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Best Campgrounds near New Castle, IN

349 Reviews

Campgrounds near New Castle, Indiana primarily consist of established facilities with varying levels of amenities. The area features several state parks and private campgrounds including Summit Lake State Park Campground and Cornerstone Campground, both offering electric hookups and accommodations for tents and RVs. Cornerstone Campground also provides cabin camping and glamping options, making it suitable for visitors seeking more comfortable accommodations. Most campgrounds in the region maintain dedicated sites with picnic tables and fire rings, while offering access to drinking water, showers, and toilet facilities.

Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the area. Summit Lake State Park remains open year-round, while others like Westwood Park operate from mid-May through mid-October. Reservations are recommended at most locations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Summit Lake State Park and Cornerstone Campground accept advance bookings, while Westwood Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Amenities vary significantly between locations, with most offering electric hookups and basic facilities. "Westwood is a beautiful well-manicured park with clean restrooms. The campsites are normal size, maybe a little cramped. It's a small campground with around 33-38 camp sites and it's first come first serve."

Many campers highlight water recreation as a primary attraction in the New Castle area. Summit Lake State Park provides lake access for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating, with kayak and canoe rentals available at affordable rates. Westwood Park features a lake where only trolling motors are permitted, creating a quieter environment for paddling and fishing. According to visitor reviews, this restriction has helped maintain water clarity, with one camper noting that "the lake doesn't allow gas motors so it's one of the clearest lakes in central Indiana." Cornerstone Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its well-maintained facilities, family-friendly atmosphere, and recreational amenities including a pond, pool, and walking trails through wooded areas. Most campgrounds in the region provide adequate shade, though lakeside sites may offer less tree cover than those in forested sections.

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Best Camping Sites Near New Castle, Indiana (82)

    1. Summit Lake State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Mooreland, IN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 766-5873

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Very large camping spots with huge lawns away from lake; This spot was #53. lakeside camping a little more packed in but more shade. Reserve early!"

    "Many of the campsites are right near the water with lake view. Fishing is fun too with a dock within short walking distance of most campsites."

    2. Cornerstone Campground

    5 Reviews
    New Castle, IN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 987-8700

    $35 - $58 / night

    "I enjoyed the peaceful ambience and walking trails through the trees."

    "Beautiful views of the surrounding farms . Fire pit and table. We used electric and water hook up . Free dump and dumpsters. Laundry unit available. Super family oriented."

    3. Westwood Park

    5 Reviews
    New Castle, IN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 987-1232

    "The lake doesn't allow gas motors so its one of the clearest lakes in central Indiana"

    "It’s a small campground with around 33-38 camp sites and it’s first come first serve. No reservations. The lake is nice. Lots of small bass. If you have a boat, trolling motors only."

    4. Mounds State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Anderson, IN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 642-6627

    $20 - $25 / night

    "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."

    5. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Indianapolis East

    5 Reviews
    New Castle, IN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 737-6585

    $50 - $79 / night

    "There is an abundance of activities to keep you and the little ones happy, especially around holidays. The amenities are great and the sites definitely large enough not to feel crowded."

    6. Westwood Park Big Blue River Conservancy District

    2 Reviews
    New Castle, IN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 987-1232

    $43 / night

    7. Prairie Creek Park

    9 Reviews
    Selma, IN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 747-4776

    $24 - $1100 / night

    "Very relaxing as it is a drive off the highway which allowed nature to unfold all around campers."

    8. All My Family & Friends Campground

    2 Reviews
    New Castle, IN
    7 miles
    +1 (765) 332-2948

    $55 / night

    "Beautiful lake. Wonderful new restroom and shower house. Onsite laundry with coin changer. Wonderful friendly staff and long term guests. Weekend breakfast, wings and pizza."

    9. Spring Valley Camp Grounds

    1 Review
    Middletown, IN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 354-4521

    10. Jellystone Campground-pierceton

    1 Review
    Pierceton, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 594-2124

    $45 - $65 / night

    "There’s a nice tent area in the back, rolling grassy area where we let our dog run around off leash since nobody was around."

