Best Campgrounds near Franklin, IN

Camping near Franklin, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful nature, fun activities, and a chance to unwind. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do

• Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Clifty Falls State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The wooded hiking trails helped keep us comfortable," making it a great choice for nature lovers.
• Fishing and Boating: At Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A camper shared, "The campground is well maintained... Great areas to walk your dog."
• Historical Sites: Visit the pioneer village at Spring Mill State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "The pioneer village is beautiful and really something to see with staff playing as villagers of the period."

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Paynetown Campground. A visitor remarked, "Restrooms/showers were state park clean. I was impressed with the hard-working staff."
• Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Hardin Ridge. One camper said, "Beautiful spacious sites. Spread out with plenty of room between sites."
• Pet-Friendly: Campgrounds like Starve Hollow State Rec Area welcome pets. A reviewer mentioned, "The staff was very friendly, and overall a cute, quiet, and nice campground!"

What you should know

• Entry Fees: Some parks, like Clifty Falls State Park Campground, charge an entry fee. One camper noted, "I had to pay the $9 fee to drive into the park, although having already booked and paid for a campsite."
• Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in areas like Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area. A visitor mentioned, "I question the validity of these reviews sometimes... both were spotty at best."
• Site Conditions: Some sites may not be level. A camper at Taylor Ridge Campground said, "The roads are not marked very well and it took a bit to find our site which needed level blocks."

Tips for camping with families

• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Buffalo Ridge Campground. A reviewer noted, "One of the playgrounds is right off the site."
• Safety Precautions: Keep an eye on kids near steep areas, especially at campgrounds like Buffalo Ridge Campground. One parent warned, "Be aware if you have kids that you are on a ledge and a trail goes down and gets super steep."
• Plan for Wildlife: Be cautious of raccoons and other wildlife. A camper at Spring Mill State Park Campground mentioned, "I see raccoons... but they attack."

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of RV sites. A visitor at White River Campground said, "Be sure to check pad size. Several sites have 20' or so."
• Leveling Blocks: Bring leveling blocks for uneven sites. A camper at Paynetown Campground noted, "Many of these sites have a bad incline."
• Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours, especially in busier campgrounds like Starve Hollow State Rec Area. A visitor shared, "It was a quiet weekend."

Camping around Franklin, Indiana, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!