Looking for the ultimate RV camping experience near Patoka Lake? Find the best information on RV camping near Patoka Lake, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your RVing experience. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Patoka Lake's most popular destinations.
Immerse yourself in the magic of America's Christmas Hometown with a stay at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph, formerly known as Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort. Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of southern Indiana, our resort offers a range of unforgettable camping and lodging experiences that cater to families of all sizes.
Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph, a two-time National RV Park of the Year, is nestled in the captivating town of Santa Claus. Discover spacious RV and tent sites, charming vacation rentals, and breathtaking scenery.
Experience an extraordinary stay with incredible amenities and activities. Dive into Santa's SplashDown WaterPark, make a splash at Blitzen Bay pool, and enjoy miniature golf. Treat yourself at our snack bar, let your furry friends play in the dog park, and embrace outdoor adventures like fishing, paddle boating, and scenic trails. Explore Santa Claus' magical attractions, including Santa's Candy Castle and the Santa Claus Christmas Store, with Holiday World Theme Park nearby.
Create cherished memories and embrace the joy and wonder of Santa Claus at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph. Your adventure awaits!
$45 - $101 / night
Conveniently located along I-64 and HWY 66, our Love's RV Hookup-Leavenworth IN 839 provides the RV traveler with a safe, clean and well-maintained place to stop for the night as you travel across the country. Our reservation and check in process makes booking a site quick and convenient. Guests can make reservations, pay and check in or out on their own devices or at the designated Kiosk located on site, providing an automated and contactless experience that quickly gets you back on the road to your destination. With full hook-ups at every site, including Wi-Fi and 30-Amp and 50-Amp service, we also offer more amenities than any other national travel stop network.
$37 / night
Sycamore Springs’ 250 acres are home to 10 shelter houses, numerous playgrounds, fishing ponds, a softball field, basketball court, wedding chapel, 35 tent camping sites and 64 RV camping sites. As a bonus, firewood is free for campers. Sycamore Springs is family friendly (alcohol is not allowed) and offers sites for all types of camping. Water views are available and there are fire pits on all sites. Camping cabins are offered at a discounted rate during the week, and the fully furnished House of Annie & Bud also awaits.
Family owned and operated RV Park Campgrounds in Rockport. Host on site. We offer full amenities including 30/ AMP with sewer hookups to accommodate rigs small and big. What sets us apart from 99% of RV Parks is our a tremendous amount of natural shade from the large trees that span the property. Come check us out and stay awhile!
$35 / night
With 26,000 acres of land and water, Patoka Lake campground is a fine example of lake ecology. An 8,800-acre lake provides habitat for freshwater jellyfish and bald eagle nesting sites. River otters and osprey were reintroduced at Patoka by the DNR. Camping: -Electric / 455 sites -Primitive / 45 sites -Dumping Station
$33 / night
The Indian-Celina Lake Recreation Area is a tranquil getaway in the midst of the Hoosier National Forest. Both the Celina and Indian Lakes are within the area, offering camping, boating, fishing and hiking, as well as tours of a historic site.
Indian and Celina lakes are two of four fishing lakes along Highway 37. The lakes offer many miles of shoreline and coves for fishing for pan fish. Boat ramps are open year-round, and an accessible fishing pier is available on Celina Lake. Anglers can expect a variety of catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. The sandstone block, historic Rickenbaugh House was built in 1874 and is open to visitors periodically throughout the year. The home and adjacent historic cemetery are popular among visitors. A variety of hiking trails exist within the area, including the relatively easy, 1 mile Rickenbaugh Interpretive Trail, which is located behind the historic Rickenbaugh House. The Two Lakes Loop National Recreation Trail encircles both Indian and Celina lakes and winds through many acres of natural and peaceful forests. The trail is 16 miles, but can encompass multiple, shorter day hikes.
The area is located in south-central Indiana, in a dense hardwood and pine forest, on 152-acre Indian and 164-acre Celina lakes. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area.