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Recent Camping Photos near New Castle, IN

72 Photos of 82 New Castle Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near New Castle, IN

349 Reviews of 82 New Castle Campgrounds

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Summit Lake State Park Campground

    Summit lake state park

    Its an ok park. The water is shared with your neighbor, so be sure to have a lo g hose. The showers were sketchy. I wouldn't use them personally. Wecsaw a couple of unattended fires smoldering in empty campsites. And we paid for an overnight reservation. Came in around 5pm. They charged us $7 for day use. I dont think you should have to pay for day use ANYWHERE that you've paid an overnight reservation. We are through travelers and its just plain irritating to me.

  • David C.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Mystic Waters Campground

    Great campground for RVs and cabins

    This is a great campground for RVs and cabins, but unfortunately not for tents as the highway 69 is too noisy. Also there are not a lot of trees.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Summit Lake State Park Campground

    Peaceful park and great hiking trails

    Although we only spent one night here during the week, the campground seemed very peaceful and quiet, even though there were quite a few campers. Sites 1 through 74 seem to be a lot more level and larger, but they were in a sort of an open area with very little shade. The rest of the sites were fairly unlevel, but were in shaded areas. I would think a rig more than 31 or 32 feet long would have difficulty maneuvering around the curve at the end of the second loop. We are a 30ft. Fifth wheel and it was pretty tight for us. Lots of trees. The showers were your typical camp showers not great but not horrible. There was a large lake that one could enjoy fishing on. Also some great hiking trails in the area.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Thousand Trails Indian Lakes

    Needs new management

    Terrible management. Pics are outdated and most everything is run down. Only one pool open during short hours. No gas station, no slide, nasty lake water & nobody takes the trash/dumpsters out. Completely inundated with annual spots being reserved by weekend warriors meaning minimal availability for people who want to be here during the week. There are SEVERAL dozen spots available and we were told if the spot we got didn’t work we could pick something else. At 8pm during dinner we were disturbed by a park ranger and forced to move to a spot half the size with no hookups. She literally brought us to an overflow area that our rig doesn’t fit in. She made us pack up our entire camp site to move so someone else could have the spot, even though there were MULTIPLE spots available. Had to be extremely persistent to get a FHU spot only to see dozens continue to be available for the rest of our 2 week stay.

    They also charge you $5 per package to pick up your own mail from the building and $10 for a key card to access the park. Management is certainly skimming off of customers here. Will travel further to another TT campground to avoid this place in the future.

  • Jeremy B.
    Jul. 16, 2025

    S and H Campground

    Great campground for many, just not me

    To start, the property is beautiful and they have a lot of extra amenities that would be great for families. However for a solo or couple just looking for hookups and little else, it’s just not worth it. 80 dollars a night on a weekend all in is a little steep when that’s all you’re looking for. I don’t fault the campground owners. The extras would definitely be worth it if you had kids. But for me it just wasn’t worth it. They have a pool, stocked pond, game room, ice cream shop and cafe. Decent camp store. Staff super friendly and helpful.

  • Jessica W.
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Grandpas Farm Camp Ground

    Nice camp

    I only spent one night in my car here but the camp was nice. It has a nice pool and a creek right behind it that you can access from the camp. The bathrooms and showers were clean.

  • S
    Jun. 25, 2025

    All My Family & Friends Campground

    Great place wonderful people !

    Beautiful lake. Wonderful new restroom and shower house. Onsite laundry with coin changer. Wonderful friendly staff and long term guests. Weekend breakfast, wings and pizza.

  • Tom O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2025

    Indianapolis KOA

    Convenient to Downtown Indy

    Used this campground as a home base to visit downtown Indy. 20 minutes to downtown attractions.

  • Stephanie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Summit Lake State Park Campground

    Good for hammocks

    I hammock camp so I'm always looking for places that have trees and are pretty. When I arrived I was a little worried because the first loop was flat, grassy and open with very few trees in the camp spots good for hammocks. The second loop had what I was looking for. Stayed in 76, beautiful spot with lots of tree cover. Campground hosts were very nice. Only downside is that sites are very close together and it's a popular campground (though I easily found a spot without a reservation on a Wednesday) so there isn't much privacy.

