Best Campgrounds near Waverly, IN

Campgrounds near Waverly, Indiana range from full-service RV parks to basic tent camping areas, with several options within a 30-mile radius. Lake Haven Retreat and Indy Lakes Campground provide water and electric hookups for RVs, while Johnson County Park offers a more spacious setting with widely spaced sites. Most developed campgrounds in this central Indiana region accommodate both tent and RV campers, though several properties have shifted toward primarily RV use in recent years.

Access to most campgrounds remains consistent year-round, with many facilities like Lake Haven Retreat and Morgan-Monroe State Forest operating through all seasons. Water and electric hookups are standard at most developed sites, though sewer connections vary by location. The region features generally mild terrain with minimal elevation changes, making most campgrounds accessible without specialized vehicles or equipment. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when Indianapolis-area campgrounds fill quickly. A camper noted, "Johnson County Park is an interesting conglomeration of activity with 58 sites with 30amp/50amp electric and water hookups, level gravel pads and a dump station."

Mixed-use campgrounds dominate the Waverly area camping landscape, with many facilities balancing recreational amenities with natural settings. Johnson County Park spans 622 acres with two campgrounds, hiking trails, and multiple recreation facilities including an equestrian school. Lake Haven Retreat features communal fire rings rather than individual fire pits, which some visitors appreciate for the social atmosphere. Campers frequently mention the convenience of these locations for exploring both natural areas and Indianapolis attractions. Several reviews highlight the balance between access and tranquility, with one visitor noting that Lake Haven Retreat offers "a nice quiet place" despite being just 20 minutes from downtown Indianapolis, making it "very quiet and relaxing" while providing reasonable city access.

Best Camping Sites Near Waverly, Indiana (111)

    1. Lake Haven Retreat

    7 Reviews
    Beech Grove, IN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (317) 783-5267

    "We attended a wedding at the Scottish Cathedral in the center of downtown Indy and from the campground, it was a nice drive into the city off the interstate that only took about 20 min."

    "Close to the city without being “in it”. We would stay here again."

    2. Indy Lakes Campground

    3 Reviews
    Waverly, IN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (317) 888-6006

    3. Breaktime in Bargersville

    1 Review
    Waverly, IN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (313) 516-5462

    $75 - $150 / night

    4. Oak Ridge Camping Area — Morgan-Monroe State Forest

    9 Reviews
    Martinsville, IN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 342-4026

    $25 - $55 / night

    "This is probably the best state forest in the state of Indiana. The property is well maintained. There is a new visitors center built a few years ago."

    "Site 13 has a little trail that goes down to a large flooded sinkhole behind the campsite. There were lots of tree frogs singing because of the proximity to water."

    5. Johnson County Park

    8 Reviews
    Nineveh, IN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 526-6809

    "The park is 622 acres that include two campgrounds, approximately 5 miles of hiking trails, equestrian school, 18 hole disc golf course, shelter houses, amphitheater, lakes, fishing and more."

    "We have camped here twice, we needed to be as close to Trafalgar Indiana as possible, not many camping options in the local area."

    6. Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    31 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6406

    $23 / night

    "We have visited Nashville Indiana several times but this is our first time camping nearby. My wife loves to visit Nashville and all the little shops they offer."

    "It was backed up to the edge of the woods which made for a lovely view. Driving through the campground it looks like there are some sites pretty close together but ours wasn’t too bad."

    7. Indianapolis KOA

    21 Reviews
    Lawrence, IN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (317) 894-1397

    $60 - $80 / night

    "It’s very close to an interstate so it’s not exactly a picturesque setting. The pricing seems high for what it is. Walking distance to Mount Comfort RV Dealership."

    "Clean and friendly..easy access to the highway..a lot of transient sites..nice pool!"

    8. 3-Point Lake Campgrounds

    1 Review
    Mooresville, IN
    8 miles
    +1 (317) 831-5120

    9. Buffalo Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    22 Reviews
    Nashville, IN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6406

    $23 / night

    "This is a beautiful State Park situated in the rolling hills of southern Indiana."

