1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent camping options near Laurel, Indiana include a mix of established campgrounds and primitive sites within day-trip distance. Morgan's Outdoor Adventures offers riverside tent camping with picturesque water views, while Quakertown State Recreation Area provides more traditional campground facilities about 9 miles north of Laurel. The Dayton Metro Parks system, though slightly farther in Ohio, offers several backcountry and group tent camping options within reasonable driving distance.
Most tent sites in the region provide basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, though water access varies significantly between locations. Quakertown sites feature fire rings, though some campers note the picnic tables are somewhat small. Morgan's Outdoor Adventures provides waterfront tent sites with direct river access, but spaces are relatively close together. The backcountry sites at Dayton Metro Parks' Twin Valley Trail require hikers to filter water from nearby creeks, as potable water stations are limited. Vault toilets are standard at most locations, with cleanliness varying by campground.
The tent camping experience near Laurel offers diverse terrain and settings. The Twin Valley Trail in the Dayton Metro Parks system provides challenging hiking with backcountry campsites situated on wooded ridges away from busy areas. One camper noted these sites are "away from busy/crowded campsites and surrounded by nature" with "access to a river for water source." At Morgan's Outdoor Adventures, the waterfront setting creates a distinctive experience, with one reviewer stating: "There is nothing like waking up and making breakfast while watching the river roll by." Most tent-specific sites offer reasonable privacy, though the degree of seclusion varies widely between the more developed campgrounds and the backcountry options.
"Steps away from gorgeous river views. There is nothing like waking up and making breakfast while watching the river roll by! Sites are tight, but if you love waterfront this is great."
"A'll sites gave fire rings. Some of the picnic tables are small. Nice clean bathrooms. Site was a little pricey at $30. A shooting range nearby is a little annoying."
"This was a lovely campsite with 4 picnic tables, fire ring, and a very clean latrine. The other two group camp sites were far enough away that you couldn't hear or see them. "
"It is dry and cut in an easy to use manner. It is also kept in a little box so it is dry even if you do have weather while camping."
from $15 - $28 / night
"This park has such a variety of things to do. there’s a great disc golf course, really nice trails to hike with challenging hills and nice areas with shelters for grilling and parties and such."
Available this weekend
from $19 - $200 / night
"This was really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children’s museum. The lake is fabulous, but there didn’t seem to be too many fish available for catching!!"
from $50 / night
from $28 / night
ScoutMark & Denise are great camp hosts they care about everyone and will help them if they need it. They do so much for the holidays and have some great times together around the campfires. Will miss them this winter but will be thinking of them during the Army Navy game. (A inside joke lol).
TravelerThis is a nice little campground. There is a lot of space between campers, and the spots are asphalt and somewhat level. It didn’t feel crowded at all. There are plenty of good hiking trails around and it’s fun to go look at the dam. Highly recommend going to the overlook at sunset!
ScoutThe bathrooms are very clean and the showers work good. The place is very clean and the owner is accommodating.
Scoutwe arrived during a halloween kids party. the hostess was super nice. the women’s showers and wash rooms clean. the men’s shower was sport locker style.
ScoutClean paved sites, rigs under 35 feet will fit. Water and electricity 50/30 (water is in the ground.
ScoutBeautiful, great amenities too. Right off highway to travel anywhere
ScoutRestrooms awful (full of spider ) . There is no shade . And too expensive
GuideGreat place to stay. Full hook ups, about 90 percent level sites. 33 RV sites and 3 or 4 primitive camp sites. The main bathhouse is pretty clean, included laundry, and a great host and hostess (Mark and Denise). The only bad is the price hikes here. One would think MWR would throw money towards some things...like a dog park, some leveling, lights at the kids playground, and MWR sponsored and paid for holiday parties/outings for vets, retirees, and all the active here on base. But nope, just collecting revenue without any beanies. Anyway, the host keeps it grounded.
TravelerVery accommodating and friendly staff. Resort is well maintained with spacious spots. We have stayed here often and will continue to do so in the future.
Tent camping near Laurel, Indiana offers seasonal considerations that vary significantly throughout the year. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping provides milder conditions but increased chances of rainfall. Primitive camping options extend beyond established campgrounds, with backpacking opportunities available at several locations within a 45-minute drive of Laurel.
Disc golf excursions: Sycamore State Park offers an excellent course for disc golf enthusiasts just under an hour from Laurel. "This park has such a variety of things to do. There's a great disc golf course, really nice trails to hike with challenging hills and nice areas with shelters for grilling and parties and such," notes camper Heidi G. from Sycamore State Park Campground.
Backpacking challenges: The Twin Valley Trail system provides more rugged hiking options with significant elevation changes. "My first real backpacking experience, shared with my boys. Ostensibly a 'city' park, Germantown MetroPark provides visitors with well-kept trails over rolling hills through old forests, leading down to lush river valleys of the Twin Creek watershed system," writes Charles R. from Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks).
Fishing opportunities: Though catches can be inconsistent, several nearby lakes offer fishing opportunities. "The lake is fabulous, but there didn't seem to be too many fish available for catching!! Pretty place and fun for a laid back place to stay," reports Debbie S. from Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort.
Clean facilities: The maintenance of vault toilets receives positive mentions. "Latrine was very clean and well stocked. Toilet paper was available and hand gel to get your hands clean," notes a reviewer at Dayton Metro Parks.
Firewood provisions: At certain campgrounds, campers appreciate the firewood services. "The nice thing about the Dayton metro parks is that each night in the front country camp sites they include a bundle of fire wood. This is not the small sad bundle that you often buy at gas stations or other markets. This is a huge bundle," explains Kenpocentaur K. from Twin Creek Metro Parks.
Historical features: The Laurel area camping experience is enhanced by nearby historical sites. "We drove into town and discovered a covered bridge that I had missed on an earlier camping trip. (Germantown). This town also has the Florentine which is one of the oldest inns in Ohio," shares a camper about day trips from nearby campgrounds.
Water availability limitations: Access to potable water varies significantly between campgrounds. "If there is one complaint, it would be that there is a dearth of potable water stations, so all water needs to be packed in from trailheads with water, the Welcome Center, or pumped from non-potable sources, filtered and/or treated," warns a camper at Dayton Metro Parks.
Variable site sizes: Table and space accommodations differ between locations. "A'll sites gave fire rings. Some of the picnic tables are small. Nice clean bathrooms. Site was a little pricey at $30. A shooting range nearby is a little annoying," reports Melissa W. from Quakertown State Rec Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Laurel, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Laurel, IN is Morgan’s Outdoor Adventures with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Laurel, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Laurel, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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