Best Campgrounds near West Lafayette, IN

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.