Best Campgrounds near North Vernon, IN

Camping near North Vernon, Indiana, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Clifty Falls State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “The trails were really great! It was hot, but the wooded hiking trails helped keep us comfortable.”
• Fishing and Boating: At Paynetown Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating on Lake Monroe. A camper shared, “This campground is by far cheaper than the other DNR sites and way better.”
• Wildlife Watching: Starve Hollow State Rec Area is perfect for spotting local wildlife. One reviewer noted, “The lake was beautiful! Bathrooms were decent, and bugs weren’t as bad as I expected.”

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Big Bone Lick State Park Campground remarked, “The bathhouse was also clean... the showers here are awesome!”
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Hardin Ridge, offer spacious sites that provide privacy. One camper said, “Beautiful spacious sites. Spread out with plenty of room between sites.”
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds such as Charlestown State Park Campground are great for families. A reviewer mentioned, “My children loved all the playgrounds around the state park, great trails.”

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Hueston Woods State Park Campground warned, “Don’t go here if you expect peace and quiet. Music blaring and yelling all night long.”
• Site Conditions: Not all sites are level. A visitor at Buffalo Ridge Campground noted, “Pay attention to your campsite for slope and camper accessibility.”
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for raccoons and other wildlife. One camper at Hueston Woods State Park Campground mentioned, “The raccoons were an absolute menace. Be vigilant with your food!”

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Spring Mill State Park Campground, which has plenty of activities for kids. A visitor said, “The pioneer village is beautiful and really something to see with staff playing as villagers of the period.”
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep the kids engaged. One camper at Paynetown Campground mentioned, “Lots to do, hike, fish, boat and hit the beach.”
• Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep the family fueled with snacks. A reviewer at Starve Hollow State Rec Area noted, “The bait shop was a wonderful bonus.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Levels: Make sure to check the level of your site before setting up. A camper at Clifty Falls State Park Campground mentioned, “The sites suck not level... the electric situation is poor.”
• Book Early for Weekends: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, especially during peak season. A visitor at Hueston Woods State Park Campground advised, “Book early for weekends which are almost non-existent during the summer.”
• Bring Leveling Blocks: Many sites may require leveling blocks. A camper at Paynetown Campground noted, “Many of these sites have a bad incline & people were putting their rigs sideways on the site close to the road.”

Camping near North Vernon, Indiana, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time enjoying the outdoors!