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Several campgrounds near Madison, Indiana offer a mix of options close to town and out in the woods, from full-facility RV campgrounds to primitive tent sites. Madison City Park Campground puts you right near downtown, so you can walk to restaurants and shops but still have a quiet place to sleep. Madison Area State Park has good hiking trails and more natural campsites with fewer people around. If you want to camp with minimal facilities, the National Forest sites near Madison let you set up away from crowds. Families often pick Madison Recreation Area because it has all the basics covered and is well-maintained. Madison County Park Campground has big sites with lots of trees for shade in the summer heat. Most places work for both tents and RVs, and you'll find water and bathrooms at the established campgrounds. Some sites even have showers, which is nice after a hot day. You can drive right up to most campgrounds on regular roads, though some of the forest sites need vehicles that can handle rougher roads. Summer gets pretty hot here, while spring and fall are much more comfortable for camping. Winter camping works if you bring warm gear. The campgrounds around Madison provide excellent options for both short weekend trips and extended stays, with convenient access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and the scenic Ohio River.
"No sewer or water hookup as you would expect at most Indiana State Parks. The sites are extremely spacious and plenty of sites with shade."
"The trails were crazy packed the second weekend in June so we didn't do much hiking (however, we've hiked the entire park trail system in the past and really enjoy it)."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Great place to camp if you like being next to water, amazing views, fast boats, and good food. Key West Shrimp House is a landmark restaurant with great food."
"An easy walk into downtown."
from $30 - $40 / night
Check Availability"This is a great State Park offering hiking, swimming, boating, skiing, camping, interpretive naturalist program and the only DNR property in the state of Indiana with a raptor rehabilitation program."
"Boats are a big part of this lake. There are 4 boat launches on the lake! Lots of people were water skiing, tubing& playing in the water. There's also a beach, which looked clean."
from $33 / night
Check Availability"Great little park located just far enough away to get away but close enough to town to run and get something if you forgot it. Campground is pretty compact but stays pretty quiet."
"Hiked the Butler Lake Trail with dogs this was a fun trail We tried to hike the Woodland Trail- unfortunately it had just rained for the few days before that and it was too sloppy for us and our dogs General"
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability"We biked throughout the park and hiked 4 of the trails, 3 of which were pretty rugged and all had elevation changes for a good hiking challenge. "
"It's a fairly new park on the site that used to be the Indiana Ammunition Plant. Good-sized sites with a very helpful staff. I hiked trail 2 and found the waterfall and several other gorgeous views."
from $33 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Two Rivers is a fairly new, city run campground close to I-71 and adjacent to the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers."
"There is a walking path under a bridge to Point Park. You can walk on a paved sidewalk along the Ohio river. We did not use the bathhouse, but you need a code to get in."
"Offering beautiful scenery, this is a great place to get away from it all."
"Great location. Very very friendly staff with special giveaways lol. Will return if in the area."
from $25 - $200 / night
Check Availability"Older Indiana State Park just West of Indiana / Ohio state line South of IH-74. Roads tight and only 1 dump station for 70+ sites (most site are water electric only)"
"This is a great southern Indiana State Park with easy access from US 50."
from $33 - $35 / night
Check Availability"You could barely hear a train off in the distance which sounded cozy. Campground is about 30 min from Madison and Ohio River is across the street."
"The store was super close by and there you are not too far from the nearest town. Super beautiful and spacious especially since you’re close to the river as well!"
from $14 - $16 / night
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TravelerThe reviews I’ve read are pretty accurate. Most sights are not very level. The water is too far away. Nice park, the trails are rugged, we walked uphill both ways. Trails are not well marked either, it’s an interesting feeling getting lost in such a small space. Restrooms/showers could use an update. But hey, we’re camping. Overall recommended.
TravelerWe love these campsites! So much space, existing fire rings, there was wood left behind from previous campers so that was nice! We have a reactive pup and she is able to live her best life there! We enjoyed all the trails around our site as well.
TravelerI chose this spot because we wanted to camp by water, but didn’t realize the camp sites are a 5-10 minute walk from the lake. The sites are pushed back, quiet, have existing fire rings, and are spacious. We enjoyed our time, just wish there was a bit more room to spend time at the lake!
TravelerPros: natural setting, clean bathrooms Cons: unlevel campsites, no sewer hookups, self-check in, outdated, non-air conditioned bathrooms, no laundry facilities
ScoutTent camping is great, and there are lots of camper lots that are big rig friendly, with all of the hookups. Shower house and restroom are very clean. They have a laundry mat as well. Staff is super friendly and very helpful.
ScoutWe didn’t have reservations but Tammy and Billy were wonderful. The bathrooms are nice and clean. If you’re looking for a relaxing spot this is it.
TravelerIt’s a nice campground. There’s room for about eight or nine RVs and lock the tent camping. The trees are all small so you’re out in the kind of a area with a lot of sun. I can’t speak to the Wi-Fi here because I’m using Starlink. The only caution is if we get heavy, heavy rains in the spring, some bits of this campground blood so be careful picking a site avoid the fourth from the road.
ScoutCan stay lo g or short term great people and quiet
ScoutWe happened across this place and couldn’t have found a more friendly place to camp. Owner introduce himself right away and told us all about the area and history of campground. Pool wasn’t open yet but nice safe place to camp.
Camping options around Madison, Indiana include established campgrounds with various amenities and natural surroundings. Several locations offer different camping experiences within a 40-mile radius of the city, ranging from riverside spots to more secluded forest settings. The region's topography features rolling hills along the Ohio River valley, with summer temperatures typically reaching the 80s and winter lows often below freezing.
