Best Campgrounds near Indianapolis, IN

Camping near Indianapolis offers a great escape into nature, with plenty of campgrounds that cater to different preferences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are options to suit everyone.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails at Turkey Run State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Trail 7 leads unexpectedly to a small stream running past a recessed cave. It’s a peaceful spot."
• Fishing and Boating: At Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy fishing and kayaking. One camper noted, "The water was breathtaking and very calm even with all of the boat activity."
• Wildlife Watching: Hardin Ridge is a great place for spotting wildlife. A visitor shared, "Screech owls and active birds made it an exciting evening."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A review for Paynetown Campground stated, "Restrooms/showers were state park clean. I was impressed with the hard-working staff."
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Buffalo Ridge Campground, offer roomy sites. One camper mentioned, "The woods surrounding the Buffalo Ridge campground is very peaceful."
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Turkey Run State Park Campground is noted for being family-friendly. A reviewer said, "This is a very family-friendly campground, and you will see lots of kids on bicycles flying around."

What you should know:

• Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Paynetown Campground noted, "This is a SRA on the shores of Lake Monroe... it was completely full."
• Limited Privacy: Some sites, like those at Turkey Run State Park Campground, may lack privacy. One camper mentioned, "Many sites are in an open, level area without a lot of trees or bushes between them."
• Variable Amenities: Facilities can vary widely. A review for Shades State Park Campground pointed out, "The vault toilets were dirty, needed to be emptied, and the women’s stalls didn’t have doors."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area that have activities for kids. One camper said, "Great areas to walk your dog. We would definitely stop again but pick a different site."
• Plan for Crowds: If you’re camping on a weekend, arrive early to secure a good spot. A visitor at Paynetown Campground mentioned, "This campground is known in Indiana as a party park."
• Bring Entertainment: Keep kids engaged with games or outdoor activities. A reviewer at Turkey Run State Park Campground noted, "Best of all, from the back of the campground, you can access Trail 7."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Levels: Many sites have slopes, so be sure to check the levelness before booking. A camper at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area mentioned, "Described the pad as level when it was actually about a 30% grade."
• Be Mindful of Space: Some campgrounds, like Paynetown Campground, have tight spaces. One reviewer said, "Campsites are crammed together and packed too hard for stakes."
• Plan for Amenities: Make sure to check what amenities are available. A visitor at Turkey Run State Park Campground noted, "The restrooms and showers... are modernized and cleaned daily."

Camping around Indianapolis has something for everyone, whether you're in an RV or tent. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!