Special Places on the Hoosier National Forest Brooks Cabin Buffalo Trace Carnes Mill Site Clover Lick Barrens Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower Initial Point Lick Creek African American Settlement The Jacob Rickenbaugh Homestead Wesley Chapel Gulf
$21 - $44 / night
Guide
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. We had a lakefront site, however it wasn’t lake view. Sites 12/13 do not have a view of the lake due to dense brush in front of it. All other lakefront sites have a view. There is not a camp store, so make sure you have all the supplies you need or you’ll have to make a trip to Salem, which is only about a 20 min drive. There’s excellent cell service, no WiFi. There are laundry facilities at the bath house.
Scout
Starve Hollow Lake SRA has full hook ups at half the campground and electric water access on the other half. Small lake for boating and canoeing and kayaking. Fun atmosphere friendly staff
GuideElectric sites near the lake with several water front sites. Full hook up sites that are well spread out so you are not on top of each other. Very friendly staff. Clean facilities. Quite the hidden gem.
Guide
Family had a blast here! Sites are on top of each other so be prepared when navigating and backing in. Site are level and full hook up. Tons to do and Holiday World is a shuttle ride away. Great family fun!
Traveler
Two playgrounds, little petting zoo for kids. Beach area with small fee. Full hook up sites.
Ranger
Fairly new with great access to fishing. Bike riding enjoying nature. Several pull through sites and all are full hook up.
LegendStarve Hollow State Recreation Area is 280 acres that are adjacent to Jackson-Washington State Forest (18,000 acres). Starve Hollow offers a great camping experience with accommodations ranging from primitive to full hook-ups and the park is impeccably maintained. The full hook-up sites are spacious with most offering a nice tree canopy. A large number of electric only sites are bordering the 145-acre Starve Hollow Lake with a large swimming beach, and picnic area. The park offers boat, canoe, and kayak rental plus an Education Center, fishing, hiking and mountain bike trails that extend into Jackson-Washington State Forest. The surrounding communities are full of interesting history; the longest existing (460') covered bridge built in 1875, classic round barns, original iron bridges, and the historic Medora Shale Brick Plant (1904) to name a few. Easy access from I-65 via US 50 W, then SR 135 S.
Scout
REDUCED AMENITIES (NOVEMBER - APRIL): Please note that most properties turn off water, close modern restrooms, and winterize full-hookup sites during winter months (November through April). Camping is still available at a reduced rate at almost all locations during this time period. Properties will begin turning on water and opening other facilities between mid-March and late-April depending on the forecasted temperatures. If you plan to camp during early spring and/or late fall, please contact the property office to check on the availability of water, modern restrooms, and full hook-up camping. FULL AMENITIES ARE AVAILABLE MAY - OCTOBER EACH YEAR.
Scout
Friendly Staff. Camp site was a pull through so very easy to set up. Was a full hook up site at that. We enjoyed our stay and visiting IU in the process. Great location and clean camp ground.
Scout
We love this campground. Its close to home, on a lake & has all the amenities. We prefer a small section of the park called Milligan’s Point. There are only 10 spots, you’re right on the water, and has full hook ups.
Traveler
First, I would like to correct someone's prior review. Electric and non electric sites are both reservable and walk up. Almost half and half. The hike in sites are all walk up. As you look at their maps, if making a reservation, each site on the left of the road are NOT reservable. All sites on the right AREvreservable. However, if you want to reserve a site, I highly suggest you do it very early in the season, esp. if you are including a weekend. Depending on how busy check in is at the time you show up without a reservation (again, only for non reservable sites), they sometimes will let you drive around and pick out a site from the left when entering loop, then come back to gate and pay. You will see reserved signs on every reservable site whether anyone is actually in them that night or not. It saves a lot of trouble for all concerned by not letting you pick a site you THINK you can have by not understanding their system. On to the review: I have camped at Hardin Ridge since the 70s. I have tent camped in regular primitive, hike-in, and in electic with a camper. All the sites are large and well-shaded with tables and fire pits/grates. The grounds are kept very clean, as well as the shower rooms, bathrooms, and vault toilets. There are many electric, some electric/water, and a few full hook up. Water spigots are heavily spread throughout each loop. Also, there are the RV water spigots avail along the lanes in some of the loops in case you want to fill tanks before parking at site without it's own water. The camp hosts have always been great to me and since I usually camp alone, someone checks on me each day. That includes when I pick the most secluded hike in spot. They have never been intrusive. They do expect every rule to be followed at all times and will tell you to pack up and leave if you are an asshole about noise, dogs, etc. There are at least one pair, some two, camphost pairs in each loop. While the campground is not a rest home by any means, it is not a party place such as Allens Creek or Paynetown campgrounds that share the same lake (Monroe). Some of the loops do not allow generators and or have restricted hours of usage. The is a small beach, boat launch, multiple small playgrounds, and an ampitheater, but there is no campstore. It is about 11 miles to the nearest small baitshop/store/gas pump. There is ice and wood for sale at the gate.
