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Best Campgrounds near Shoals, IN

699 Reviews

Campgrounds near Shoals, Indiana range from developed facilities to primitive sites across state and federal lands. Martin State Forest offers tent and RV camping with basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets but no electric hookups. West Boggs Park provides more extensive facilities with electric hookups, sewer connections, and shower facilities on West Boggs Lake. Patoka Lake Campground, approximately 25 miles south of Shoals, features both tent and RV sites with full hookup options. Several campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, while Spring Mill State Park also offers cabin rentals.

Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with most facilities open year-round but offering reduced services during winter months. West Boggs Park operates from April through October, while Martin State Forest and Patoka Lake remain accessible throughout the year. Roads to developed campgrounds are generally well-maintained and accessible by standard vehicles. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, particularly in the forested regions. Reservations are recommended for weekend camping during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. A review noted that "West Boggs lake is near the heart of Indiana's Amish country. It has a great lake that has good fishing and the ability to put your boat out."

Campers report high satisfaction with lakeside sites at West Boggs Park and Patoka Lake, where fishing and boating opportunities enhance the camping experience. The region includes several lakes suitable for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating, with Patoka Lake being the largest water feature in the area. Martin State Forest provides a more secluded experience with fewer amenities but greater privacy among wooded sites. Hoosier National Forest lands near Shoals offer dispersed camping options for those seeking a more primitive experience. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Shirley Creek Campground in Hoosier National Forest provides drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access for both tent and RV camping." Noise levels remain relatively low at most campgrounds, though weekend activity increases during summer months, particularly at lake-oriented facilities.

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Detours Nearby

Sleeping Bear Retreat

Sleeping Bear Retreat

24 min away

Glendale State Fish and Wildlife Area

Glendale State Fish and Wildlife Area

34 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Shoals, Indiana (127)

    1. Patoka Lake Campground

    36 Reviews
    Birdseye, IN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 338-5589

    $12 - $32 / night

    "My Aunt loves their trips to Patoka Lake & I can relate as to why after this weekend. We went for a wedding at the marina & ended by a lovely cove."

    "Pick a site that has water near and you won’t have to unhook to fill your tanks. So many sites are in the shade all day and peaceful. Showers are spotless but fun on the push button system."

    2. West Boggs Park

    11 Reviews
    Loogootee, IN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 295-3421

    "This is a beautiful campground right on the lake near Loogootee, Indiana. Lots of golf carts cruise the campground. That can be a little dangerous. So you need to watch your little ones closely."

    "West Boggs lake is near the heart of Indiana's Amish country. It has a great lake that has good fishing and the ability to put your boat out. Pets are welcome."

    3. Martin State Forest

    4 Reviews
    Shoals, IN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 247-3491

    $13 / night

    "Generator okay but recommend use away from other campers."

    "This state forest is beautiful, filled with pines and a clear lake. It is a primative campground but is very nice. Has nice hiking trails and 7 miles of mountain bike trails."

    4. Spring Mill State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Mitchell, IN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 849-3534

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Spring Mill State park is a little piece of history that is in the heart of southern Indiana. Here you will find a working frontier village."

    "Open space, close to facilities and water pump, Ground was mostly flat, slightly shady in the afternoon, and very peaceful."

    5. Shirley Creek Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    3 Reviews
    West Baden Springs, IN
    11 miles
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "There is also a nice loop trail if you feel like hiking. Be aware that it’s a pretty long drive in with lots of hill and some areas that are strictly gravel."

    "Great trails that our kids (ages 2-9) loved. Only reason for 4 stars is no drinking water or fire pit."

    6. Glendale State Fish and Wildlife Area

    5 Reviews
    Loogootee, IN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 644-7711

    $16 - $23 / night

    "We stayed in the primitive are and we were tucked away back by the lake."

    "Great place for fishing in Dogwood Lake."

    7. Sleeping Bear Retreat

    2 Reviews
    French Lick, IN
    13 miles
    Website

    $20 - $55 / night

    8. Montgomery Ruritan Park

    2 Reviews
    Loogootee, IN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 486-3255

    $25 - $30 / night

    "This is a nice but old campground almost all sites are here year around fishing is good very quite if I can get another site next yr I'll come back"

    9. Youngs Creek Horse Camp

    8 Reviews
    Paoli, IN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    "We camp here every time we come to Indiana. We have camped there in a truck camper, and now we tent camp with our Jeep. The sites are large, and there are fire rings available."

