Best Glamping near West Baden Springs, IN

Sleeping Bear Retreat and Marengo Cave Campgrounds house some of the most distinctive glamping accommodations near West Baden Springs. At Sleeping Bear Retreat, spacious teepees offer a uniquely comfortable alternative to traditional camping, requiring minimal preparation from guests. "All you need to bring is a blanket and food this place has the rest," notes one visitor. Each glamping site features electricity, picnic tables, and fire rings, with clean bathrooms and showers available to all guests. Marengo Cave Campgrounds combines their renowned cave attraction with glamping options that include electricity and streamside sites with lean-to shelters providing additional comfort and protection from the elements. Both locations maintain well-appointed glamping accommodations with comfortable sleeping arrangements and convenient amenities, making them ideal for travelers seeking nature experiences without sacrificing comfort.

The teepee accommodations at Sleeping Bear Retreat are complemented by on-site activities including disc golf, giant chess, and paintball facilities. According to a camper, "It is so dark at night that you can see the stars!" making it an excellent destination for stargazing enthusiasts. At Marengo Cave Campgrounds, the primary attraction is the adjacent National Landmark cave system with two distinct tour options - the Dripstone Caverns and Crystal Palace tours. The campground provides yard games like cornhole and horseshoes in their open-air pavilion. These luxury camping options operate seasonally, with Sleeping Bear Retreat available from March through November. Both locations allow pets and are family-friendly, with Marengo Cave particularly noted for scout troop outings and educational opportunities in their boutique camping environment.

Best Glamping Sites Near West Baden Springs, Indiana (29)

    1. Youngs Creek Horse Camp

    8 Reviews
    Paoli, IN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    "Site accommodates both horse, drive in and walk-in camping. There’s a privy and water on site. Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables."

    "It sports a good-sized pavilion and well-maintained his and hers vault toilets. The camp sites were generous in size with gravel parking, fairly level pads, picnic tables, and a fire ring."

    2. Sleeping Bear Retreat

    2 Reviews
    French Lick, IN
    4 miles
    Website

    $20 - $55 / night

    "Bathrooms were decent, plus they have disc golf, huge chess, and paintball!"

    3. Indian-Celina Recreation Area

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

    $21 - $44 / night

    "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."

    "Our camp host was so sweet and gave us a box fan to use (there is electrical) so that we could have some relief from the heat.   Our camp site was nice and private yet close to a bathroom.  "

    4. Marengo Cave Campgrounds

    8 Reviews
    English, IN
    20 miles
    Website

    $27 / night

    "Sites equipped with electricity, a gazebo & picnic table, and fire pit. Camp store, cave tours, gift shop, and other pay activities are within steps of camping, but only open until 5:00."

    "The campgrounds are all equipped with a nice fire pit, picnic table, lean to, and the availability of electric hookup. The campgrounds also has a couple newer cabins that look really cute."

    5. Newton-Stewart

    1 Review
    Birdseye, IN
    12 miles
    Website

    "Didn’t camp/ just used the bathroom. Primitive. 45 spots."

    6. Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph

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

    $45 - $101 / night

    "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."

    "Wow, Lake Rudolph Campground is huge! "

    7. O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Leavenworth, IN
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 738-8232

    $19 - $496 / night

    "The staff was fairly nice, and even helped us out with a bit of a Karen camper. The sites have an asphalt pad that are mostly level. 50,30,20 amp service in one box."

    "Bathhouses feel luxuriously clean and large compared to most campgrounds. There are multiple play areas for children and beautiful hiking trails within and around the campground itself."

    8. Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground

    25 Reviews
    Vallonia, IN
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 358-3464

    $23 - $52 / night

    "Starve Hollow offers camping from full hookup, electric only (by the lake), tent camping, and cabins.  The lake has a swimming area (no lifeguards), playgrounds, and bathhouse. "

    "There are full hook-up sites and electric. Regular electric sites on the water are beautiful but not sure we could park our 41 ft fifth wheel on a water site."

    9. Hoosier National Forest North Face Loop Campground

    3 Reviews
    Saint Croix, IN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    "There are two lakes, Indian and Celina , in the immediate area, electric motors only, which just adds to my liking it;)."

    "My husband and I have been to Lake Celina for a day hike before, so when planning where to go for a weekend of car camping choosing this place was a no brainer."

    10. Hoosier National Forest South Slope Loop Campground

    3 Reviews
    Saint Croix, IN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    "South Slope Loop At Hoosier National Forest is located second campground in on your way to Celina lake. This is the RV friendly campground with electrical hookups for your toys."

    "Found Hoosier National Park website wasn't available, we arrived seeking 1st come 1st served... and got it! 👍 Thank You, LORD!"

