Best Campgrounds near Spencer, IN
Camping areas around Spencer, Indiana feature a mix of state recreational lands and forest campgrounds with varying levels of development. Owen Putnam State Forest provides basic tent and RV sites with minimal amenities, while Lieber State Recreation Area offers more developed facilities including electric hookups, showers, and water access. McCormick's Creek State Park, Indiana's first state park, provides numerous camping options with well-maintained trails and natural features. Several campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with a few locations like Cagles Mill Lake also offering cabin rentals and glamping opportunities.
Access to campsites in the Spencer region varies seasonally, with most facilities operating year-round but experiencing different conditions. The area's campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities—from primitive sites with no utilities to full-service campgrounds with electric, water, and sewer hookups. Owen Putnam State Forest offers more rustic experiences with limited facilities, while nearby state recreation areas provide modern amenities including shower buildings and dump stations. Hickory Hills Camp Resort operates seasonally from April to October, offering a different schedule than the state-managed properties. One camper noted, "We stay over Memorial weekend. Campground is very hilly. Loop B sites are very uneven. If you have a trailer I suggest the A loop or definitely have enough equipment to make you level."
The most highly rated camping experiences in the region combine natural settings with reasonable amenities. McCormick's Creek State Park receives particularly strong reviews for its hiking opportunities, waterfall, and clean facilities. Several visitors mention the park's trails as highlights, with multiple hiking options for different skill levels accessing features like Wolf Cave, sinkholes, and the park's namesake waterfall. Campers frequently comment on site spacing and privacy, with primitive areas generally offering more seclusion than electric sites. As one reviewer mentioned about McCormick's Creek, "If you want to feel like you're alone in the woods, you won't like most of the electric sites. Sites 190-202 have no electricity, but most are fairly private/secluded." Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, swimming options, and interpretive programs enhance the camping experience at several locations near Spencer.
