Clark State Forest provides primitive glamping options near New Pekin, Indiana with sites available for $13-$18 per night. The forest spans over 24,000 acres of rolling hills and offers year-round access. Nearby campgrounds feature options ranging from tent sites to cabins, with several locations providing lake access and hiking opportunities within a 30-minute drive of New Pekin.
What to do
Explore cave systems: Marengo Cave Campgrounds offers camping just steps from exploring a National Natural Landmark. According to one visitor, "I was really surprised that in my 30 years of living in Indiana, I had never been to Marengo Cave. It's both great for kids and adults...There are extra activities for the kids such as mining and a nice gift shop for any rock lover out there." The cave tours operate until 5:00 PM daily.
Hike rugged trails: Jackson Washington State Forest features challenging hiking with significant elevation changes. A camper notes, "Jackson-Washington State forest encompasses 16,500 plus acres in the rolling hills of south central Indiana...The property offers several stunning hiking trails and some are of the more challenging nature due to the elevation changes." The forest's Skyline Drive provides panoramic views of Indiana's farmland.
Kayak on calm waters: Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground offers canoe, kayak and boat rentals for the 145-acre lake. "Beautiful lake with geese nesting areas and great fishing opportunities. Calm waters for kayaking," reports one visitor. Rentals are popular, so as a camper advises, "If you want to rent one of the kayaks, get to the office right at 8 or they will be gone for the day."
What campers like
Spacious lakefront sites: Campers appreciate the generous waterfront camping at Starve Hollow. One camper shared, "We stayed in site 21 which was right on the lake. All the lake front spots seem to have a good amount lakefront footage. We probably had at least 40 feet." These electric-only sites provide direct lake access.
Clean bathroom facilities: Charlestown State Park Campground maintains well-kept facilities. One reviewer stated, "Very clean and friendly state park. Quick stop over but would definitely stay again if in the area." Another visitor commented, "The campground is very large and very well kept. All the sites are pretty much the same with good spacing between them."
Privacy between sites: O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground offers secluded camping spaces. A camper noted, "several shaded sites w electric and water hookups. clean restrooms. great nature center w ranger tours. several hiking trails w various difficulties." Another mentioned, "Shaded and secluded...Some spots near the back would be nice and secluded like the 180s and 190s and they're still not too far from the bathrooms and playground."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Some glamping locations near New Pekin have connectivity challenges. At Marengo Cave Campgrounds, a reviewer pointed out "No cell service" while still giving the location five stars due to other amenities.
Uneven camping pads: Several campgrounds require leveling equipment. At Delaney Creek Park, a visitor cautioned, "Sites for RVs are concrete and you will need to level some on all of them. They have electric and water." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended.
Seasonal flooding: Some sites experience water issues during rainy periods. Regarding Starve Hollow, a camper warned, "some campsites flood easy." Check forecasts before selecting a site, especially in spring.
Additional entrance fees: Charlestown State Park requires payment beyond the camping fee. One camper advised, "Be aware of an additional $9 fee at the gate besides the camp fee." Budget for these extra costs when planning your stay.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playground options: Delaney Creek Park offers family-friendly facilities. A reviewer shared, "Great place to take your scout troop...Lots to do and also nothing to do. Bring whole Family and Friends for a great weekend or just a day." The park includes play areas, a basketball court, and a swimming beach.
Educational nature programs: O'Bannon Woods has ranger-led activities for children. A visitor mentioned, "great nature center w ranger tours" and another camper added, "My kids enjoyed the nature center, pioneer village, and one of the easy trails." These programs run primarily during summer months.
Protection from insects: Ticks can be problematic in forested areas near New Pekin. One camper at Youngs Creek Horse Camp advised, "The chorus frog do roar through the night. 100% worth it, make sure to bring bug spray, and travel carefully up the roads. Lots of wildlife, and kind people." Another reviewer at O'Bannon noted, "Tick were REALLY bad. Maybe the season, maybe the area, not sure."
Tips from RVers
Limited space for large rigs: Many glamping spots near New Pekin have size restrictions. At Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA, a visitor noted, "They were able to accommodate our 44ft 5th wheel and navigating to the site was simple." However, not all campgrounds can handle large units.
Hook-up locations may require extensions: Some sites have utilities positioned in non-standard locations. At Delaney Creek Park, a camper warned, "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. Same for water hookup."
Limited full hookup availability: Charlestown State Park offers some full-hookup sites but they're limited. A reviewer explained, "Most are electric only but we got one of the handful of full hookup sites. There is little shade to be found here." Reservations well in advance are recommended for these premium sites.
