Best Campgrounds near Tell City, IN

Join the fun near Tell City. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Tell City, IN. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Tell City, Indiana (85)

    1. Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph

    33 Reviews
    Santa Claus, IN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 937-4458

    $45 - $101 / night

    "This park is conveniently located beside Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana! There is a wide variety of activities and it's a fun place to camp with family!"

    "This is a fun family Campground located adjacent to holiday world and Splashin Safari. There are golf carts for rent, nice camp stores, pools, playground, putt putt golf course, arcade and more."

    2. Saddle Lake Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    11 Reviews
    Leopold, IN
    9 miles
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    $5 / night

    "Saddle Lake Recreation Area and Campground is located of IN37 right outside Tell City, IN in Hoosier National Forest. "

    "There are 8-10 spots available, all but one of which are drive-in."

    3. Lake Lincoln Campground — Lincoln State Park

    22 Reviews
    Lincoln City, IN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 937-4710

    $20 - $100 / night

    "Lincoln State Park is right down the road from Santa Claus , Indiana and Holiday World. Needless to say it was a little busy, but not as bad as the Rudolph RV Park in town."

    "Lake for swimming, fishing, canoe, paddle boat and Jon boat rentals. Hiking trails and fire tower. Typical camp store on site. Gas station with propane about a mile from the camp ground."

    4. Vastwood Co Park

    4 Reviews
    Hawesville, KY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 927-8778

    $8 - $20 / night

    "Beautiful lakeside campsites. Great for small groups or individuals."

    "Park features playground, paved biking and walking trails, disc golf, plenty of shade, lake with boat dock (non-motorized boats only), bath house, and dump station."

    5. Tipsaw Lake

    10 Reviews
    Leopold, IN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 843-4891

    $21 - $70 / night

    "This was my first time camping in Indiana and it did not let me down!"

    "Catbrier Loop is the more wide open campground with large RV sites, a pit toilet, pavilion and small field for group events and a path to the beach."

    6. Indian-Celina Recreation Area

    20 Reviews
    Saint Croix, IN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 843-4880

    $21 - $44 / night

    "Indian Lake is co-located with Celina Lake and two campground.

    Once you turn off of IN37 you just keep straight to get to Indian Lake."

    "This was a very quiet campsite in southern Indiana. We had a hard time finding dispered camping in the national Forest so we settled for this site."

    7. German Ridge Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    4 Reviews
    Rome, IN
    10 miles
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    $8 / night

    "We had a hard time finding any in Tell City but finally got some at Tractor Supply.  We also found a bunch at the host at the Tipsaw Campground a short drive away."

    "I wrongfully assumed the horses would be at Saddle Lake across IN37, but then I rolled into German Ridge. "

    9. Buzzard Roost Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    11 Reviews
    Leopold, IN
    20 miles
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    "It used to have a sweet little walk in spot down the bouldering trail that looked over the river. Now it is overgrown and you can't get back there."

    "There actually wasn’t any camp grounds open when we got there but we were so exhausted from the drive and it was 4am so we parking at the trail head and got a 3 hour nap in."

    10. Hoosier National Forest Jackpine Loop Campground

    3 Reviews
    Leopold, IN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    "Jackpine Loop is the largest of the campground loops at Tipsaw Lake Recreation area Hoosier National Forest.

    The entire Tipsaw area seems to be oriented toward family and group camping."

    "Wildlife is everywhere, as it is not unusual to have a Momma deer and her little one walk through the woods by your campsite or down by the boat launc, often followed by a turkey or two."

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Recent Reviews near Tell City, IN

394 Reviews of 85 Tell City Campgrounds


  • Becca M.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Grand Trails RV Park

    Not for rv stsys

    This place could be nice but it is full of permanent trailer occupants, which is fine but .  It shouldn’t be advertised as a RV park.  There were 3 empty spaces, we chose  one and we couldn’t hook the sewer up because the pipe is too high off the ground.  They charged us 45.95 which is too high for the amenities offered.  The spaces are very close, no table, no place to set up a bbq.  We should have left but we were very tired.

  • Fred R.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Lake Lincoln Campground — Lincoln State Park

    Cross country trip

    First stop and a Natl park. This place was crazy packed due to concert and drone show. We missed both. It was tight to get into but made it work. Shade trees are plenty with hiking trails all around.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground

    Nice State Park

    nice state park. several shaded sites w electric and water hookups. clean restrooms. great nature center w ranger tours. several hiking trails w various difficulties

    lots of caving activity in area

    several local restaurants to visit. overlook and 1816

  • Cora P.
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Patoka Lake Campground

    Beautiful and so calm

    I am actually going to say if the beach was open I wouldn't have a bad thing to say. Other than that beautiful park, friendly staff, and clean shower houses.

