116 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The landscape surrounding Smithville, Indiana encompasses several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, including Lieber State Recreation Area and Owen Putnam State Forest. Most camping areas feature a mix of tent and RV sites with varying levels of amenities, from primitive forest camping to full-hookup facilities. Several state parks in the region, such as Shakamak State Park and Turkey Run State Park, provide cabins and glamping options alongside traditional campsites, creating diverse overnight possibilities for visitors exploring southern Indiana's rolling hills and lakes.
Road conditions throughout the region remain generally accessible for standard vehicles, though some forest service roads may require higher clearance during wet periods. Most established campgrounds operate year-round with reduced services during winter months. "This is a beautiful State Park situated in the rolling hills of southern Indiana. The park offers year around camping with reduced services in the winter months," noted one visitor about nearby Brown County State Park. Cellular coverage varies significantly across the region, with stronger signals near larger towns and limited connectivity in more remote forest areas. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend camping between May and October, particularly at popular destinations like Turkey Run State Park and Shakamak State Park, where sites often fill completely during summer holidays.
Campers consistently highlight the wooded settings and lake access as primary attractions in the region. Many campgrounds feature sites positioned under mature tree canopies, providing natural shade during hot summer months. According to one camper, "The campsites are in a heavily wooded area with fantastic tree canopy for shade and comfort. Sites are mostly level gravel pads ranging from primitive to 30 amp electric, 50 amp electric or a limited number of full hookup." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the area, with raccoons commonly encountered at established campgrounds. Water-based recreation forms a central component of the camping experience at several locations, particularly at Cagles Mill Lake in Lieber State Recreation Area and the lakes at Shakamak State Park, where fishing, paddling, and swimming access complement the camping facilities. Weekday visits typically offer a quieter experience than weekends, when family groups and recreational activities create a more social atmosphere.
"This is just a beautiful Indiana State Park located near the small community of Jasonville, Indiana which offers simple dining, grocery store, hardware store and fuel."
"There's 7 hiking trails. All are nice walks in the woods. All were muddy in sections. There's an old coal mine on Trail 2. Blocked off for safety. "
from $20 - $1200 / night
Check Availability"Cagles Mill Lake borders the southwestern side of the area. We arrived to a very quiet campground with few campers."
"Each campsite is spacious and has plenty of space away from your neighbors. There was plenty of shade even though our pad wasn't tucked back in the woods."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"This campground is great proximity to I-70 for an easy on/off the interstate and just outside of downtown Terre Haute (approximately eight miles). The park is nice and shady with large trees."
"It was an interesting drive to the CG off I-70 through 2 traffic circles and into the CG as it's close to I-70 but not right off the highway. There was good signage to the CG."
from $40 - $999 / night
Check Availability"Shaded campground sites at lake's edge on east side of park, 53 electrical hookups including 1 pull-thru, 14 primitive/tent sites. Fire ring and picnic table at each site. Water hydrants nearby."
"The access to the campground is gated and locked at 10pm each night. There is a colonial village and covered bridge on the north end of the lake. The lake that it is located on is beautiful."
"On a lake stocked with fish. Port-a-potty and shower house available."
from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Raccoon State Recreation Area | Cecil M Harden Lake is located in the heart of historic covered bridge country just 50 miles West of Indianapolis."
"There are multiple boat ramps for easy access to the water. I met a friend there who is a resident of Indianapolis and we had a great time on the water."
from $14 - $52 / night
Check Availability"One is a separate horse camp, it was fun to see so many horses on the trails and talk to the riders. They do some forestry work but it wasn’t loud."
"This wonderful hidden gem is 14 miles away from McCormick's Creek State Park. It is a DNR state operated and has some pretty cool fishing. It was family-approved by my kin."
from $10 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Turkey Run is arguably the most popular campground (and state park) in Indiana and has its pros and cons."
"Much enjoyed hiking some of the trails at Turkey Run State Park near Marshall, Indiana. This is Indiana's 2nd oldest state park, now 100 years old (1916-2016)."
from $20 - $45 / night
Check Availability
TravelerWe love these campsites! So much space, existing fire rings, there was wood left behind from previous campers so that was nice! We have a reactive pup and she is able to live her best life there! We enjoyed all the trails around our site as well.
GuideThis campground was fine. Very clean pit toilets, but some of the sites were pretty sloped and close together. 154 was the best spot I scoped. 133 was very uneven and no privacy
TravelerGreat little campground, decently spaced spots and lots of thoughtful people in a great area. Would def come back if I go through Indiana again. The lady who works in the shack quickly changed my site to one that fits my rv after pulling in and seeing it was way too small. Thanks again ma’am!
GuideThe coordinates took me to nowhere, just a spot on the side of the road. There are some sites along the road though.
GuideJust the edge of a dirt road. Signs nearby saying no camping. You could maybe get away with it late at night, but it didn’t feel like a good spot to stay overnight to me.
