Glamping close to New Castle, Indiana offers alternatives to standard campgrounds with full hookups and tent sites. The area sits at approximately 1000 feet above sea level in Indiana's Driftless Region, characterized by rolling hills and numerous water features. Campgrounds provide year-round access with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s and winter lows dipping below freezing, making seasonal timing crucial for comfort.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds feature stocked ponds and riverside access points. At White River Campground, campers appreciate the easy river access. "There's a ramp into the river right there, trails, clean. I love this place and feel completely safe," notes Glenda S.
**Water recreation: Beyond standard swimming pools, some properties feature natural swimming areas. "The pond was great with the inflatables and water toys available for use. The camp store is large and offers food. There were many activities put on by the campground," shared Amy H. about Kamp Modoc.
**Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds maintain wooded disc golf courses suitable for beginners and intermediate players. One visitor to Cornerstone Campground mentioned it has a "nice disk golf course. Showers bathroom game room and general store. Nice owners they have church on Sunday. Hardly hear the humm of the hwy."
What campers like
**Spacious sites: Unlike crowded RV parks, some locations offer breathing room between campsites. A camper at Cornerstone Campground noted, "Lots are level and include a picnic table and fire pit, with nice space between sites. The campsite is immaculate and well appointed."
**Water features: Many campers specifically mention enjoying the combination of swimming areas with floating activities. At Mystic Waters Campground, "Our floats on the lake while listening to DMB on the speakers was just a perfect way to spend the day," according to Brandi D.
**Entertainment options: Seasonal concert series and themed weekends provide added value. "Really friendly staff. Love when they put concerts on. Love the swimming pool," says Erin S. of Spring Valley Camp Grounds.
What you should know
**Reservation requirements: Most popular glamping sites fill quickly during summer months, especially on weekends. White River Campground warns on its website that sites are often booked months in advance.
**Accessibility considerations: Not all campgrounds provide the same level of accessibility. "Site numbers were hard to see unless you walked up to each site with a flashlight. Not sure why campgrounds make their site numbers so allusive," reports Douglas T. about Hidden Paradise Campground.
**Additional costs: Some campgrounds charge extra for amenities beyond basic accommodation. A visitor noted, "On top of the camping prices you had to pay to swim in the quarry. $10-$15 per day per person. They were also renting golf carts for $100 per day."
Tips for camping with families
**Kid-friendly activities: Seek out campgrounds with dedicated play areas and water features. Trevor N. shared this about Cornerstone Campground: "Beautiful campground. Great for all kinds of camping from primitive to full hook up. Tons of stuff for kids to do. Everyone was friendly."
**Bathroom facilities: Check for modern restrooms when glamping with children. "Bathrooms are decent. Playground is newly remodeled. Laundry onsite, wood for sale, and some wifi," reports Jeremiah G. about White River Campground.
**Swimming options: Properties with swimming areas offer entertainment without leaving camp. "The quarry was great with the inflatables and water toys available for use... There were many activities put on by the campground," notes a family that stayed at Kamp Modoc.
Tips from RVers
**Site selection: Many glamping options near New Castle have varying site sizes and layouts. At Indianapolis KOA, Michelle M. shared, "Very friendly staff. This was our first ever outing with our class A. The grounds were clean and safe. It's very close to an interstate so it's not exactly a picturesque setting."
**Hookup information: Full-service sites offer convenience but may cost more. "Totally delightful, some full timers and part timers, many parks and benches to sit on. We used electric and water hook up. Free dump and dumpsters. Laundry unit available," notes Crystal R. about their stay.
**Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging entrance roads. Douglas T. warned about Hidden Paradise: "This little road is quite narrow, has some pretty tight turns with trees on both sides and in the night it's hard to tell where the rear end of your camper is on the turns where there are trees close to the road."
