Camping around Star City, Indiana offers many riverside and lakefront campsites that accommodate both tent and RV camping. The region features relatively flat terrain with gentle elevation changes, making for accessible camping conditions. Water activities dominate the recreational scene with the Tippecanoe River serving as the main natural feature for anglers and boaters throughout the spring to fall camping season.
What to do
Hiking trails and fire tower views: At Tippecanoe River State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy moderate hiking with a rewarding lookout point. "The fire tower climb was beautiful. A nice little place to relax," shares one camper. Another mentions, "There are some trails that can be accessed from the campground - Trails 1, 3, 4, & 5."
Swimming in former quarries: France Park offers one of the most unique swimming experiences in the region. "I took a 5 mile hike and she spent the day on the beach and swimming in the crystal clear lake," writes one visitor. The park offers "plenty of room for kayaking, fishing and hiking."
Amusement park access: Campers staying at the Indiana Beach Campground can take advantage of discounted tickets to the adjacent theme park. "You do get a discount on amusement park/water park tickets with a two night stay, and there's a free shuttle," notes one camper. The convenience means you "don't have to drive" to reach the attractions.
What campers like
Peaceful river settings: Campers consistently praise the tranquil waterfront options available at smaller campgrounds like Tippecanoe River Run. "Don't think I've ever stayed anywhere so peaceful. Birds chirping, right on a nature spring, everyone is respectful but laid back," shares one visitor. The setting makes it "good for fishing from bank and launching kayak, canoes."
Shaded campsites: Many campers appreciate the mature trees that provide natural cooling during summer months. At Tippecanoe River State Park Campground, visitors note the "mature wooded campground" with "plentiful level grassy tent spots." Another camper describes it as having "nice shade trees in all the sites."
Star gazing opportunities: The rural location provides excellent night sky viewing. One camper at Tippecanoe River State Park mentioned participating in "a star gazing event being held that weekend and it is still something my husband and I talk about regularly." Another visitor to Tippecanoe River Run noted "stargazing was better than expected."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage can be spotty throughout the area. At Tippecanoe River State Park, one camper noted, "I have AT&T service and could not use my phone at all, my husband has Verizon and had no problems with cell service." Another mentioned that "cell service is limited so it is a great place to get away from it all."
Seasonal insect activity: The riverside locations mean insects can be an issue during warmer months. One visitor to Tippecanoe River State Park observed simply, "Worst place for mosquitoes." These conditions vary by season, leading some to recommend visiting during cooler months.
Reservation policies vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate differently. At Broken Aarow, one camper noted, "We were told that they don't take reservations, but it turns out they do if you want a spot with sewer in a different area." Always call ahead to confirm current policies.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playground options: Several best places to camp near Star City, Indiana feature play equipment for children. At Norway Campground, families appreciate the "dog park, playground, bounce pad, basketball court, pavilion" which provides "something for everyone."
Swimming alternatives: Beyond the standard lake swimming, consider the unique options available. One family visiting France Park enjoyed "the quarry was beyond stunning" while another mentioned that Norway Campground has "a creek flowing through" where you can see "a whole duck family."
Weekend activity planning: Many campgrounds host scheduled events for children, particularly on weekends. At Rvino - Lost Acres, campers enjoy "kids activities, corn hole tournaments, fishing pond" with one visitor noting there is "something for everyone. Playgrounds, new pool, kids activities."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Most campgrounds offer limited pull-through sites that require advance reservation. At Tippecanoe River State Park, "Site 58 is the only pull through in the campground," making it a sought-after option for larger rigs.
Hookup considerations: Verify the type of connections available when booking. One RVer noted that at Tippecanoe River State Park, campers should "get water before setting up at the water station after the small gatehouse" as many sites have shared water access points.
Site surface quality: The camping pads vary significantly between locations. At France Park, one camper mentioned "the sites are gravel and they used the huge gravel so it is hard to use stabilizers and also level your unit." Look for newer campgrounds if level sites are a priority for your setup.
