Best Cabin Camping near Otterbein, IN
Looking for a place to cabin camp near Otterbein? Find the best information on cabins near Otterbein, including photos, reviews, and tips. Search nearby cabins or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Looking for a place to cabin camp near Otterbein? Find the best information on cabins near Otterbein, including photos, reviews, and tips. Search nearby cabins or find top-rated spots from other campers.
As Indiana’s second state park, Turkey Run Campground was established in 1916. The story behind its name suggests that local hunters would find herds of wild turkeys gathering in the area’s narrow canyon bottoms—called “runs”—and funnel them out for easy harvesting. The area’s natural history goes back a little father—upwards of 600 million years. It was around this time that the sandstone and coal deposits seen in the park were being formed and compacted in a vast, swampy plain. Fast-forward several million years, and Ice Age meltwaters cut and scoured the creeks, canyons, and potholes seen today. Some of the glacial erratics (boulders) seen in the park are actually pieces of bedrock that were transported from as far north as Canada. Visitors to Turkey Run can explore these unique canyons, enjoy the park’s natural scenery, fish and paddle in Sugar Creek, and see several historic sites.
Located 10 miles north of Rockville, and 70 miles west of Indianapolis, Turkey Run State Park is year-round nature and recreation area covering nearly 2,400 acres along Sugar Creek. The campground at Turkey Run features more than 200 tent and RV sites with electrical hookups, picnic tables and fire pits with cooking grills; some sites are ADA accessible. Most sites are back-in and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 45 feet; a few pull-throughs can accommodate larger. All sites have access to drinking water, flush and vault restrooms, and showers; two dump stations are available onsite. There are also two primitive tent camping areas for youth groups, several cabins for rent, and the historic Turkey Run Inn, which offers 61 lodge rooms, a dining room, and meeting spaces. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed. Campsites raters are $23–$33/night; other accommodations range from $67–$110/night; reservations accepted.
Besides exploring Turkey Run’s canyon runs, the park offers a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and sports courts. The park’s nature center showcases a variety of exhibits and interactive activities to educate visitors about the park’s geology, flora and fauna. Park naturalists offer guided hikes and nature walks, animal talks and campfire programs. Swimming is not permitted in Sugar Creek, but anglers can fish for bass and bluegill, and paddlers can head out in canoes and kayaks. Swimmers are invited to enjoy the park’s Olympic-sized swimming pool for cooling off during the warmer months. The park also offers hayrides and guided horseback rides. For a blast from the past, visitors can also tour the historic Lusk Home. Built in 1841, this restored European home displays a lifestyle from a bygone era. Watch out for the resident raccoons.
$20 - $35 / night
$30 - $45 / night
While visiting Cass County, discover the best that outdoor recreation has to offer at France Park. Swimming or scuba diving in the crystal clear water of a long ago abandoned stone quarry, hiking, biking or cross country skiing the 5-7 miles of well maintained trails, fishing in Lake Trimer, camping at one of the 200 modern or primitive campsites and the 24 hole Disc Golf course are some of the many activities available.
There are over 200 wooded campsites,both primitive and electric. Primitive sites ,only, are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Modern sites can be made by reservations. 130 sites have electricity which consists of 30 amp, 50 amp and 110 Volt plug ins. Water hook up is also available for most modern sites. There is no direct sewer hook up but we do provide a dump station. We also have one Primitive Cabin. It has a bunk bed and a double bed, which sleeps four people in total. NO Dogs allowed in the Cabin. The campground has two shower houses, one newly built with private showers rooms, and several playgrounds, there is also The Old Kenith Depot Store that sells ice, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, and ice cream. Everything the camper needs!
$18 - $45 / night
$9 - $49 / night
Staff was extremely helpful as this was our first trip with the new camper. Was very quiet. Clean shower and bathroom.
Hit a little rough patch in life and needed a break from sleeping in the car and hotels . All the staff at the park were very friendly and understanding of our situation. At $20 a nite for tent site ,showers ,clean toilets ,whole park is very clean ! Lots of things to do here and the waterfall was our fav part ! Deff will be back when in the area . Our site was right down the Rd from the waterfall so had a great view !
Highway is louder than you’d think. No good night rest had. People spy on you just to report you. Main office head woman will not work with you and just give you a flat no when you ask about a refund.
