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Best Campgrounds near Crawfordsville, IN

405 Reviews

Campgrounds near Crawfordsville, Indiana range from state parks with rugged hiking trails to family-friendly RV facilities with modern amenities. Shades State Park and Turkey Run State Park offer tent and RV camping approximately 20 miles south of Crawfordsville in wooded settings with distinctive sandstone canyons. Private options include Crawfordsville KOA and Sugar Creek Campground, both providing cabin accommodations along with traditional camping spaces. The region includes several lake-based campgrounds such as Lake Waveland Park and Cecil M. Harden Lake Recreation Area, extending the variety of camping environments within a 30-minute drive of the city.

Most campgrounds in the Crawfordsville area operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. Several state park facilities, including Turkey Run, remain open year-round but with limited winter services. Electrical hookups are standard at most developed sites, while primitive options exist primarily within the state parks. "We arrived to a very quiet campground with few campers. Our site was next to the showerhouse, in the trees and had an attached grass trail out the back," noted one visitor to a nearby recreation area. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with reviews indicating limited connectivity in the canyon areas of Shades and Turkey Run State Parks, while campgrounds closer to Crawfordsville maintain reliable coverage.

Campers frequently mention the distinctive terrain as a highlight of the area's camping experience. The sandstone canyons and hiking trails at Turkey Run and Shades State Parks receive consistently high ratings, providing experiences uncommon in Indiana's typically flat landscape. According to one visitor, "Turkey Run is one of my top 2 campgrounds in Indiana... My absolute favorite part though, is the trails. You completely forget you're in Indiana." Campground reviews indicate varying levels of privacy between sites, with state parks generally offering more seclusion than private campgrounds. Most developed campgrounds near Crawfordsville provide standard amenities including showers, flush toilets, and potable water, though some primitive areas rely on vault toilets. Families particularly appreciate the bicycle-friendly campground roads at several locations, making these camping areas popular weekend destinations for regional visitors.

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Best Camping Sites Near Crawfordsville, Indiana (62)

    1. Shades State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Alamo, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 435-2810

    $12 - $20 / night

    "Canopied by the big beautiful Indiana trees. Close to some good hiking trails."

    "Located north of turkey run state park shades offers all the hiking and scenic terrain with less amenities and less crowds. Sugar creek cuts through the ancient sandstone floor creating canyon walls."

    2. Turkey Run State Park Campground

    70 Reviews
    Marshall, IN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 597-2635

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Turkey Run is arguably the most popular campground (and state park) in Indiana and has its pros and cons."

    "Much enjoyed hiking some of the trails at Turkey Run State Park near Marshall, Indiana. This is Indiana's 2nd oldest state park, now 100 years old (1916-2016)."

    3. Crawfordsville KOA

    14 Reviews
    Crawfordsville, IN
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (765) 230-0965

    "Really cute little park with lots of shade and convenient access to Crawfordsville. We were here for a quick stopover, but made friends with several locals spending time here."

    "We arrived at 2am, but they had us all situated for late checkin. The campground itself was very lovely and quiet."

    4. Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC

    11 Reviews
    Crawfordsville, IN
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (765) 362-5528

    $30 - $45 / night

    "There are few trails looping around for the walks. Most of tent sites got shade. Rv sites all seem to be level, although kind of close together. Nice and clean bathrooms and shower facility."

    "The campsite it very spacious and there’s a decent amount of distance between each site. Sites by the river are especially nice."

    5. Sugar Creek Campground

    7 Reviews
    Crawfordsville, IN
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (765) 362-5528

    "It's a nice place to walk around, though we were wandering past empty tent spots so in the busy season it might be less free-form on where you can roam."

    "Very clean and well kept, smaller but with direct access to an awesome creek. Kids played in the creek all day long. Cheap and plentiful firewood. Really friendly and family owned"

    6. Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Rockville, IN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 344-1412

    $12 - $32 / night

    "Raccoon State Recreation Area | Cecil M Harden Lake is located in the heart of historic covered bridge country just 50 miles West of Indianapolis."

    "There are multiple boat ramps for easy access to the water. I met a friend there who is a resident of Indianapolis and we had a great time on the water."

    7. Lake Waveland Park

    8 Reviews
    Waveland, IN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 435-2073

    $25 - $40 / night

    "Nice clean park in west-central Indiana that has a lake and a large number of camping sites along with restrooms and showers."

