Best Camping near Spencer, IN

Are you in need of a campground near Spencer, IN? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Spencer is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Spencer, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Spencer, IN (111)

    Camper-submitted photo from Paynetown Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Paynetown Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Paynetown Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Paynetown Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Paynetown Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Paynetown Campground

    1. Paynetown Campground

    29 Reviews
    99 Photos
    184 Saves
    Clear Creek, Indiana

    This recreation area is part of Monroe Lake

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Market
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Lieber State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lieber State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lieber State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lieber State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lieber State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lieber State Recreation Area

    2. Lieber State Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    75 Photos
    125 Saves
    Cloverdale, Indiana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $16 - $32 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Ridge
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Ridge
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Ridge
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Ridge
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Ridge
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Ridge

    3. Hardin Ridge

    25 Reviews
    61 Photos
    210 Saves
    Heltonville, Indiana

    Overview

    Hardin Ridge is a 1,200-acre recreational complex located on the shores of Monroe Reservoir in Hooiser National Forest. The complex includes six shady campground loops, two picnic areas with shelters, and two rental cabins. The area offers something for everyone, with activities like camping, picnicking, boat launching, swimming, nature walks, and interpretive programs offered in a forested environment.

    Recreation

    A 300-foot swimming beach on Lake Monroe offers a place for children to play and swimmers to sunbathe and enjoy the water. The beach offers a combination of sand and sun, with a shady grass-covered hillside above. There are no lifeguards on duty. No glass containers or pets are allowed in the beach area. The Hardin Ridge Trail is a 2-mile hiking and bicycle trail that runs from the day use area to the various campground loops. This trail roughly follows the main campground road and provides a safe surface for families to hike or bike, as well as a scenic overlook. Fishing is allowed anywhere along the lakeshore within the recreational complex, but several quiet inlets provide secluded fishing holes along the lake's banks. Popular catches include blue gill, striped bass, large mouth bass and crappie. On the Ted T. Turtle interpretive trail, visitors can travel 1.2 miles through a scenic hardwood forest, along a small creek and down to Lake Monroe and back. On the trail, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the history, geology, and wildlife common to southern Indiana. For visitors interested in boating, the lake has a 3-lane launch ramp that is open year-round. A 75 vehicle/trailer parking area is also available as well as a fully accessible loading dock provided at the boat ramp.

    Natural Features

    Monroe Reservoir spans 10,750-acres and is the largest lake in Indiana. There is an overlook on Hardin Ridge Road that is spectacular in any season and gives visitors a high vantage point of the lake, colorful marinas across the water and a vast expanse of forest. The entire area is forested with hardwoods and is well-shaded to give visitors the feel of being in the deep woods. In spring, the dogwoods and redbuds bring bright color to the forest and in fall, the foliage offers colors in vibrant hues of yellow, orange and red.

    Nearby Attractions

    Special Places on the Hoosier National Forest Brooks Cabin Buffalo Trace Carnes Mill Site Clover Lick Barrens Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower Initial Point Lick Creek African American Settlement The Jacob Rickenbaugh Homestead Wesley Chapel Gulf

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $50 - $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Shakamak State Park — Shakamak Prairie Nature Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shakamak State Park — Shakamak Prairie Nature Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shakamak State Park — Shakamak Prairie Nature Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shakamak State Park — Shakamak Prairie Nature Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shakamak State Park — Shakamak Prairie Nature Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Shakamak State Park — Shakamak Prairie Nature Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    7. Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    21 Reviews
    32 Photos
    1 Save
    Heltonville, Indiana

    Overview

    The camp is located along Tower Ridge Road in the center of the Charles Deam Wilderness area, approximately one mile from Highway 446. The camp also is a trailhead for the Charles C. Deam Wilderness trail system.____

    Recreation

    Blackwell is a campground for all types of users. It provides access to the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Trail system with approximately 35 miles of trails. The nearby Hickory Ridge Trail system is also available.

    Facilities

    Blackwell is a campground for all types of users. It provides access to the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Trail system with approximately 35 miles of trails. The nearby Hickory Ridge Trail system is also available.

