Camping options near West Terre Haute, Indiana include several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The area features rolling terrain with elevations between 500-650 feet and summer temperatures averaging 84°F with moderate humidity. Many campgrounds offer access to lakes, with water temperatures reaching the mid-70s during summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Shakamak State Park Campground offers three lakes spanning 400 acres. "The park has numerous recreational activities to include 3 lakes spanning some 400 acres that are known for spectacular fishing," notes a reviewer at Shakamak State Park Campground.
Biking trails: Mountain biking enthusiasts can access Griffin Bike Park from Fowler County Park. "This park is a short four minute bike ride from Griffin Bike Park, which is an amazing mountain bike park," reports a camper who visited Fowler County Park.
Water recreation: The swimming pool at Shakamak State Park provides family-friendly water activities. "There is a large pool too with a nature center that has limited hours. There are three beautiful lakes there that are good for boating and fishing," states a reviewer.
What campers like
Shaded sites: Campgrounds in the region offer tree cover for summer comfort. "The sites are all flat- ALL FLAT!!! No inclined sites at all! Unheard of in an Indiana State Park, but there you go," shares a Shakamak camper about the rarity of completely level sites.
Clean facilities: RV campgrounds in West Terre Haute and surrounding areas maintain clean bathhouses. "The bathroom/shower house was clean. There were several nice looking trails, 3 lakes that were great for fishing, and a really nice pool with water slides and diving board," reports a visitor to Shakamak State Park.
Fishing access: Hawthorn County Park provides lakeside camping with fishing opportunities. "This is a Great Park, my wife and I camp here all the time. Large sites, because they are very wooded lots of shade, not far from downtown, also close to shopping. Lots to do in the park as well, fishing, archery, bike riding, canoe/kiak dock, and lots of very nice trails for hiking/running," notes a camper.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds near West Terre Haute have limited seasons. Fowler County Park operates from May 1 to October 15, while Hawthorn County Park shares the same seasonal window.
Site configurations: Cloverdale RV Park offers accessible sites with specific amenities. "This easy-access-from-the-highway RV park is really nice. The spots are accessible, the bathrooms are AMAZING, the little attractions are adorable and the host is terrific," explains a visitor.
Train noise: Locations close to railroad tracks experience periodic noise. "I also recommend not going for the back left (NE) corner. Train tracks are way too close," warns a camper at New Vision RV Park.
Wildlife encounters: "We did have several nighttime visits from a couple large raccoon families, but it became a game for the kids as they watched for them," mentions a Shakamak visitor about common wildlife encounters.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: For families with children, certain sites offer playground access. "If you have kids i recommend spot #1. It's big and borders a very nice playground," suggests a reviewer at New Vision RV Park.
Swimming options: "The pool is wonderful and many trails to explore," notes a Shakamak camper. "The pool also had a splash area/wading pool for your smaller kiddos."
Pioneer village: Fowler County Park offers historical education opportunities. "This park also has a pioneer village and yearly activities such as vintage camping and a pancake breakfast! The campsites are shaded, but a little close," shares a visitor.
Tent considerations: "The primitive camping spots are very spacious and there's plenty of trees for hammocks and a little privacy. The lady working there was super nice and it was pretty cheap," explains a Hawthorn County Park camper regarding tent camping options.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Terre Haute Campground provides strategic sites for overnight stays. "Water, sewer and electric hook-ups were well-placed and easy to reach," notes an RV visitor, though different from other comments about the campground.
Extension cords: "Bring an extension cord if you're in a pull through. If you want your door facing the fire pit- the electric box is in an awkward place," advises a Shakamak camper about optimizing hookup access.
Tree clearance: "Some of the other sites in this CG, not so much, so look up and watch your turn into the pull-throughs. No issues with utilities as they are smartly placed on the pad and work to include decent water pressure," shares an RVer at Terre Haute Campground.
Utility placement: "Two sites share utilities," notes another Terre Haute Campground visitor, indicating the need to coordinate with neighbors at some campgrounds in the West Terre Haute region.
