Glamping options near Lebanon, Indiana provide access to natural surroundings with modern comforts. Temperatures average 70-85°F during summer months when most facilities are open, with the region receiving around 40 inches of annual rainfall. Campgrounds are predominantly positioned along waterways including Sugar Creek and White River, offering water activities as primary attractions during the camping season.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: White River Campground connects to a park with extensive trail networks. "This is a great campsite attached to a wonderful park with great trails," notes David R., while another visitor adds that the "park next door is great for hiking, has walk bridge over river to trails, horse backing riding, high ropes course."
Fishing in stocked areas: Old Mill Run Park provides dedicated fishing ponds for catch-and-release opportunities. According to Harold C., "There's over 350 sites mostly permanent, nice heated outdoor underground pool. There is Putt putt, shuffle board, a large creek and pond to fish in."
Water recreation: Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC offers floating experiences with tube rentals. As Joe K. describes, "We had fun tubing in sugar creek through Clements Canoes. It was August so the river was kinda low and we had to stand up and walk a few times."
Unique hiking at Turkey Run: Turkey Run State Park Campground features terrain unlike other areas near Lebanon. One camper experienced "Trail 3 with the ladders" and notes "parts of trail 10, 4, and 2. Trail 10 was nothing special but was relatively flat... On one trail part of it went through box canyons up an active, though trickling, stream bed."
What campers like
Clean facilities: White River Campground maintains exceptional bathrooms. Caitlin W. mentions, "Their bathrooms and showers are the cleanest I've came across," while Jeremiah G. adds, "Bathrooms are decent. Playground is newly remodeled. Laundry onsite, wood for sale, and some wifi."
Privacy in natural settings: Big Fish-n-Camp Ground offers secluded spots away from other campers. "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," explains Jennifer K.
Family activities: Multiple recreation options at a single location keep families entertained. At Old Mill Run Park, Brian A. found the "Campground is very well maintained with a heated pool, mini golf, two stocked fishing ponds and more. We had a full hook-up, pull through site with plenty of room to the neighbor."
Creek access: Sugar Creek Campground provides direct water access for families with children. Gretchen G. shares, "The creek is awesome for catching tadpoles and minnows. And definitely take time to float or kayak down the river."
What you should know
Campsite terrain varies significantly: Some sites have challenging slopes. At Turkey Run, Samantha S. reports, "We were in a wooded section and it was pretty private however our site was pretty sloped. Next time I would probably pick the site on either side of 167."
Wildlife awareness needed: Multiple campgrounds report active raccoons. At Turkey Run State Park, campers are warned, "As some other reviews stated, watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything," while Sugar Creek campers noted "Raccoons will show up at night so pack up your snacks."
Site availability challenges: White River Campground requires advance planning. "Fills up fast, so make your reservation. It's small but one of my favorites," advises Caitlin W.
Variable site sizes and layouts: Old Mill Run Park has limited tent camping options. Barry S. found "Not a lot of tent-camping options, but we found a nice open area not far from the showers. Quiet campground in September."
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Some campgrounds offer swimming pools for family enjoyment. At Indianapolis KOA, Keri notes, "The pool is delightful especially for littles who will enjoy the fountains and big pouring bucket."
On-site food options: Indianapolis KOA provides convenient meal solutions. "We ordered pizza for dinner they deliver to the site which is nice. Ice cream available a lot of flavors and real ice cream not just soft serve," reports Mary T.
Playground access: Kid-friendly facilities enhance family camping experiences. Jeremiah G. observed at White River Campground that the "Playground is newly remodeled," while Keri from Indianapolis KOA mentioned the site is "Friendly, spacious, great staff and horses!! The staff are always chipper cheery and eager to help."
Water activities for kids: Sugar Creek Campground offers creek exploration for younger children. According to Gretchen G., "The creek is awesome for catching tadpoles and minnows."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness considerations: Turkey Run State Park Campground has variable terrain that affects setup. Leif D. explains, "Sites tried from all concrete to a dusty dirt and rock tent area, and all had old wood picnic tables."
Hookup limitations: White River Campground offers different zones with varying amenities. Jeremiah G. details, "Campground is divided up into A-B-C sections. A is accessible. B is full hookup with sewer and C is water/elec only and tent camping."
Wi-Fi reliability issues: Technology access varies by location within campgrounds. At White River Campground, "We found the wifi only reaches in sections A-B even though it's advertised as reaching the entire camp. Camp office and IT support were no help."
Seasonal RV considerations: Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area requires understanding site topography. Dave R. notes, "Great place to camp, can be flooded at times, some of the sites have a huge inclines or declines, allot of sites reserved way in advanced. There is a few pull throughs, no water hook ups at site."
