Best Campgrounds in Indiana

From the sandy bluffs and hundreds of lakes in the north to the limestone caverns in the south, Indiana’s parks are popular with outdoor lovers. In a state defined by its love for automobiles, peaceful afternoons on the river and hundreds of miles of remote hiking are just a short trip away. You don’t have to look far to find your getaway, so come and discover camping in Indiana!

With over 30 state parks and a national forest, it’s not hard to find the perfect place to spend the night. Campers love finding the best place to visit in the fall for the perfect autumn colors, and tranquil summer evenings are a great time to get family together outside for a weekend away.

Find your escape on Indiana’s White River, which meanders for over 200 miles through sandstone bluffs that rise from the river banks. Excellent fishing opportunities and an abundance of wildlife make the White River a hit with locals and tourists alike. With over 12 unique sections of the river to explore, it’s a perfect excuse to call in from work and go camping in Indiana.

Nature lovers camping in Indiana will love the bird watching and serene landscapes of Indiana’s riverways. Call ahead and get set up with an outfitter to guide you through the best fishing holes in the river. Adventure lovers might prefer heading out on their own, thanks to a detailed river guide available online.

Indiana’s Knobstone Trail is a must for hikers and backpackers. Link up with the Tecumseh Trail in the north and the 140-mile trail puts to rest the myths that the state is all-flat. Start within a stone’s throw of Louisville for a hike that winds through hardwood forests, tree-top panoramas, and Southern Indiana’s unglaciated and surprisingly hilly terrain.

Trying to escape the summer heat? Head south to the limestone region–famous for its hidden caverns–and go camping at Hoosier National Forest. Spend your days off hiking and horseback riding in the park’s 200,000+ acres. With the Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best camping in Indiana no matter where the roads take you.

Best Camping Sites in Indiana (413)

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Recent Reviews in Indiana

2356 Reviews of 413 Indiana Campgrounds



Guide to Indiana

Camping in Indiana offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in the Hoosier State.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds, like Turkey Run State Park Campground, have great hiking trails. One reviewer mentioned, “Be prepared with hiking boots and sticks” for the moderate trails that can be challenging.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A camper noted, “The water was breathtaking and very calm even with all of the boat activity.”
  • Exploring Nature: Shades State Park Campground offers beautiful scenery. One visitor said, “The park is quite, shaded, rugged at times and the canyon/creek can be breathtaking.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Cecil M Harden Lake stated, “Bathhouse clean, plenty of showers, flush toilets.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds have roomy sites. One camper at Turkey Run State Park mentioned, “Large campground with spacious sites.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Prophetstown State Park are great for families. A reviewer said, “This park has it all. Multiple playgrounds for the kids, great hiking/biking trails.”

What you should know

  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. One visitor at Paynetown Campground noted, “This is known in Indiana as a party park. It's VERY noisy & busy on a summer weekend.”
  • Limited Privacy: Some sites are close together, which can affect privacy. A camper at Turkey Run State Park mentioned, “Many sites are in an open, level area without a lot of trees or bushes between them.”
  • Variable Amenities: Not all campgrounds have the same facilities. A review for Shades State Park pointed out, “The vault toilets were dirty, needed to be emptied.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. Prophetstown State Park has multiple playgrounds and a water park, making it ideal for kids.
  • Plan for Crowds: If you want a quieter experience, try to camp during the week. A reviewer at Paynetown Campground suggested, “If you like a quieter experience come Monday through Wed.”
  • Pack for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for added fun. One family at Summit Lake State Park enjoyed, “We took Kayaks and had a good time.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites may have slopes that make parking tricky. A camper at Buffalo Ridge Campground warned, “Pay attention to your campsite for slope and camper accessibility.”
  • Book Early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at Prophetstown State Park said, “Book early, as these sites go fast!”
  • Be Mindful of Rules: Some campgrounds have strict rules about vehicle limits. A camper at Summit Lake State Park expressed frustration with the host's reminders about car limits.

Camping in Indiana has its quirks, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time exploring the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available in Indiana?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Indiana offers a wide range of camping options, with 413 campgrounds and RV parks in Indiana and 14 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground in Indiana?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground in Indiana is Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park with a 4-star rating from 121 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping in Indiana?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots in Indiana.

  • What are the best parks in Indiana?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 465 parks in Indiana that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.