Ranger
This park is mainly a site for full timers. We were traveling through and needed a place for the night. For:that, it worked out ok. It is an RV spot, not really a good place if you are looking to camp. The place is clean, staff friendly, full hookups. Sites are very tight if they are full.
GuideThere are full hook-up sites and electric. Regular electric sites on the water are beautiful but not sure we could park our 41 ft fifth wheel on a water site. Trails are rugged at times and you can access them through campground. We are here in the fall but the beach looks like a good size. Boat rentals. Cabins look cute. We peeked in one. Double bed with bunks in room. Theres a loft for kids. A/C and heat but not bathroom. Bring a mattress or sleeping bags or you will sleep on wood. I recommend the water cabins. Playgrounds are sprinkled throughout. DNR dont patrol a lot. Quiet campground.
TravelerRecently tried out Scales Lake...not my 1st choice. Sites were very small and close together. There were several different spots/clusters of camp sites. Some where full hook up, some primitive, some just electric, and all mixed together. The fire rings were very small with no grates to cook on. There was 1 bath house, very nice and clean and cooled, but not assemble to all camping sites. Also there were 2 playgrounds and a petting zoo. Lake has a small beach for swimming, slide with its own catch pool separate. Fishing allowed.
The streets in the town are extremely narrow, making it hard to get into the park.
Legend
This is a small independent campground offering 3 cabins at$180 nightly and 5 full hook-up RV sites at$40 nightly. This property is easily accessible from IN-59; just 2 miles south of Linton, IN. The property is neat, clean and well cared for with a small pond, children’s play area and the best part; just a quick jump to Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area or two miles to Green Sullivan State Forest for some of the best hunting and fishing in the state. Reservations can be made by calling 812-699-8160 http://www.eaglesnestcamping.com/ 948 W 200 S, Linton, IN 47441
Traveler
Located on a Navy Base, so only open to active duty, retired military, DoD civilians and their families. Must have ID card to get on base.
The base is very large in area and wooded. Watch out for wildlife, especially deer and pay attention to speed limits. Don’t mind the occasional explosions and distant machine gun fire ; they test ordnance there. But no worries, it isn’t loud at the campground.
The campground is located by Lake Greenwood, so the MWR operates a marina where you can rent boats, kayaks, paddle boards and so on. They sell bait and ice. There’s a nice boat dock if you need to launch your own boat and plenty of dock space to tie your boat up. You can fish or waterski on the lake; it’s that big.
The campground is not real large. It’s all gravel, but full RV hookups. The electric, water and sewer services are reliable, but no Wi-Fi and unless you have Verizon, no cell service (but they are supposed to have a new AT&T tower up soon). They have nice cabins and a separate tent site area, where there’s a small beach for swimming. Pets are welcome. They have a little shack with firewood; $5 a wheelbarrow load. Every site has a fire ring and a picnic table. The shower house is a bit dated, but clean. There’s dumpsters close by. Very pretty location.
They do have daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal rates.
There’s a base exchange and commissary on base, but the closest town is about 20 minutes away, a small town called Odon, but you can find whatever you need there. Bloomington is about 50 miles away. The tiny village of Crane is outside the gate. There’s a bar and a pizza place and that’s about it.
RV’s and trailers must use the Crane gate, located off I69 exit 87, then south on US231 a couple miles. You’ll see the signs. Call ahead for reservations; they do fill up most weekends and you’ll need them to explain the check-in procedure once you get on base.
Legend
Lincoln State Park is right down the road from Santa Claus , Indiana and Holiday World. Needless to say it was a little busy, but not as bad as the Rudolph RV Park in town.
