Camping sites near Ridgeville, Indiana sit within east-central Indiana's flat to gently rolling terrain, with elevations averaging around 1,000 feet above sea level. The region features moderate seasonal variations with hot summers reaching 85°F and cold winters dropping to 20°F. Most campgrounds remain closed from late October through mid-April due to freezing temperatures and potential snow, with seasonal operations typically running April through October.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Summit Lake State Park Campground offers several trails around a 2.5-mile long lake with varying difficulty levels. One visitor noted, "Lots of trails around the lake were nice with many opportunities for scenic photographs. Trails around the lake were nice with many opportunities for scenic photographs."
Water recreation: Prairie Creek Reservoir features a clean lake ideal for fishing and swimming during summer months. According to a camper, "Primitive tent camping is more then affordable, and the fishing was AWESOME!! He had an amazing time. We've been back 5 times since then. It's a hidden gem for sure!"
Historical exploration: Visit nearby historical sites within short driving distance. A visitor at Mounds State Park Campground mentioned, "We only stayed 2 nights and managed to walk all the trails and spend tome at the actual mounds. The charming camp store has a hummingbird feeder where birds come by often for some sweet nectar."
Wildlife viewing: Observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. At Ouabache State Park Campground, a reviewer shared, "The bison enclosure is always fun to check out, and the last time we stayed I actually walked to the top of the restored fire tower to take in the view."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Wildcat Woods Campgrounds receives high marks for exceptional cleanliness. One camper raved, "Very clean and friendly! They have the nicest cleanest camp bathrooms/shower house I've ever seen. Fishing, pond swimming, trails."
Family-focused activities: Kamp Modoc offers numerous planned events for families. A visitor explained, "Do you have kids? They have it covered, from playground, to lake with inflatables, train rides, Holiday fun. Adults? I see Cornhole every weekend, Campfires, Holiday Events, Golf Cart Parades, DJ's or Live Bands on the weekend."
Affordable options: Several campgrounds offer budget-friendly tent camping. A Prairie Creek Reservoir camper highlighted the value, stating, "Primitive tent camping is more then affordable, and the fishing was AWESOME!!"
Seasonal events: Many campgrounds host special weekend events. According to a Kamp Modoc reviewer, "Amish make their presence felt on a few weekends throughout the season, from fresh Bakery Goods to a Healthy Sized Sausage Egg Biscuit. Food Trucks on a few weekends throughout the season."
What you should know
Campsite layouts: Site privacy and size vary significantly between parks. A visitor at Summit Lake State Park observed, "Spots 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, but were in shaded areas."
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds near Ridgeville have limited operating seasons. Fox Lake Campground and Wildcat Woods remain open year-round, while others like Kamp Modoc operate from April 15 to October 15.
Extra fees: Some parks charge additional entrance fees even with camping reservations. A Summit Lake camper noted, "We paid for an overnight reservation. Came in around 5pm. They charged us $7 for day use. I don't think you should have to pay for day use ANYWHERE that you've paid an overnight reservation."
Utility limitations: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups only. A reviewer at Mounds State Park Campground pointed out, "It's a nice park for kids. Has a nice swimming pool. Easy trails. Nice playground. $5 firewood bundles. Mostly a weekender park."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Fireside Resort Campground organizes family-oriented events throughout camping season. According to a visitor, "My family and I have a blast every time we go there... The owners Jean and her husband make you feel like family. They have plenty of fun activities for all ages to enjoy."
Water-based fun: Consider campgrounds with swimming areas during summer months. A Kamp Modoc visitor shared, "We went here Memorial Day weekend and had a great time even though it was chilly and rainy. The pond was great with the inflatables and water toys available for use."
Nature programs: Several parks offer educational programs ideal for children. A Mounds State Park visitor mentioned, "If I home schooled, Mounds State Park just struck me as a perfect spot to field trip to. The park is small but has a lot of historical, geographical and natural information to be had. There are programs offered also at the nature center."
Safety considerations: Be prepared for wildlife encounters at certain campgrounds. A camper at Ouabache State Park warned, "The raccoons were pretty annoying though," highlighting the need to secure food properly.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose your campsite carefully based on size requirements and terrain. A Summit Lake visitor advised, "I would think a rig more than 31 or 32 feet long would have difficulty maneuvering around the curve at the end of the second loop. We are a 30ft. Fifth wheel and it was pretty tight for us."
Leveling challenges: Many sites require significant leveling. A Summit Lake reviewer noted, "Our site was a pull through and, while level left to right, required a good bit of leveling front to back."
Water access: Water availability varies by campground and sometimes by season. At Ouabache State Park, a camper warned, "The potable water is brown and smelly.. be sure to bring your water filter! But we did enjoy our weekend here."
Hookup limitations: Few campgrounds near Ridgeville offer full hookups. A visitor at Ouabache State Park Campground mentioned, "Only draw back is no water and sewer hook up at the campsite," which means planning for limited water usage and dump station visits.
