Campgrounds near Portland, Indiana offer seasonal options from April through October in addition to year-round facilities. Most camping areas sit in flat terrain at approximately 900 feet elevation with mild summers averaging 80-85°F and cooler nights. Eastern Indiana's campgrounds feature a mix of lake access, wooded sites, and farm-adjacent properties where visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation in rural settings.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Prairie Creek Park provides access to a clean lake popular with anglers. "Great fishing, clean lake," notes Daniel, who visited the site. This Delaware County park appeals to many locals who appreciate its affordability and water access.
Swimming in quarry waters: Natural Springs Resort features a spring-fed quarry with exceptionally clear water. "This camp ground has a beautiful spring fed quarry with clean and clear water," reports Daniele M., who enjoyed the swimming options. The water remains relatively cool even during summer months.
Hiking trails: Wildcat Woods Campgrounds offers walking paths through wooded areas near its swimming pond. Kelly, a recent visitor, mentioned the site has "fishing, pond swimming, trails" making it suitable for nature enthusiasts wanting to explore on foot.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Muncie RV Resort (formerly Anderson-Muncie KOA) earns praise for its maintenance standards. Grant, who stayed there, commented: "The park is clean and quiet. Staff is very nice and accommodating. Love the guy that brought me firewood, he just kept it coming."
Family atmosphere: Grandpas Farm Camp Ground receives consistent positive reviews for its family-friendly environment. "The owners are super nice, they have a nice pool and the playground is really big!" reports Colin Y., highlighting amenities that appeal to families with children.
Water recreation: Natural Springs Resort offers multiple water activities beyond basic swimming. Michael D. noted: "Very nice and clean Campground. The lot we stayed in was a good size and was right on the spring." The resort provides both lake and pool options for cooling off during warmer months.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Some facilities close during colder months. At Prairie Creek Park, Adam O. observed: "10/28/22. Campground is closing 10/31/22 for the winter." Always verify operating dates when planning trips outside summer months.
Cell service variations: Mobile reception differs significantly between carriers at various campgrounds. At Muncie RV Resort, one camper reported: "On AT&T, I typically had 2 bars and no problem streaming music or browsing Facebook. My fellow travelers, on Sprint, said they had poor reception."
Site spacing concerns: Stillwater Beach Campground has received feedback about cramped conditions. Jerald Y. noted: "The sites are small and the Campground is not well maintained." Request information about site dimensions when making reservations if space is important.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Grandpas Farm Camp Ground offers substantial play areas for children. One visitor, Pat M., commented: "We took advantage of the crystal clear pool, immaculate shower facilities, pretty stream and wonderfully kind owners."
Swimming options: While evaluating water recreation for children, consider temperature variations. At Natural Springs Resort, Windi H. observed: "Lake is nice and clear, pretty cold (would love to feel it in August or September). Fun to jump into and overall pretty."
Kid-friendly amenities: Sites with recreational facilities keep children entertained during longer stays. Cody R. found much to do at Natural Springs: "Wow, so much fun stuff to do here including swimming hiking and boating. Very nice bath house. And golf cart rentals also."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: For RV camping near Portland, Indiana, prepare for various pad surfaces. Mendenhall RV MHP offers big-rig friendly sites with electric, sewer, and water hookups year-round, allowing extended stays in all seasons.
Hookup accessibility: Country Outpost RV Site provides electric hookups with 30-amp service and includes amenities like a picnic table and fire ring. This single-site rental offers privacy not found at larger campgrounds.
Site selection strategy: When possible, request specific sites based on your needs. Jenny G., who stayed at Grandpas Farm Camp Ground, noted: "The woman running the campground was helpful on the phone when we called a couple hours earlier, and had our pull through spot ready to go."