    Natural Features

    The camp is a large grassy area with gravel parking areas on the east and west end. The trailheads are located on the east and west ends of the camp by the parking areas.__

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park

    8. Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park

    66 Reviews
    240 Photos
    376 Saves
    Marshall, Indiana

    As Indiana’s second state park, Turkey Run Campground was established in 1916. The story behind its name suggests that local hunters would find herds of wild turkeys gathering in the area’s narrow canyon bottoms—called “runs”—and funnel them out for easy harvesting. The area’s natural history goes back a little father—upwards of 600 million years. It was around this time that the sandstone and coal deposits seen in the park were being formed and compacted in a vast, swampy plain. Fast-forward several million years, and Ice Age meltwaters cut and scoured the creeks, canyons, and potholes seen today. Some of the glacial erratics (boulders) seen in the park are actually pieces of bedrock that were transported from as far north as Canada. Visitors to Turkey Run can explore these unique canyons, enjoy the park’s natural scenery, fish and paddle in Sugar Creek, and see several historic sites.

    Located 10 miles north of Rockville, and 70 miles west of Indianapolis, Turkey Run State Park is year-round nature and recreation area covering nearly 2,400 acres along Sugar Creek. The campground at Turkey Run features more than 200 tent and RV sites with electrical hookups, picnic tables and fire pits with cooking grills; some sites are ADA accessible. Most sites are back-in and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 45 feet; a few pull-throughs can accommodate larger. All sites have access to drinking water, flush and vault restrooms, and showers; two dump stations are available onsite. There are also two primitive tent camping areas for youth groups, several cabins for rent, and the historic Turkey Run Inn, which offers 61 lodge rooms, a dining room, and meeting spaces. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed. Campsites raters are $23–$33/night; other accommodations range from $67–$110/night; reservations accepted.

    Besides exploring Turkey Run’s canyon runs, the park offers a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and sports courts. The park’s nature center showcases a variety of exhibits and interactive activities to educate visitors about the park’s geology, flora and fauna. Park naturalists offer guided hikes and nature walks, animal talks and campfire programs. Swimming is not permitted in Sugar Creek, but anglers can fish for bass and bluegill, and paddlers can head out in canoes and kayaks. Swimmers are invited to enjoy the park’s Olympic-sized swimming pool for cooling off during the warmer months. The park also offers hayrides and guided horseback rides. For a blast from the past, visitors can also tour the historic Lusk Home. Built in 1841, this restored European home displays a lifestyle from a bygone era. Watch out for the resident raccoons.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellowwood State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellowwood State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellowwood State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellowwood State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellowwood State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellowwood State Forest
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Showing results 1-10 of 111 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Spencer

Recent Reviews in Spencer

654 Reviews of 111 Spencer Campgrounds


  • Amanda D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
    Nov. 13, 2024

    Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    Brown County State Park stay

    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. Also, some sites were fairly sloped as well. This site was a slight slope and overall I would book it again. We have a full size truck with a small travel trailer that fit perfectly. Camp store was stocked nicely. Staff was friendly. The campground itself was very quiet and you could enjoy being out in nature. The site was walking distance from showers/bathroom. The park as a whole is beautiful and there’s a trailhead that’s walking distance from the campsite that leads down a beautiful trail to a lake.

  • Betsy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest
    Nov. 1, 2024

    Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    Large, open, and very clean

    Open areas with pit toilets and water available. Shade and sunny locations. Pick a spot and set up with hammock-large rvs spots. No fee, no reservations, no problems. Officers from federal, state, and local patrol. Cell service by various providers is 1-2 bars. Highly recommend.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Johnson County Fairgrounds
    Oct. 20, 2024