The RV/camping area was well laid out and the sites were nestled in quite close to one another. That being said it was a smaller campground and surrounded by trees and lake on two sides,roadway on the other.
Probably the main thing I didn't like about it. The day use area was a fence row away. Which while convienant to walk to, sorta cut down on the whole camping in the woods privacy thing.
Direct access to the trail system/lake boardwalk and the cabin area was co-located on the same trail. The trail was sort of well marked, though there were a few trails leading off with no markers.
The beach, boat rental and general use area was well maintained and had some cool old buildings in use. There is an amphitheater that has a good venue of events.
The general use pit toilet was fragrant, old and in need of a good cleaning. There were newer facilities but seeing as it was right in the middle of the area you would think a little sprucing up would be in order.
Very nice lake! CLEAR water, a lot of water activities going on.
Directly across from the park is another park area with historical stuff if you like that kind of stuff.
GuideSites for rvs are concrete and you will need to level some on all of them. They have electric and water. Reasonable prices. Our only complaint is you can’t get near the water to fish anywhere by the lake due to the weeds.
ScoutPatoka Lake has become our go-to campground for many reasons. The nature center is a delightful feature, offering a serene escape into the beauty of the surrounding area. The spacious campsites add to the allure, providing ample room for relaxation and enjoyment. It's worth noting that there are no water hookups, so remember to fill your tank before arriving at your site. During our visit over fall break, the Halloween festivities and trick-or-treating added an extra layer of fun to our experience. We also had the pleasure of exploring the local winery and brewery, which were a big hit with our group. The abundance of activities at this state park ensures there's never a dull moment. However, it's important to exercise caution due to the high volume of boats in and out of the campground. Parents with small children should be especially vigilant, as vehicles towing trailers with boats are constantly coming and going. Despite this, our love for Patoka Lake remains unwavering. It's truly a special place that we look forward to returning to time and time again.
Guide
Campsites had paved parking pads, picnic table, fire-ring, and electrical hookups. Restrooms and showers were clean. Lot's of open space and nothing really separating you and your neighbors. This SRA is right on Patoka Lake, so there's plenty to do on the water - boating, fishing, floating cabins, beaches. There's also a disc golf course, archery range, and plenty of paved & dirt trails. It also has a great nature center. Unfortunately our trip got cut short due to very high winds, but we will definitely be back!
Traveler
Review 2019: We are here for an overnight stay and are happy we chose this place. 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. We found it easy to maneuver our 36' Class A towing a dolly and Honda Civic. If you rig is more than 60' including Toad ask owner about available spaces. Owner is friendly, open and park has trimmed trees and about 90 sites of which 60% are for transients and the remainder are seasonal.
The WiFi is good with adequate bandwidth. My Verizon hotspot works fine and the cell site is not too far away. The park is about 4 miles from I-65 with good roads to/from on SR 56. They accept Passport America and Good SAM. I think all sites have a fire ring and there are areas for children to play down by the pond. We will return as it is quiet and you can see the stars.
Review 2020: We tried to stay here in April 2020 but owner said it was closed due to Covid-19. We proceeded North to Columbus Woods-N-Waters: Jellystone is a much nicer place to stay. If you are pushing the season call to confirm they are open. https://jellystoneraintreelake.com/ 4577 IN-56, Scottsburg, IN 47170 +18127524062
ScoutStarve Hollow offers camping from full hookup, electric only (by the lake), tent camping, and cabins. The lake has a swimming area (no lifeguards), playgrounds, and bathhouse. The lake allows boats with electric trolling motor only.
We stayed in the full hookup section (camping facilities: electric, sewer, and water hookup as well as fire ring, picnic table, and parking spur at each site. Modern restrooms/showers(wheelchair accessible) are available nearby. 53 sites available, sites 222, 232, and 234 are wheelchair accessible). The bathhouse was clean (even though it rained most of the weekend). these sites are a good size and able to get any size Trailer or RV into these sites. There is mostly grass on most of the sites in this area.
The campground also offers electric only sites (camping facilities: electric hookup, fire ring, picnic table and parking spur at each site. Drinking water is available in area. Modern restrooms/showers(wheelchair accessible) are available nearby. Dumping station is available. There are 87 sites available. Sites 28, 44, 65, 75 and 90 are wheelchair accessible). They have about 20 sites that back up right to the lake allowing fishing from your campsite. Keep in mind that a lot of the electric only sites are very tight with a lot of trees in the area. I can probably only get my 36 ft 5th wheel into a third of the sites, but there are many of sites that had shorter units on them.