    "Site accommodates both horse, drive in and walk-in camping. There’s a privy and water on site. Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables."

    10. Hardin Ridge

    25 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 837-9453

    $21 - $55 / night

    "This campground is nestled on a ridge above Indiana's Lake Monroe."

    "Hardin Ridge is a fantastic place to camp, and is very close to lake Monroe. But it's also quite a ways away from any stores in case you forget anything."

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Recent Camping Photos near Shoals, IN

178 Photos of 127 Shoals Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Shoals, IN

699 Reviews of 127 Shoals Campgrounds

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Shakamak State Park Campground

    Great State Park

    Most of the spaces that had both water and electric were mostly in the sun. But all the other spaces had plenty of shade and trees around them. Our space was spot on level and nice area around each space to where you didn’t feel like you were camped on top of other people. The showers were adequate. Great hiking trails in the area. Very quiet. Although we were there on a weekday. One downside was we had Verizon as a cell phone carrier and only had one bar.

  • L
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Spring Mill State Park Campground

    Fun, sunny, clean.

    This was an amazing campground! There were amazing trails and a cave, as well as Pioneer Village which was so fascinating and well run. Our campsite wasn't far from the bathrooms and showers house which were pretty clean. We were near water as well. Our campsite was on a small hill so it was well distanced from all the other campers, which was nice and peaceful. 

         There was a sweet place where you could get ice cream down the road from Spring Mill called Dairy Bell. Spring Mill wasn't far from the town were there was a Walmart, Rural King, and several more stores. 

    Very pretty and nice campground!

  • L
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Shakamak State Park Campground

    Clean, pretty, quiet, spacey.

    We had a nice site that was evenly spaced from the other campsites by trees and was nice and close to water, the bathrooms, and the shower houses, which were very clean! The camp store was nice and the paddle boats were fun! The pool was only opened on the weekends in August which was disappointing but there was a large fishing dock and many boating opportunities. Very nice camping spot, but in August beware of the bugs!

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Raccoon Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    the non-RV loop of the three camp areas (I think)

    Our third Indiana state park. Still impressed, they have all been friendly, well maintained with good, spread out sites and good signage everywhere (even the trails). All the rest rooms are spotlessly clean.
    We were there mid-week, so very few of the 480 (!) sites were occupied, except in Buffalo Ridge, the primary RV loop. There are three loops, Buffalo ridge (RV), Raccoon Ridge which is tent sites around the outside, with electric inside the loop. Which would be suitable for RVs. Many of the tent sites are split-level, meaning the fire pit and tent area is down a hill from where you park your car. We have a mini pop-up, and had no problem parking both it and car on the pad, and, these sites have two picnic tables, upper and lower. Check the photos when you reserve!
    We drove through Taylor ridge loop, and it's your best choice for getting away from it all. 
    The camp store is stocked with the basics, but has more souvenirs than food or camp needs. That's okay, as some of their goods are better quality than many other places.
    The park has a classic old CCC lodge (though you enter through the modern addition) so if you don't want to cook, eat at the restaurant (open till 8:PM), great food, generous portions. 
    The park also features an Olympic size pool (capacity 2,000). You cannot walk there from the campground unless you are very hardy and very determined. 
    You may think of Indiana as flat farmland, but this park is VERY hilly, with many scenic overlooks. It has two man-made lakes. Unsure about boating options on the larger one. 
    Another big feature are equestrian trails and a horse campground, see someone else's review for that.
    Nearby is the town of Nashville, which is full of art and craft galleries as well as multiple fudge shops, hand-made soaps, etc... Touristy but quaint. Was surprisingly crowded when we passed through on a Friday morning.   
    We are planning to go back to take advantage of all we missed in the area. Oh, I should point out that there are many private campgrounds nearby, it's a very popular  area.

  • Becca M.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Grand Trails RV Park

    Not for rv stsys

    This place could be nice but it is full of permanent trailer occupants, which is fine but .  It shouldn’t be advertised as a RV park.  There were 3 empty spaces, we chose  one and we couldn’t hook the sewer up because the pipe is too high off the ground.  They charged us 45.95 which is too high for the amenities offered.  The spaces are very close, no table, no place to set up a bbq.  We should have left but we were very tired.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Brown County-Nashville KOA

    KOA Brown County

    Very nice campground, full hookup up, helpful staff. Small pool with limited hours. Camp store. Very close to Brown County State Park and Nashville, IN. Lots of mature trees.

