Camping options near Rockville, Indiana include both state and county-operated facilities within 30 miles of town. The area sits at approximately 679 feet above sea level with rolling terrain and numerous waterways throughout Parke County. Summer temperatures typically range from 65°F-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions with occasional precipitation.
What to do
Hiking diverse terrain: Turkey Run State Park Campground offers access to some of Indiana's most challenging trails. "Trail 3, which has the ladders, and parts of trail 10, 4, and 2... Trail 10 was nothing special but was relatively flat. It was pretty crowded but people were respectful." One trail even follows a streambed: "On one trail part of it went through box canyons up an active, though trickling, stream bed."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes and ponds provide fishing access for various skill levels. "Plenty of places to hike, awesome beach, clean restrooms. No cell service but who needs it!" notes a visitor to Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area. At Peaceful Waters Campground, "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!"
Paddling and water recreation: Sugar Creek runs through several parks in the region. "Sugar Creek is also great for floating with inner tubes, canoes, or kayaks," explains one camper. Another visitor adds: "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."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Rockville Lake County Park receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. "The Campground is very well maintained great fishing and only 15 minutes from Turkey Run." Another camper notes, "The cleanest campground we have been to in our neighborhood!" Shower facilities at multiple parks are highlighted by reviewers: "The shower house was very clean and well kept."
Wildlife viewing: Campers frequently mention animal encounters during stays. At Cecil M Harden Lake, one camper advised: "Lots of wildlife, so pack your food up right." Turkey Run campers noted similar experiences: "Watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything."
Peaceful atmosphere: Despite proximity to popular attractions, many campgrounds maintain quiet environments. "This place is so beautiful! We stayed in the hideaway loop and it was perfect," shares a Cecil M Harden Lake camper. At Cloverdale RV Park, a visitor described it as an "Adorable little hideaway. Hosts were super! Campground is peaceful and scenic."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds have limited operational schedules. Shades State Park Campground is only open "April to October." Rockville Lake County Park operates from "Mar 26 - Oct 31," while Peaceful Waters Campground has a May-October season. Turkey Run State Park, however, remains open year-round.
Site selection factors: Terrain varies significantly throughout the region. "Choose your site carefully! Whitetail Loop has the showers & toilets. We did a drive thru & most all the sites looked very nice." At Turkey Run State Park, campers advise: "Get a wooded site... As some other reviews stated, watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything. Also, the open, grassy area sites don't offer any privacy."
Water quality concerns: Several campgrounds have water-related notes. At Cloverdale RV Park, one camper mentioned: "Water had a funny smell, however. But, would stay again for sure." Campers should bring drinking water or verify quality at check-in, especially during peak summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Peaceful Waters Campground, "Kids loved the playground and all the activities." Rockville Lake County Park offers "3 playgrounds for kids," while a Cecil M Harden Lake visitor noted: "Playground located in middle of loop and accessible/visible from any of sites on loop area."
Recreational programming: Certain parks offer organized activities. "There is a stage by the camp store" where "they had karaoke" on Saturday night at Peaceful Waters. Turkey Run State Park provides naturalist-led programs during peak seasons, while Cecil M Harden Lake has an "awesome archery range" according to one reviewer.
Beach options: Swimming areas provide cooling relief during hot months. "Beautiful lake with several nearby places to rent boats! Beautiful, peaceful campsites with a lot of shade!" reports a Cecil M Harden Lake camper. Another visitor highlighted the "large and clean" beach area at the park.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: RV campers frequently comment on site conditions. At Rockville Lake County Park, "The sites in modern electric water only can be awkward to back into with no room to pull forward due to a ditch in some areas... The full hookup site section is flat but with less tree cover." Another camper reported: "Good sized pull through style camp sites that are gravel and surprisingly pretty level!"
Hookup variations: Happy Campers Campground offers "5 full hook-up sites, 1 primitive site, and one primitive cabin." At Peaceful Waters, "Very reasonable rates for a full hookup site." Some parks offer different electric services - Cecil M Harden Lake has sites with 30-amp and 50-amp connections.
Parking configurations: Layout details matter for larger rigs. At Rockville Lake County Park, "I stayed at site 30, a modern site with water, electric and sewer. Sharing of water and electric between two sites, so come prepared with extensions for water and electric." The park also features "very easy to park sites" according to another visitor, though some "had a moderate incline but wasn't hard to level."
