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Best Campgrounds near Lafayette, IN

336 Reviews

Camping options around Lafayette, Indiana range from developed state parks to smaller private grounds with water activities. Prophetstown State Park Campground sits just seven miles from town and has modern bathrooms with flush toilets and showers, plus hiking trails and a playground that works well for families with kids. About 41 miles away, Turkey Run State Park Campground draws many campers who come for the hiking trails through the ravines and canyons. Both tent and RV campers can find spots there with decent bathroom facilities and picnic tables. Shades State Park Campground, a 33-mile drive from Lafayette, tends to be quieter and more basic, with a mix of modern and pit toilets depending on which loop you choose. If you want to paddle, Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC in Crawfordsville combines camping with canoe trips on the creek. Most camping areas have good road access right to the sites, though a few spots might require carrying your gear a short distance from parking. Roads can get slick after rain, so check conditions before heading out. The short drive back to Lafayette means you can easily grab supplies or get a meal in town while basing your Indiana camping trip nearby.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lafayette, Indiana (57)

    1. Prophetstown State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Battle Ground, IN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 567-4919

    $23 - $32 / night

    "Prophetstown State Park is located between Lafayette and Battleground, IN. It proved to be a lovely place to stay. We parked in Spruce Loop which had spacious sites and full hookups."

    "Well kept and clean area in the plains of Indiana. Great amnesties for the area such as a new, large public pool and a few hiking and biking trails."

    2. Wolfs Leisure Time Campground

    7 Reviews
    Buck Creek, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 589-8089

    "Right next to the river for fishing. They have a little arcade hall, have bingo, a swimming pool, basketball court."

    "Pretty spots by the river but best for adults only trips as there is a step ledge. Lots of other areas too away from the Wabash and they have a campsore and game room to that the kids to."

    3. Big Fish-n-Camp Ground

    5 Reviews
    Lafayette, IN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 296-2346

    "It was tucked all the way at the back of the second pond and surrounded by trees and a cornfield.

    We scored the most private area for sure."

    "This location doesn’t have “sites” unless you’re using a camper/RV."

    4. Ross Camp

    4 Reviews
    Otterbein, IN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 463-2306

    "close to Ross Park. A little chapel. This is a relax campground for those not into all the hiking if you just want to sit by your fire. A few primitive sites. No alcohol allowed."

    5. AOK Campground

    2 Reviews
    Lafayette, IN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 474-5030

    6. Wabash & Erie Canal Park

    5 Reviews
    Delphi, IN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 564-2870

    $30 - $45 / night

    "When we came down the road to the CG we were unsure of the CG location, but it is located right behind the interpretive/conference center building."

    "With miles of bike trails it is easy to see everything without having to drive.

    With only a handful of sites but far enough off the beaten path it's not crowded."

    7. Crawfordsville KOA

    14 Reviews
    Crawfordsville, IN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 230-0965

    "We arrived at 2am, but they had us all situated for late checkin. The campground itself was very lovely and quiet."

    "Really cute little park with lots of shade and convenient access to Crawfordsville. We were here for a quick stopover, but made friends with several locals spending time here."

    8. Turkey Run State Park Campground

    70 Reviews
    Marshall, IN
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 597-2635

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Turkey Run is arguably the most popular campground (and state park) in Indiana and has its pros and cons."

    "Much enjoyed hiking some of the trails at Turkey Run State Park near Marshall, Indiana. This is Indiana's 2nd oldest state park, now 100 years old (1916-2016)."

    9. Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC

    11 Reviews
    Crawfordsville, IN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 362-5528

    $30 - $45 / night

    "There are few trails looping around for the walks. Most of tent sites got shade. Rv sites all seem to be level, although kind of close together. Nice and clean bathrooms and shower facility."

    "The campsite it very spacious and there’s a decent amount of distance between each site. Sites by the river are especially nice."