Shade, grass, and gravel sites. A lot better than most KOAs. They ask that you not put outdoor rugs on grass; no problem as grass is nice. Sites 1-10 are your best bet for Starlink if that’s what you have; best opening through tree canopy of the northern sky. Pet friendly; counted three cats and a dog in the office when I checked in. Was given the option of choosing my site out of the seven available for my reservation. A mix of long term residents and travelers; some of the long term resident sites were a little junky.
We stayed in buddy sites 81 and 82. Buddy sites are large, have full hookup, fire pits, and picnic tables. Lots of dogs around, pricing was about $50 a night per site. Restrooms had showers as well which made it easy to rinse off the mud. Great time all around.
We booked a primitive site, on a Friday night. We arrived and were the only ones in the primitive area, which for us was awesome. We got set up and was able to go for a walk and check out the trails, buildings, and the village. Everything was perfect. The host was so friendly, she came over and talked and gave us some background on the location, and things we could do for future visits. The shower, and bathrooms were nice, and clean, as was all areas of the campground.
Turkey Run is a fabulous state park with a nice campground. My only complaint about the campground is that many sites are in an open, level area without a lot of trees or bushes between them. You don’t have a lot of privacy. Two sections of the campground, with the higher numbered sites, are much more wooded. If I go again, I will try to be there!
But the campground has two large modern bathrooms that are cleaned regularly. It also has clean well maintained vault toilets throughout the campground. Best of all, from the back of the campground you can access Trail 7, a moderate level trail that leads unexpectedly to a small stream running past a recessed cave. It’s a peaceful spot.
Be advised that a “moderate” hike at Turkey Run can be challenging, with plenty of steps up and down the hillsides. Many of the trails go along stream beds, so you often need to make your way across the rocks to avoid wet feet. Be prepared with hiking boots and sticks.
There are two covered bridges on the edges of the park. Be sure to check them out!
So far nothings working out
Turkey Run is arguably the most popular campground (and state park) in Indiana and has its pros and cons.
It is definitely designed to accommodate RVs, as the majority of the sites are situated in an open field. There are a few dozen sites that are in “loops” that are situated in shaded areas. Some camp sites have zero privacy while others have a little. Either way, if you’re here on a weekend, you’ll definitely have neighbors close by. You can see the entire campground via google maps street view, just FYI
This is a very family friendly campground and you will see lots of kids on bicycles flying around. I’ve stayed here a few times, and no matter the day of the week or the time of year, there are always lots of kids.
This campground has a raccoon “problem” due to campers having poor camp etiquette and feeding them. They come out of the woods towards dusk looking for food. They will come right up to you without hesitation, so don’t be alarmed if there’s one next to you while you cook s’mores over your fire (ask me how I know, hah). They will take any food that is left out. Do not turn your back to your dinner table at any time if there’s food out.
On my last visit to turkey run (I’ve camped here 3 or 4 times) I arrived to my campsite and someone had left dog food out for the raccoons in little piles all over the place which was super disappointing. Additionally, my neighbors didn’t put their campfire out when they packed up and left.
Perhaps I’m just used to camping in other areas where you have to worry about bears and burning the forests down…But campers here just aren’t as mindful or respectful of the campground.
The restrooms and showers (at least the one I use at this campground) is modernized and cleaned daily but there’s no dish pit/wash room available if you cook. Just be prepared to clean up accordingly and put trash in trash receptacles. There are a few vault toilets in the campground as well.
You can hike from the CG into the state park (highly recommend. It’s gorgeous!) just wear shoes that youre willing to get wet.
Overall, it’s a beautiful state park with a conveniently located campground. It’s not the best campground ever but for Indiana standards, it’s great. Even with my complaints, I always return because I enjoy visiting and hiking through the state park.
I stayed by the lake, the spaces there are parallel to the road. Which gives you a beautiful view of the lake. I was there early in April when all the flowering trees were in bloom! Full hook up made it even the nicer!
Kinda of outdated facilities and some rundown recreation but hiking and swimming are fun
We had a great two night visit right on the creek! Rented kayaks for a 3 mile adventure! Owners are super friendly and helpful. I would advise to camp during the week for a less crowded time. Would love to come back!
Check in quick and easy. Campsite level and clearly marked. Ours was a full hookup site and everything worked as should. A big bonus was that there is a shuttle bus that runs to the amusement park every half hour. The park has security that roams through the park which was a plus. Had T-mobile cell service but weak.
