136 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Southern Indiana's rolling hills surrounding New Pekin feature a mix of state forests, recreation areas, and developed campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Campgrounds near New Pekin range from primitive tent sites with no hookups to full-hookup RV sites and lakeside cabins, giving campers concrete options across every comfort level. Clark State Forest, located directly in New Pekin, offers year-round primitive camping with basic amenities like drinking water and picnic tables but no electric hookups or shower facilities. Nearby, the Knobstone Trail provides backcountry camping opportunities for hikers seeking solitude, while Deam Lake State Recreation Area in Borden offers more developed sites with full hookups for RVs, cabins for those seeking shelter, and tent camping areas. The region's camping options range from rustic forest settings to lakeside recreation areas with swimming and boating access.
Reservations are highly recommended for established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends and fall color season when sites fill quickly. Many state park properties charge an entrance fee ($7-9) in addition to camping fees, which visitors should factor into trip planning. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with better coverage at developed campgrounds and limited to no service in more remote forest locations. As one camper noted about nearby dispersed camping: "Have a paper map handy, as there is no cell signal and GPS was spotty." Weather conditions remain relatively mild year-round, though spring can bring significant rainfall that affects trail conditions and site accessibility, particularly at primitive locations.
The landscape features numerous lakes and reservoirs that serve as focal points for recreation. Campers consistently rate waterfront sites highest, though these premium locations require advance booking. Wildlife encounters, particularly with raccoons, are common throughout the region's campgrounds. Families appreciate the abundance of playgrounds and swimming areas at state recreation sites, while those seeking solitude might prefer the more remote forest service campgrounds. As one visitor to Jackson Trailhead noted: "This is quiet, secluded, and beautiful." Fall brings spectacular foliage displays, making it both the most scenic and crowded season. Weekday camping offers significantly more solitude than weekends, when many campgrounds near Louisville and Indianapolis fill with urban visitors seeking outdoor recreation.
"I used this location as my FOB for a weekend of hiking in southern Indiana. The campground was nice."
"Great sites close to the lake"
from $33 - $64 / night
Check Availability"We biked throughout the park and hiked 4 of the trails, 3 of which were pretty rugged and all had elevation changes for a good hiking challenge. "
"It's a fairly new park on the site that used to be the Indiana Ammunition Plant. Good-sized sites with a very helpful staff. I hiked trail 2 and found the waterfall and several other gorgeous views."
from $33 - $40 / night
Check Availability"The sites are well-spaced and there’s a beautiful lake where you can kayak, canoe, fish, let your dog swim, etc. Disc golf is the big activity at this park. Awesome walking path and a petting zoo."
"Beautiful lake views. Staggered sites so everyone has space and views. The walk around the lake is lovely. No WiFi but they said the are having it installed. T-Mobile had good service."
from $12 - $60 / night
Check Availability"The lake is GORGEOUS. Sites have mature trees, variety of singing birds. Really nice stay here as we were passing through."
"A lot of things to do around the campground, and kids will absolutely love it."
from $45 - $125 / night
Check Availability"There are lakeside camping lots. Also there are larger full hookup lots away from the lake"
"Starve Hollow State Recreation Area is 280 acres that are adjacent to Jackson-Washington State Forest (18,000 acres)."
from $33 - $52 / night
Check Availability"The KT is rugged and has lots of elevation gains over short distances. Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail snd creek beds."
"Most people, even Hoosiers don't realize the Knobstone Trail exists. It's often referred to The Little AT by those who know about it. It's no walk in the park."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"There is a dump station at the exit. The only negative comment about this park is, every lot slopes down towards the lake."
"Its at the start to a Fifty mile trail ( Knobstone Trail) or you can do the Delaney Loop in about 6 hours. ( 7.5 miles and 2000 ft elevation change ) a good challenge for all ages. trail is well marked"
"there’s parking after a decrepit gravel road and suitable for camping. there are campsites along the trail just have to find them"
"There is also no sewer hookup at the site which I assumed was wrong, because I have never been to an Indiana state park with sewer hookup on site."
"The campground is near the trail to the old abandoned bridge which is well worth the hike. The fire tower has a commanding view."
from $23 - $496 / night
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ScoutCampground seemed like a tight fit coming in near dark fall. Lots of shaded sites. Storm ran through that night and lots of dead limbs came down all over. Got a hole in my roof. Overall decent stay and had a cool neighbor
ScoutLove taking the kid to hardy lake. Smaller lake to fish on with a trolling motor canoe but big enough they allow gas motors. Have a few favorite sites for the camper.
ScoutExcellent source for camping
ScoutThis is not great camping . There are paved roads and private property all throughout the majority of the “National Forest” and “Wilderness”. People speed down these roads at 40mph in the middle of the night . The campsites are littered with glass and trash . As we were driving out , we passed a campfire that was not extinguished properly . It is clear that the local communities do not maintain or respect this land .
Also - there are ticks , beware
ScoutThis is a great place for some quiet camping. There were four out five sites taken. The night was full of forest sounds and very little of anything else.
