Cabin rentals near Shelbyville, Indiana offer access to both forest and water recreation within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at elevations between 700-900 feet with moderate seasonal temperatures. Summer highs typically reach 85°F while winter lows can drop to 20°F, making April through October the prime camping season for those seeking rental accommodations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Hidden Paradise Campground, visitors can fish directly from their waterside sites. "We stayed in site 107 on a Sunday night and had the section all to ourselves. Our son fished and we watched random people float down river," noted one camper. The campground provides access to Flat Rock River for various water activities.
Water recreation: The quarry at Hidden Paradise Campground features inflatable water structures for families. "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!" explained one visitor. During summer months, the quarry offers paddleboats and swimming options.
Mountain biking: Versailles State Park maintains dedicated mountain bike trails through wooded terrain. The park hosts occasional mountain biking events, so checking the calendar before planning a trip is advisable. "Loved spending time in the pool and on the trails here...but we happened to go during a big mountain bike event in July. So if you're planning to camp (or even hike) here I'd check the calendar first," advised one visitor.
What campers like
Seasonal activities: CERA Sports Corporation in Columbus offers extended season camping from April through October. "We are full timers and have spent the last three summers here to be near family. 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," shared one seasonal camper.
Playground facilities: S and H Campground features carnival-style rides and multiple play areas. "Very nice campground. They have a little section full of carnival like rides. Several playgrounds! Campground big and spacious," noted a visitor. The campground has 450 sites including cabin options, making it one of the larger facilities in the region.
Proximity to attractions: Brown County-Nashville KOA provides convenient access to Nashville, Indiana shopping and Brown County State Park hiking. "We stayed in the cabins for a couple days. There is always so much to do, one day hiking the next we were shopping. It's located right off 46 and just a few mins from downtown," reported a guest. The location makes it practical for visitors wanting to combine outdoor activities with town amenities.
What you should know
Reservation timing: During peak seasons, especially at family-oriented parks like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Knightstown, advance booking is essential. "Wide pull through spots with fire pits, picnic tables and plenty of grass. Tons to do with the kids, organized activities are well done," noted a visitor. Cabins often book 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Site conditions: Not all campsites are level, particularly at state parks and natural settings. At Versailles State Park, "Some sites are not level at all. So be sure to read up on the site you want before you book it," advised a camper. Bringing leveling blocks for cabin porches or RVs is recommended.
Noise considerations: Camp Atterbury Campground operates on a military training base, creating a unique sound environment. "If you don't mind fireing guns 24/7 it's a great little place," mentioned one reviewer. Another noted, "I'm military, so the gunfire, canon fire, and helicopters didn't bother me at all. Those things don't happen all the time though."
Tips for camping with families
Water features: Indianapolis KOA in Greenfield offers splash features specifically designed for younger children. "The splash pad / water park was fun, but was not a pool. It only goes to 3 feet so if you want to swim this is not for you. The water was cold but my kiddos finally got in and had fun on the slides," explained a visitor. The facility includes fountain features and pouring buckets suitable for smaller children.
Budget considerations: Hidden Paradise Campground offers cabin rentals but charges separately for swimming access. "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," noted one visitor. Families should factor these additional costs into vacation budgets.
Activities scheduling: Cornerstone Campground maintains scheduled activities for children during seasonal weekends. "Tons of stuff for kids to do. Everyone was friendly. Facilities were well kept and very clean," mentioned a visitor. The campground offers a mix of organized and self-directed recreation options.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility challenges: When arriving at Hidden Paradise Campground after dark, navigation can be difficult. "We came in at 10 pm in search for our site. It's about a 1/2 mile from the main road. Site numbers were hard to see unless you walked up to each site with a flashlight," explained one RVer. The campground's entrance road is narrow with tight turns, presenting challenges for larger rigs.
Site selection: At Brown County-Nashville KOA, sites vary significantly in size and setup. "One stretch of sites is tight, short and cramped. We had four 90-degree day's so the big plus was the pool," reported a camper. Reading site-specific reviews before booking helps match rig requirements to available spaces.
Hookup variations: S and H Campground experiences voltage fluctuations during peak usage periods. "When everyone started turning on their AC, my surge protector kept kicking due to voltage swings," noted one camper. Using surge protection equipment is advisable for safeguarding RV electrical systems when staying at popular campgrounds.
