Camping options near Richmond, Indiana include sites on a 2,300-acre reservoir at Brookville Lake and wooded campgrounds with established trail systems. Most sites sit at elevations between 900-1,100 feet and experience hot summers with 75-85°F temperatures from June through August. Winter camping is limited, with several facilities reducing operations or closing completely from November through March.
What to do
Kayaking on Summit Lake: Summit Lake State Park Campground offers calm waters ideal for beginners. "The still lake for kayaking" receives high marks from visitors, with one camper noting they "wish I had brought both my bicycle and canoe" to take full advantage of the recreation options.
Mountain biking trails: Hueston Woods State Park Campground maintains multiple marked trails for cyclists. A reviewer confirms: "I talked with mountain bikers that spoke favorably. There were several marked trails near the reservoir area."
Scuba diving: Natural Springs Resort provides clear spring-fed waters suitable for diving. The facility features "Lake with beach, fishing, boating, and scuba diving" according to visitors who appreciate the water clarity.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple species can be caught in area lakes from designated shoreline areas. However, one camper at Summit Lake notes potential challenges: "We enjoyed the lake and some fishing. There was alot of surface plant life to catch our lines on."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers prioritize well-maintained restrooms. At Whitewater Memorial State Park Campground, "newer restrooms existed...modern bathrooms and showers were clean and stocked with TP," though some areas still have "antiquated wood shed pit latrines...that truly needed razed."
Privacy between sites: Site spacing varies significantly across campgrounds. At Grandpas Farm Camp Ground, campers appreciate that "All RV wrapped and under the tall tree; behind the campground have a running creek, cross the creek is farmland."
Swimming options: Both natural and constructed swimming areas exist throughout the region. Natural Springs Resort features "a beautiful spring fed quarry with clean and clear water" and "a pool, weekend activities and even a small camp store with grill/ice cream inside."
Level camping pads: Richmond area campgrounds offer varying site conditions. At Brookville Lake, "We booked 5 days before and were pleasantly surprised at how good of a site we had. Pretty level, plenty of room for our 43' fifth wheel."
What you should know
Site grade challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain that requires leveling equipment. At Summit Lake State Park, "Our site was a pull through and, while level left to right, required a good bit of leveling front to back."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds closest to Interstate 70 experience traffic noise. At Richmond KOA, a camper reports: "Nice people and beautiful sites. It's really close to the highway and LOUD! I like to hear nature when I came to destress not semis all night long."
Water activities dominate: Most area campgrounds center around lakes or rivers. A camper describes Brookville Lake: "Plenty of good camping spots. Bathrooms were average. Huge lake if you want to do any water activities."
Varying amenities: Archway Campground typifies the range of facility quality: "30 and 50 amp hook ups available. No sewer hookups but dump station onsite. Restrooms/showers very basic and dated. 5 stars for what it is. Not fancy, 5 stars for what it is."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming beaches: The large beach at Hueston Woods provides dedicated areas for children. A camper notes: "Huge Park! Extremely large beach, always quite crowded though, boat rentals available, lots of places for peaceful fishing, and designated camping sites!"
Playground access: Consider site location relative to play areas. A camper at Summit Lake warns: "Nice playgrounds for the kids or grandkids," but another notes you might want to "camp in the woods with a lake view or out in the open with your camper, tent or rent a cottage."
Variety of activities: Hueston Woods offers extensive programming. "From walk in camping to painball hueston woods has it all. Lots of trails and creeks, biking, boating, play grounds, swimming, food, store, movie nights mini golf and more! They even have an animal preserve."
Wildlife encounters: Children enjoy animal sightings, but caution is needed. One visitor reports: "At dusk an overly friendly 'masked trash panda' encroached seeking to share my delectable and perfectly toasted s'more...having to be chased off (unfortunately, it appeared he has been fed by campers to be that bold)."
Tips from RVers
Site selection criteria: Many Richmond area campgrounds have limited full-hookup availability. At Richmond KOA, "Must pay extra for a grey water site, and there's only a few. Small pool but nice people."
Maneuvering space: Larger rigs face challenges at some facilities. Summit Lake has site limitations: "I would think a rig more than 31 or 32 feet long would have difficulty maneuvering around the curve at the end of the second loop. We are a 30ft. Fifth wheel and it was pretty tight for us."
Buddy sites: Some campgrounds offer shared spaces for traveling companions. Whitewater Memorial has "a few of the campsites are buddy sites that allow you to camp with a friend and share the same area."
First-timer friendly: Deer Ridge Camping Resort receives praise for accommodating novice RVers: "Hospitality was amazing, loaned steps for trailer, helped level, hook up to site! Couldn't ask for friendlier place to stay! First time camper with trailer!"
