Camping options near Reelsville, Indiana range from densely wooded sites to open lakefront locations across several state recreation areas. The region features gently rolling hills with elevations between 600-850 feet above sea level, creating natural drainage that helps campsites dry quickly after rain. Summer temperatures typically reach 81-84°F in July and August, with overnight lows in the 60s, making tent camping comfortable with proper gear.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cecil M. Harden Lake at Raccoon State Recreation Area offers bank fishing and boat access. "This place is so beautiful! We stayed in the hideaway loop and it was perfect. Lots of wildlife, so pack your food up right. The hiking trails were pretty, not very rugged. Scenery was nice on the trails," notes Stacey S.
Swimming options: Both lake beaches and pool facilities are available within a 30-minute drive. "I loved this camp ground, there was a beach which was nice and a building to get food. They have a basketball court, and a few trails. We stayed Thurs thru Sunday and had a very nice time," says Staci J. about Raccoon Lake.
Disc golf course: Rockville Lake County Park features an 18-hole course through wooded terrain. "Disc golf course is awesome, in the woods, up and down ravine. 18 holes plus practice basket. Hole 1 starts by primitive sites closer to beach. Ask for a disc golf map at gatehouse," explains Smeeta T.
Hiking trails: The region's hiking options include both easy nature walks and more challenging terrain. "Very flat and ideal for bike riding," notes Amy C. about Lieber State Recreation Area, while more challenging options exist at nearby state parks.
What campers like
Modern bathrooms: Several campgrounds receive positive comments for their facilities. "The bathrooms were super clean-ish but I couldn't get the showers to be not cold. The site was nice and level," reports Moriah C. about her stay at Lieber State Recreation Area.
Quiet camping experience: Weekday stays typically offer more solitude. "We arrived to a very quiet campground with few campers. Plenty of outdoor activities," notes Shirley M., who appreciated the peaceful environment at Lieber's Poplar Grove campground.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer chances to observe local wildlife. "Be prepared for the Raccoons and tons of fun! Beautiful lake with several nearby places to rent boat's! Beautiful, peaceful campsites with a lot of shade!" warns Sharon T. about Cecil M. Harden Lake.
Social atmosphere: For those seeking community, certain campgrounds foster interaction. "Very social campground, but respectful and quiet after dark. Really enjoyed our summer evening there," reports Brett B. about his experience at Lieber State Recreation Area.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds and carriers. "We really enjoyed our visit to Raccoon Lake. Plenty of places to hike, awesome beach, clean restrooms. No cell service but who needs it!" mentions Joe M.
Limited privacy: Some campgrounds have minimal separation between sites. "Although our campsite was large, there was absolutely no privacy. It was as if we were camping in a field. The site was grassy and clean," notes Amy C. about her stay at Lieber State Recreation Area.
Water access issues: Not all campsites have convenient water connections. "Probably the most favorite site we have ever had.. but.. despite the fact that we chose our site based on being next to water.. they have the spickets hacked off. So you couldn't attach a hose," explains Shannon C.
Site unevenness: Turkey Run State Park Campground and others have variable terrain. "We took our van and stayed at Turkey Run for a three night weekend. We were in a wooded section and it was pretty private however our site was pretty sloped. Next time I would probably pick the site on either side of 167," advises Samantha S.
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal activities: Lieber State Recreation Area offers special events for children. "We love going to this park several times a year. We especially like camping in the fall for their Goblins weekend," shares Timothy B., mentioning their Halloween celebrations.
Beach preference: For families choosing between water recreation options. "The lake has absolutely no shade, so bring an umbrella. The pool was excellent! Skip the lake and enjoy the pool," recommends Amy C.
Playground access: Multiple playgrounds cater to different age groups. "This was my family's first time camping here and our first time using our camper. Very easy to park sites, from what I could tell. The park staff were super friendly and very helpful," notes Josh H. about his experience at Rockville Lake County Park.
Wildlife precautions: Proper food storage is essential. "As some other reviews stated, watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything," warns Samantha S. about Turkey Run State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Look for level sites when booking. "Great place to camp, can be flooded at times, some of the sites have a huge inclines or declines, allot of sites reserved way in advanced. There is a few pull throughs, no water hook ups at site," advises Dave R. about Raccoon State Recreation Area.
Water hookup variations: Not all sites with "water" have direct connections. "Full hook up sites are very limited with minimal shade. Remainder of campground is nearly always shaded," explains Carey R. about Rockville Lake County Park.
Alternative options: For RVers seeking private campgrounds, Terre Haute Campground offers accessibility. "We stopped for one night on our trip from DC to southwestern CO. The area is clean, well-managed and has the look of a nice neighborhood of campers in the trees," reports Steve A.
Extension cords needed: Some campgrounds have shared utilities. "Sharing of water and electric between two sites, so come prepared with extensions for water and electric," suggests Smeeta T. based on her experience at Rockville Lake.