    Johnson County Fairgrounds

    Not the Best

    We followed our RV GPS into the quaint city of Franklin and turned right off of Jefferson Street onto Fairgrounds Street that leads a short distance to the gate. Waze wanted us to continue on King Street coming in from I-65, but there is a sign that says no trucks and the street is not RV friendly. Our RV GPS had us going the right direction to get to Jefferson Street. As we had made reservations on the day of arrival we were texted by the fairgrounds camp host asking for an estimated arrival time. The camp host site is right at the entrance of the campground (CG) area. As they only take cash or check, we paid the host upon arrival and the host walked us over to show us the site they selected for us. Upon arriving at back-in site 34 with FHUs and 50 AMP, we asked if we could change to the adjacent 30 AMP area, so we could have some space and yard. The camp host said that due to the age of the wiring they do not allow 50 to 30 AMP adapters. However, a 5th wheel came in a day later and hooked into 30 AMP with an adapter. The CG has poor site and utility placement with multiple sites sharing water. The sites back up to each other and the utilities are down the middle. There isn't dedicated site utilities like the majority of CGs, you just pick the water and electric that happens to be open and is closest to you. There are no picnic tables nor fire pits. Be sure to have plenty of water hose(we needed 50’) to reach a spigot. Our area had full timers and short stayers. There was another site area across the field that was either long term or seasonal with decent spacing but we weren't offered any of the empty 50 AMP spots and no one else was put in that area. Wifi was very useable for checking mail, Facebook, and such. Water pressure was good. We got 3 bars on Verizon. With an unobstructed view of the northern sky we used our Starlink. There’s plenty of area to walk your dog inside the fenced fairground areas. The next time we are in the area, we’ll pass on this CG.

  • Noah Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles C. Deam Wilderness
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Charles C. Deam Wilderness

    Great for casual/experienced camping and hiking

    A staple of our state here in Indiana. Unfortunately due to some storm damage, trails were rerouted or straight up inaccessible.

    Great places to find and set up camp. We even discovered a few extra hidden sites just by being forced off trails due to the damage.

    Every dispersed camper should add the hikes to the lake to their checklist.

  • Sara W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Creek
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Prairie Creek

    Prairie creek

    Men's and women's shower house playground few trails rv tent and camper electric a few primitive sites 2 sites r 50 Amp I think the rest r 30 Amp water gets wonderfully hot Verizon works can have door dash and amazon delivered

  • Joel K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shades State Park Campground
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Shades State Park Campground

    Nice campground, but not perfect

    Stayed here recently and overall the trip was a 10, but as for the campground itself there are somethings that could definitely be better.

    First, for all intents and purposes the sites are not marked.  At some point years ago they stencil painted the numbers both on the concrete parking block and on the ground near the entry pad for each site, but obviously over time most of these are worn away.  It's very difficult to find your actual site, even during the day when it's not busy.  At night, or with a campground full of people - not a chance.   Even more perplexing is why it's still like this when it's so easy to fix.

    Second, on the back loop, where we were, almost every car we saw was going the wrong way around the loop.  I've never seen this before and wasn't just one car.  There is a sign at the start of the loop indicating it's one direction, so not sure why this happens.

    Third, they have a camp store at the entry to the family campground, but it was never open in the time we were there, which was Friday / Saturday / Sunday, during the summer, so not sure what the situation was.

    Fourth, while the campground does have functional flush bathroom and shower, they only have one, and the rest are pit toilets, so depending on how far your site is from the building, it could be a very long walk, especially at night.

    The front gate to the park did have covered firewood, but the hours of the gate operation were not clear.  The sites themselves were fine, but not particularly deep, and some are basically completely exposed to all the foot and vehicle traffic going to the toilets, the dumpsters, or just driving around, so basically zero privacy.

    We did drive into Crawfordsville, which took about 20 minutes, and it was very nice with a local college (Wabash) and plenty of retail options to restock, grab a cold beverage, or refill the tank before driving home. 

    Would I stay here again, yes 100%, but be prepared and plan ahead.  Would I recommend this to others?  Meh.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Terre Haute Campground
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Terre Haute Campground

    Well Run Campground

    The campground was easy to find off I-70. If it is your first time, follow your GPS through two traffic circles then back around to the campground(CG). Check-in was super fast and we were escorted to pull through site 48 with FHUs. As we've stayed here before, We liked this site as there are trees but they won’t get in the way of parking maneuvers. Some of the other sites in this CG, not so much, so look up and watch your turn into the pull-throughs. No issues with utilities as they are smartly placed on the pad and work to include decent water pressure. The Wifi was above average for this type of private CG, but there were not many people here near the end of April. Water pressure is decent and we got 3 bars on Verizon. Along with saying hi to the goats again, this CG was once again a good choice.

