Best Campgrounds near Leavenworth, IN
Southern Indiana's rolling hills surrounding Leavenworth provide diverse camping experiences along the Ohio River and within nearby forests. Horseshoe Bend RV Campground, located directly in Leavenworth, offers full hookup sites with 50-amp service and boat access to the river. Within a 30-minute drive, O'Bannon Woods State Park features electric sites with asphalt pads and access to hiking trails and a fire tower with panoramic views. The Hoosier National Forest encompasses several campgrounds in the region, including Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area, Buzzard Roost, and Saddle Lake, offering options ranging from primitive tent sites to those with electric hookups. Many campgrounds in this area provide water-based recreation with fishing, kayaking, and swimming opportunities at lakes that typically allow only electric motors.
Reservations are essential for weekend camping during the peak season from May through September, particularly at lakeside sites. As one camper noted about Tipsaw Lake, "The rangers were very nice and pleased to answer any questions, the lake and bathrooms were clean and the place was nice and quiet." Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many forest campgrounds having limited or no coverage. According to a visitor at Mitchell Creek Road dispersed camping area, "Have a paper map handy, as there is no cell signal and GPS was spotty." Spring and early summer bring higher humidity and increased tick activity, especially after rainfall. Most state park campgrounds charge an entrance fee of approximately $7 per vehicle, with an annual pass option available for frequent visitors.
Water access dominates the camping experience in this region, with many campers highlighting fishing and boating opportunities. Tipsaw Lake's 5.9-mile trail offers hiking through forested terrain with "rock outcroppings, overhangs, cliffs, rock shelters and ravines along the shady stream," according to one reviewer. The area's caves are another notable feature, with Marengo Cave Campgrounds providing both camping and cave tours nearby. Campground amenities vary widely, from the full-service facilities at state parks to the more rustic national forest campgrounds. Visitors to O'Bannon Woods State Park appreciate that "the park is well kept and organized. There are a ton of sites to visit and see. If you like hiking or mountain biking this is for you!" Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, though site dimensions can be limited at some locations, requiring advance planning for larger rigs.
