Houston J.
Scout
ScoutKil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake
Camping
We really enjoy this place it's so peaceful n quite. The manager here is absolutely is the best. He's always on the watch. Feel very safe w him here.
Camping near Marion, IN
70 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Campgrounds near Marion, Indiana range from developed state park facilities to more rustic recreation areas, with several options situated around lakes and rivers. Mississinewa Lake Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities about 15 miles north of Marion. Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area at Salamonie Lake, approximately 20 miles northeast of Marion, provides year-round camping with tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations. The region includes both lakeside sites with water views and more wooded, secluded camping areas depending on the specific campground and location.
Access to most campgrounds requires driving on paved roads, with many sites offering electric hookups and water access. Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences, with most campgrounds operating year-round but offering different amenities depending on the season. Mississinewa Lake Campground and Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area both provide reservable sites, though availability may be limited during summer months and holidays. Facilities typically include drinking water, sanitary dump stations, and toilets, with many also offering showers. A visitor noted, "This is one of the best parks we have been to in Indiana. We Volunteer all over our the USA at State Parks and National Forest. So we know what to look for. Friendly people to answer questions plenty to do. And affordable."
Campers report high satisfaction with lakeside camping options in the region. Several campgrounds feature sites with views of Mississinewa Lake or Salamonie Lake, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and water recreation. Marion area campgrounds offer accommodation options from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups, making them suitable for various camping preferences. Hidden Lake Campground and Wildwood Outdoor Escape offer additional options with cabin accommodations for those seeking more comfort. The campground layouts vary across the region, with some offering more privacy than others. According to one visitor at Mississinewa Lake, "If you want woodsy, private sites, don't come here. Most are grassy and sunny. There are many areas where the sites back up close to each other." Many campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities with regular maintenance of restrooms and showers, though amenities vary by location. Wildlife encounters, particularly with raccoons, are mentioned in several reviews as part of the camping experience.
Best Campgrounds near Marion (70)
1. Mississinewa Lake Campground
"We went swimming in the lake. We also had fun trying to outsmart the raccoons that lived under the mini cabins. They were everywhere!"
"I have been to 9 other Indiana State parks, this one is in the top half. Great sites and clean. Large clean lake with beach. Lots of trails and many views. Staff is very friendly."
from $20 - $52 / night
Check Availability2. Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area Campgrounds — Salamonie Lake
"This is one of the best parks we have been to in Indiana. We Volunteer all over our the USA at State Parks and National Forest. So we know what to look for."
"Sites 221- 243, 202-204 offer lake views. I say VIEWS, not access. Sites 228& 232 have sites with good access to the lake. Scattered throughout the park are sites with 50amp service."
from $14 - $35 / night
Check Availability3. Mar-Brook Camp Ground
4. Wildwood Outdoor Escape
"Right outside of Hartford city you never know what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised at how nice the campground is."
"This was our second stay here…campground is surrounded by corn fields but park itself is quite picturesque with mature trees, a lake, and very well-manicured grounds."
5. Lost Bridge West
"If you can get a lake view site enjoy. Some spot are far away from the shower houses but you can drive to them. Nice marina with a great store and boat rentals"
"There’s also an entire beach close by, the parking lot needs to be maintained at the beach. I saw DNR once a day. The boat launch is close if you have a boat. The restrooms are clean but primitive."
6. Hidden Lake Campground
from $25 - $36 / night
Check Availability7. Salamonie River State Forest
"As far as Indiana parks goes, this is a hidden gem. We have camped here many times. Even the trails we frequent always seem new because each season offers a different kind of beauty."
"I return to Salamonie River State Forest year after year because it truly feels like Northeast Indiana’s best-kept secret."
from $13 - $15 / night
Check Availability8. Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake
"It was very relaxing and I also enjoyed walking on different paths to enjoy nature as it was. I would highly recommend this campground to anyone. It is also family friended"
"Kil-so-qauh, used to be a little hidden gem right outside of town but has turned into quite a popular place, but for good reason."