  • Josie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest
    Jul. 12, 2024

    Blackwell Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    Spacious Camping

    We really liked the set up of this campsite. The fire rings were spread apart amidst a green hill. There was some shade available around the edges. Plenty of room to spread out from your neighbors; it wasn’t too busy when we were there (a Thursday). Camp accesses two trailheads directly. There were two bathrooms, a place for garbage, and potable water. Screech owls and active birds made it an exciting evening.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Buckwood
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Camp Buckwood

    Very Nice and Freindly

    Stayed two nights, tent camping. It was a great time meeting new people and exploring the surrounding area.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hills Camp Resort
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Hickory Hills Camp Resort

    Perfect RV Resort south of Indianapolis

    We were so fortunate to have found The Retreat at Hickory Hills and stay there for a month! There’s two pools, a pickle ball court, a basketball half court, farm animals, golf cart trails, kayak/canoe/row boats, exploring creeks, fishing, a dog park, several playgrounds, Gaga ball, tether ball, volleyball, frisbee golf and several weekend activities for everyone. Saturday mornings were our favorite where we could get biscuits and gravy, coffee and the kids had craft time. It’s definitely worth bringing mountain bikes or renting their golf carts to explore their golf cart trails! We went out on these several times and it never got old! Staff and campers were welcoming and friendly. We still haven’t stopped talking about how CLEAN they keep everything. The sites were large and they’re still expanding and adding more sites. There’s a seasonal campers area and an overnight or monthly area. We stayed in the overnight/monthly area. It was peaceful and relaxing throughout the week and lively during the weekend. It was a wonderful balance!! We’ll definitely be back.

  • Jacob A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shakamak State Park — Shakamak Prairie Nature Preserve
    Jul. 4, 2024

    Shakamak State Park — Shakamak Prairie Nature Preserve

    One of our favorite parks!

    We have been coming here every year since 2016. Most of the sites are shady. Our favorite site is 72. It is close to a water hookup if you need to top off your fresh water tank, shady, and not too close to other sites. They added a new shower house close by in 2022 or 2023.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 3, 2024

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Secluded in the woods

    Beautiful secluded site that is pretty far off of the road, but not too far. There was no traffic or other people in site. I have a promaster conversion and had no trouble making it to this site, however the road was gravel and steep at times. I have lived in Indiana for ever and have made many trips this way, but I never knew sites like this existed.

  • Cynthia K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park
    Jun. 28, 2024

    Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    Meh

     First off- Brown County is a lovely park. This review is only for the campground. 

    The only time we ever camped here was in 2003 when we had 3 kids & a popup. New to the park I thought the Racoon Ridge Loop looked good & picked site 121. Bad mistake! We stayed 3 nights & every night we had a weird thing happen. The worst was the bat that found it's way into the popup one night. None of it was in any way Brown County's fault, but we never went back. 

    We were staying at Paynetown recently & decided to visit Brown County & the campground. The mirror tag helped with this. We visited on a Saturday morning in late June. The whole campground was full & it was jumpin'!

     We skipped Buffalo Ridge. Raccoon Ridge is the smallest loop. Close sites. Our former site 121 has a pit toilet right next to it now. There's several sites along the main road, also very close to each other & right on the road.

     I thought that Taylor Ridge was the best loop based on my memories from 2003. It's really a long warren of close sites, some with terrible inclines.

     I was able to write down a few sites I thought would work- Sites with no one close by: 193/194/266. 

    265 was the only pull thru I saw, but there may be others. 

    End of loop: 317/318 

    Ridge view from your site: 310/311/312/313/314 

    Random sites that looked ok: 179/188/215/223/225/242/259/260/265/277/280/287/422- these sites are just what I eyeballed while the husband was cruising down the main road. 

    We decided we were never going to camp here again. The sites are too close together. There's too many people crammed in a small space. If you go be aware that summer weekends & leaf peeper season will be very busy. The middle of the week or shoulder season would probably be your best bet for a more relaxing experience.

  • Cynthia K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellowwood State Forest
    Jun. 27, 2024

    Yellowwood State Forest

    Just did a drive thru

     This is a State Forest campground near Nashville, Indiana. Primitive camping. Pit toilets only. This is by Yellowwood Lake, so boating & fishing opportunities. 