  • Ax H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Free camping

    Bunch of little spots along this road to pull into. Set up with rent and vehicle. Just trees knocking, bugs curling and frogs croaking. Did see a rattlesnake dead on the road. No toilet but good reception

Guide to Shoals

Camping near Shoals, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Fishing and Boating: Patoka Lake Campground is a great spot for fishing and boating. One visitor mentioned, "Patoka has always had a hype about it for years; big lake, tons of boats, and fishing."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Paynetown Campground. A camper noted, "There are some pit toilets & one flush toilet building. No showers. No electricity."
  • Nature Center: Visit the nature center at Patoka Lake Campground for a serene escape. One reviewer said, "The nature center is a delightful feature, offering a serene escape into the beauty of the surrounding area."

What campers like

  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers appreciate the roomy sites at Hardin Ridge. A visitor shared, "Beautiful spacious sites. Spread out with plenty of room between sites."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the facilities. One reviewer at Starve Hollow State Rec Area said, "Clean facilities. Quite the hidden gem."
  • Friendly Staff: The welcoming atmosphere is a highlight for many. A camper at Lake Rudolph Campground noted, "All of the staff is very friendly."

What you should know

  • No Water Hookups: At Patoka Lake Campground, there are no water hookups. A visitor reminded, "It's worth noting that there are no water hookups, so remember to fill your tank before arriving at your site."
  • Busy on Weekends: Expect crowds, especially during summer weekends at Paynetown Campground. One camper mentioned, "This is a SRA on the shores of Lake Monroe... it was completely full."
  • Limited Cell Service: Some campgrounds have poor cell service. A reviewer at Indiana Starve Hollow State Recreation Area noted, "Verizon is one bar."

Tips for camping with families

  • Check for Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. Lake Rudolph Campground offers golf cart rentals and fun events. One family said, "We absolutely loved it. All of the staff is very friendly."
  • Safety First: Be cautious of wildlife, especially at Patoka Lake Campground. A camper warned, "MAKE SURE TO PUT AWAY ALL OF YOUR FOOD!!! Even scraps and Yes even DOG FOOD."
  • Choose Shady Sites: Look for campsites that offer shade, especially during hot summer days. A visitor at Shakamak State Park mentioned, "Most of the sites are shady."

Tips from RVers

  • Level Sites: Check the level of your campsite before setting up. A reviewer at Taylor Ridge Campground said, "The roads are not marked very well and it took a bit to find our site which needed level blocks."
  • Electric Hookups: Ensure your campground has electric hookups. A camper at Terre Haute Campground noted, "No issues with utilities as they are smartly placed on the pad."
  • Plan for Tight Spaces: Be prepared for close quarters at some campgrounds. A visitor at Lake Rudolph Campground mentioned, "Sites are very close together."

Camping around Shoals, Indiana, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free camping areas in Shoals?

The Shoals area offers some free camping options for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. Charles C. Deam Wilderness provides free dispersed camping with multiple sites available throughout this beautiful wilderness area. Though some trails may occasionally be rerouted due to storm damage, campers can still find excellent primitive sites. Another option is Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed in the Hoosier National Forest, where you can camp for free at undeveloped sites. Remember that free camping areas typically lack amenities like running water or electrical hookups, so come prepared with all necessary supplies.

What are the best campgrounds near Shoals?

Southern Indiana offers several excellent campgrounds near Shoals. Tipsaw Lake is highly rated for its clean facilities, friendly rangers, and beautiful setting in the rolling hills with electric hookups and a lake that's perfect for kayaking. For a more resort-like experience, Lake Lincoln Campground — Lincoln State Park offers well-laid-out sites and is conveniently located near Holiday World. Other quality options include Spring Mill State Park Campground, Paynetown Campground, and Martin State Forest, all providing a mix of amenities and natural settings within driving distance of Shoals.

What camping is available near Shoals, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Shoals, IN offers a wide range of camping options, with 127 campgrounds and RV parks near Shoals, IN and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Shoals, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shoals, IN is Patoka Lake Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 36 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Shoals, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Shoals, IN.

What parks are near Shoals, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Shoals, IN that allow camping, notably Patoka Lake and Hoosier National Forest.

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