in some of the lower areas."
What you should know
Campsite reservations and availability: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At White River Campground, one camper advises, "Fills up fast, so make your reservation. It's small but one of my favorites." Some locations operate on a first-come basis with limited sites.
Bathroom and shower facilities: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. "Modern restrooms that look like they've been updated in the last 10 years. The showers were great! No push button for the water. You can adjust the temp as well, which you often don't get," reports Cynthia K. about Lost Bridge West.
Weather considerations: The area experiences seasonal flooding that affects site availability. One camper at Lost Bridge West noted, "A lot of the campsites were closed due to flooding but we managed to have a site that was untouched." Spring camping typically brings more precipitation, while summer offers reliable but occasionally hot conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Indianapolis KOA offers family-friendly facilities approximately 45 minutes from Jonesboro. "The balance between kid fun and peaceful nature is actually on point here. It was beautiful and peaceful but still a blast for kids with the water, playground, and even horses to view," shares Megan T.
Swimming areas for children: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas. "The splash pad/water park was fun, but was not a pool. It only goes to 3 feet so if you want to swim this is not for you," explains a KOA visitor. At France Park, a camper notes, "Lots for the kids to do- park, beach, fishing, pretty trails, waterfall, little camp store etc."
Kid-friendly hiking: Choose shorter trails with interesting features. The 3 Falls Trail near Lost Bridge West receives praise for being accessible to younger hikers while still offering engaging sights. Look for flat, short loop trails under 1 mile for best results with smaller children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake presents some site difficulties for RVs. "The campground accommodates both luxury rv campers and more rustic private tent or hammock goers like myself," notes Sadye H., while another camper mentions, "Electric sites are small and not private."
Hookup availability: Check specific campground utilities before booking. "There are no full hookup sites at all in the park," warns a camper about France Park. Alternatives include White River Campground, where "The sites are spacious, the water, sewer, and electric are good. All sites are paved."
Site layouts and accessibility: RV sites vary significantly in size and arrangement. "The grass is usually long and not mowed and the sites are gravel and they used the huge gravel so it is hard to use stabilizers and also level your unit," notes a France Park visitor, highlighting the importance of checking current conditions before arrival.