    All these sites are first come, first serve. No reservations. 

    There's a Forest Office with area information & a small display. 

    There's several trails of varying length. 

    Believe it or not- gold panning is a thing here! You need a permit.

    They rent boats at the Forest Office. Electric motor only.

     There's several camping loops. There's a horse camp also. 

    The boat ramp is near the horse camp loop.

     We didn't go down the Red Pine Loop, but did check out White Oak/Redbud& Black Gum.

     Hickory loop is right off the road & the sites are visible from the road. They looked nicely spaced.

    White oak loop had several nice sites. Redbud is close to a building they call a camp store. It may have been many years ago, but not open now.

     Several picnic spots by the lake. The best site in Redbud would be 39. Large site with some shade. I would also say 38, but site 37 is directly behind it. This is the camp host spot, so occupied. These sites are near the pit toilets.

    The best spot in Black Gum would be site 75. Large site at the end of the loop & right by the lake.

     If you go back to Hwy 46 where the road split on your way in, follow the sign to the dam. Just a large earthen dam, but there's trail heads here. There's the Scarce O' Fat Trail which has been mentioned on the Facebook Indiana Hiking page.

    $13 per night regular camping.$16 per night for horseman's.

  • Cynthia K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hardin Ridge
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Hardin Ridge

    National Forest

     We did a drive through to check out the campground. It was $8 for day use, self pay.

    This is a beautiful campground. There's 4 loops with 30 & 50 amp. 2 loops with no electric.

     Well spaced all tucked into the trees on a ridge. Also some carry in sites.

     If we tented camped still I'd be in heaven! 

    You can reserve sites, or some are first come first served.

    Shower/restroom with pit toilets scattered around. 

    3 trails. A beach, picnic areas& a boat launch. 

    This seems less popular than Paynetown, but a lot quieter!!

  • Cynthia K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Paynetown Campground
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Paynetown Campground

    Crazy busy on a summer weekend

     This is a SRA on the shores of Lake Monroe by Bloomington Indiana. This is a boating/fishing park. We went on a hot weekend the 4rth weekend in June & it was completely full. 

    There's only 3 short trails. The longest is 1.25 miles. Not a hiking park. 

    There's a visitor center off State Road 446. This is NOT a nature center! Just a place to pick up some information. 

    The marina & boat launch get the most use. There's also a beach. 

    There's a large Class B campground closer to the marina. There's some pit toilets & one flush toilet building. No showers. No electricity.

     There's a large dump station. 

    The electric campground has 227 sites. 3 are handicap accessible. There's also 27 pull throughs. Many have lake access due to camper made trails to the lake.

    We had site 137 which was a good site due to the fact we had no one on the left. There was a woods view.

    Many of these sites have a bad incline & people were putting their rigs sideways on the site close to the road. Our site was no exception, but we were able to make it work. This site also had afternoon sun.

     Restrooms/showers were state park clean. I was impressed with the hard working staff trying their best to give us a clean bathroom!

     The best sites in the campground are 171/172& 153/154. These have a lot of sun, but a stellar view of the lake. 

    132-137 have a trail to the lake. Very bad inclines though. 

    120-124 have trails to the lake & are in the woods. 

    103 is a large site& fairly even with lots of shade. 

    The sites from 180-227 are asphalt with concrete pads. The rest of the campground is gravel. 

    There's 4 carry in campsites for tents that looked very nice. Campsites in the E area have access to a sandy peninsula that was very popular for swimmers. 

    This is known in Indiana as a party park. There's some truth to that. It's VERY noisy & busy on a summer weekend. If you like a quieter experience come Monday through Wed. or wait until the off season.

  • S.celeste
    Camper-submitted photo from Terre Haute Campground
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Terre Haute Campground

    Very cute!

    Easy book, easy check-in, easy to find. Lots of amenities, very family friendly. Small camp sites, but pretty and also quiet and awesomely clean!

  • Holdun R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Atterbury Campground
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Camp Atterbury Campground

    Great 1st experience

    This was my first time at a campsite, so I don't have other sites to compare to. Overall, my experience was great. Clean area with lots of amenities. They stack free firewood at your campsite to burn. 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.