    "The campground is located within close proximity of both Turkey Run and Shades State Park."

    8. Charlarose Campground

    3 Reviews
    Alamo, IN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 234-7286

    9. Old Mill Run Park

    4 Reviews
    Frankfort, IN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 436-7190

    10. Prophetstown State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Battle Ground, IN
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 567-4919

    $23 - $32 / night

    "Well kept and clean area in the plains of Indiana. Great amnesties for the area such as a new, large public pool and a few hiking and biking trails."

    "Not too far out of the way, this is Indiana's newest state park, if I'm not mistaken, and it shows. The lower loop is all full hookups with 50, 30, and 20 amp service and respectably woody."

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Recent Camping Photos near Crawfordsville, IN

132 Photos of 62 Crawfordsville Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Crawfordsville, IN

405 Reviews of 62 Crawfordsville Campgrounds

  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Prophetstown State Park Campground

    Great campground

    Great campground. Really nice campground - clean, sites with some shade (especially the section with full hookups). Lots of families enjoying camping, kids relishing the freedom of riding bikes and skateboards (unfortunately too few with helmets including one with a major black eye). Nice walking trails right off of campground. Aquatic center in park. We would return - except that crossing the country on highway 70 is brutal

  • 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

  • T
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC

    Ripped off for sure read your itinerary is what she told me 4 times instead of trying to make it right !!!!

    Experience was good , except do not get sites 33, 34 or 35 we had maybe 5ft between us and the camper beside us , no way and the electricity hookup is right there so putting out awning was so very dangerous!!!! Bc the water dripped straight onto the electric hookup and who knows if someone may have a cut or anything wrong with there cord electric shock for sure !!!! Visitors JUST TO VISIT TO SEE IF THEY WANT TO CAMP THERE 5$ each Could not cook out or anything bc there’s no room in between your camper and your neighbor’s camper They tell u to look at the four day itinerary, but we’ve always just called or got on the website and booked our site, but it is pretty ridiculous for a camper to hold six or eight and you can only have four people and then on top of that an arm and a leg just for a float to float downstream which the gal young gal told me it was 2 miles 2 to 4 hour trip and it took us an hour so basically got ripped off pretty good this weekend so make sure to read your email b4 going here ! Thank goodness we had family bc we had absolutely no room for anything Bugs horrible And they tell you to have dogs on leash , no one had their dogs on leash except us . A blue healer tried to bite one of us ! It was pouring down and the guy on golf cart while we’re trying to hurry in the rain was so worried about our card he couldn’t wait till we was leaving to turn it in . They give u a code so why not put it in your phone bc if u lose there card they charge u 40$ Seems like more of a money thing to us . We enjoy camping but my gosh break the bank here for sure no gravel on sites hardly mainly dirt and sand so come prepared to sweep your caper or rv every hour . Very very tiny sites and unacceptable for us and anyone wanting to enjoy outside of your camper with your awning

  • Emilee B.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Broadview Lake and Campground

    Home away from home!

    This campground has a personality of its own. Majority of the lots are permanent Indiana residents but the option for an impromptu night of camping here is always open. The staff have been here years and you can tell genuinely care about this place. They make sure to know you, which makes me feel safe cuz they know who’s here whether tenant or guest. Neighbors are great. You have the occasion person that likes to hear themselves but that’s everywhere. If u want to make friends you can and if you want to stay to yourself you can. The pool was just put in a year ago and is a relaxing place to go. Also what I thought was different was that no matter what is going on here , everyone settles down around 10 to 11 pm and by midnight you hear the crickets and owls. Everyone is so respectful of quiet time here no matter the festivity. There is a pond you can fish as well. If you wanna stick around a while this is the campground for you.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Peaceful Waters Campground

    Peaceful Waters

    Cute little park, off of 41, most sites are water and electric, most do not have sewer but there's a dump station. Very affordable. Owners are very nice and easy to communicate with. Theres a campstore and ice on site. Great fishing pond. Look around for cute carvings. Very close to Turkey Run, Shades, and Raccoon Lake!

  • D&S B.
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Crawfordsville KOA

    Very Expensive and dirty.

    First time at this KOA, site was okay, gravel pull through but sewer hookup was all the way at the end of the site, needed extra extension to hook up sewer. The bathroom and showers were disgustingly dirty, both men's and women's smelled and were disgustingly dirty. I can't believe I paid $72 for such terrible accommodations.

