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.
"Expect to see Canadian geese as the resident scavenger here instead of the usual raccoons found at Indiana parks."
$16 - $25 / night
$21 - $55 / night
"I grew up in nearby Bloomington, Indiana, and my family were actually the very first campers at Hardin Ridge in 1966."
$16 - $50 / night
"As with other Indiana state parks we have visited, the picnic table is very skimpy and cannot seat more than four comfortably. "
"Unheard of in an Indiana State Park, but there you go.
There's some train noise.
The bathrooms/showers are KOA clean."
$20 - $25 / night
"Turkey Run is arguably the most popular campground (and state park) in Indiana and has its pros and cons."
$23 / night
"This is a beautiful State Park situated in the rolling hills of southern Indiana."
$225 / night
"Current prices are listed on the Indiana DNR website."
LegendThis was a camping weekend. We've camped here before, but many years ago. It was time to go back.
So, we couldn't remember much about this state park. We were never compelled to go back sooner. Now I remember why. This is a nice park. Not outstanding. Not special. It's just...nice.
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.
There's no beach, but they have an enormous pool. It has slides & everything.
This is a fishing park. Boating with electric motors, so a quiet lake. Fishing was fair according to my fishing guy.
The Nature Center was inexplicably closed "for the season". Disappointing!
There's many boat launches & picnic areas. Cabins for rent. Boats for rent.
We stayed at the electric campground. The sites are great- wooded. This is a well established campground.
The sites are all flat- ALL FLAT!!! No inclined sites at all! Unheard of in an Indiana State Park, but there you go.
There's some train noise.
The bathrooms/showers are KOA clean. Also unheard of in an Indiana State Park. I couldn't even find a spider web. Kudos to the park employees& camp hosts!
We had a site by the lake, but there was no lake view & there was a steep incline to get down to the water.
This campground has a beautiful fishing pier just for campers.
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.
There's also another campground that has a mix of electric/full hookup & non electric sites. They have a beautiful bathhouse.
All in all a pleasant weekend. We camped at Shakamak State Park in a Travel Trailer.
ScoutWe took our van and stayed at Turkey Run for a three night weekend. We were in a wooded section and it was pretty private however our site was pretty sloped. Next time I would probably pick the site on either side of 167.
As some other reviews stated, watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything.
Also, the open, grassy area sites don’t offer any privacy. If that’s what you’re looking for, try to get a wooded site on the outsides that back up to woods. The majority of those have a decent number of trees separating you from the site next to you.
The bathrooms were super clean and the showers were hot with good water pressure.
We hiked Trail 3 with our dog, but we cut off early before the ladders using Trail 10. Our dog did pretty well in the section of Trail 3 before the ladders, and be prepared to get wet :)
In order to avoid crowds on the trails, we got there Thursday night so we could hike Friday morning / early afternoon. Saturday we rented a canoe from a canoe place right down the road from the campground. It was great and once we saw the crowds at the beach area of the park on Saturday afternoon, we were super glad we had been canoeing all day instead of fighting crowds at the park.
I would definitely recommend visiting Turkey Run State Park!
TravelerBest option in the park and quietest. Some spots are uneven and tight, but also some very large (back of loop and some of the spots on side of loop in the front)
GuideA quiet little lake/ big pond in the Hoosier National Forest with a few spots to camp.
At the pond there was a pad of concrete leftover from who knows what. I wouldn’t be trying to pull a travel trailer back into here unless it was very small.
On the weekends, the activity picked up with a lot of partying and hunting.
There were a few pickups that patrolled through here regularly, all through the night too. I was never bothered by anyone, but the area is small and I kinda felt like I was on a stage with every passerby.
TravelerGreat spot to tent camp! The showers and real bathrooms were nice too! Plenty of trails and awesome lookout points. The lakes aren’t bad for fishing and kayaking too! Very glad I went!
ScoutI pulled in at midnight in a sedan in the winter and i was able to safely find my way. Very nice drive during the day, hiking is fantastic!
ScoutWhen I was younger this is the place the family would go. For fishing, hiking, and just being in nature . Has some really great trails, and if you stay at the campground itself , it has activities for the youguns ‘. When ever I am in the neighborhood, I will stop by for a weekend in a tent. Near a roaring campfire and widdle some thing out of a piece of wood. It’s peaceful, yet you’re not alone. It isn’t entirely off grid. I prefer BLM myself. But if you’re going to hit a “camp ground” this is one of my favorites.
GuideThis campground is decent if you get one of the few good spots. Many sites are small and can only accommodate a tent. Has water and vault toilets. This campground typically remains available as an overflow camping area but is still a good spot.
GuideI found this place a few years ago and it has become my local go to. It is free camping and first come first serve. There are vault toilets. Plenty of space to spread out.
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.
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 Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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