Camping options near Rockville, Indiana sit in the western portion of the state at around 700 feet elevation, with areas featuring significant sandstone formations and creek systems. The region's camping season runs primarily from April through October, though a few locations remain open year-round. Cellular service varies widely across campgrounds, with several reviewers noting complete dead zones in more remote areas.
What to do
Water recreation at Cecil M Harden Lake: The lake at Raccoon State Recreation Area offers swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. "The beach was fun. Very social campground, but respectful and quiet after dark," notes a visitor at Lieber State Recreation Area.
Hiking through sandstone formations: Sugar Creek area trails range from moderate to rugged difficulty. "This park is just other-worldly. We hiked Trail 3, which has the ladders, and parts of trail 10, 4, and 2. Trail 10 was nothing special but was relatively flat," reports a camper at Turkey Run State Park Campground.
Canoeing and kayaking: Several outfitters near Rockville provide watercraft rentals. "Sugar Creek is also great for floating with inner tubes, canoes, or kayaks," mentions a Turkey Run visitor. Another camper added, "We rented a canoe from a canoe place right down the road from the campground. It was great and once we saw the crowds at the beach area of the park on Saturday afternoon, we were super glad we had been canoeing all day."
Disc golf: Available at select locations with varied 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," suggests a reviewer at Rockville Lake County Park.
What campers like
Privacy options: Site selection can make a significant difference in camping experience. "Also, 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. The majority of those have a decent number of trees separating you from the site next to you," advises a Turkey Run camper.
Clean facilities: Most established campgrounds maintain good hygiene standards. "The bathrooms were super clean and the showers were hot with good water pressure," notes one Turkey Run visitor. Another camper at Cecil M Harden Lake comments, "Bathrooms facilities are very clean, new bike, walking, rollerblading path. Beach is large and clean. We go every year and love it!"
Unique terrain features: The geological formations distinguish this region. "On one trail part of it went through box canyons up an active, though trickling, stream bed," describes a Turkey Run visitor. Another adds, "We hiked Trail 3 with our dog, but we cut off early before the ladders using Trail 10. Our dog did pretty well in the section of Trail 3 before the ladders, and be prepared to get wet."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes and waterways offer angling options. "There is a nice pond in the center of the property that has good size fish! The pond seems to be well maintained and clean!" reports a camper at Peaceful Waters Campground.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The region experiences typical Midwestern seasonal changes. "In order to avoid crowds on the trails, we got there Thursday night so we could hike Friday morning/early afternoon. Saturday we rented a canoe from a canoe place right down the road from the campground," suggests a Turkey Run visitor describing their strategy.
Site selection matters: Campgrounds vary significantly in site layout and privacy. "Site 91 was tucked away in a more forested area away from RVs," notes a Turkey Run Canoe & Camping visitor. For Rockville Lake County Park, a camper explains, "We stayed at modern site 9. It had a moderate incline but wasn't hard to level. That spot has a trail behind it to go down to a little dock."
Wildlife awareness: Local fauna can be persistent around campsites. "As some other reviews stated, watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything," warns a Turkey Run visitor. Another camper at Cecil M Harden Lake advises, "This place is so beautiful! We stayed in the hideaway loop and it was perfect. Lots of wildlife, so pack your food up right."
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "We stayed here this weekend and had a terrific time. The weather was very hot but there is a river to tube and canoe in to keep you cool," mentions a Turkey Run visitor who secured site #35, describing it as "in a very quiet, off the main road, in a circle, in full shade."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "There is a playground located in middle of loop and accessible/visible from any of sites on loop area," notes a Rockville Lake County Park visitor. Another adds, "Several play grounds for the kids. Nature hiking trails. Disc golf course in the woods."
Swimming options: Both natural and constructed facilities available. "Skip the lake and enjoy the pool," recommends a visitor to Shades State Park Campground, where primitive camping is the norm. At Cecil M Harden Lake, a camper reports, "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."
Activity planning: Consider crowd levels when scheduling. "It was pretty crowded but people were respectful," notes a Turkey Run visitor. Another suggests, "Trail 3 is .75M, but considered rugged. It has a lot of scenic views & a unique waterfall. Trails 4 & 5 have ladders."
Safety considerations: Some trails may be challenging for younger children. A Shades visitor cautions, "This is a hikers park & it has some of the most rugged trails in Indiana. The Devils Backbone is a popular trail, but definitely on the rugged side. If you take small children (I wouldn't!) watch them carefully."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many sites require adjustment. "All sites are electric at Turkey Run. $23 per night. The campground is located in a mature tree woods, so some sites are not as level as others," mentions a visitor. Another notes, "The site was clean and well equipped with fire ring and picnic table. The site is very uneven. It definitely sloops to the back corner. It's was difficult to level our camper but we got it in the end."
Utility placement considerations: Access points vary by location. "Two sites share utilities," explains a visitor to Terre Haute Campground. At Rockville Lake County Park, a camper notes, "Sharing of water and electric between two sites, so come prepared with extensions for water and electric."
Size restrictions: Campgrounds accommodate different RV lengths. "Sites can be awkward to back into with no room to pull forward due to a ditch in some areas," warns a Rockville Lake County Park visitor. Another adds, "The full hookup site section is flat but with less tree cover. The sites in modern electric water only can be difficult to get into."
Road conditions: Access can present challenges. "Watch the tree to the right as you turn in as we brushed our awning," cautions a Terre Haute Campground visitor, while another camper at Peaceful Waters notes, "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."
