Hartsville, Indiana camping areas lie among a mix of rolling hills and valleys at approximately 800 feet elevation. Temperatures range from 20s in winter to 80s in summer with moderate rainfall throughout the year. Several campgrounds within a 30-mile radius remain open year-round, though services often decrease during colder months when fewer campers visit the region.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Muscatatuck Park, visitors can access multiple fishing spots along trails that wind through the wooded areas. "It's so peaceful and a lot of wildlife. When there's not a lot of people you can see a couple of deer and if your lucky a fox. And a lot of trails," notes Julie S.
Water recreation: Hidden Paradise Campground offers multiple water activities within the campground boundaries. "A quarry full to swim with an aqua playground, with use of free life preservers, a creek to kayak or float and a clean campground! Life is good," shares Kimberly W. The campground rents kayaks and rafts, though many campers bring their own equipment.
Biking trails: Serious mountain bikers should head to Brown County State Park, where extensive trail networks accommodate various skill levels. One reviewer notes, "The mountain biking is excellent, with purpose built trails for beginner to expert (flow, berms, rollers, jumps...)." The trails remain open year-round, though conditions vary with weather.
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Several campgrounds near Hartsville offer peaceful experiences during weekdays. A Hidden Paradise Campground visitor reported, "We stayed in site 107 on a Sunday night and had the section all to ourselves. I think the place is quite busy on weekends though."
River access sites: Many campers prefer waterfront locations for direct river access. At CERA Sports Corporation, campers appreciate the waterfront setting. "We love the beautiful peaceful lake, our grandkids love the pool with the slide and rock wall, the mini golf, the paddle boats and the amazing playground," explains Daina C.
Year-round facilities: Some locations maintain services even during off-season periods. Versailles State Park maintains year-round camping with varying services. "We went in October, but did not write review until December. Great place and want to come back in the summer to enjoy the lake and pool," notes Burns G.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain requiring careful setup. At Versailles State Park, campers note that site selection matters: "A loop is pretty open without a lot of shade. B & C have lots of shade but the sites are either not very level or not very big."
Pricing variations: Costs vary significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Hidden Paradise Campground shared: "The campground was $48 per night. More expensive than any other campground we have been to in more than 12 states. On top of the camping prices you had to pay to swim in the quarry. $10-$15 per day per person."
Military activity: Johnson County Park borders an active military installation. "The park is located in close proximity to an active reserve military base that from time to time has exercises with air traffic and the sounds of shells and artillery fire," explains Stephen & Theresa B.
Tips for camping with families
Activities for children: Parks with diverse recreational options keep children engaged. At CERA Sports Corporation, families find numerous options: "Paddle boating, mini-golf, swimming pool, fishing lake, rental cabins and rental pop-ups. Campground sites are closer than I prefer but still doable."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for younger children. "Very clean. Nice sites! Lots of water things to do," notes Shannon C. about Hidden Paradise Campground.
Annual traditions: Taylor Ridge Campground at Brown County State Park hosts special seasonal activities. "We love this campground. Very clean and family friendly camping destination that we enjoying visiting. There are three separate main campgrounds here; A B and C. C is our favorite because it is small, and mostly level lots."
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Some parks have entrance restrictions for larger vehicles. At Brown County State Park, drivers must choose the correct entrance: "The north entrance is through a covered bridge with a 9 foot clearance and 3 ton limit! Otherwise, use the easily accessible west entrance, just a few miles 'around the corner.'"
Full hookup availability: Campgrounds with complete services remain in high demand. "Of their 312 sites, 2/3 are full hookups! We visit here 3-4 times each year," reports a regular CERA Sports Corporation visitor.
Site selection advice: Experienced RVers recommend researching specific sites before booking at the best places to camp near Hartsville, Indiana. A Taylor Ridge camper advises: "If you can, try and get a spot towards the front of the campground as the back has sites that are pretty steep."
