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Best Campgrounds near West Lafayette, IN

368 Reviews

Camping options around West Lafayette, Indiana range from developed state park campgrounds to private RV parks, with most sites concentrated within a 30-mile radius of the city. Prophetstown State Park Campground, located just northeast of West Lafayette, offers both electric and full-hookup sites in a prairie landscape setting. Several private campgrounds like Wolfs Leisure Time Campground and AOK Campground provide additional options for RV travelers seeking amenities such as swimming pools and recreation facilities. The region includes a mix of tent camping areas, RV sites with hookups, and a limited number of cabin rentals at locations like Wabash & Erie Canal Park, which sits approximately 20 miles northeast of West Lafayette.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with most campgrounds operating year-round but offering reduced services during winter months. Prophetstown State Park maintains all-year access, though water facilities may be limited during freezing temperatures. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. The relatively flat terrain around West Lafayette makes most camping areas accessible without specialized vehicles, though spring rains can create muddy conditions at some sites. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the camping areas, with stronger coverage at campgrounds closer to the city. According to one visitor, "Prophetstown State Park is one of Indiana's newest state parks and it shows. The lower loop is all full hookups with 50, 30, and 20 amp service and respectably woody."

The camping experience near West Lafayette varies significantly between the more developed sites and those with natural features. Turkey Run State Park, though farther from West Lafayette (about 40 miles southwest), receives consistently high ratings from visitors seeking more scenic camping experiences with hiking opportunities. Several campers note that Turkey Run offers a dramatic contrast to the typical Indiana landscape, with one review stating it has "the best trails in Indiana with water features, rock, and ladders." Closer to West Lafayette, Prophetstown State Park provides a different experience with its restored prairie landscape and fewer shade trees at many sites. Families with children often appreciate the playgrounds and open spaces at the larger campgrounds, while those seeking quieter experiences may prefer the smaller, more wooded sites at locations like Ross Camp, situated west of the city.

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Best Camping Sites Near West Lafayette, Indiana (56)

    1. Prophetstown State Park Campground

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

    $30 - $42 / 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."

    2. Wolfs Leisure Time Campground

    7 Reviews
    Buck Creek, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 589-8089

    "Pretty spots by the river but best for adults only trips as there is a step ledge. Lots of other areas too away from the Wabash and they have a campsore and game room to that the kids to."

    "Right next to the river for fishing. They have a little arcade hall, have bingo, a swimming pool, basketball court."

    3. Ross Camp

    4 Reviews
    Otterbein, IN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 463-2306

    "close to Ross Park. A little chapel. This is a relax campground for those not into all the hiking if you just want to sit by your fire. A few primitive sites. No alcohol allowed."

    4. Big Fish-n-Camp Ground

    5 Reviews
    Lafayette, IN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 296-2346

    "It was tucked all the way at the back of the second pond and surrounded by trees and a cornfield.

    We scored the most private area for sure."

    "This location doesn’t have “sites” unless you’re using a camper/RV."

    5. Wabash & Erie Canal Park

    5 Reviews
    Delphi, IN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 564-2870

    $30 - $45 / night

    "When we came down the road to the CG we were unsure of the CG location, but it is located right behind the interpretive/conference center building."

    "With miles of bike trails it is easy to see everything without having to drive.

    With only a handful of sites but far enough off the beaten path it's not crowded."

    6. AOK Campground

    2 Reviews
    Lafayette, IN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 474-5030

    7. Caboose Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Wolcott, IN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 261-3828

    "This place is different close to interstate so noise, they have tons of activities for the kids it’s very clean. Almost every spot has a waters edge. I plan coming back here in the middle of summer."

    "Nice sites next to lake."

    8. Indiana Beach Campground

    12 Reviews
    Monticello, IN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 583-4141

    "Close to Indiana Beach amusement park. No major highways nearby, so the drive was kind of....strange. At one point we were on a gravel road."

    "We used to go camping here every summer when I was a kid so it brought back a little nostalgia we stayed an E567 I would stay away from these they are very muddy kind of tight to turn a 30 foot camper"

    9. Turkey Run State Park Campground

    71 Reviews
    Marshall, IN
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 597-2635

    $20 - $32 / 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)."

    10. Crawfordsville KOA

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

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

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near West Lafayette, IN

129 Photos of 56 West Lafayette Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near West Lafayette, IN

368 Reviews of 56 West Lafayette Campgrounds

  • Cynthia K.
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Turkey Run State Park Campground

    Nice State Park Campground

    Turkey Run State Park. Arguably one of the top 5 state parks in Indiana.

    Lots of hiking opportunities, including the fabulous Trail 3 which should be a National Trail IMO. Go hike early before 10 am. This area gets crazy busy after that. 

    Nice nature center.

    2 covered bridges.

     A swimming pool in season.

     A historic inn with a restaurant. You can rent cabins also. 

    The Lusk home has tours every Saturday in season. 

    The campground is a mile or so west of the entrance to the park.

     Electric only. 270 sites. Water is available.

     There's modern bath houses with hot showers.

     We were site 218, which is technically the Turkey Hollow area. The bath house there was clean. We liked our loop for spacious sites( for a state park).