9. Mounds State Park Campground
"Nice state park in Indiana. Only offering electric hook up. Water locations could block traffic if camper does not park accurately. Store at Check in offered necessities. Hiking trails were nice."
"This is a nice state park outside of Anderson In. It has nice walking trails and is on the White river. There is a gorgeous swimming pool. The bath house is clean, but not the best."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability10. White River Campground
"First of all it's very clean which is surprising for Indiana. Back up to the river. Great views. Free hot showers! Quiet. Feels secluded though close to town. Good price too."
"White River Campground is a county owned park within 15 minutes small town Indiana (Cicero) complete with a small town grocery and dollar general. Within 20 minutes or Walmart and Grocery stores."
from $16 - $37 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 39 min from Kokomo, IN
- 39 min from Muncie, IN
- 45 min from Fort Wayne, IN
- 1 hr 11 min from Indianapolis, IN
Recent Camping Photos near Marion, IN
50 Photos of 70 Marion Campgrounds
Sammii D.
Wildwood Outdoor Escape
Darrell B.
Lost Bridge West
Fern B.
Salamonie River State Forest
Nick S.
Mississinewa Lake Campground
Elizabeth
Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake
Alysha W.
Kilsoquah Camp
RJourney R.
Muncie RV Resort
Ashley J.
Camp Timber Lake
J C.
Mounds State Park Campground
Darrell B.
Ouabache State Park Campground
amber P.
Tall Sycamore Campground
David C.
Mystic Waters Campground
Recent Reviews near Marion, IN
279 Reviews of 70 Marion Campgrounds
Kelsey S.
GuideWildwood Outdoor Escape
Quite and pleasant campground
My husband and I and our 2 dogs stayed 4 nights at the campground for an event. Right outside of Hartford city you never know what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised at how nice the campground is. There is a pool, a lake in the back for fishing, 2 kids parks, a mini putting area, and lots of open field. No noise from traffic, you are close to Hartford city if you need anything (just don’t go to the McDonald’s). Lots of other campers here that seem to have annual stays. We choose spot 108 because it was in the back and pretty secluded, no one else was around us. Picnic tables and firepits at the sites. They also have buddy campsites. We didn’t use the wifi but it was accessible. They also have a rec area and have campsite chat nights, games, and all the fun stuff. Great place and would stay again!
Rita H.ScoutKil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake
Ummm not so great
$25 a night for a place to sleep is not bad I guess but there have been no updates for them to charge the $10 extra. This place is deserted, bug filled and honestly a bit sad.
Susan W.
TravelerSalamonie River State Forest
Small Gem, Big Shine!
I return to Salamonie River State Forest year after year because it truly feels like Northeast Indiana’s best-kept secret. This 21‑site primitive campground offers peaceful seclusion, 4 pit toilets, and two water sources—including a spring‑fed spigot with crisp, cold, delicious drinking water. I’ve stayed at several sites, with Site 18 and Site 20 as favorites. Tent‑friendly, small camper-friendly, pet‑friendly, and just $15/night, it sits beside horse trails, hiking routes, and great fishing. A small campground with big shine—highly recommended.
- George B.Scout
Johnny Appleseed Campground
Nice yet close to town
Campground is nice people are friendly but playground for the kids was not in the camping area it was across the street in another area of the park. Really well maintained and close to town
Geoffrey F.GuideLost Bridge West
Great time!
Overall, it was a great time. I stayed 3 days. Lots of raccoons, one tore into the mesh of my tent lol. Plenty of freshwater available, multiple water stations. Lots of people here starting during the middle of the week. Lots of RVs use the primitive sites. There’s also an entire beach close by, the parking lot needs to be maintained at the beach. I saw DNR once a day. The boat launch is close if you have a boat. The restrooms are clean but primitive. Seven dollar entry fee $15 a day. They do have somewhat secluded spots, but you have to look for them.