While this is always listed among the top Indiana state parks because of its amazing beauty and historic sites, the campgrounds are not up to the same level. The shower houses are old. No sinks, no flush toilets, no solid doors for privacy. Just curtains. So yes, that means put/vault toilets only, and there is no light for a middle of the night visit except the flashlight you will hopefully remember. Other state parks in the area do have modern shower houses. If you are disabled or just prefer better hygiene amenities, camp at Raccoon Lake SRA and take day trips to Turkey Run. I’m not sure of the status of nearby Shades Stare Park comfort facilities since we haven’t camped there yet.
We keep coming back for more. Disc golf. Hiking. Biking. Tent camping. Fishing. Lounging. Driving range. Always something to do. The best thing to do here in my opinion is relax in the shade with and good book while the kids play at the park.
Not a lot of tent-camping options, but we found a nice open area not far from the showers. Quiet campground in September. I would do this again...
Place was huge and packed. Really nice and it was quiet to sleep with nice facilities.
This campground is amazing and relatively unknown. Opened in May 2022, built on an old golf course, it's a must camp spot for avid campers.
No room to fish, can't fish after dark, don't tell you what spots are reserved, no afternoon shade, sits on the highway. And don't even think about a refund even if you're there less than an hour. I grew up camping, I camp very regularly even when it's frosting. I have never in my life even considered one close to a highway but we were trying to stay local and try somewhere new. Rude,crowded,ghetto, inconsiderate and they don't tell you any of the rules until they got your money in the bank. Definitely a MUST AVOID!!!
Our very first trip in our new pop up camper. Our site was sunny in the morning and early afternoon with some shade beginning late afternoon. Had a concrete patio under the picnic table. The table was oversized, which was kind of nice, except our covers wouldn’t fit. Nearest bath house was okay, but definitely showing it’s age, including broken mirrors. Showers are temporary valve type without adjustable temperature.
Splash pad was really nice, but a few elements were not working. Pool at neighboring KOA is supposed to be available, but was under repair. Seems like a lot of little things like that could use some attention here. You do get a discount on amusement park/water park tickets with a two night stay, and there’s a free shuttle.
Overall it was a good stay and we would return, but would like to see some more attention to the facilities.
We just left after a 2 night stay and we’re really pleased with this camp ground. The staff were very friendly and wanted to make sure our stay was the best it could be.
Our primitive tent site was in the very back isolated from the rest of the grounds. A port-a-potty was near by, but the shower house was a short drive away. Also, the site, 27C, was alone with timber separating it from the nearest site. The downside to this site is the morning/afternoon sun, but we adapted with a pop-up canopy and positioning our tent to utilize the little shady available.
The shower house was one of the cleanest we’ve seen and the staff makes a concerted effort to keep it that way.
The camp store was a nice convenience and wood delivery was a plus.
Lastly, features include a pond to fish (and rental of paddle boats/canoes) where my son and I caught two decent sized fish from the dock. Playground, volleyball court, and a half court basketball were right off the backside fishing dock.
My family and I have camped here twice, and we love it. Sometimes we just come for the day to go swimming, hiking, fishing. It's beautiful.
We used to go here every summer like clockwork but the last few time the add on have become ridiculous to the point it was cheaper to stay in a resort than go camping here. Overall it’s nice but very commercial. Not well regulated as far and camper conduct. Witnessed several fights and drunken behavior. Cars tearing out through the night. The campground is great but the people make it difficult and for the price it’s just not worth it.
We stayed in the modern section of the campground. This is the electric and water only section. The sites range from very uneven to moderately uneven in this section. The full hookup site section is flat but with less tree cover. The sites in modern electric water only can be awkward to back into with no room to pull forward due to a ditch in some areas. We stayed in site 10 which was uneven, no room for a tent, and small. Next time we would try 9. The campground offers a beach and fairly busy fishing lake, some trails. Over all it was less busy on opening weekend than Turkey run or raccoon lake.
Ashley here with The Dyrt. I love the thought and effort that went into each lodging experience. The TiPi is right on the river and there's also a hot tub available for soaking. Come check out this magical place and then come back here to leave a review!
This was recommended to me from a friend. Very clean and well kept, smaller but with direct access to an awesome creek. Kids played in the creek all day long. Cheap and plentiful firewood. Really friendly and family owned
Large campground with spacious sites. The pictures for each site and details they give while booking are pretty good. However, it said 202 was level and for a tent there's def a bit of a slope (manageable but definitely present). The women at the gate was friendly and buying firewood from her was easy. Only checked out the pit toilets near our site, but they were incredibly clean!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Otterbein, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Otterbein, IN is Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 66 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Otterbein, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 cabin camping locations near Otterbein, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.