Dispersed camping near Losantville, Indiana offers outdoor recreation options within a 40-mile radius. The region sits in east-central Indiana where rolling farmland transitions to more forested terrain toward the east. Average summer temperatures range 75-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons experience temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night.
What to do
Kayaking on quiet waters: Summit Lake State Park provides a peaceful paddling experience with no gas motors permitted. "The still lake for kayaking" makes it ideal for beginners, according to Casse T. The park features several lakeside campsites that fill quickly during peak season.
Hiking varied terrain: Hueston Woods State Park trails offer routes through mature forests. "There are several marked trails near the reservoir area," notes Dave V., who spoke with mountain bikers that "spoke favorably" of the trail system. Located about 35 miles from Losantville, the park maintains multiple trail difficulties.
Fishing opportunities: Westwood Park maintains a catch-and-release lake where "trolling motors only" regulations create a quieter fishing experience. Stephen H. reports "lots of small bass" with bank fishing available but limited in some areas. The park features a 10-mile trail circling the entire lake for accessing different fishing spots.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Whitewater Memorial State Park, the Horsemen's Camp area provides substantial space between campers. Brady R. notes these sites are "very, very spread out" which "makes sense given that you have large horse trailers/campers and also horses at each site." This spacing creates a more natural camping experience.
Well-maintained facilities: Ouabache State Park receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "Facilities kept clean by DNR and fellow campers," reports Keith M., who also mentions "plenty of fire wood" and "large camp sites." The park maintains heated comfort stations year-round, making it suitable for winter camping.
Lake access for water activities: Summit Lake State Park Campground offers multiple water-based recreation options. "The lake doesn't allow gas motors so its one of the clearest lakes in central Indiana," according to Mark G. Lakeside sites provide direct water access but "are beautiful but hard to book," warns Casse T.
What you should know
Water quality concerns: At some campgrounds, water quality requires preparation. At Ouabache State Park, "The potable water is brown and smelly... be sure to bring your water filter!" warns Emily P. Carrying additional drinking water is recommended for camping trips.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially waterfront sites. For Westwood Park, Kelly H. advises "if you want to weekend camp, you better plan on setting up your site on Wednesday or Thursday. Always call ahead before heading that way to see if they have sites available."
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds report active wildlife. "Watch out for the raccoons they are pretty aggressive and were all over our campsite," warns John F. about Whitewater Memorial State Park. Secure food storage is essential at all campgrounds in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort provides family-friendly amenities close to larger attractions. Debbie S. found it "really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children's museum." The location offers a good base camp for day trips to regional attractions.
Nature programs: Horse campgrounds near Losantville, Indiana often feature educational opportunities. Ouabache State Park offers "ranger programs" that Emily P. found "great" for families, along with "the bison exhibit" that children particularly enjoy.
Swimming options: For summer camping, look for parks with designated swimming areas. Hueston Woods State Park features "a huge park" with an "extremely large beach," though Zoe S. notes it's "always quite crowded." The park also offers designated dog swimming areas for families traveling with pets.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for uneven sites at some parks. Lisa M. reports that at Summit Lake State Park, "Sites 1 through 74 seem to be a lot more level and larger, but they were in a sort of an open area with very little shade. The rest of the sites were fairly unlevel."
Size restrictions: Sycamore State Park and most horse campgrounds near Losantville accommodate smaller to mid-sized RVs best. Many equestrian camping areas have turning radius limitations, with Lisa M. noting "a rig more than 31 or 32 feet long would have difficulty maneuvering around the curve at the end of the second loop."
Water connection planning: For RVers at Summit Lake State Park, Laura W. warns "the water is shared with your neighbor, so be sure to have a long hose." Extended water hoses (50+ feet) are recommended for comfortable hookup at many regional campgrounds.
