Camping sites near Roachdale, Indiana offer outdoor experiences at elevations ranging from 700-800 feet above sea level, with Sugar Creek serving as a central feature for water recreation. The area experiences moderate spring and fall seasons, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during peak camping months. Most campgrounds in the region close primitive campsites during winter months due to freezing conditions.
What to do
Tubing adventures: Sugar Creek provides excellent tubing opportunities from late spring through summer. At Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC, one visitor mentioned, "We had fun tubing in sugar creek through Clements Canoes. It was August so the river was kinda low and we had to stand up and walk a few times."
Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds maintain disc golf facilities for visitors. Rockville Lake County Park offers "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."
Water recreation: Beyond canoeing, the area offers fishing and swimming opportunities. "The pond is stocked with GIANT fish (catch and release only) and definitely go for a hike over at Turkey Run," noted a visitor at Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC. Another camper at Sugar Creek Campground mentioned, "The creek is loaded with small mouth bass, some large mouth, gar, bluegill, and carp."
Fishing: Multiple camping areas offer fishing opportunities in stocked ponds and natural waterways. "Rockville Lake County Park is very well maintained great fishing and only 15 minutes from Turkey Run," reports one camper.
What campers like
Primitive site privacy: For those seeking a more secluded experience, certain campgrounds offer well-separated tent sites. At Shades State Park Campground, campers appreciate the natural separation between sites: "Great sites that offer decent privacy with brush & trees as a barrier between sites. Paved parking pad, steel fire-ring with steel grid to cook on."
Clean facilities: Many visitors comment on the well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. At Peaceful Waters Campground, "The shower house was very clean and well kept" according to one camper. Another visitor noted, "The shower house was one of the cleanest we've seen and the staff makes a concerted effort to keep it that way."
Creek-side camping: Sites adjacent to Sugar Creek are particularly popular. At Sugar Creek Campground, a visitor shared: "We had a great two night visit right on the creek! Rented kayaks for a 3 mile adventure! Owners are super friendly and helpful."
Wooded campsites: Many campers appreciate shaded sites. "Nice quiet campground with spacious sites. Canopied by the big beautiful Indiana trees. Close to some good hiking trails," wrote one Shades State Park visitor.
What you should know
Site selection strategy: For quieter experiences, consider location within campgrounds. At Turkey Run State Park Campground, "The open, grassy area sites don't offer any privacy. If that's what you're looking for, try to get a wooded site on the outsides that back up to woods."
Seasonal considerations: Water levels in Sugar Creek fluctuate significantly. A visitor at Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC noted, "The creek was high for canoeing and tubing the first 2 days but half the family was able to go the third day."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience road noise. At Peaceful Waters Campground, "If you can get a site in the back, they look really great. We had a site in the front which is right next to the highway so it was a little loud and we had no shade."
Wildlife awareness: Multiple campgrounds report active wildlife. A Turkey Run visitor warned, "As some other reviews stated, watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area, "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."
Weekend vs. weekday strategies: For families seeking quieter experiences, timing matters. One camper suggested, "We did a drive thru and most all the sites looked very nice. There were mostly tents with a few popups" at Shades State Park Campground.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities. At Cecil M Harden Lake, "Beach is large and clean. We go every year and love it!" reports a visitor.
Paddle boat rentals: Peaceful Waters Campground offers family-friendly water activities: "Features include a pond to fish (and rental of paddle boats/canoes) where my son and I caught two decent sized fish from the dock. Playground, volleyball court, and a half court basketball were right off the backside fishing dock."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds present leveling difficulties. At Lake Waveland Park, a reviewer noted, "as for the modern the best part is sites include water and electric. they need more spots for those long campers. lots of pop up size sites. Trees need cut or maintained."
Utility placements: RVers should plan for potentially challenging hookup configurations. A visitor to Sugar Creek Campground shared, "site was okay, gravel pull through but sewer hookup was all the way at the end of the site, needed extra extension to hook up sewer."
Electric-only options: Many campgrounds offer electric with no water hookups. At Turkey Run State Park, "All sites are electric at Turkey Run. $23 per night. The campground is located in a mature tree woods, do some sites are not as level as others."
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary significantly in size and proximity. At Peaceful Waters Campground, one visitor reported, "Good sized pull through style camp sites that are gravel and surprisingly pretty level! Very reasonable rates for a full hookup site."
