Campgrounds near New Castle, Indiana offer a variety of camping experiences approximately 40 miles east of Indianapolis. The region features rolling Midwestern terrain with elevations ranging from 900-1100 feet and seasonal temperatures that vary from hot, humid summers to cold winters. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from April through October, with limited year-round options available for RV campers.
What to do
Water recreation at swimming lakes: Indian Lakes RV Campground features multiple fishing ponds and a lake with a beach area. "We love going camping here. We go at least 3 times a summer because of how peaceful it is," notes one visitor. Swimming is a popular summer activity at several New Castle area campgrounds.
Outdoor games and playground access: Many campgrounds provide dedicated play areas for families. Prairie Creek Park offers fishing and boating options in a county recreation area. "Clean campground in a county recreation area. Loved by local boaters and anglers," reports a visitor.
Seasonal events and entertainment: Some campgrounds host weekend activities during peak season. At Natural Springs Resort, located just across the Ohio border, "The lake is nice and clear, pretty cold (would love to feel it in August or September). Fun to jump into and overall pretty."
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the quieter settings available at certain campgrounds. "This is our second visit to this KOA. It is spacious and quiet! There is PLENTY of room and folks are always friendly," notes a visitor to Muncie RV Resort.
Community support: The camping community near New Castle often proves welcoming. One camper at Prairie Creek Park shares a touching story: "We had a 10 person tent that we had no clue how to put up. We left to get more supplies and upon returning we found 10 guys waiting to help us put it up! We had no idea who they were, but they put the tent and another screen tent for us and refused to be paid."
Affordable options: Some campgrounds offer economical rates. At Prairie Creek Park, a visitor notes it's "Great fishing, clean lake" and simply states it's "Cheap."
What you should know
Campsite quality varies: Site conditions differ significantly between campgrounds. At Grandpas Farm Camp Ground, visitors find well-maintained facilities. "The bathrooms and showers were clean," reports a recent visitor.
Highway noise concerns: Some campgrounds experience road noise. "This is a great campground for RVs and cabins, but unfortunately not for tents as the highway 69 is too noisy," reports a camper at Mystic Waters Campground.
Seasonal operation: Most RV campgrounds near New Castle, Indiana operate seasonally. Grandpas Farm Camp Ground runs from April 1 to November 1, while others like Prairie Creek Park close October 31st for winter. "Campground is closing 10/31/22 for the winter," notes a visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated recreation areas: S and H Campground has extensive family amenities. "Very nice campground. They have a little section full of carnival like rides. Several playgrounds! Campground big and spacious," shares a family visitor.
Consider shoulder season visits: For fewer crowds at popular family campgrounds, visit in late spring or early fall. "This would be a fun place to spend a long weekend with your family," notes a camper at S and H Campground.
Check family-friendly facility maintenance: Facility upkeep impacts family experiences. "There is a pool, worn out putt-putt, a little restaurant, small carnivalesque rides, and a decent camp store. The Saturday night we stayed they were playing a kids movie in one part of the campground," reports a visitor at S and H Campground.
Tips from RVers
Level site availability: RVers should inquire about site leveling before arrival. At Indian Lakes RV Campground, a visitor notes "campgrounds spots for the most part are level fishing is very good reasonable priceing."
Hookup reliability: Check on electrical service quality for larger RVs. "During our stay we did not access the restroom, laundry, recreation or store areas as we were practicing social distancing. We plan to make many return trips to this campground in the future," shares an RV camper at Indian Lakes.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging road conditions. At Indian Lakes RV Campground, a visitor reports "it was hard navigating through the potholes and mud holes with being 62' long."
