Plainfield sits within central Indiana's rolling terrain, approximately 20 miles southwest of Indianapolis. The camping landscape around Plainfield ranges from densely wooded areas to open farmland. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F while winter nights often drop below freezing, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for tent campers.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Brown County State Park offers purpose-built trails for every skill level. "The mountain bike trails are fantastic, with purpose built trails for beginner to expert (flow, berms, rollers, jumps...)," notes one Buffalo Ridge Campground visitor. The park maintains nearly 30 miles of dedicated mountain biking paths.
Hiking and nature trails: Multiple trail networks accommodate all fitness levels. "There are a lot of diverse hiking trails for all. The nearby shopping, wineries and restaurants are definitely a plus as well," explains a camper at Taylor Ridge Campground. Many trails connect to lookout points with views of the surrounding countryside.
Horseback riding: Dedicated equestrian facilities allow visitors to bring their own horses or rent from stables. "I have only been twice and we took our horses to trail ride! There are a lot of fun hills and trails that you can ride for hours," explains a reviewer from Horsemen's Campground. Trail riding permits cost $5 per horse per day.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots under mature trees. "The site we stayed in was lovely. It was backed up to the edge of the woods which made for a lovely view," writes a visitor at Taylor Ridge Campground. Sites located on the outer edges of campground loops typically provide the most privacy.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses rank high among camper priorities. "Very clean bathrooms and shower houses," mentions a reviewer at Raccoon Ridge Campground. Pit toilets at several locations receive regular maintenance during peak season.
Proximity to Nashville, Indiana: The small town offers shopping and dining options within a short drive. "Nashville is only a 5 minute drive from the campgrounds, and it's a blast going to all of the different shops and restaurants located in town," notes a Taylor Ridge camper. Most area campsites are within 10-15 minutes of town amenities.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Campground topography varies significantly throughout the region. "Pay particular attention to the size of the site you're booking as some were pretty small. Also, some sites were fairly sloped as well," advises a reviewer at Taylor Ridge Campground. Many campground maps don't adequately show slope variations.
Seasonal considerations: Spring flooding can impact access and site conditions. "There were trees down throughout the park including our campsite. It took a couple hours for them to come clean it up," reports a Taylor Ridge visitor. Fall colors typically peak mid-October, making reservations essential during this period.
RV clearance restrictions: Some park entrances have height limitations. "The north entrance is through a covered bridge with a 9 foot clearance and 3 ton limit! Otherwise, use the easily accessible west entrance, just a few miles 'around the corner,'" explains a Buffalo Ridge Campground camper. Large RVs should confirm access routes before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: While not offering swimming beaches, many campgrounds have alternative water features. "The splash pad/water park was fun, but was not a pool. It only goes to 3 feet so if you want to swim this is not for you," explains a visitor to Indianapolis KOA. Several rv parks near Plainfield feature small fishing ponds.
Playgrounds and activities: Family-oriented campgrounds provide organized recreation. "The property is beautiful and they have a lot of extra amenities that would be great for families. They have a pool, stocked pond, game room, ice cream shop and cafe," writes a guest at S and H Campground. Weekend programming typically runs May through September.
Educational opportunities: Nature centers offer wildlife programs for children. "We got to look at some interesting raptors," notes a Buffalo Ridge visitor who attended a raptor demonstration. Most nature programs run weekends during summer months and require no advance registration.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Plainfield rv parks provide varying levels of service. "Sites accommodate large RVs though spacing can be tight, particularly for fifth wheels and longer motorhomes," writes one Cloverdale RV Park reviewer. Campers with units over 35 feet should call ahead to confirm site length and clearance.
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds around Plainfield feature uneven terrain. "Our site was a slight slope and overall I would book it again. We have a full size truck with a small travel trailer that fit perfectly," explains a Taylor Ridge camper. Carrying extra leveling blocks is recommended, especially for larger rigs.
Utility reliability: Power and water quality vary between campgrounds. "We had 50amp service and measured 119vac with both a/c units running," reports a Lake Haven Retreat visitor, noting consistent electrical service. Water pressure typically remains stable even during peak usage times, though some visitors report occasional mineral content issues.
