Camping sites near Vincennes, Indiana span both Indiana and Illinois, with most options concentrated within a 25-mile radius of the city. The region features relatively flat terrain with elevations ranging from 400-500 feet above sea level, situated along the Wabash River watershed. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Prides Creek Co Park offers an exceptional disc golf course that attracts enthusiasts. According to a visitor, it's considered "one (if not best in the state)" with "plenty space to explore, frisbee golf, regular golf, swimming area in the lake."
Fishing opportunities: Red Hills Lake State Park provides excellent fishing across its lake. A camper notes, "Great walking woods. but the restaurant is awesome. plenty of fish in the lake." Another visitor mentions it's a "beautiful lake with good fishing. Spots are a little unleveled but not bad."
Historical exploration: Ouabache Trails County Park connects to Fort Knox II historical site. One camper highlights this connection: "It is also adjacent to Fort Knox II for any history buffs as well!" The park also provides convenient access to George Rogers Clark National Monument, with a reviewer noting, "We came to see the George Rogers Clark National Monument. Campground was nice."
Mountain biking: Several trails are available, though maintenance varies. A visitor to Ouabache Trails County Park reported, "Mountain biking trails are not kept up at all, logs across the two trails we have." Consider calling ahead to check current trail conditions.
What campers like
Clean facilities: West Boggs Park maintains high cleanliness standards. A camper writes, "Well kept grounds. Lake, trails, frisbee golf and 9 hole golf course are all a part of the grounds." Another notes it's "great for Families" with "great activities such as outdoor movies, scavenger hunts, and more."
Natural lake settings: Shakamak State Park features three lakes spanning 400 acres. A visitor described it as "just a beautiful Indiana State Park" with "3 lakes spanning some 400 acres that are known for spectacular fishing, seasonal family aquatic center for swimming with a large water slide."
Themed weekend events: Several campgrounds host special events. A West Boggs Park visitor mentioned, "They host different themed events" and another stated, "Their holiday/theme weekends are fun for all ages."
Level camping pads: Campers appreciate the flat terrain at several parks. At Shakamak State Park, a visitor highlighted, "The sites are all flat- ALL FLAT!!! No inclined sites at all! Unheard of in an Indiana State Park."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the region operate primarily from April through October. Glendale State Fish and Wildlife Area specifically operates from "April 1 to October 31" with visitor comments noting it's a "nice quite place during the off season."
Varied cell service: Reception differs significantly between locations. A Red Hills Lake State Park visitor reported excellent connectivity: "AT&T reception is GREAT — 4 bars LTE @ the campsite; great for streaming later."
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railroad noise. At New Vision RV Park, a visitor noted it's "right on hwy a little noisy but quaint." Another camper warned against certain spots at the park: "I also recommend not going for the back left (NE) corner. Train tracks are way too close."
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds have water concerns. A camper at Glendale noted, "Showers are so hot that you can get burnt" while another at Arrowhead Campground advised, "let the water run a bit because it's brown when first turned on."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: New Vision RV Park offers excellent playground-adjacent sites. A visitor recommends, "If you have kids i recommend spot #1. It's big and borders a very nice playground."
Golf cart friendly parks: Several locations permit golf carts for easier mobility. At West Boggs Park, "They are golf cart friendly with many well-maintained trails" though one visitor cautions, "Lots of golf carts cruise the campground. That can be a little dangerous. So you need to watch your little ones closely."
Nature programs: Some parks offer educational activities. At Shakamak State Park, a visitor mentioned, "Today, the Nature Center had a snake demonstration at 2 pm."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities. Shakamak features "a really nice pool with water slides and diving board. The pool also had a splash area/wading pool for your smaller kiddos."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: At Ouabache Trails County Park, plan for cord extensions. A camper advises, "Make sure you have an extension for your 30/50 AMP, and one for your water as well" and warns "If you want your door facing the fire pit- the electric box is in an awkward place."
Site selection for large rigs: Size constraints affect some campgrounds. At West Boggs County Park, a visitor cautions, "If you are wanting sewer, this park is very limited for 45' Motorhomes. The available sites with sewer are all back in that are not very level and many are tight for Big Rigs including large trailers."
Parking considerations: Some campgrounds offer special accommodations. A visitor to Shakamak State Park noted, "They have pull spaces for large motor homes with 50 Amp electric."
Extension cords needed: Multiple campgrounds require extra cords. One visitor to Red Hills Lake State Park mentioned, "Most sites are 30 amp but the Lake view loop are 50 amp. There are a few sites that will handle large rigs but most are for medium sized rigs."