  • Cora P.
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Sycamore Springs Park

    Kid's LOVE it!

    So much to do with the kids, from swimming in the creek, fishing, campfires, s'mores, fresh black topped roads, and such friendly staff. Clean bathrooms and showers, and beautiful places to visit also. Tons of playgrounds too spread throughout the campground.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Buffalo Trace Park

    Quiet. Clean. Beautiful. It’s a winner

    This campsite is beautiful. We rolled in for the night in the return leg of an epic roadtrip. The site looked out on the small lake. It was level and required no adjustments. The bathrooms are dated but very clean. Overall, this was a great spot.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Hoosier National Forest

    Good spot out of the way and close to the Ohio River

    Big spot for almost any type of camper. Deep woods


Guide to Tell City

Camping near Tell City, Indiana, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Spring Mill State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Lots of great hiking trails that are well traveled and easy to navigate." Another camper noted, "The pioneer village is beautiful and really something to see with staff playing as villagers of the period."
  • Fishing: Head to Patoka Lake Campground for some fishing fun. A reviewer shared, "Patoka has always had a hype about it for years; big lake, tons of boats, and fishing." Just be prepared for a bit of a challenge, as another camper mentioned, "Overall we had a nice trip; but the fishing is very difficult here."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at Scales Lake Park. One camper said, "Nice beach, trails and playground. Friendly camper."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms at Nolin Lake State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "The bathrooms were cleaned regularly. The showers were hot and free!"
  • Spacious campsites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Indian-Celina Recreation Area. One camper noted, "The sites are set up well for tent camping with flat gravel tent pads set deep in tall trees with ample privacy."
  • Friendly atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe at Lake Rudolph Campground. A reviewer said, "The staff are super helpful. We had a great stay here and will most likely come back next time we’re near Louisville."

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Moutardier, may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper mentioned, "The campground is clean with good amenities. If you are lucky enough to get a lakeside spot, the views are good, but again, you will have neighbors."
  • Noise from planes: If you camp at Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground, be prepared for some noise. One visitor said, "Unfortunately it’s in the departure path of Louisville’s airport, so be prepared for once-a-minute takeoffs."
  • Crowded sites: Some campers have noted that sites can be close together, especially during peak times. A review from Scales Lake Park stated, "The sites are very close together, so when the campsites are full you don't feel like you have much privacy."

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Lake Lincoln Campground. A camper shared, "The campground has a few playgrounds for the kids too."
  • Plan for shade: Some sites can be quite sunny, so bring a canopy or extra shade. One camper at Nolin Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Very sunny, out in open so windy."
  • Keep an eye on kids: Be vigilant about safety, especially near water. A reviewer at Patoka Lake Campground advised, "Parents with small children should be especially vigilant, as vehicles towing trailers with boats are constantly coming and going."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site levels: Some sites may not be level, so it's good to have leveling blocks handy. A camper at Spring Mill State Park Campground noted, "Our site wasn't very level for our pop up."
  • Full hookups: Look for campgrounds that offer full hookups, like Lake Rudolph Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "Had the whole place to ourselves a couple of nights."
  • Plan for dump stations: Be aware of the location of dump stations, especially at busy campgrounds. A camper at Patoka Lake Campground mentioned, "4 dump stations at exit but still lines due to sheer number of sites."

Camping near Tell City, Indiana, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Tell City, Indiana?

The Tell City area is surrounded by excellent camping options within the Hoosier National Forest. Saddle Lake Campground — Hoosier National Forest stands out with 13 sites and is considered a favorite by many campers. For a quieter experience, Celina Recreation Area offers well-spaced sites with beautiful views and access to the 15-mile Two Rivers Trail. Other highly-rated options include Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area with its family-friendly atmosphere and German Ridge Campground for a more primitive camping experience.

What amenities are available at Tell City campgrounds?

Amenities vary across Tell City area campgrounds. Hoosier National Forest South Slope Loop Campground caters to RVers with electrical hookups, though sites are closer together. For groups, Hoosier National Forest Goldenrod Loop Campground at Tipsaw Lake offers a self-contained area with pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like pit toilets and fire rings, while some have access to hiking trails and lakes for recreation. For more developed facilities, Burdette Park near Evansville offers RV sites with water, electric, and some with sewer hookups.

Are there any free camping options available near Tell City?

While most established campgrounds in the Tell City area require fees, Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed offers free camping opportunities within Hoosier National Forest. For those willing to forgo amenities, German Ridge Campground — Hoosier National Forest provides primitive camping at a minimal cost with a self-serve payment system. Remember that dispersed camping in Hoosier National Forest typically follows leave-no-trace principles and may have seasonal restrictions.