Dog-Friendly Camping near Winslow, IN

Pike State Forest and surrounding areas offer primitive to full-service camping options within the forested regions of southwestern Indiana. The terrain features gently rolling hills with elevations between 400-600 feet and a mix of deciduous forest and reclaimed mining lands. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April through October, with some sites available year-round.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Glendale State Fish and Wildlife Area provides access to Dogwood Lake with excellent fishing. "Campground can be crowded when the fishing is good. I rated it on the fishing. We have to park our camper in the primitive section because so many people are there," notes Jennifer K.

Disc golf courses: Prides Creek Co Park features a highly-rated disc golf course. "A beautiful park. plenty space to explore, frisbee golf, regular golf, swimming area in the lake. I suggest you bring a kayak to explore the gorgeous lake," writes Amber L. Another reviewer calls the disc golf course "top notice. One (if not best in the state)."

Swimming areas: Several parks offer designated swimming beaches. At Scales Lake Park, campers can access "a beach for swimming and a shower house." Jennifer T. describes it as "a beautiful lake front for swimming with water slide and diving boards."

Historical exploration: Lincoln State Park provides access to historical sites. "This park has the Lincoln boyhood memorial that is a must see," shares Keith M., making it educational for history buffs interested in Abraham Lincoln's early years.

What campers like

Peace and quiet: For true tranquility, Pike State Forest delivers a secluded experience. Brandon W. states, "This is the place to go if you really want to camp without the modern convenience of water and electricity. Which in my mind is perfect because it's usually just one maybe 2 people if that."

Lakeside camping: Several campgrounds offer sites with lake views or access. At Patoka Lake Campground, "Our campsite had Great Lake views and a nice path to get down to the lake. Bathrooms and showers were clean," reports Tonya D.

Level sites: Glendale State Fish and Wildlife Area features well-maintained camping areas. Michael describes it as having "paved level pads, some slightly sloped. Shaded and sunny areas. Showers were very hot, toilets clean."

Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the maintained facilities. At Miles Landing Campground, Jacinda L. notes, "The bathrooms were probably the cleanest, nicest shower houses I've seen at a campground."

What you should know

Water temperature issues: Shower facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At Glendale, Jennifer K. warns "the showers are so hot that you can get burnt."

Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds have limited seasons. Glendale operates from April through October, while others like Lynnville Park remain open year-round.

Site characteristics: Pike State Forest has basic accommodations. Ron H. notes, "Most of the sites are small and not very level. There are only 2 sites that a small camper could use."

Highway noise: At Lynnville Park, Thomas W. mentions, "Nice and quiet, apart from the interstate background noise which is noticeable but not too bad." This matches other reviews mentioning the highway sound.

Tips for camping with families

Water recreation: Prides Creek Co Park offers multiple water activities. Kayla A. shares, "Very beautiful rv campground. Also allow tents. They have a beach area and a golf course. Very lovely place and reasonably priced too."

Animal encounters: Miles Landing Campground provides a natural setting. Doug describes it as being "in the middle of a large reclamation. Lots of ponds and young trees. Great modern sites mostly dispersed."

Kid-friendly amenities: Scales Lake Park includes facilities specifically for children. Jennifer T. mentions, "The camp has so much to do for kids and adults. Hiking, mountain bike trails along with pump track for kids, a small petting zoo, and a beautiful lake front for swimming."

Halloween events: Several parks host special seasonal activities. Ashley D. recommends Lake Rudolph for their "Halloweekends... They have so many activities for the kids such as hayrides, a DJ, pumpkin carving, and so many other things throughout the day!"

Tips from RVers

Site selection: At Lincoln State Park, Cynthia K. advises, "The sites seemed short, but people were able to park very large rigs in them. Check the site dimensions before booking or call the office to make sure you'll fit."

Pet-friendly considerations: Almost all area campgrounds allow pets but require them to be leashed. Never Sitting S. cautions about Miles Landing: "Lots and lots of ticks, beware if you have pups."

Dump station access: Patoka Lake has adequate dump facilities despite high usage. Kyle notes, "4 dump stations at exit but still lines due to shear number of sites but things moved quickly."

Honor system check-in: Some smaller campgrounds have relaxed procedures. At Lynnville Park, Kelly W. found: "We checked in through the honor system as the store/office closed at 5p; we filled out a registration form put $22 in it and put it in the mail slot."