- Geoffrey F.Guide
Salamonie River State Forest
Amazing place
This place is really nice, especially on Sundays because everyone is gone. Mostly local people camping. I stayed two days. It was originally supposed to be one. People here are very friendly. I was even given a whole brand new tent in the package plus dinner and breakfast the next day🤯 It’s a smaller campground. The trails can get extreme.. if you’re really into hiking this is a great place. Three waterfalls and lots of trails with horses walking around. :Update the water source in the picture I posted is the only one available, I would not recommend drinking it. Go to the Army Corps of Engineers Dam location 3 min away and they have fresh water constantly running out of stainless steel stations that’s pure.
Cris B.GuideMounds State Park Campground
Clean, we'll spaced
Three campground is clean and well maintained. Many well spaced sites, with some pull through for $2 more. It is next to a small airport, so you will hear planes and helicopters.
Mary D.GuideWhite River Campground
Beautiful and Relaxing!
We traveled from Tennessee for a concert in Indianapolis (about a 40-minute drive) and absolutely loved this campground! The sites are paved, level, and offer plenty of yard space, with many located right along the river.
It’s right at the entrance to a scenic walking trail, and they even offer electric bike rentals to explore the area. The campground store is one of the nicest we’ve seen, and the bathrooms are clean and well maintained. There’s also a new, modern playground.
Wi-Fi is available, and we had solid cell service with 3 bars on US Cellular and T-Mobile. If we lived closer, we’d definitely be back!
Winter season is over middle of April, and we were here April 3rd. Water was turned off at the sites, but they had a spot to fill up your holding tank.
Full hook-ups!
Guide to Marion
Campsites near Marion, Indiana range from primitive tent sites to electric hookups across state forests and reservoirs. The region sits at approximately 850 feet elevation with continental climate patterns creating distinct camping seasons. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer highs typically reach 80-90°F, with occasional thunderstorms from May through September affecting campground conditions.
What to do
Hiking at Salamonie River State Forest: For $13 self-pay entry, access trails with seasonal waterfalls and diverse terrain. "As far as Indiana parks goes, this is a hidden gem. We have camped here many times. Even the trails we frequent always seem new because each season offers a different kind of beauty," notes a regular visitor to Salamonie River State Forest.
Fishing at J. Edward Roush Lake: Cast for multiple fish species at Kil-So-Quah recreation area. The lake attracts various bird species year-round. "Good bird watching spot. Lots of eagles. Nice place, there is gunfire noise from the range across the lake. Not bad though," reports a camper at Kil-So-Quah.
Disc golf at Mississinewa Lake: Located at the campground's recreation area with 18 holes winding through wooded and open areas. "Clean sites, definitely seemed geared towards rv/campers but we fit in with our tent. Amazing spot for stargazing. Local trails are abundant and vary in difficulty," states a camper who enjoyed the diverse activities.
What campers like
Lake views: Several campgrounds offer sites overlooking water. "Sites 221-243, 202-204 offer lake views. I say VIEWS, not access. Sites 228 & 232 have sites with good access to the lake," details a camper at Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area.
Clean facilities: Bathroom quality varies between campgrounds but receives positive mentions. "Brand new bathhouse was extremely nice. Internet rarely worked and Verizon coverage was extremely minimal," reports a camper at Mississinewa Lake Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution at certain campgrounds creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. "Amazing spot for stargazing. Local trails are abundant and vary in difficulty. The lake was gorgeous and easy to get to within the park," shares an enthusiast who visited during summer.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. "I only have one bar with Verizon," reports a camper at Mississinewa Lake, while another mentions, "Internet rarely worked and Verizon coverage was extremely minimal."
Pit toilets at primitive sites: Some locations feature only basic facilities. "They have the nicest pit toilets I've ever seen ANYWHERE! They didn't even smell," notes a surprised visitor to Lost Bridge West.
Winter camping considerations: Some campgrounds remain open year-round with reduced services. "Winter camping so no showers/bathrooms. Great area, lots of wildlife. They have wifi (by the water tower) nice lake, some trails. Gravel lot, pretty level. Not sure what summer is like but winter camping was great," explains a winter visitor to Mississinewa Lake.
