Within an hour's drive of Salem, Indiana, campers can explore over 25,000 acres of public forest and recreation areas. The terrain features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 500 to 900 feet, creating diverse microclimates for camping. Many campgrounds in this region offer year-round access, though facilities like water stations often operate seasonally from April through October.
What to do
Hiking through state forests: Jackson-Washington State Forest provides 16,500+ acres with challenging trails. "The property offers several stunning hiking trails and some are of the more challenging nature due to the elevation changes. The park also has an amazing scenic drive, Skyline Drive, which lives up to its name with spectacular panoramic vistas showcasing Indiana's gorgeous farms," notes a visitor to Jackson Washington State Forest.
Water activities on multiple lakes: Hardy Lake offers boating opportunities with overnight mooring. "The Wooster Bay primitive area allows campers to moor their boats overnight. It has a very relaxed atmosphere. There is a pit toilet and water pump and overflow parking lot in the primitive area," according to a review of Wooster Campground.
Cave exploration: The area features several cave systems open for tours. "Marengo Cave is both great for kids and adults. The people are super friendly and there are two different parts to explore. The dripslide caverns and the crystal palace cavern. There are extra activities for the kids such as mining and a nice gift shop for any rock lover out there," reports a camper at Marengo Cave Campgrounds.
What campers like
Lakefront camping sites: Several campgrounds offer direct lake access. "We stayed in site 21 which was right on the lake. All the lake front spots seem to have a good amount lakefront footage. We probably had at least 40 feet," shares one camper at Starve Hollow State Rec Area.
Proximity to trails: Many campgrounds connect directly to hiking trail systems. "Obannon woods has just about everything in one little nook, from fishing swimming and kayaking on blue River, a beach at the park. Swimming, horse trails and lodging, electric campgrounds, you name it," notes a visitor to O'Bannon Woods State Park.
Quiet, secluded options: For those seeking more privacy, several primitive camping areas exist. "Delaney Park is a great family place. Camp how you like, from Primitive to Glamping. Its at the start to a Fifty mile trail (Knobstone Trail) or you can do the Delaney Loop in about 6 hours (7.5 miles and 2000 ft elevation change) a good challenge for all ages," says a camper at Delaney Creek Park.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Water access and certain amenities may be limited during winter. "The lake has a swimming area (no lifeguards), playgrounds, and bathhouse. The lake allows boats with electric trolling motor only," mentions a review of Starve Hollow.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking. "The campground is small and intimate. We had sites 8-9 and they were perfect. Lots of activities and of course the cave. Staff was great. No cell service," notes a camper at Marengo Cave.
Hookup variations: Electric and water hookups can be in non-standard locations. "The electric and water hookups are not in standard locations for RV hookups. Make sure you bring an extension for your electric hookup, otherwise you might not be able to reach the post. Same for water hookup," warns a visitor to Delaney Creek Park.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Many campgrounds feature play areas. "There are full hook-up sites and electric. Regular electric sites on the water are beautiful but not sure we could park our 41 ft fifth wheel on a water site. Trails are rugged at times and you can access them through campground. Playgrounds are sprinkled throughout," notes a camper at Starve Hollow.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with planned programming. "This is a great family place. We love this place and camp here 5+ times a year. It's clean and so much to do with kids," shares a visitor to Charlestown State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Many sites offer opportunities to spot local animals. "Down in the hills and hollers, is this beautiful campground and park. This place is beautiful and breathtaking. Very clean and super friendly staff. They do allow boats and the Knobstone trail is accessible here," reports a camper at Delaney Creek Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require substantial leveling equipment. "Very nice state park to camp in. The sites have an asphalt pad that are mostly level. 50,30,20 amp service in one box. There was no water at the site though. Throughout the campground are potable water spigots that you can hook up to and add water to your tank," explains an RVer at O'Bannon Woods State Park.
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. "First of all, I have to admit up front, we stayed at this campground during the hottest days on record, for that area. However the park is beautiful and well maintained. Each lot has water and electric. There is a dump station at the exit. The only negative comment about this park is, every lot slopes down towards the lake," warns a camper at Hardy Lake.
Size restrictions: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs. "They have about 20 sites that back up right to the lake allowing fishing from your campsite. Keep in mind that a lot of the electric only sites are very tight with a lot of trees in the area. I can probably only get my 36 ft 5th wheel into a third of the sites," notes a visitor to Starve Hollow.