ScoutSpur of the moment stop for the day and I’m glad we did! Friendly, quick and easy check-in. Despite there being long term RV’ers here it is clean and well maintained. And full hookups at a great price…if you’re in the area and need to rest…make sure you stop here!
GuideThe campground is very nice with decent sized sites and very clean. The bath houses are kept in good order and the camp store is nearby for everything you forgot.
One important thing. There is no water at the sites. you have to fill your tanks at a central spigot before setting up. 5o map power was great.
ScoutThis place is amazing it's super clean And beautiful
ScoutVery clean. Well kept, mostly full shade . Easy access to ramp on lake.
Primitive camping options near New Pekin, Indiana range from the densely forested valley areas of Clark State Forest to lakefront settings within a 30-mile radius. Situated in the Crawford Upland region, the terrain features steep slopes with elevations between 600-900 feet and limestone bedrock formations that create unique camping conditions. Trail access can become muddy after rainfall, particularly in lower-lying campsites.
Kayaking on calm waters: Deam Lake State Recreation Area offers rental options for those wanting to explore the 145-acre lake. "The lake looked very nice and is electric motor only. It will be nice to head back with the kayaks. You may need a permit for all boats, so check before you go," shares Tom J. about this Deam Lake State Recreation Area campsite near New Pekin.
Hiking through varied terrain: Buffalo Trace Park features a walking path around the lake suitable for all skill levels. "Awesome walking path and a petting zoo. The park is exceptionally clean," notes Kelsie E. about this Buffalo Trace County Park destination.
Explore historic structures: Spring Mill State Park contains a fully restored pioneer village with operational buildings. "We also went for a hike to see Donaldson cave and the kids absolutely loved it! It was beautiful, and the highlight of the trip," reports Jessie W. about Spring Mill State Park.
Cabin accommodations: Rustic cabin options range from basic to modern throughout the region. "We stayed last night in the Cardinal Cabin. Tons of privacy and the best bathrooms I have ever seen. Not a single bug and they even had antibacterial hand soap at every sink," notes Angela F. about her experience at Deam Lake.
Lakefront camping: Sites directly on the water provide fishing access and scenic views. "Sites for RVs are concrete and you will need to level some on all of them. They have electric and water. Reasonable prices," explains Pamela H. about Delaney Creek Park, though she cautions that "you can't get near the water to fish anywhere by the lake due to the weeds."
Secluded forest settings: For those seeking quiet wilderness camping, Jackson Trailhead offers primitive sites. "There's parking after a decrepit gravel road and suitable for camping. There are campsites along the trail just have to find them," shares a camper about the Jackson Trailhead area.
Site conditions vary significantly: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring additional equipment. "Sites are level, water is good, power is stable at 118 VAC. The sewer entry on our site is plain PVC so we had to use a foam doughnut to secure the elbow with 20' of hose," reports Charlie M. about Camp Raintree Lake.
Park entry fees apply: Most state properties charge additional entrance fees. "Be aware of an additional $9 fee at the gate besides the camp fee," notes Donna T. about Charlestown State Park.
Water access limitations: Several lakes have restrictions on motorized boats. "The lake allows boats with electric trolling motor only," explains a reviewer about Starve Hollow State Recreation Area.
Look for dedicated amenities: Several parks feature kid-friendly facilities. "A large beach is available for swimming from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Restrooms, dressing facilities, showers, and food concessions are available to visitors," notes a reviewer about Starve Hollow.
Consider fall visits: Autumn provides ideal camping weather and spectacular foliage. "Beautiful in the Fall!" shares Lauren M. about Charlestown State Park, noting that "this campground is very family-friendly and fun. There are horse trails, a beach, and great water for swimming/kayaking/canoeing."
Check facility operating schedules: Amenities may be limited in off-seasons. "Being the first weekend in April, the water wasn't turned on so there were no modern restrooms/shower houses available," explains Joshua W. about early season camping at Deam Lake.
Bring leveling equipment: Many sites require significant adjustment for level placement. "If you have levelers, should not be a problem, but be sure to bring extra, because it's a good 3" to 5". We have a small class C and we had to raise the back end (facing the lake) off the ground with our hydraulic levelers," advises Lora H. about Delaney Creek Park.
Extension cords may be necessary: Utility hookups aren't always conveniently placed. "The electric and water hookups are not in standard locations for RV hookups. Make sure you bring an extension for your electric hookup, otherwise you might not be able to reach the post," warns Kelsie E.
Check road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "The decent into this park is steep and the road is narrow. I think there is one section that is close to 8%, however it's short," cautions Lora H. about navigating to Delaney Creek Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near New Pekin, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, New Pekin, IN offers a wide range of camping options, with 136 campgrounds and RV parks near New Pekin, IN and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near New Pekin, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Pekin, IN is Deam Lake State Recreation Area Campground with a 4-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near New Pekin, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near New Pekin, IN.
What parks are near New Pekin, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near New Pekin, IN that allow camping, notably Hoosier National Forest and Patoka Lake.
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