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Glamping Reviews near West Baden Springs, IN

216 Reviews of 29 West Baden Springs Campgrounds


  • Sarah S.
    Oct. 18, 2020

    Marengo Cave Campgrounds

    Small sites but very clean!

    Camp sites are pretty small, but are aligned along a small stream. Heavy truck and train traffic can be heard at all hours. Sites equipped with electricity, a gazebo & picnic table, and fire pit. Camp store, cave tours, gift shop, and other pay activities are within steps of camping, but only open until 5:00. No security or staff at all after hours. Bath house was heated, extremely clean with flush toilets, and continual hot water. City water access in the middle of the campsite. Play area and 2 large covered areas for get together's. Newer cabins looked very nice from outside. Caves are obviously a must see while there. More caves are within driving distance.

  • Stefanie W.
    Oct. 12, 2021

    Scales Lake Park

    Nice but Close to Neighbors

    We camped here in the middle of October. The sites are very close together, so when the campsites are full you don't feel like you have much privacy or personal space. It was nice having full hookups for our camper, and there are plenty of hiking trails to get out and explore. Scales Lake is beautiful, my daughter enjoyed the playground and the petting zoo, and we'd probably like to come back, just maybe not on such a busy weekend.

  • Kelsey R.
    Nov. 3, 2024

    O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground

    Shaded and secluded

    Obannon Overall, this is a nice state park to camp in. Staff was very friendly. They have ice and wood. My kids enjoyed the nature center, pioneer village, and one of the easy trails.

    We stayed in 220. It was nice to be right by the playground and bathrooms (which is what we wanted). Some spots near the back would be nice and secluded like the 180s and 190s and they’re still not too far from the bathrooms and playground. The better playground is in loop A.

    I will say, I didn’t see any staff members cleaning up trash, getting campsites ready, or anything the 2 days we were there. Even though we went in November, it was a nice weekend and wasn’t dead, so I was surprised I didn’t see anyone cleaning. Wasn’t the cleanest state campground we’ve been at in Indiana. Certainly wasn’t awful though either.

    My biggest gripe was they were hosting a huge cycling group. Like the whole loop A. We were all the way back in C. They held a concert that went on from like 8-11 pm. Being in a pop up, it was so loud and never ending. Made it difficult for my kids to sleep. If they’re going to hold (or allow) events like these, it should be posted on their website. Even with our sound machine, we still couldn’t block it out. I realize quiet hours aren’t until 11, but to me there’s a difference.

    There is also hardly any signage and spots are difficult to find. No arrows about which way to go, signs saying which loop you’re in, and spots are only marked on the electrical boxes.

    Overall, may stay again and try out the pool since we’re not too far from home, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to stay here.

  • J
    Jun. 17, 2019

    Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground

    Good variety

    Starve Hollow offers camping from full hookup, electric only (by the lake), tent camping, and cabins.  The lake has a swimming area (no lifeguards), playgrounds, and bathhouse.  The lake allows boats with electric trolling motor only. 

    We stayed in the full hookup section (camping facilities: electric, sewer, and water hookup as well as fire ring, picnic table, and parking spur at each site. Modern restrooms/showers(wheelchair accessible) are available nearby. 53 sites available, sites 222, 232, and 234 are wheelchair accessible).  The bathhouse was clean (even though it rained most of the weekend).  these sites are a good size and able to get any size Trailer or RV into these sites.  There is mostly grass on most of the sites in this area.

    The campground also offers electric only sites (camping facilities: electric hookup, fire ring, picnic table and parking spur at each site. Drinking water is available in area. Modern restrooms/showers(wheelchair accessible) are available nearby. Dumping station is available. There are 87 sites available. Sites 28, 44, 65, 75 and 90 are wheelchair accessible).  They have about 20 sites that back up right to the lake allowing fishing from your campsite.  Keep in mind that a lot of the electric only sites are very tight with a lot of trees in the area.  I can probably only get my 36 ft 5th wheel into a third of the sites, but there are many of sites that had shorter units on them.   

    Cabins:  Starve Hollow has 13 rent-a-camp cabins available March-Nov.(closed Dec.-Feb.)(NOTE: Local sales only during off season/winter months, contact property for details). Each cabin has a front porch with a swing, outside electric outlet and front porch light. Inside there are two small rooms each providing a ceiling fan with light, a heating/cooling unit and electrical outlets. The front room offers a small table with bench seats, corner shelf, chair, rocking chair, and a loft. The back room offers a bunk bed(single) and a double bed(NO LINENS or MATTRESS PROVIDED). Air mattress recommended.

    Fishing/Boating Starve-Hollow Lake has three boat ramps to choose from, one at the dam and two in the electric campground. Kayak, rowboat and canoe rental is available. A valid Indiana fishing license is required. Rowboat and canoe rental is available from mid April through October. Starve-Hollow Lake is a trolling motor only lake. For campers a fish cleaning station is available.