Seasonal flooding: Water levels impact site availability. "A lot of the campsites were closed due to flooding but we managed to have a site that was untouched. During a walk, we stumbled down to the reservoir. The view was incredible and eye opening to my daughter who has never seen the effects of flooding," shares a visitor at Lost Bridge West.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature multiple play areas for children. "There are 3 playgrounds. Some woodsy sites. Visit Pirate's Cove Marina for supplies, wood, and boat rentals," advises a family camper from Lost Bridge West.
Kid-friendly trails: Look for shorter hikes with visual interest. "This is one of my first trails I went on that started my love for hiking. It's so short and simple but we loved it. There was so much to see. The little primitive sites across the street are even better," recommends a hiker who explored with children.
Swimming considerations: Rules vary by location. "We found out the hard way toddlers who are not potty trained are not allowed in the pool even with swimmy diapers on," warns a family at Wildwood Outdoor Escape, noting the 4'6" pool depth.
Holiday weekend activities: Some campgrounds offer organized events during peak times. "Holidays are very activity friendly. Owners are amazing. Seasonal campers are all great friends and helpful," shares a regular at Hidden Lake Campground.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Options range from primitive to full-service sites. "There are some spots with full hookups. Most are electric only. There are also quite a few spots that are pull through so for bigger rigs that is really nice," reports an RV camper at Mississinewa Lake.
Water fill stations: Plan water management carefully. "Down side is if you don't haul with water you better fill up at the fill station when you see it cuz it gets busy," cautions an RVer who experienced wait times.
Dump station congestion: Peak checkout times create backups. "When you are leaving there are 3 dump stations and it can get really really busy and long waits," warns a camper who recommends planning departures accordingly.
Leveling considerations: Some sites require adjustments. "The campsite did have a bigger than expected slope, but nothing horrible. Some campsites looked amazing and others looked to be in major need of some TLC. Most of the campsites were in need of a fresh layer of gravel for their parking pads," notes an RVer at Lost Bridge West.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Marion, Indiana?
What are the best campgrounds in Marion, Indiana?
Summit Lake State Park Campground is highly rated with two distinct camping loops - one open with level sites and another wooded loop with more private settings. The park features a lake with a beach area and educational programs. Mounds State Park Campground offers electric hookups and excellent hiking trails. For those seeking a quieter experience, Westwood Park provides a small, clean campground with access to one of the clearest lakes in central Indiana (no gas motors allowed). Other notable options include France Park for primitive camping with exploring opportunities, and Salamonie River State Forest, described as a "hidden gem" among Indiana parks with seasonal variety on its trails.
How much does camping near Marion, Indiana cost?
How much does camping near Marion, Indiana cost?
Camping costs near Marion, Indiana vary by location and amenities. Mississinewa Lake Campground typically charges around $25 per night plus a $7 park entry fee for sites with 30/50 amp electric hookups and water access. White River Campground is known for offering good value with free hot showers and WiFi included in their reasonable rates. For more budget-conscious options, consider the primitive campsites at France Park or the non-electric sites at state parks which generally cost less. State park campgrounds in the region usually range from $20-30 per night for electric sites, with additional entrance fees sometimes required. Reservations for state parks can be made online, often with a small reservation fee added to the base camping rate.
What amenities are available at Marion, Indiana campgrounds?
What amenities are available at Marion, Indiana campgrounds?
Camp Timber Lake on the outskirts of Fort Wayne offers clean facilities, pet-friendly policies (though pets aren't allowed in the water), and is known for its well-maintained grounds. Ouabache State Park Campground provides campsites with varied shade coverage, fire pits, and road access, though site layouts can sometimes place amenities close to roads. Many campgrounds in the area offer electric hookups, water access points, clean shower houses, and restroom facilities. Some state parks like Mississinewa feature swimming beaches, hiking trails, and dump stations for RVs. Certain campgrounds provide special amenities like free WiFi (White River), educational programs, and proximity to local attractions. Most campgrounds in the region maintain clean facilities with varying levels of site privacy and shade depending on the specific loop or area.
Keep Exploring