  • rickie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Oak Ridge Morgan-Monroe State Forest

    Beautiful as it should be.

    We stayed pretty much on our site. Generally, we aim to do a bit of exploring, but we used their camping as a rendezvous. I was slightly disappointed by the site selections being mostly on a slant, but we did find one on the overfill site that suited our needs and we ended up loving it. I do plan on returning specifically to update a better review on the available views.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park
    Jun. 7, 2024

    Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park

    Fabulous Park, Nice Campground

    Turkey Run is a fabulous state park with a nice campground. My only complaint about the campground is that many sites are in an open, level area without a lot of trees or bushes between them. You don’t have a lot of privacy. Two sections of the campground, with the higher numbered sites, are much more wooded. If I go again, I will try to be there!

    But the campground has two large modern bathrooms that are cleaned regularly. It also has clean well maintained vault toilets throughout the campground. Best of all, from the back of the campground you can access Trail 7, a moderate level trail that leads unexpectedly to a small stream running past a recessed cave. It’s a peaceful spot.

    Be advised that a “moderate” hike at Turkey Run can be challenging, with plenty of steps up and down the hillsides. Many of the trails go along stream beds, so you often need to make your way across the rocks to avoid wet feet. Be prepared with hiking boots and sticks.

    There are two covered bridges on the edges of the park. Be sure to check them out!

  • james W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 6, 2024

    Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    Real dispersed camping

    For those of you who don't understand disperse camping this is the perfect site for a tent to camp without anything but what you bring in and take out understand what dispersed camping is and then there won't be any complaints about can't get a camper in or whatever I always see the complaints this is dispersed camping at its best



Guide to Spencer

Camping near Spencer, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Turkey Run State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "From the back of the campground, you can access Trail 7, a moderate level trail that leads unexpectedly to a small stream running past a recessed cave."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Patoka Lake Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A visitor shared, "The nature center is a delightful feature, offering a serene escape into the beauty of the surrounding area."
  • Wildlife Watching: Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area is great for spotting wildlife. One camper noted, "The raccoons definitely are active, so make sure you lock it all up at night."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Turkey Run State Park Campground stated, "The campground has two large modern bathrooms that are cleaned regularly."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spaciousness of sites at Hardin Ridge. One visitor said, "Beautiful spacious sites. Spread out with plenty of room between sites."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Terre Haute Campground are noted for being family-friendly. A reviewer mentioned, "Lots of free activities for kids. Friendly and helpful staff."

What you should know

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Shades State Park Campground remarked, "The sites are fairly close together with little separation."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have modern amenities. One review for Paynetown Campground mentioned, "The electric campground has 227 sites... Many of these sites have a bad incline."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially raccoons. A visitor at Patoka Lake Campground warned, "Do not turn your back to your dinner table at any time if there’s food out."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer activities for kids. Terre Haute Campground has "lots of free activities for kids."
  • Plan for Wildlife: Make sure to secure food and trash to avoid raccoon visits. A camper at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area advised, "Make sure you lock it all up at night."
  • Check for Amenities: Before booking, check what amenities are available. A review for Buffalo Ridge Campground noted, "Bath houses are nice. Electric only."

Tips from RVers

  • Look for Level Sites: Many RVers recommend checking the levelness of sites. A visitor at Turkey Run State Park Campground mentioned, "Some camp sites have zero privacy while others have a little."
  • Be Mindful of Space: Sites can be tight, so be aware of your surroundings. A camper at Terre Haute Campground said, "Most sites are gravel... Sites are very close together."
  • Plan for Utilities: Make sure to check the availability of water and electric hookups. A review for Hardin Ridge stated, "There’s 4 loops with 30 & 50 amp. 2 loops with no electric."

Camping near Spencer, Indiana, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature walks to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Spencer, IN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Spencer, IN offers a wide range of camping options, with 111 campgrounds and RV parks near Spencer, IN and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Spencer, IN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Spencer, IN is Paynetown Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Spencer, IN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Spencer, IN.

  • What parks are near Spencer, IN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Spencer, IN that allow camping, notably Monroe Lake and Cecil M. Harden Lake.