The North Salem camping area sits at an elevation of approximately 900 feet above sea level in west-central Indiana, where glacial deposits created the region's gently rolling terrain. Camping options cluster along Sugar Creek, a 90-mile tributary of the Wabash River flowing through limestone gorges carved during the last ice age. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October with peak season crowds occurring on holiday weekends.
What to do
Hike rugged trails: Turkey Run State Park offers some of Indiana's most challenging hiking paths. "This a great primitive campground. It is a short distance from Turkey Run SP if you are looking of a modern campground experience," notes Keith M. about Shades State Park Campground.
Fish in stocked ponds: Many campgrounds maintain fishing areas for guests. Ryan H. at Sugar Creek Campground reports "The creek is loaded with small mouth bass, some large mouth, gar, bluegill, and carp." Some ponds have catch-and-release policies, so check regulations before keeping fish.
Float on Sugar Creek: The waterway provides popular tubing, kayaking, and canoeing opportunities. "We had a great two night visit right on the creek! Rented kayaks for a 3 mile adventure!" shares Pat M. A typical float trip ranges from 2-4 miles and costs $15-30 per person, with most outfitters providing transportation back to your starting point.
Play disc golf: Several campgrounds feature disc golf courses on their properties. Sugar Creek Campground offers a course for guests, and according to Amy Y., "The park is great, they offer disc golf, Gaga, and other fun activities." Bring your own discs or check if rentals are available at camp stores.
What campers like
Shaded camping areas: Many visitors appreciate the tree cover at local campgrounds. Kate M. notes Shades State Park provides "Nice quiet campground with spacious sites. Canopied by the big beautiful Indiana trees. Close to some good hiking trails."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area generally maintain their amenities well. Samantha S. mentions "The bathrooms were super clean and the showers were hot with good water pressure" at Turkey Run State Park.
Family activities: Multiple recreation options keep everyone entertained. According to Alyssa M., "We love the family friendly atmosphere, and all of the extras they offer for the kids! There is a great pond for fishing, and there are lots of fish to catch!"
Cooler creek-side spots: During summer heat, waterfront sites provide natural cooling. "Sites by the river are especially nice," notes Ivana H. about Sugar Creek Campground. Creek-side sites often cost $5-10 more but provide direct water access and better airflow during hot months.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: While some campgrounds offer privacy, others place units closely together. At Crawfordsville KOA, Hope H. cautions, "This campsite would be great if you were staying in an RV, camper, or one of the cabins, but the tent sites are terrible. They are right next to the highway."
Seasonal bathroom closures: Some facilities close during shoulder seasons. Lake Waveland Park's primitive camping area requires a longer walk to restrooms, with William David S. noting "Not fancy, some updating of infrastructure is due."
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife may visit your campsite. Joe K. warns, "Raccoons will show up at night so pack up your snacks" when staying at Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental.
Reservation requirements: Popular weekends fill quickly, especially at state parks. Michelle M. recommends planning ahead: "We stayed at site #35. It is in a very quiet, off the main road, in a circle, in full shade. It's is very close to the restroom but a distance from the camp store and dumpster."
Tips for camping with families
Shallow creek access: Sugar Creek provides natural water play areas for children. "The creek is awesome for catching tadpoles and minnows," writes Gretchen G. about Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC.
Weekday visits preferred: For quieter experiences with fewer crowds, plan mid-week trips. Katie H. reports, "We arrived on Thursday on April 29th and the place was empty. Some of the sites are pretty close together, but we booked site 41 which is a double site."
Non-hiking recreation: Beyond trails, families appreciate additional activities. According to Kaley A., Turkey Run offers diverse options: "This park is just other-worldly. We loved it. We hiked Trail 3, which has the ladders, and parts of trail 10, 4, and 2."
Educational opportunities: Use camping trips as learning experiences. Cynthia K. describes Turkey Run State Park Campground as a place with unique geological features: "This is a hikers park & it has some of the most rugged trails in Indiana... Trail 1 is.75M, but considered rugged. It has a lot of scenic views & a unique waterfall."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. Michelle M. notes about Turkey Run State Park: "The site was very uneven. It definitely sloops to the back corner. It was difficult to level our camper but we got it in the end."
Electric options: Most dog friendly campgrounds near North Salem provide electric hookups. Leif D. reports, "All except the 'youth sites' had 110, 30, and 50 amp power. I was able to charge my ev without issue" at Turkey Run State Park.
Internet connectivity: Cell coverage varies throughout the region. Shirley M. at Lieber State Recreation Area Campground shares "We were working and we were grateful StarLink worked well" while staying at Poplar Grove Electric campground.
Sewer hookup placement: At some campgrounds, utility connections may be positioned inconveniently. One RV visitor noted, "Sewer hookup was all the way at the end of the site, needed extra extension to hook up sewer." Bring additional hose lengths to ensure comfortable connections.
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