Best Campgrounds near Lafayette, IN

Camping near Lafayette, Indiana, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

What to do:

• Hiking and Exploring: Turkey Run State Park is a favorite for its beautiful trails. One visitor mentioned, “From the back of the campground you can access Trail 7, a moderate level trail that leads unexpectedly to a small stream running past a recessed cave. It’s a peaceful spot.”
• Fishing and Boating: At Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A camper shared, “Great areas to walk your dog. We would definitely stop again but pick a different site.”
• Family Activities: Prophetstown State Park is perfect for families. One reviewer noted, “There’s a huge aquatic park which would be great for families.”

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Turkey Run State Park Campground said, “The campground has two large modern bathrooms that are cleaned regularly.”
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Cecil M Harden Lake, offer large, spacious sites. One camper remarked, “Most sites are very spacious.”
• Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views and natural surroundings. A review for Tippecanoe River State Park Campground highlighted, “The campground has cabins, trails for hiking and horseback riding.”

What you should know:

• Crowded Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Turkey Run State Park mentioned, “You can see the entire campground via Google Maps street view, just FYI.”
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for raccoons and other wildlife. One camper humorously noted, “They will come right up to you without hesitation, so don’t be alarmed if there’s one next to you while you cook s’mores over your fire.”
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Shades State Park Campground pointed out, “The vault toilets were dirty, needed to be emptied and the women’s stalls didn’t have doors.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Prophetstown State Park that have playgrounds and activities for kids. One parent said, “Multiple playgrounds for the kids, great hiking/biking trails.”
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to pack for swimming, hiking, and biking. A family shared, “We love it. Sometimes we just come for the day to go swimming, hiking, fishing.”
• Stay Close to Amenities: Select sites near bathrooms and stores for convenience. A camper at White River Campground mentioned, “Bathrooms are decent. Playground is newly remodeled.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be as level as advertised. A visitor at Cecil M Harden Lake noted, “Described the pad as level when it was actually about a 30% grade.”
• Book Early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. One camper at Indiana Beach Campground advised, “Book early, as these sites go fast!”
• Bring Extra Levelers: If you’re camping in an RV, be prepared for uneven sites. A camper at Tippecanoe River State Park suggested, “Bring extra levelers.”

Camping near Lafayette, Indiana, has its perks and quirks, but with the right preparation, you can have a fantastic outdoor adventure!