    Swimming A large beach is available for swimming from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Restrooms, dressing facilities, showers, and food concessions are available to visitors. Wheelchair ramps allow access to beach and concession area.

    Picnicking There are picnic areas and picnic shelters that can be reserved. Both shelters can be accessed by wheelchair. The East shelter has an electrical outlet. Picnic tables and grills are located at the picnic sites. A wheelchair accessible playground, basketball goals, softball fields, horseshoe pits and a sand volleyball court are located on or near the swimming beach.

    Hiking Trails Starve Hollow has several hiking trails to explore that total approximately 11 miles.

  • J
    Oct. 19, 2018

    Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground

    Great place! We will come back!

    There are full hook-up sites and electric. Regular electric sites on the water are beautiful but not sure we could park our 41 ft fifth wheel on a water site. Trails are rugged at times and you can access them through campground. We are here in the fall but the beach looks like a good size. Boat rentals. Cabins look cute. We peeked in one. Double bed with bunks in room. Theres a loft for kids. A/C and heat but not bathroom. Bring a mattress or sleeping bags or you will sleep on wood. I recommend the water cabins. Playgrounds are sprinkled throughout. DNR dont patrol a lot. Quiet campground.

  • S
    Apr. 27, 2020

    Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph

    The most fun!!!!!

    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. This campground has lots of family fun activities Such as a glow parade, karaoke night, arts and crafts, and more. The Halloween themed weekends are so much fun with a campsite decorating contest,  trick-or-treating etc.

  • Cherie B.
    Aug. 28, 2018

    Brown County-Nashville KOA

    Quiet and friendly

    This is our go to campground. Not overly large but it’s clean and quiet. The owners are friendly and helpful. Bathrooms/showers are clean. Laundry on site. Small store and library where you can borrow books. Nice dog walk and small fenced dog area. Sites level and good for big rigs down to tents. Three cabins also available. Owners are relatively new and have been working on improvements continually. Highly recommend!

  • L
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Brown County-Nashville KOA

    Camping with 5 & 6 yr old grandkids

    We’ve stayed at a few Koa campgrounds and this one didn’t compare quite as expected. It’s small, clean and owners are very friendly and helpful but one stretch of sites (where we were) is tight, short  and cramped. We had four 90-degree day’s so the big plus was the pool. Although dated it was large, clean and refreshing. The sites are on large sharp rocks too (not gravel) which was challenging. Even on our large rugs I could not take a single step without shoes. I also felt bad that our campfire ring was at the back canvas opening of our neighboring camper and a little frustrated that I had to keep moving our 4 camp chairs each time we walked from our door to the truck. The owners did advise they were working on expanding those campsite spots which is good. Our grandkids didn’t care to play in the playground (clean but small and dated) but nice playgrounds were plenty in the Brown County State Park whose entrance is just across the road which gives location an A+. Famous Nashville, IN was just 2 miles away.. another location plus. We’d go back again but I’ll be more site picky next time... but I still won’t like the big rocks! I like a little barefoot time when camping!

  • D
    Aug. 22, 2017

    Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph

    Enormous campground right next to Holiday World

    Wow, Lake Rudolph Campground is huge! So huge in fact that we only ever saw 1/2 of it - we never even ventured into the other 1/2 of the campground (the top half of the map, which is probably MORE than 1/2 of the campground). We stayed in a water / electric site in Ornament Circle which was perfect because it was very close to the fishing ‘lake’, bathhouses, mini golf, and tram stop for Holiday World (which is, of course, why we were there). The mini golf (9 hole) was actually a lot of fun, and the fishing pond has a ton of fish in it. We caught crappie, bluegill, and a few smaller bass - but there are definitely some larger bass in there. The bathhouses were relatively dirty, but had free showers and plenty of stalls. We did not visit the campground store or anything in the upper 1/2 of the campground, as I mentioned, so we did not go to the in-campground pool or mini waterpark. The location of the campground is perfect if you’re visiting for Holiday World / Splashin’ Safari.

    Speaking of which, I was a little hesitant about Holiday World as it sounds a little cheesy, but I think it’s one of the nicest amusement parks we’ve ever been to - and we’ve been to a lot! The theming is awesome with each section of the park entirely entrenched in its given holiday (different colors used on fences, the theming of all of the rides themselves, the concessions available, special characters, etc), it was just a ton of fun. We got to the park shortly after it opened, which means we had about an hour in the main park before Splashin’ Safari opened (which was our main focus). I had the grand idea to head straight for The Voyage, which I had heard was the top-rated coaster in the park, and grabbed the seats at the back of the coaster (it’s a wooden coaster, right? you’re supposed to sit in the back).

    Ho-Lee Crap.