Hiking trails: At Clifty Falls State Park Campground, visitors can explore numerous trails of varying difficulty. "Trail 6 to 5, then down to 2, and back up to 5, finishing on Trail 4 at Hoffman Falls" offers "lots to see on that hike and not very crowded," according to Kaley A. Many trails provide views of the park's waterfalls and natural features.
Historical exploration: Madison's historic downtown is accessible from Madison City Park. "You can easily walk to everything; river walk, local dining hot spots, grocery, wineries, brewery, antique stores and several historic sites. The towns architecture is not to be missed...so take a stroll around town," notes Stephen & Theresa B. The campground provides a perfect base for exploring the heritage of this river town.
Water activities: Hardy Lake offers boating and fishing opportunities. The Wooster Bay primitive area "allows campers to moor their boats overnight" and has "a very relaxed atmosphere," according to Rebecca J. The lake is suitable for canoes and fishing, with multiple boat launch points available around the shoreline.
River views: Campers appreciate the Ohio River scenery at Two Rivers Campground. "It is well maintained and quiet. There is a walking path under a bridge to Point Park. You can walk on a paved sidewalk along the Ohio river," explains Carolynn K. Many sites offer direct views of passing barges and boats.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and amenities are frequently mentioned in reviews. At Follow The River RV Resort, "The bathrooms having regular working toilets and showers. The bathrooms are very nice," reports Jessica G. Most campgrounds in the area prioritize cleanliness, particularly in shared facilities.
Privacy options: Some campgrounds offer more secluded spots. Hones Pointe Campground has "spots spaced out nicely" according to David W., making it ideal for those seeking more private camping experiences. Site layout varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering more separation between campsites than others.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires preparation as facilities may be limited. Kaley A. notes at Clifty Falls State Park that "bathrooms aren't heated in the cooler months" and some parks have reduced services during off-season periods.
Site selection: Terrain varies significantly between and within campgrounds. At Versailles State Park Campground, "A loop is pretty open without a lot of shade. B & C have lots of shade but the sites are either not very level or not very big," explains Kristene B. Research specific site characteristics before booking.
Connectivity: Cell service can be limited in some areas. Kyle reports that at Clifty Falls "Zero cellular or wifi service so that could be good or bad. The Inn does have WiFi if you have to have it but seems to be more for guests than general park population."
Playground access: Several campsites near Madison feature play areas for children. Kyle notes that Two Rivers has a "kids playground" while other campgrounds have open spaces for recreation. These amenities provide entertainment options after exploring trails or water activities.
Swimming options: Some parks have swimming facilities. At General Butler State Resort Park, "The pool lets campers use the pool 4-7 pm for free which is nice," according to Liz S. This can be particularly welcome after hot summer days of hiking or exploring.
Educational opportunities: Look for parks with nature programs. Jeff W. mentions that Clifty Falls features "a cave, nature center" while other parks occasionally offer ranger-led activities. These programs help children connect with local ecology and history.
Site leveling: Pay attention to site grades when reserving. At Clifty Falls, Beverly J. warns that "Site 22 was so sloped our red levelers barely made it work." Checking reviews or calling ahead about specific site characteristics can prevent setup challenges.
Dump station timing: Plan your departure around potential waits. At Versailles State Park, Jessie W. notes "there is only one dump station for the three campgrounds so there can be quite the line when trying to get out of there on a Sunday afternoon." Mid-week departures often mean shorter waits.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete RV services. Lisa D. appreciated that Charlestown State Park Campground had "concrete pads and full hookups," making extended stays more convenient. The availability of water, electric, and sewer connections varies by campground and specific sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Madison, Indiana?
Madison offers several excellent camping options. Clifty Falls State Park Campground stands out with its spacious sites, beautiful hiking trails, and spectacular views of a 425 million-year-old limestone canyon featuring multiple waterfalls. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, though the non-electric sites receive mixed reviews. For riverside camping, Madison City Park provides 34 sites along the Ohio River waterfront, with both 30 and 50 amp electric options. The park offers convenient access to local events and restaurants while providing stunning river views. Both campgrounds serve as excellent bases for exploring Madison's historic downtown area and natural attractions.
How far are camping spots from downtown Madison, Indiana?
Follow The River RV Resort is well-maintained with spacious sites featuring cement patios, fire pits, and picnic tables, though you'll need to drive a short distance to reach downtown Madison. For a closer option, Swiss Haven RV Resort sits right on the banks of the Ohio River and is family-owned, making it convenient for accessing downtown attractions. Most campgrounds in the area are within a 5-15 minute drive of Madison's historic downtown, making it easy to explore local shops and restaurants. Camping spots at Madison City Park offer the most convenient access, as they're located directly on the waterfront adjacent to downtown.
Are there RV rental options in Madison, Indiana?
While Madison itself has limited RV rental services, several campgrounds accommodate RVs and might offer referrals to rental companies. Charlestown State Park Campground, located about 30 minutes from Madison, features concrete pads and full hookups that are ideal for RVs. The campground isn't heavily shaded but offers excellent biking and hiking opportunities. For those seeking RV rentals, your best options include checking with local dealerships in Louisville (about an hour away), using online peer-to-peer rental platforms like RVshare or Outdoorsy, or contacting regional RV rental companies that might deliver to Madison-area campgrounds for an additional fee.
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