Campsites near East Connersville, Indiana range from lake-based recreation areas to wooded retreats, generally at elevations between 800-1000 feet. The region experiences hot, humid summers with highs typically reaching 85-90°F, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder temperatures in the 60-75°F range. Most campgrounds in the area stay open from April through October with limited winter accessibility at select locations.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Whitewater Memorial State Park Campground offers direct lake access for paddlers. "Awesome fishing lake with tons of good spots to fish. We love spending our weekends here," notes Kimberly A. The park connects to both Brookville and Whitewater lakes, creating multiple water exploration routes.
Disc golf course: Cornerstone Campground features a full disc golf course winding through its property, providing an activity option beyond typical water recreation. "Beautiful campground. Great for all kinds of camping from primitive to full hook up. Tons of stuff for kids to do," says Trevor N. Equipment rental available at the camp store for $5 per set.
Horseback riding trails: Hueston Woods State Park Campground maintains dedicated bridle paths separate from hiking trails. One visitor remarked, "I came here and stayed in my tent (family had their horse trailer with camper) for a night during the chilly nights of October. I wish all campsites were like these - very, very spread out!" The park offers sites specifically designed for horse trailer camping.
Swimming options: Natural Springs Resort features both a spring-fed quarry and pool for swimming. "Lake is nice and clear, pretty cold (would love to feel it in August or September). Fun to jump into and overall pretty," writes Windi H. The quarry maintains greater water clarity than the larger Brookville Lake swimming areas.
What campers like
Large, spacious sites: Mounds State Recreation Area Campground provides wider camping spots than most private campgrounds in the region. "Great place to camp with the granddaughter," mentions Jeff B., while another camper notes, "This is a clean and well maintained camp ground. If you are looking to get close to the lake life this is a great spot for it."
Tree canopy and shade: Summit Lake State Park Campground offers wooded sites particularly in the second loop. "When I arrived I was a little worried because the first loop was flat, grassy and open with very few trees in the camp spots good for hammocks. The second loop had what I was looking for. Stayed in 76, beautiful spot with lots of tree cover," shares Stephanie B.
Modern bathroom facilities: Whitewater Memorial State Park Campground maintains recently updated shower facilities. According to John F., "New pit toilets were very clean and potable water station are located throughout campgrounds." The park features two large shower/bath houses with accessibility features for campers with mobility considerations.
Weekend breakfast options: All My Family & Friends Campground offers onsite food service. "Weekend breakfast, wings and pizza," reports Steve A., adding, "Beautiful lake. Wonderful new restroom and shower house. Onsite laundry with coin changer."
What you should know
Wildlife considerations: Watch for raccoons at some campgrounds in the area. At Whitewater Memorial State Park, John F. warns, "Watch out for the 🦝 raccoons they are pretty aggressive and were all over our campsite. Clearly they are used to getting handouts, so keep your foodstuffs in you vehicle or well secured."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. At Summit Lake State Park Campground, "Our site was a pull through and, while level left to right, required a good bit of leveling front to back," notes Marshall P. Bring leveling blocks if camping in a trailer or RV.
Limited full hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer electric but fewer provide water and sewer connections. At Brookville Lake, one camper observed, "Very clean campground w/ lots of bath/shower locations. Lots of electric site - only negative was there were very few full hook up sites so need to reserve those early."
Seasonal bathroom closures: Some facilities close during shoulder seasons. At Hueston Woods, Dave V. explains, "In the larger non-electric loop newer restrooms existed...modern bathrooms and showers were clean and stocked with TP. In my tent area...antiquated wood shed pit latrines...that truly needed razed."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When booking at Hueston Woods, consider site location relative to play areas. "Hard to get a site next to the playground - it's kinda out of the way," advises Heidi D., who visited the park with children.
Family-oriented weekend activities: Cornerstone Campground schedules regular events for younger campers. "Totally delightful, some full timers and part timers, many parks and benches to sit on... Super family oriented," writes Crystal R. The campground offers scheduled activities most weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Beach facilities: Multiple options exist for family swimming. At Hueston Woods, Zoe S. notes, "Huge Park! Extremely large beach, always quite crowded though, boat rentals available, lots of places for peaceful fishing, and designated camping sites!" The beach includes a roped-off shallow area for younger swimmers.
Diverse camping population: Expect to meet various types of campers. Timothy B. observed at Whitewater Memorial, "Nice sites. Diverse group of campers. Anything from people with full size house refrigerators in bed of pickup truck to people with their pet rabbits."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions and access: Many campgrounds have tight turning radiuses in older loops. At Natural Springs Resort, Richard J. warns about the site spacing: "Nice grounds but, if you like your awning to touch your neighbor's camper then this place is for you." Request specific site numbers when making reservations.
Site location considerations: Location within campgrounds can significantly impact experience. At Mounds State Recreation Area, Jeff E. observed, "The camp sites are pretty far apart at least twice as far as in private campgrounds and so have ample room even for our two good sized dogs. The sites are black topped but narrow and short. More problematic is that most have slopes."
Alternative dump stations: Not all campgrounds have onsite dump facilities. At Quakertown State Recreation Area, which offers a sanitary dump station, nearby Whitewater Memorial State Park also provides this service for campers staying at locations without this amenity.