    That thing was insane! I have never been on a wooden rollercoaster anything close to that extreme - in fact, all 3 of the famous wooden coasters at Holiday World obliterated most other wooden coasters we had been on. The Voyage in particular, though, is intense. I would not recommend sitting in the back of the train.. hah. The Legend and The Raven are both AWESOME and we enjoyed those more than The Voyage. The new (steel) coaster, Thunderbird, is extremely smooth, especially after riding the old wooden coasters, and it was fantastic - one of my favorite steel coasters that I’ve ever ridden. We spent most of the day at the water park, which was also a great time. The Mammoth in particular was a ton of fun, and unique - it’s a ‘water coaster’ but you sit in a large circular raft (with nice individual seats) instead of the typical in-line 2- or 4-person tube. We really enjoyed that one, though it did break down a few times that day which increased the wait times. The food was decent for an amusement park, and we definitely felt like we got our money’s worth.

    We will definitely be back, and will stay at Lake Rudolph when we return!


Guide to West Baden Springs

Near West Baden Springs, dispersed camping options offer a more rustic experience than traditional glamping. Several campgrounds in this area of southern Indiana provide minimal facilities at lower costs. The region contains parts of the Hoosier National Forest where camping sites range from primitive to those with basic amenities.

What to do

Fishing and lake activities: Hoosier National Forest North Face Loop Campground offers access to both Indian and Celina lakes for fishing and non-motorized boating. "A lot of fisherman, kayakers and canoers but even with all the loading and unloading it was still very peaceful and low key," notes one visitor. Electric motors are permitted on both lakes.

Hiking trails: The Two Rivers Trail near North Face Loop provides a 15-mile technical route around both lakes. A camper explains, "We hiked extensively and though this is definitely not mountainous terrain it will give you a work out. A lot of cool rock formations and wild life to be seen." The area also features shorter interpretive trails with historical information.

Cave exploration: Marengo Cave Campgrounds offers two distinct cave tour options within walking distance of camping areas. According to a visitor, "The dripslide caverns and the crystal palace cavern. There are extra activities for the kids such as mining and a nice gift shop for any rock lover out there."

What campers like

Secluded sites: Indian-Celina Recreation Area provides privacy between campsites. "This was a very quiet campsite in southern Indiana. We had a hard time finding dispersed camping in the national Forest so we settled for this site," reports one camper. Another adds, "Each site was spacious and not jammed up against other sites."

Dark skies for stargazing: The remote location of many campgrounds means minimal light pollution. One North Face Loop camper states, "It is so dark at night that you can see the stars!" making it an excellent destination for astronomy enthusiasts.

Clean facilities: Despite the rustic setting, many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. A camper at Indian-Celina Recreation Area noted, "Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and sinks which were nice," while another mentioned the "very clean" facilities despite being in a forested setting.

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Most glamping facilities near West Baden Springs operate seasonally. One camper at Newton-Stewart described it as a "Fisherman campground" with "Primitive. 45 spots." Facilities may be limited outside peak season.

Insects and wildlife: Ticks can be prevalent, especially in warmer months. "Bring your bug stuff!" warns one North Face Loop visitor who described the ticks as "swarming the objective from all sides." Another camper noted, "Tick were REALLY bad. Maybe the season, maybe the area, not sure."

Limited services: Many campgrounds have basic amenities only. At North Face Loop, "You need cash by the way, no card machines here. $5 and $1 bills will do you." Cell service can be spotty or nonexistent in some areas, with one camper noting "No cell service" at Marengo Cave.

Tips for camping with families

Scout-friendly locations: Youngs Creek Horse Camp offers educational opportunities and family-friendly amenities. A visitor noted, "Site accommodates both horse, drive-in and walk-in camping. There's a privy and water on site. Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables."

Educational activities: Several sites offer nature programs or historical information. At Youngs Creek Horse Camp, "There is a trail that loops back to the site for easy hiking access," providing opportunities for children to explore safely.

Spacing for larger groups: Many sites can accommodate multiple tents. One camper mentioned, "The sites are large, and there are fire rings available. There are vault toilets and a fresh water pump not far from them."

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground has varying site conditions. "Not all pads are level or very wide," reports one camper. "The sites have an asphalt pad that are mostly level. 50,30,20 amp service in one box. There was no water at the site though."

Utility hookup limitations: Many campgrounds have partial hookups only. An O'Bannon Woods camper noted, "Throughout the campground are potable water spigots that you can hook up to and add water to your tank. There is also no sewer hookup at the site."

Limited big rig access: Some campgrounds have restricted access for larger vehicles. A visitor to O'Bannon Woods mentioned, "The campground is at the back of the park so you do have about a 5 minute drive to get to the main highway." Check individual campground specifications before arrival with larger RVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near West Baden Springs, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near West Baden Springs, IN is Youngs Creek Horse Camp with a 4.3-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near West Baden Springs, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 29 glamping camping locations near West Baden Springs, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.