Guide to Crawfordsville

Camping near Crawfordsville, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful nature and family-friendly activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Turkey Run State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "From the back of the campground, you can access Trail 7, a moderate level trail that leads unexpectedly to a small stream running past a recessed cave."
  • Fishing: At Fowler County Park, you can fish in the stocked lake. A visitor shared, "Bring your fishing gear; they stock the lake."
  • Water Activities: Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area is perfect for kayaking and swimming. One camper noted, "The water was breathtaking and very calm even with all of the boat activity."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area stated, "Bathhouse clean, plenty of showers, flush toilets."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the activities available. One reviewer at Prophetstown State Park Campground said, "This park has it all. Multiple playgrounds for the kids, great hiking/biking trails."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Lieber State Recreation Area mentioned, "Great sites. Lots of activities for families. The beach was fun."

What you should know:

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Turkey Run State Park Campground noted, "Many sites are in an open, level area without a lot of trees or bushes between them. You don’t have a lot of privacy."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for raccoons at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area. One camper humorously warned, "They will come right up to you without hesitation, so don’t be alarmed if there’s one next to you while you cook s’mores."
  • Site Conditions: Some sites may have steep inclines. A review for Fowler County Park mentioned, "Site has a pretty severe grade as the site goes back."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and water activities. One family at Prophetstown State Park Campground said, "Great hiking/biking trails, and a resort-like water park in the summer."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring food that’s easy to prepare. A camper at Terre Haute Campground mentioned, "Lots of free activities for kids. Friendly and helpful staff. Clean nice bathrooms."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids near water. A visitor at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area noted, "The water was breathtaking and very calm even with all of the boat activity."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Conditions: Make sure to choose a site that fits your RV size. A camper at Terre Haute Campground said, "Most sites are gravel. The campground had WIFI that was fast enough to stream."
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. One reviewer at Indianapolis KOA mentioned, "Primitive is $60 n/, full water/electricity is $80 n/."
  • Plan for Tight Turns: Be cautious of tight turns when parking. A visitor at Terre Haute Campground shared, "When we arrived, we were told that we would not be able to get into that site due to the turns."

Camping near Crawfordsville, Indiana, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Crawfordsville, Indiana?

The Crawfordsville area offers several excellent camping options. Shades State Park Campground provides spacious, quiet sites under a beautiful tree canopy with access to hiking trails. Another top choice is Turkey Run State Park Campground, Indiana's second oldest state park, featuring RV and tent sites with water/electric hookups and modern bathrooms with showers. Both parks offer stunning natural landscapes with sandstone canyons and trails. Other notable options include Lieber State Recreation Area near Cloverdale and White River Campground, which offers riverside sites with free WiFi and hot showers.

Are there campgrounds with cabins available near Crawfordsville?

Yes, several campgrounds near Crawfordsville offer cabin accommodations. Lieber State Recreation Area Campground located west of Indianapolis near Cloverdale provides cabin options alongside traditional camping sites. The recreation area borders Cagles Mill Lake, offering water activities in addition to comfortable lodging. Thousand Trails Horseshoe Lakes is another option with cabin rentals, situated in a large park with various amenities. While primarily known as an RV park, it offers alternative accommodations for those not interested in tent camping. Always call ahead to check cabin availability and make reservations, especially during peak summer seasons.

Where is Sugar Creek Campground located in Crawfordsville, Indiana?

Sugar Creek Campground is located in the Crawfordsville area of Indiana. This drive-in campground offers amenities including water access and toilet facilities. It's situated along Sugar Creek, which is a popular waterway that runs through the region, including through nearby Shades State Park where the creek cuts through ancient sandstone creating scenic canyon walls. The campground is accessible by vehicle and provides reservable sites that can accommodate larger RVs. For those interested in water activities, Sugar Creek is known for canoeing opportunities, and the campground's location makes it a convenient base for exploring the natural attractions of west-central Indiana.

Is there a KOA campground in Crawfordsville, Indiana?

Yes, there is a Crawfordsville KOA in Crawfordsville, Indiana. This private campground offers a shaded setting with convenient access to the town. The KOA features basic amenities including a swimming pool and playground. It's described as a cute park that serves as both a quick stopover location for travelers and a short vacation spot for locals. The campground appears to have a mix of short-term visitors and long-term residents. With its proximity to Crawfordsville and its family-friendly facilities, the Crawfordsville KOA provides a comfortable camping experience for those visiting the area.

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