GuidePit toilets clean and well stocked. Area is open with lots of room to choose your spot. Have visited before and will again..
TravelerLevel gravel sites, site 17 needs extra long electric cord, extremely well cared for park with helpful hosts. Very clean bathroom, shower and laundry facilities, decorated with homey touches. Firewood and ice available at campground. Some road and train noise, but park itself was quiet.
GuideNice big open field with plenty of places to park and pitch. A bit crowded for midweek, but not too bad.
GuideThis is a beautiful park with lots of amenities. The sites have paved pads but very few are level - weird. Lake access, wooded and sunny sites.
Camping options near Smithville, Indiana include a mix of primitive forest sites and developed grounds with electric hookups. Elevation varies between 600-900 feet across the region, creating diverse terrain for different camping experiences. State forests and recreation areas typically experience summer daytime temperatures in the 80s with evening lows in the 60s, while spring and fall bring mild days and cooler nights that can drop into the 40s.
Canoe or tube on Sugar Creek: Turkey Run State Park offers multiple watercraft options for visitors. "Sugar Creek is also great for floating with inner tubes, canoes, or kayaks. The suspension footbridge across Sugar Creek is cool," notes Joel R. about Turkey Run State Park Campground.
Cycling on flat terrain: The level topography around certain lakes makes biking accessible for all skill levels. "Very flat and ideal for bike riding," reports Amy C. about Lieber State Recreation Area, while another camper mentions, "Stayed at Poplar Grove. Great sites. Lots of activities for families. The beach was fun."
Fish at stocked lakes: Multiple parks feature managed fishing waters with various species. "This is a fishing park. Boating with electric motors, so a quiet lake. Fishing was fair according to my fishing guy," writes Cynthia K. about Shakamak State Park Campground, which features three lakes spanning about 400 acres.
Shade coverage: Tree canopy provides natural cooling during hot summer months. "The sites are all flat- ALL FLAT!!! No inclined sites at all! Unheard of in an Indiana State Park, but there you go," notes a visitor to Shakamak State Park, highlighting both the levelness and wooded nature of sites.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers receive frequent positive mentions. "The bathrooms were super clean and the showers were hot with good water pressure," reports Samantha S. at Turkey Run State Park, while another camper notes, "The bathrooms/showers are KOA clean. Also unheard of in an Indiana State Park."
Fishing access: Many campgrounds offer direct water access from sites. "Can fish right out your 'back door'. Very clean showers. Not much in the way of shade on campsites," reports Wes G. about Fowler County Park, which features lakeside camping options for $12 per night at primitive sites.
Cell service variability: Coverage fluctuates significantly across campgrounds. "We were there for two nights. We were working and we were grateful StarLink worked well," mentions Shirley M. about Lieber State Recreation Area Campground, while another camper notes, "ZERO cell phone coverage" at the same location.
Site unevenness: Many campgrounds feature sloping terrain requiring leveling equipment. "The site was very uneven. It definitely sloops to the back corner. It's was difficult to level our camper but we got it in the end," reports Michelle M. about Turkey Run State Park.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons frequently visit campsites throughout the region. "Watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything," warns a camper at Turkey Run State Park, while another visitor to Raccoon Lake notes, "We did have several nighttime visits from a couple large raccoon families."
Swimming options: Several parks offer both pool and lake swimming. "The pool was excellent! Skip the lake and enjoy the pool," recommends Amy C. about Lieber State Recreation Area, while another camper at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area notes, "I loved this camp ground, there was a beach which was nice and a building to get food."
Organized activities: Seasonal programming provides structured entertainment. "We love going to this park several times a year. We especially like camping in the fall for their Goblins weekend," shares Timothy B. about Lieber State Recreation Area's Halloween events.
Space consideration: Site selection impacts children's play areas. "We had site 94, which was right next to the bathhouse. It had almost a whole extra campsite's worth of space next to it for my kids to run around," notes Kaley A. about Turkey Run State Park.
Hookup availability: Water and electric options vary significantly between parks. "In order to avoid crowds on the trails, we got there Thursday night so we could hike Friday morning / early afternoon," advises a camper at Turkey Run State Park about timing your stay to avoid weekend crowds.
Site access challenges: Tree placement can complicate parking at some locations. "Some of the other sites in this CG, not so much, so look up and watch your turn into the pull-throughs," warns MickandKarla W. about Terre Haute Campground, noting potential overhead clearance issues.
Extension cord needs: Electric box placement sometimes requires additional equipment. "Bring an extension cord if you're in a pull through. If you want your door facing the fire pit - the electric box is in an awkward place," advises a camper at Turkey Run State Park regarding equipment planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Smithville, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Smithville, IN offers a wide range of camping options, with 116 campgrounds and RV parks near Smithville, IN and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Smithville, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Smithville, IN is Shakamak State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Smithville, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Smithville, IN.
What parks are near Smithville, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Smithville, IN that allow camping, notably Cecil M. Harden Lake and Monroe Lake.
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