     The Twin Oaks loop seemed denser.

     There's a double dump near the exit. There's also one dump at the end of a loop by site 60. We were happy the other 4 campers trying to dump forgot about it! 

    Trail 7 access is also at the end by site 44. It's not marked on the map.

     The camp store has the usual camping supplies & gift items. Ice & wood. 

    We enjoyed our weekend here! Even though it rained Saturday.

  • 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

  • Nadiehsda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Newton County Fairgrounds

    2025 Fair Week (1st time)

    We stayed at the Newton County Fairgrounds during fair week & had a great experience. The grounds were clean & well kept. It was easy to get around even with all the fair activity going on. Our campsite had water & electric only, just like all of the others. The bathrooms & showers were in good condition considering how busy the week was.

    The fair itself was a lot of fun! From the 4-H shows to the carnival rides & food vendors, there was always something going on. The kids loved it! It felt very family-friendly & welcoming.

    The only thing to note is that cell service & wifi can be a little spotty, but honestly that gave us more time to just enjoy the fair & each other. Overall, we would definitely come back & recommend it to anyone looking for a good small-town fair experience with a convenient place to stay.

    Cannot wait until next year!!

  • 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.

Guide to West Lafayette

Camping near West Lafayette, Indiana, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring Nature: Turkey Run State Park is a great spot for hiking. One visitor 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. It’s a peaceful spot.”
  • Water Activities: At Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing. A camper shared, “We kayaked the reservoir, used the beach and fished. Finally, we hauled our bikes to the reservoir overlook and then rode them over the dam.”
  • Family Fun: Indiana Beach Campground is close to an amusement park. One family said, “Loved the free drink stations and cleanliness of the park!”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area noted, “Bathhouse clean, plenty of showers, flush toilets.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer large, level sites. One camper at Turkey Run State Park Campground mentioned, “Large campground with spacious sites.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Prophetstown State Park are great for families. A reviewer said, “This park has it all. Multiple playgrounds for the kids, great hiking/biking trails.”

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes Can Be a Problem: If you’re camping in the summer, be prepared for mosquitoes. A camper at Tippecanoe River State Park warned, “The mosquitoes are prolific and abundant! We left early.”
  • Limited Privacy in Some Areas: Some campgrounds have sites close together. A visitor at Turkey Run State Park Campground mentioned, “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.”
  • Facilities May Vary: Not all campgrounds have modern amenities. A camper at Shades State Park Campground said, “The vault toilets were dirty, needed to be emptied and the women’s stalls didn’t have doors.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. One camper at Prophetstown State Park said, “This park has it all. Multiple playgrounds for the kids.”
  • Plan for Crowds on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Turkey Run State Park Campground noted, “If you’re here on a weekend, you’ll definitely have neighbors close by.”
  • Pack for Activities: Bring bikes and outdoor games. A family at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area enjoyed, “Great areas to walk your dog.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be as level as advertised. A camper at Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area mentioned, “Described the pad as level when it was actually about a 30% grade.”
  • Be Mindful of Raccoons: Raccoons can be a nuisance if food is left out. A camper at Turkey Run State Park Campground warned, “They will come right up to you without hesitation.”
  • Look for Full Hookup Sites: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. A visitor at White River Campground said, “FHU with a level concrete pad and sites decently spaced apart.”

Camping near West Lafayette, Indiana, has its perks and quirks. Whether you’re looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat, there’s a campground that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near West Lafayette, Indiana?

The West Lafayette area offers several excellent camping options. Turkey Run State Park Campground stands out as one of Indiana's most popular camping destinations, featuring sites for both RVs and tents with water/electrical hookups and modern bathrooms with showers. For a more secluded experience, Shades State Park Campground provides quiet, spacious sites under a beautiful tree canopy with access to hiking trails. Both parks are within an hour's drive of West Lafayette and offer reservable sites.

Can I find campgrounds with lakes near West Lafayette?

France Park offers an excellent lake camping experience not far from West Lafayette. The park features primitive campsites near water, perfect for a day of exploring followed by lakeside camping. Caboose Lake Campground is another option with boat-in access and full amenities including water and toilets. Additionally, Big Fish-n-Camp Ground near Lafayette provides water-based recreation with both drive-in and walk-in camping options.

What RV rental options are available in West Lafayette, Indiana?

While West Lafayette doesn't have extensive dedicated RV rental businesses, there are several RV-friendly campgrounds in the area that often work with rental services. Indiana Beach Campground and the adjacent Indiana Beach/Monticello KOA Holiday are well-equipped for RVs with clean facilities, gravel sites, and laundry amenities. Many visitors rent RVs online through national rental platforms and then stay at these campgrounds. Local dealerships in the greater Lafayette area sometimes offer rental options as well.

Are there any campgrounds near Purdue University?

Yes, there are camping options close to Purdue University. AOK Campground is conveniently located in West Lafayette, making it the closest option to campus. It offers basic amenities including a pool and is ideal for those wanting to stay near the university. Ross Camp is another nearby option providing drive-in access with water and toilet facilities. These campgrounds provide convenient bases for visiting Purdue University while enjoying outdoor accommodations.

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