Guide to New Castle

Camping near New Castle, Indiana, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Ouabache State Park Campground where one reviewer mentioned, "The paved bike trail in the park starts near the campground and connects with a bike trail along the Wabash River." It's a great way to enjoy nature and get some exercise.
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At Summit Lake State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy fishing and kayaking. One camper shared, "There is a large (shallow) lake for fishing and kayaking," making it a perfect spot for water activities.
  • Playgrounds and Family Activities: Families will appreciate the playgrounds at Hidden Paradise Campground. A reviewer noted, "Nice playground, appears they have some cabins to be rented," which adds to the family-friendly atmosphere.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often rave about the cleanliness of the facilities. One visitor at Whitewater Memorial State Park Campground said, "The campground is clean. Standard-sized campsites. The restrooms and showers were clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the spacious sites at Indianapolis KOA. A reviewer mentioned, "They have all different types of sites. Pull through back in. Super deluxe, deluxe, full hookups etc."
  • Friendly Staff: The welcoming atmosphere is a highlight for many. One camper at Dayton KOA Holiday said, "Just kind and warm place," which makes for a pleasant stay.

What you should know

  • Site Variability: The size and privacy of campsites can vary. A camper at Ouabache State Park Campground noted, "The campsites are variable, size and privacy definitely depends on the site you book."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities. A visitor at Mounds State Park Campground mentioned, "There was also a raccoon bothering us most of the night," indicating that wildlife can be a factor.
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. One camper at White River Campground said, "Most RV sites were occupied, but only one other tent was out there."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. Hidden Paradise Campground has a nice playground, making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring kayaks or fishing gear to make the most of your stay. A family at Summit Lake State Park Campground enjoyed the "beach area for swimming" and "several picnic areas with beautiful views of the lake."
  • Book Early: If you're planning to camp on weekends, make reservations in advance. A camper at Hueston Woods State Park Campground advised, "Book early for weekends which are almost non-existent during the summer."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at Indianapolis KOA mentioned, "Plenty of length for our 45’ fifth wheel and dually truck."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. One camper at White River Campground appreciated the "FHU with a level concrete pad."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can be busy, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Dayton KOA Holiday noted, "Very tight spots. On top of each other," so be ready for close quarters.

Camping around New Castle, Indiana, has its perks and quirks. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family adventure, there's a campground that fits the bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in New Castle, Indiana?

While New Castle itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are within a reasonable driving distance. Summit Lake State Park Campground is one of the closest options, offering spacious campsites with large lawns and a beautiful lake with a beach area. Another nearby option is Cornerstone Campground, which provides drive-in access with water hookups and toilet facilities. For those willing to drive a bit further, you'll find Mounds State Park, White River Campground, and Westwood Park, all offering unique camping experiences with various amenities including hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and clean facilities. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak season.

How much does it cost to camp at New Castle, Indiana campgrounds?

Camping costs near New Castle, Indiana vary by location and amenities. At White River Campground, campsites are reasonably priced with free hot showers and WiFi included, making it an excellent value. Whitewater Memorial State Park Campground offers competitive rates typical of Indiana state parks, which generally range from $20-35 per night depending on hookups. Most state parks in the area (including Summit Lake and Mounds) charge entrance fees ($7-10 for in-state vehicles) in addition to camping fees. Private campgrounds like Indy Lakes and Indian Lakes typically charge higher rates ($35-60) but may offer more amenities. Many campgrounds offer discounts for extended stays and off-season camping. Reservation fees may apply when booking online.

Is tent camping available near New Castle, Indiana?

Yes, tent camping is readily available near New Castle, Indiana. Mounds State Park Campground welcomes tent campers with electric hookups and nice hiking trails. The campground offers essential amenities and a store at check-in for necessities. Another excellent option is Westwood Park, a small campground with clean facilities and access to one of central Indiana's clearest lakes (no gas motors allowed). Other tent-friendly options within driving distance include Whitewater Memorial State Park and White River Campground. Most tent sites in the area provide picnic tables, fire rings, and access to shower facilities. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer weekends and holidays.

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