Cabins: Starve Hollow has 13 rent-a-camp cabins available March-Nov.(closed Dec.-Feb.)(NOTE: Local sales only during off season/winter months, contact property for details). Each cabin has a front porch with a swing, outside electric outlet and front porch light. Inside there are two small rooms each providing a ceiling fan with light, a heating/cooling unit and electrical outlets. The front room offers a small table with bench seats, corner shelf, chair, rocking chair, and a loft. The back room offers a bunk bed(single) and a double bed(NO LINENS or MATTRESS PROVIDED). Air mattress recommended.
Fishing/Boating Starve-Hollow Lake has three boat ramps to choose from, one at the dam and two in the electric campground. Kayak, rowboat and canoe rental is available. A valid Indiana fishing license is required. Rowboat and canoe rental is available from mid April through October. Starve-Hollow Lake is a trolling motor only lake. For campers a fish cleaning station is available.
Swimming 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. Wheelchair ramps allow access to beach and concession area.
Picnicking There are picnic areas and picnic shelters that can be reserved. Both shelters can be accessed by wheelchair. The East shelter has an electrical outlet. Picnic tables and grills are located at the picnic sites. A wheelchair accessible playground, basketball goals, softball fields, horseshoe pits and a sand volleyball court are located on or near the swimming beach.
Hiking Trails Starve Hollow has several hiking trails to explore that total approximately 11 miles.
Scout
Inside Spring Mill state park, is a large campground for RVs with electric hookups, youth camp grounds for groups, and a primitive campground with no electricity. I stayed in primitive camping the first weekend in July and I couldn’t have asked for a better spot. Open space, close to facilities and water pump, Ground was mostly flat, slightly shady in the afternoon, and very peaceful.
With the entrance fee and registration tag, we could come and go from the park as we pleased. There are trails to hike and a nature center. The lake has been restored and paddle boats can be rented. The village is a wonderful place to walk around and enjoy, especially when volunteers set up demonstrations.
Guide
While traveling from St. Louis to Kentucky we happened upon Lynnville RV Park just off I-64. We checked in through the honor system as the store/office closed at 5p; we filled out a registration form put $22 in it and put it in the mail slot-have to say I have not seen that before. The grounds were clean and maintained, it sits along a river so there were many there with boating and fishing gear-there were a lot of campers there but it was a very quite night. It's a nice little campground, the sites had fire rings, grills and picnic tables; some sites are actually on the river. We will probably stop there again on the next trip to Missouri.
Traveler
Campground is very basic with clean level sites. Tent, car and van camping friendly, but smaller RV (less than 30 ft trailer or camper) would also do okay. Quiet hours 11:00 pm to 7:00 am. Generator okay but recommend use away from other campers.
LegendScales Lake Park is right outside Boonville, In on South Parklane Dr.
I drove through the RV park, it was okay. The main area had little shade, definitely go for the outer sites if you want some grass and shade. The showerhouse was centrally located next to the playground and there was a laundromat of sorts included.
Water sports and a bike/hike trail, so plenty to keep you occupued. The paved road that runs all the way through to the closed gate, is good for biking or jogging if you don't want to run the trail.
My favorite part was one; the handicap primitive site had a handicap accessible fishing deck and two; near that was McCool Point. A secluded primitive site with a stairway down to your own little boat tieoff. Sorta cool :)
Scout
In the last year, this campground has changed owners so we gave it a chance and it did not disappoint. A LOT of work had been done. All the outer loop sites are shaded and nicely spaced. Nice putt-putt course and they are finishing up a facelift on the inground pool. The inner loop has full hookups and the outer is electric water. The owner was very friendly and accommodating.
Discover the charm of RV camping near Patoka Lake in Indiana, where scenic views and well-equipped campgrounds await outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Patoka Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Patoka Lake is Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph with a 3.9-star rating from 33 reviews.
What is the best site to find RV camping near Patoka Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 75 RV camping locations near Patoka Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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