Brown County State Park offers the primary camping options near Danville, Indiana, with elevations ranging from 600 to 940 feet across its rolling terrain. The park spans over 16,000 acres, making it Indiana's largest state park, with multiple camping loops that provide varying experiences and accessibility options. Several campgrounds maintain winter operations with reduced services, including a heated bathhouse during colder months.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Brown County State Park features nearly 30 miles of purpose-built bike trails ranging from beginner to expert level. "The mountain bike trails are fantastic, with purpose built trails for beginner to expert (flow, berms, rollers, jumps...)," notes a visitor at Buffalo Ridge Campground.
Horseback riding: Explore dedicated equestrian trails with your own horses or through guided experiences. "I have only been twice and we took our horses to trail ride! There are a lot of fun hills and trails that you can ride for hours which we love to do," shares a camper from Horsemen's Campground.
Hiking to lakes: Access trail networks directly from camping areas. "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," according to a Taylor Ridge Campground reviewer.
Visit Nashville: Explore the nearby artist town just minutes from the campgrounds. "Nashville is only a 5 minute drive from the campgrounds, and it's a blast going to all of the different shops and restaurants located in town," reports a camper from Taylor Ridge.
What campers like
Varied campground options: Brown County State Park offers distinct camping experiences across multiple loops. "There are 3 separate campgrounds in the park Buffalo Ridge, Raccoon, and Taylor Ridge. We stayed in Taylor which was dubbed 'wooded' and the one I would most suggest. The others were pretty cleared out and too close together," advises a visitor at Taylor Ridge Campground.
Amenities beyond camping: The park provides numerous facilities beyond basic camping. "The park offers year around camping with reduced services in the winter months. Seasonal outdoor pool, hiking trails, mountain bike trails, Abe Martin Lodge with a year around indoor pool, lakes, naturalist service, nature center and horse camping/trails," explains a camper from Buffalo Ridge Campground.
Clean facilities: Restrooms and shower buildings receive positive reviews. "Very clean bathrooms and shower houses," notes a visitor from Taylor Ridge Campground.
Family-friendly attractions: For families seeking entertainment beyond Indianapolis rv campgrounds, S and H Campground provides unique amenities. "They have a little section full of carnival like rides. Several playgrounds! Campground big and spacious," reports a visitor from S and H Campground.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Campsite quality varies considerably within each camping loop. "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," warns a Taylor Ridge Campground visitor.
Entrance restrictions for large vehicles: Access limitations exist for oversized rigs. "The north entrance is through a covered bridge with a 9 foot clearance and 3 ton limit! Otherwise, use the easily accessible west entrance, just a few miles around the corner," advises a Buffalo Ridge camper.
Seasonal considerations: Fall brings heavier tourism. "Autumn is the heavy tourist season with the changing of the leaves...breathtaking vistas from the parks elevated vantage points!" notes a Buffalo Ridge camper.
Flooding potential: Some campgrounds experience drainage issues during rain. "The campground is notorious for flooding in heavy rains. We have had as much as 4 in of water draining through our campsite," cautions a visitor at Horsemen's Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Seasonal options include multiple swimming facilities. "The splash pad/water park was fun, but was not a pool. It only goes to 3 feet so if you want to swim this is not for you," explains a camper from Indianapolis KOA.
Educational opportunities: Explore nature centers with wildlife exhibits. "The nature center is really fun with animals and a bee hive that the children really enjoyed!" shares a Taylor Ridge visitor.
Site location for nature immersion: Select sites with natural features for better experiences. "The site we stayed in was lovely. It was backed up to the edge of the woods which made for a lovely view," recommends a Taylor Ridge camper.
Plan for variety: Proximity to both nature and town provides flexibility for family activities. "The nearby shopping, wineries and restaurants are definitely a plus as well. This is now one of our favorite destinations and cannot wait to return!" notes a Taylor Ridge visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites require adjustment equipment. "Some sites were pretty small. Also, some sites were fairly sloped as well," notes a Taylor Ridge camper about their RV camping experience near Danville, Indiana.
Urban RV camping options: For Indianapolis proximity, consider city-adjacent rv campgrounds. "This campground is minutes away from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. For an urban campground, it is better than others. The grounds are clean and the sites aren't too tight," explains a visitor at Lake Haven Retreat.
Fire ring policies vary: Some Danville area rv campgrounds have specific fire policies. "Campsites also don't have fire rings but there are a bunch of communal ones around the lake. Plus free communal firewood," reports a Lake Haven Retreat camper.
Electrical service reliability: Service quality varies between campgrounds. "We had 50amp service and measured 119vac with both a/c units running," confirms a Lake Haven Retreat visitor, indicating reliable power for air conditioning.