    10. Broadview Lake and Campground

    2 Reviews
    Frankfort, IN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 324-2622

    "Majority of the lots are permanent Indiana residents but the option for an impromptu night of camping here is always open."

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Recent Camping Photos near Lafayette, IN

137 Photos of 57 Lafayette Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lafayette, IN

336 Reviews of 57 Lafayette Campgrounds

  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Prophetstown State Park Campground

    Great campground

    Great campground. Really nice campground - clean, sites with some shade (especially the section with full hookups). Lots of families enjoying camping, kids relishing the freedom of riding bikes and skateboards (unfortunately too few with helmets including one with a major black eye). Nice walking trails right off of campground. Aquatic center in park. We would return - except that crossing the country on highway 70 is brutal

  • Nadiehsda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Newton County Fairgrounds

    2025 Fair Week (1st time)

    We stayed at the Newton County Fairgrounds during fair week & had a great experience. The grounds were clean & well kept. It was easy to get around even with all the fair activity going on. Our campsite had water & electric only, just like all of the others. The bathrooms & showers were in good condition considering how busy the week was.

    The fair itself was a lot of fun! From the 4-H shows to the carnival rides & food vendors, there was always something going on. The kids loved it! It felt very family-friendly & welcoming.

    The only thing to note is that cell service & wifi can be a little spotty, but honestly that gave us more time to just enjoy the fair & each other. Overall, we would definitely come back & recommend it to anyone looking for a good small-town fair experience with a convenient place to stay.

    Cannot wait until next year!!

  • L
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Shades State Park Campground

    It was very clean, nicely spaced, and shaded.

    Very nice campground! It was close by Turkey Run State Park, which had amazing trails, that are pictured below. (We definitely recommend Trail 3!) The campground itself was very nice and clean, as well as shaded and pretty. We were camping in August, so it wasn't very busy and we got peace. There were many fun things to do in Turkey Run, although the pool was closed in August. There was also a fun little ice cream place and store in downtown Marshall! 

      Great place overall!

  • T
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC

    Horrible experience

    To much money rv/campsites way way to small they charge for EVERYTHING INCLUDING GUEST TO SEE IF THEY WANT TO CAMP , u can only have 4 people then its 10$ per each for a weekend ridiculous

  • T
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC

    Ripped off for sure read your itinerary is what she told me 4 times instead of trying to make it right !!!!

    Experience was good , except do not get sites 33, 34 or 35 we had maybe 5ft between us and the camper beside us , no way and the electricity hookup is right there so putting out awning was so very dangerous!!!! Bc the water dripped straight onto the electric hookup and who knows if someone may have a cut or anything wrong with there cord electric shock for sure !!!! Visitors JUST TO VISIT TO SEE IF THEY WANT TO CAMP THERE 5$ each Could not cook out or anything bc there’s no room in between your camper and your neighbor’s camper They tell u to look at the four day itinerary, but we’ve always just called or got on the website and booked our site, but it is pretty ridiculous for a camper to hold six or eight and you can only have four people and then on top of that an arm and a leg just for a float to float downstream which the gal young gal told me it was 2 miles 2 to 4 hour trip and it took us an hour so basically got ripped off pretty good this weekend so make sure to read your email b4 going here ! Thank goodness we had family bc we had absolutely no room for anything Bugs horrible And they tell you to have dogs on leash , no one had their dogs on leash except us . A blue healer tried to bite one of us ! It was pouring down and the guy on golf cart while we’re trying to hurry in the rain was so worried about our card he couldn’t wait till we was leaving to turn it in . They give u a code so why not put it in your phone bc if u lose there card they charge u 40$ Seems like more of a money thing to us . We enjoy camping but my gosh break the bank here for sure no gravel on sites hardly mainly dirt and sand so come prepared to sweep your caper or rv every hour . Very very tiny sites and unacceptable for us and anyone wanting to enjoy outside of your camper with your awning

  • Emilee B.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Broadview Lake and Campground

    Home away from home!

