Camping options around Monticello, Indiana center on Shafer Lake (also called Lake Freeman), sitting at approximately 620 feet elevation with typical summer humidity levels of 70-80%. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February, with campgrounds reducing services during these months. Many camping areas remain open from April through October when overnight temperatures range from 45-75°F.
What to do
Water recreation access: Lake Freeman offers 1,500 acres of water surface with multiple boat launches near France Park. "The quarry, wow! It was beyond stunning and never what I expected to see in an Indiana park. We had an amazing hike, checking out the quarry," notes Jennifer K. The park features unique limestone formations from its past as a quarry operation.
Hiking opportunities: Trails ranging from 0.5 to 5 miles can be found at Tippecanoe River State Park, with most rated easy to moderate difficulty. "There is a fire tower, which is fun for the kids and the hike to get there is short," mentions Kaley A. The park features over 7 miles of marked trails through mixed hardwood forests.
Historic exploration: Visit the Wabash & Erie Canal Park with reconstructed buildings from the 1800s. "The camp ground is small and well kept. Not all sites have full hook ups. It has a bunch of 1800s style buildings to explore like a post office, railroad building, school house, all kinds of stuff," explains Sammii D. The site includes interpretive displays about the canal's role in regional development.
What campers like
Full hookup availability: Select campgrounds near Monticello offer complete services, though availability varies seasonally. "We stayed in a pull through site with full hook up and cable tv as well. The pool was quite large and clean," shares Marc W. about Indiana Beach Campground. Sites with full hookups typically cost $5-10 more per night than electric-only options.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple access points for fishing exist around the Tippecanoe River watershed. "The creek flowing through makes it so cool and peaceful and the animal life is beautiful. Saw a huge crane in the creek today along with a whole duck family... there's a great big dam across the street where the fishing is great!" reports Jennifer H. from Norway Campground. Most fishing spots are within 10-15 minutes of campsites.
Pool and water amenities: Several campgrounds maintain swimming pools separate from lake access. "We love Caboose! If you have kids or teens this is your spot. Super clean water and beach area with inflatables- so fun! They do require wristbands which cost 10$ a day but that includes bumper boats and unlimited paddle boat rentals," says Riley J. about Caboose Lake Campground.
What you should know
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to major roads. "Highway is louder than you'd think. No good night rest had," reports Sergio D. about Caboose Lake Campground. Sites further from I-65 and Highway 24 typically provide quieter environments.
Reservation timing: Weekend spots fill quickly during peak season (June-August). "The sites book up super fast on weekends and you have to book months out," advises Amy Y. about Prophetstown State Park Campground. Holiday weekends require bookings 3-6 months in advance.
Pet-friendly guidelines: Beyond standard leash rules, several campgrounds offer designated pet areas. "This place is quite beautiful and cool, clean and moreover the air is very fresh," notes Damien K. about Norway Campground, which maintains a separate dog park area where pets can exercise off-leash.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas for easier supervision. "For the playground, sites 2,3,4,6,&7 have direct access to a playground& you can watch your children from your site," advises Cynthia K. about Tippecanoe River State Park. These sites typically book first due to their convenience.
Amusement park packages: Families can obtain discounted Indiana Beach tickets through adjacent campgrounds. "If you stay with KOA you get decently discounted tickets to Indiana Beach amusement park which we may visit in a future visit," mentions Marc W. Ticket discounts typically range from $3-5 per person with minimum stay requirements.
Activity planning: Schedule around planned events at Indiana Beach/Monticello KOA Holiday. "We have camped here four times now and have never run out of things to do. We love the area, the campground, the activities and most of all, the amenities. You can't go wrong here," shares Debbie S. Weekend activities often include hayrides, crafts, and outdoor movies during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Request specific site numbers based on rig size and slide-out requirements. "Lost Acres is clean and well maintained, pleasant staff and campers, lots for kids to do. Average sized sites, some wooded and some not," notes Siara Z. about Rvino - Lost Acres, LLC. End sites typically offer more space but less shade.
Level site considerations: Gravel pads may require additional leveling equipment. "Our site was sunny in the morning and early afternoon with some shade beginning late afternoon. Had a concrete patio under the picnic table," reports Eric Y. Most sites accommodate rigs up to 35 feet, with limited availability for larger motorhomes.
Hookup reliability: Water pressure varies significantly between campgrounds. "Campsites where larger than I expected and am used to with KOA. Very enjoyable weekend stay. We stayed in site 89 which was a pull through full hook up site with cable tv as well," shares Marc W. Surge protectors are recommended due to occasional power fluctuations, especially during peak summer weekends.
