Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area offers primitive camping near Mount Ayr, Indiana at 12 first-come, first-served sites. The terrain features sandy soil that drains well after rain, making it suitable for tent and small RV camping throughout most of the year. Camping costs $12 per night with vault toilets available but no shower facilities, and generators are permitted for power needs.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Willow Slough contains a lake known for largemouth bass fishing. One visitor at Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area reported, "I love the place... there are monster bass in this lake, I have got a 19-inch largemouth in 2017."
Water activities: For families seeking water recreation, Caboose Lake Campground offers a swimming beach with inflatable water attractions. "Super clean water and beach area with inflatables- so fun! They do require wristbands which cost 10$ a day but that includes bumper boats and unlimited paddle boat rentals," notes one camper.
Hunting access: Willow Slough serves as a base for hunting excursions. "The gun range is awesome and good hunting spots as well," reports one regular visitor, making it a practical choice for hunters seeking pet-friendly camping options near Mount Ayr.
What campers like
Affordable rates: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the value at public lands. "At $12 a night it is hard to beat," notes one visitor about Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area Campground, which provides basic amenities including water access and a dump station.
Peaceful environment: The natural setting around Mount Ayr campgrounds offers tranquility. "Lots of acreage to explore. No real trails but if you don't mind roughing it plenty to explore," mentions a Willow Slough camper who appreciates the undeveloped nature of the area.
Seasonal flexibility: Unlike many private campgrounds that close for winter, Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area remains open year-round, providing pet-friendly camping options near Mount Ayr during off-peak seasons when other facilities close.
What you should know
Site conditions: Campsite sizes and layouts vary significantly. At Lake Holiday Camping Resort, one camper noted site boundaries can be unclear: "Can't tell where one campsite ends and another begins."
Traffic noise: Some campgrounds in the area experience road noise. Caboose Lake Campground sits near major routes, with one reviewer mentioning: "Where Route 24 and I65 meet near Remington. Loud road noise." Consider site location when booking if quiet is important.
Water quality concerns: Water taste varies at different campgrounds. A Willow Slough camper advised: "Do remember to bring power source for your phone such as a power bank and water to drink, the water there taste funny."
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom conditions vary widely across campgrounds near Mount Ayr. Pioneer Family Campground received mixed reviews on facility maintenance: "Bathrooms are clean but small" and another noting they are "very outdated with some rusty nails sticking out."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Pioneer Family Campground offers child-friendly amenities including "a small playground, and a pond for swimming and fishing," making it suitable for pet-friendly camping with children near Mount Ayr.
Site selection for tent campers: Families with tents should prioritize space. "One of the largest tent sites I've been on," reports a Pioneer Family Campground visitor, though they also suggest bringing your own firewood as campground prices may be high.
Local recreation options: Look beyond the campground for entertainment. Pioneer Family Campground visitors mentioned that "Near the campground is an awesome playground (Lincoln Township Park), as well as an adorable family owned Ice Cream shop."
Dog exercise areas: Love's RV Stop provides a dedicated dog park for pet exercise. "It's new, gated and has basic amenities like a General store, Dog park and basketball court and tennis ball court for some activities if you have kids," notes a recent visitor.
Tips from RVers
Generator policies: Unlike some campgrounds with generator restrictions, Willow Slough allows generators throughout the day and night. One camper noted: "Some people use noisy ones," so position your campsite away from others if generator noise bothers you.
Hookup availability: Oak Lake RV Resort accommodates larger RVs with full hookup sites. "We were nervous about fitting our big rig, but pull-through site #17 made it flawless," reports one camper traveling with a 44-foot Keystone Sprinter.
Check-in processes: Love's RV Stop offers convenient digital check-in. "We reserved and checked in online," noted one camper, though they mentioned a minor electrical issue: "The site we were at showed a ground fault on the 50amp Circuit so I had to use the 30 amp circuit."
Site leveling considerations: Be prepared for uneven spots at some campgrounds. At Willow Slough, "Some sites are not level so you have to pay attention," advises an experienced camper.
