Camping areas around West Lafayette vary from riverside locations along the Wabash to open prairie settings characteristic of central Indiana. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall bring mild weather ideal for outdoor activities. Many campgrounds near West Lafayette offer fishing access, with several sites positioned along rivers or containing stocked fishing ponds.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Big Fish-n-Camp Ground features three large stocked ponds for catch-and-release fishing. "This campground can fill up quickly, so we always show up pretty early in the day," notes a camper from The Dyrt.
Historical exploration: Visit the Native American village at Prophetstown State Park Campground to learn about local history. "They also have an 1800's working farm where you can buy eggs and bacon," shares a reviewer who found the educational features worthwhile.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain pools for summer recreation. At Indiana Beach Campground, "Koa has two nice pools (one large pool for kids and adults and smaller one for toddlers)," while Prophetstown State Park offers a waterpark for a small additional fee.
Biking trails: Utilize the paved trails at Prophetstown State Park for family rides. "Bike trails are paved and good for little ones and families," mentions one visitor, noting the accessibility for younger cyclists.
What campers like
Riverfront camping: Wolfs Leisure Time Campground offers sites along the Wabash River. A camper describes it as having "pretty spots by the river but best for adults only trips as there is a step ledge." The riverside access creates popular fishing opportunities.
Secluded sites: Some campgrounds offer more private options away from crowds. At Big Fish-n-Camp Ground, one camper found "the most private area for sure. While it felt more peaceful back there, you can still easily hear people across the lake."
Clean facilities: Ross Camp maintains well-kept shower facilities. "Awesome shower house!" notes a camper, highlighting this as a standout feature at this smaller local campground with just 15 sites.
Recreational amenities: Campgrounds in the area often include additional recreation options. Lost Acres RV Park offers "swimming, camp fires, children parks, dog park, small trails, and only 10 minutes from Indiana beach," according to one satisfied visitor.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer weekends fill quickly, especially during Purdue University events. At Prophetstown State Park, "the sites book up super fast on weekends and you have to book months out," advises one camper.
Site surfaces: Many campgrounds in the area have gravel or paved pads rather than grass. At Crawfordsville KOA, "the sites are gravel and grassy. Great shade all over and landscaping is beautiful," though some tent campers find the surfaces challenging.
Seasonal operations: Check operating dates before planning trips. Tall Sycamore Campground operates from April 15 to October 15, while Big Fish-n-Camp Ground runs from March 4 to October 15 each year.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours while others may not. A camper at Indiana Beach Campground noted, "quiet time is supposed to be after 11. The first night some people across from us were loud until after 1am."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Indiana Beach Campground provides multiple water activities for children. "Koa has two nice pools (one large pool for kids and adults and smaller one for toddlers). The IB side has a very large splash pad," reports a family visitor.
Playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment. Lost Acres RV Park is described as "a beautiful family orientation campground. There is something for everyone. Playgrounds, new pool, kids activities, corn hole tournaments, fishing pond."
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds require additional attention for children's safety. At Wolfs Leisure Time Campground, one visitor cautions about riverfront sites that have "a step ledge" that might pose risks for younger children.
Cost-saving tips: Indiana Beach Campground offers discounted amusement park tickets with camping stays. "You do get a discount on amusement park/water park tickets with a two night stay, and there's a free shuttle," notes a family who visited.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Prophetstown State Park, experienced RVers recommend specific areas. "Sites have chip gravel, clean sites, clean comfort stations. Some sites are full hookup. The spruce loop are dying from whatever is killing all spruce trees."
Levelness: Check site grade before selecting, especially at Ross Camp where "Site 8 drops off quite a bit to the back so be sure to have appropriate leveling blocks."
Full hookup availability: Tall Sycamore Campground offers complete hookups for RVs with 117 total sites available. The campground provides 30/50-amp electric service, water, and sewer connections suitable for larger rigs.
Extended stays: Several campgrounds accommodate longer-term RV camping. Wolfs Leisure Time Campground has numerous seasonal campers, with one reviewer noting it has "full time residents" occupying many spaces, which affects availability for short-term visitors.