    "I make multiple visits here every year, mainly for the mountain bike trails. There are almost 30 miles of trails inside the park with new trails every year for the past 3+ years."

    10. Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park & Campground

    7 Reviews
    Helmsburg, IN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 988-6422

    $12 - $38 / night

    "Bathrooms very far walk from campsites. Showers are pay only. Difficult to navigate/find your camp without a map."

    "This is the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Music Park & Campground near Nashville, IN. Very nice facility with nice stage for events."

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Recent Reviews near Waverly, IN

588 Reviews of 111 Waverly Campgrounds


  • J
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping

    Disbursed camping at its Indiana best

    Free disbursed camping at its best in Indiana. Not another soul camped within earshot. Clean site. Gravel pad for vehicle. Green grass for tent. 14 day limit. No reservations needed or available. Just show up and camp if a site is open. This site was very well marked.

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park & Campground

    Festival Fun!

    We stayed here for the 1st Annual HikerFest and had a blast! 106 of our little Hikers took up the majority of the park. The full-timers that stay here for the season were very kind and cordial; freely giving of advice on local attractions to see and things to do during our stay. The museum was really interesting! They gave a great tour with lots of stories about country legends. The bath house was clean and tidy. The showers were ok. Porta-potties throughout the campground, not so much… Campsites are close together and without privacy, some more level than others. Try to grab a spot near the trees for a bit of shade. Great music. Awesome weekend!

  • M
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Glo Wood Campground

    Rip off

    Overall, this Campground rips people off. As a Traveling worker I despise places like this. I gave this Campground, a$200 deposit with the intent of Renting a site for a month from them. I was supposed to move onto site in approximately a week and a half and had to cancel as I found another campground that was closer to my job site. They had my deposit approximately two days to which they were supposedly receiving a huge amount of phone calls regarding the open site Turning people down left and right. When I asked for my deposit bank, they wanted to tell me it was nonrefundable because they are losing out on money by me canceling. I would be more understanding if they had the site open but the owner it was booked all the way until I was going to move onto site. I was never told my deposit was not refundable. As a traveler, I warn other monthly campers about this place as the Owners will rip you off no problem

  • Cynthia K.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Shades State Park Campground

    Primitive camping

      This is a primitive state park near Turkey Run State Park In Midwestern Indiana. First named The Shades Of Death State Park.

     The gatehouse is your only source of information. There's no nature center or visitor center. Get a park map! They do charge admission.

    This is a hikers park & it has some of the most rugged trails in Indiana. The Pine Hills Nature Preserve is maintained by the park. There's a parking area available to hike to the trailhead inside Shades. The Devils Backbone is a popular trail, but definitely on the rugged side. If you take small children(I wouldn't!) watch them carefully. 

    Trail 1 is.75M, but considered rugged. It has a lot of scenic views & a unique waterfall. Trails 4 & 5 have ladders. 

    Deers Mill Covered Bridge is on the property & there's a canoe launch. This is not a drive through bridge. The picnic area is a drive thru loop & is very nice. There's also a couple of shelters. The pond looked pretty scummy & my husband wouldn't fish in it.

     The campground is primitive camping- nonelectric. Water is available. There is a dump station. There is trail access if you don't want to drive. There's one modern showerhouse & several pit toilets. Choose your site carefully! Whitetail Loop has the showers & toilets. We did a drive thru & most all the sites looked very nice. There were mostly tents with a few popups. This wouldn't be a campground I would choose if I had a big rig.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Sundance Lake Dispersed Camping

    Camping area

    National forest area with 3ish campsites one of which can accommodate a vehicle. Wooded so no solar or starlink. Small lake nearby with what looks like some trails.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park

    Nice Trails & Big Campsites

    I had a great time camping here. The spots in Taylor ridge were mostly well-spaced and felt pretty private. The pit toilets were clean and the showers were nice. Busy campground but it was very quiet still. 262 was the biggest and most private site I saw when walking around. 260 is a pull through site.

