Campgrounds near Shoals, Indiana sit within the hilly southern Indiana landscape where ravines and limestone outcrops create diverse camping terrain. Sites around the region vary in elevation from 500 to 800 feet above sea level, affecting both temperature and drainage. The camping season typically runs longest from April through October, with some locations operating year-round.
What to do
Frisbee golf and regular golf: West Boggs Park offers multiple recreation options beyond camping. "They host different themed events. Boggs is great for Families. They have great activities such as outdoor movies, scavenger hunts, and more," notes Taylor, who also mentions the park includes "frisbee golf and 9 hole golf course are all a part of the grounds."
Fishing from shore: Accessible bank fishing spots are available for campers without boats. "There are plenty of areas to fish from the bank if you don't have a boat," explains Stephen H. about West Boggs Park. The park features a lake with various fishing spots around its perimeter.
Trail riding with horses: Brown County State Park provides extensive horse trails. "There are a lot of fun hills and trails that you can ride for hours which we love to do," says Bria M. about Horsemen's Campground. The camp includes wooden racks for tying horses and access to miles of trails through the hills.
Mountain biking: The trail system at Brown County State Park draws mountain bikers of all skill levels. "The mountainbike trails are fantastic, something for every skill level," writes Dave S. about Buffalo Ridge Campground. Another reviewer notes "There are almost 30 miles of trails inside the park with new trails every year for the past 3+ years."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained grounds and facilities. "The bathrooms and showers were clean, and every DNR we spoke with was the best," reports Cora P. about Raccoon Ridge Campground. Comfort stations and bathroom buildings vary in age but receive regular maintenance.
Multiple campground loops: Brown County State Park offers different camping experiences through its separate campground areas. "There are 3 separate campgrounds in the park Buffalo Ridge, Raccoon, and Taylor Ridge. We stayed in Taylor which was dubbed 'wooded' and the one I would most suggest. The others were pretty cleared out and too close together," explains Caitlin W. about Taylor Ridge Campground.
Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds in the region organize regular events for families. "We love coming here annually for Mother's Day weekend. This campground has a lot to offer but is focused for seasonal camping. A lot of amenities and the town is fun to sight see," says Aaron W. about Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph.
Proximity to attractions: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to nearby attractions. "Lake Rudolph is a fun park to visit, you can rent rvs if you don't have your own camper. They also have golf cart rental if you want to cruise around the park. Holiday world is also down the road," Jennifer J. explains about Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Campsite conditions vary significantly within the same campground. "The site we stayed in was lovely. It was backed up to the edge of the woods which made for a lovely view. Driving through the campground it looks like there are some sites pretty close together but ours wasn't too bad. I would say pay particular attention to the size of the site you're booking as some were pretty small," advises Amanda D.
Seasonal considerations: Some RV sites near Shoals, Indiana operate only part of the year. Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph operates seasonally from May 1 to October 31, while other campgrounds like Love's RV Hookup in Leavenworth and some areas of Brown County State Park remain open year-round.
Site leveling needs: Many campgrounds in the hilly terrain require leveling equipment. "Our spot was great and didn't require much leveling. We did get a deluxe spot. However we only got the spot because at the others were sold out. Many of the other Spots were on hills and right on top of each other," notes Megan about Buffalo Ridge Campground.
Busy season crowds: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak times. "Driving in and out was a bit challenging mainly because a lot of people parked their vehicles/golf carts at the edge of the road or partly on it," one camper observed about Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph.
Tips for camping with families
Theme weekends: "We went to Lake Rudolph for their Halloweekends and it is a one of a kind experience. They have so many activities for the kids such as hayrides, a DJ, pumpkin carving, and so many other things throughout the day! It was so neat seeing the campsites and golf carts decorated and lit up at night," Ashley D. shares.
Nature center visits: The nature center at Brown County State Park offers educational opportunities. "We also went to a Raptor show that was put on at the nature center where we got to look at some interesting raptors," Rachel W. mentions about her experience at the park. Several campgrounds in the region maintain small nature centers with displays and scheduled programs.
Local town exploration: "The town of Nashville is right there with lots of artsy shops and restaurants in rustic buildings. There are numerous hotels and a music venue and a playhouse. Something for everyone," writes Cathy T. about the town near Brown County State Park. Similar small towns around Shoals provide additional family activities.
Tips from RVers
Park entrance routes: Some campgrounds have specific entrance requirements for larger vehicles. "The north entrance is through a covered bridge with a 9 foot clearance and 3 ton limit! Otherwise, use the easily accessible west entrance, just a few miles 'around the corner,'" advises TMB about Brown County State Park.
Electrical service options: Most RV sites near Shoals, Indiana offer both 30 and 50 amp service, but availability varies by location. Love's RV Hookup in Leavenworth provides convenient pull-through sites with full hookups for overnight stays, though at a premium price point compared to state park options.
Sewer connection heights: Sewer hookups can present challenges at some locations. "We couldn't hook the sewer up because the pipe is too high off the ground," notes Becca M. about one RV park. When making reservations, asking about the height and accessibility of sewer connections can prevent setup problems upon arrival.