    This campground has a personality of its own. Majority of the lots are permanent Indiana residents but the option for an impromptu night of camping here is always open. The staff have been here years and you can tell genuinely care about this place. They make sure to know you, which makes me feel safe cuz they know who’s here whether tenant or guest. Neighbors are great. You have the occasion person that likes to hear themselves but that’s everywhere. If u want to make friends you can and if you want to stay to yourself you can. The pool was just put in a year ago and is a relaxing place to go. Also what I thought was different was that no matter what is going on here , everyone settles down around 10 to 11 pm and by midnight you hear the crickets and owls. Everyone is so respectful of quiet time here no matter the festivity. There is a pond you can fish as well. If you wanna stick around a while this is the campground for you.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Peaceful Waters Campground

    Peaceful Waters

    Cute little park, off of 41, most sites are water and electric, most do not have sewer but there's a dump station. Very affordable. Owners are very nice and easy to communicate with. Theres a campstore and ice on site. Great fishing pond. Look around for cute carvings. Very close to Turkey Run, Shades, and Raccoon Lake!

  • D&S B.
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Crawfordsville KOA

    Very Expensive and dirty.

    First time at this KOA, site was okay, gravel pull through but sewer hookup was all the way at the end of the site, needed extra extension to hook up sewer. The bathroom and showers were disgustingly dirty, both men's and women's smelled and were disgustingly dirty. I can't believe I paid $72 for such terrible accommodations.

  • Napoleon H.
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Turkey Run Canoe & Camping

    Arrived after hours but found a spot

    Nice campground electric hookups my 34' travel trailer fit nicely

Guide to Lafayette

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find fishing spots with camping near Lafayette?

Wolfs Leisure Time Campground offers excellent fishing access right next to the river. This family-friendly campground combines fishing opportunities with amenities including an arcade hall, swimming pool, and basketball court. For another option, consider Big Fish-n-Camp Ground which, as the name suggests, specializes in fishing-oriented camping. Indiana Beach area also provides fishing opportunities at Lake Shafer, with Indiana Beach Campground offering clean, quiet sites near the water. While sites may be close together at some of these locations, the fishing access makes them popular choices for anglers looking to camp near Lafayette.

Is there free camping available near Lafayette, Indiana?

While free camping options are limited near Lafayette, budget-conscious campers should look to Wabash & Erie Canal Park near Delphi, which offers affordable camping with basic amenities. Another option worth exploring is Ross Camp near West Lafayette, which features economical rates. For true free camping, you'll need to venture further to public lands like Hoosier National Forest (about 2.5 hours south) for dispersed camping opportunities. Always check current regulations and permits before setting up at any location, as rules regarding free camping can change seasonally.

What facilities does Prophetstown State Park campground offer?

Prophetstown State Park Campground offers a modern camping experience with spacious sites featuring water and electrical hookups. The campground has clean, well-maintained bath houses and restroom facilities. Many sites in the Spruce Loop provide full hookups and partial shade, positioned at comfortable distances from neighboring sites. The park features paved roads ideal for biking, though trails are limited. Additional facilities include an aquatic center/water park that's popular during summer months. While camping, visitors can explore the self-guided Indian village and homestead. The park's layout accommodates both RVs and tents, with everything kept in excellent condition, making it a convenient base for exploring the Lafayette area.

What campgrounds are available in Lafayette, Indiana?

Lafayette offers several camping options to suit different preferences. Prophetstown State Park Campground is located between Lafayette and Battleground, featuring spacious sites with full hookups, partial shade, and modern facilities. AOK Campground provides a convenient option for those wanting to stay close to West Lafayette, offering basic amenities including a swimming pool. Other nearby options include Wolf's Leisure Time Campground along the river, and Big Fish-n-Camp Ground with reservable sites. For those willing to travel a bit further, Turkey Run and Shades State Parks offer more nature-immersive camping experiences within driving distance.

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