  • David C.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Mystic Waters Campground

    Great campground for RVs and cabins

    This is a great campground for RVs and cabins, but unfortunately not for tents as the highway 69 is too noisy. Also there are not a lot of trees.

  • L
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Shades State Park Campground

    It was very clean, nicely spaced, and shaded.

    Very nice campground! It was close by Turkey Run State Park, which had amazing trails, that are pictured below. (We definitely recommend Trail 3!) The campground itself was very nice and clean, as well as shaded and pretty. We were camping in August, so it wasn't very busy and we got peace. There were many fun things to do in Turkey Run, although the pool was closed in August. There was also a fun little ice cream place and store in downtown Marshall! 

      Great place overall!

  • T
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC

    Horrible experience

    To much money rv/campsites way way to small they charge for EVERYTHING INCLUDING GUEST TO SEE IF THEY WANT TO CAMP , u can only have 4 people then its 10$ per each for a weekend ridiculous


Guide to Waverly

Camping near Waverly, Indiana, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a look at what you can do, what campers enjoy, and some handy tips for your next adventure.

What to do:

  • Boating and Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Paynetown Campground, are located near Lake Monroe, making them perfect for fishing and boating. One reviewer mentioned, “This is a boating/fishing park,” highlighting the lake's popularity.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Taylor Ridge Campground — Brown County State Park. A visitor noted, “We had a blast. Rode horses, hiked, geocached, lots to do.”
  • Swimming: If you’re looking to cool off, check out the pool at Indianapolis KOA. One camper said, “The water park is so fun,” making it a hit for families.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Paynetown Campground remarked, “Restrooms/showers were state park clean. I was impressed with the hard-working staff.”
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds foster a welcoming vibe. One visitor at Hidden Paradise Campground said, “Wonderful atmosphere and staff. Will totally be coming back.”
  • Activities for Kids: Campgrounds like S and H Campground offer fun activities. A camper mentioned, “They have a ton of activities going on during the weekend including live music and cornhole tournaments.”

What you should know:

  • Busy Weekends: Expect crowds during peak times. A reviewer at Paynetown Campground noted, “It’s VERY noisy & busy on a summer weekend.”
  • Site Spacing: Some campgrounds have close sites. A visitor at Taylor Ridge Campground mentioned, “The sites are too close together,” which might not suit everyone.
  • Primitive Camping: If you prefer a more rustic experience, Yellowwood State Forest offers primitive camping with pit toilets only. One camper said, “This is a State Forest campground... All these sites are first come, first serve.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Indianapolis KOA. A parent shared, “The campground is huge with a cool stream separating them.”
  • Plan for Noise: If your family prefers quiet, consider visiting during the week. A camper at Paynetown Campground suggested, “If you like a quieter experience come Monday through Wed.”
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Many campers enjoy playing games outside. One reviewer at S and H Campground mentioned, “They have a little section full of carnival-like rides.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Buffalo Ridge Campground advised, “Pay attention to your campsite for slope and camper accessibility.”
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: If you’re visiting during peak season, arrive early to secure a good spot. A camper at Lieber State Recreation Area noted, “The campground is very social, but respectful and quiet after dark.”
  • Use Leveling Blocks: Some sites may have uneven ground. A reviewer at Taylor Ridge Campground mentioned needing “level blocks” for their RV.

Camping near Waverly, Indiana, has plenty to offer, whether you're looking for a lively atmosphere or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Waverly, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Waverly, IN offers a wide range of camping options, with 111 campgrounds and RV parks near Waverly, IN and 10 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Waverly, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Waverly, IN is Lake Haven Retreat with a 3.6-star rating from 7 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Waverly, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Waverly, IN.

What parks are near Waverly, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Waverly, IN that allow camping, notably Monroe Lake and Cecil M. Harden Lake.