Camping options near Zionsville, Indiana range from riverfront sites to farmstead experiences within a short drive. Most camping facilities in the area sit at elevations between 800-900 feet above sea level, with relatively flat terrain throughout the region. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring milder conditions in the 60-75°F range with less precipitation.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Turkey Run State Park offers challenging hikes with unique terrain features. "The sites are spacious, the water, sewer, and electric are good. All sites are paved, grounds are great to walk, campground people are nice," notes one White River Campground visitor.
Water activities: Sugar Creek provides paddling opportunities at Shades State Park Campground, located about an hour west of Zionsville. "Beautiful wooded campground neat Sugar Creek. Deep ravines and moderate to rugged trails encompass the area," reports one camper.
Farm experiences: For a unique stay, check out small-scale agriculture at specialized campsites. "Acacia Farms is an awesome spot to slow down in the country and enjoy being around some small farm animals," according to a visitor to this rural retreat.
Mini golf and games: Several campgrounds feature recreational amenities beyond natural attractions. A camper at S and H Campground mentions, "They have a little section full of carnival like rides. Several playgrounds! Campground big and spacious."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly at campsites near Zionsville. At White River Campground, one camper states, "Their bathrooms and showers are the cleanest I've came across. Also close by is koteewi, which has horseback riding, ziplines, an archery range, along with other activities."
Space between sites: Privacy levels differ between campgrounds in the area. "The sites are spacious, the water, sewer, and electric are good. All sites are paved, grounds are great to walk, campground people are nice," notes a visitor to White River Campground.
Proximity to attractions: Many campers appreciate locations that balance natural settings with access to activities. An Indianapolis KOA reviewer states, "Used this campground as a home base to visit downtown Indy. 20 minutes to downtown attractions."
Peace and quiet: Some campgrounds offer more tranquil experiences than others. "White river campground is not a huge place, but it is always clean and very friendly staff. It's a great place to just go and relax and enjoy nature," writes one visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most campsites near Zionsville operate from April through October, with limited year-round options. Old Mill Run Park is open "Apr 1 - Oct 15" according to official information.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "Fills up fast, so make your reservation. It's small but one of my favorites," advises one White River Campground visitor.
Site conditions: Terrain varies across campgrounds, affecting tent setup and RV leveling. A reviewer at S and H Campground notes, "Our site was incredibly uneven."
Facilities vary widely: Bathroom quality and amenities differ between locations. One visitor to Lake Haven Retreat reports, "Clean campground. They have fire rings but they're communal not at each site."
Weather considerations: Heavy rain can impact lower-lying campgrounds in the region. A camper at S and H Campground observed, "Hancock County had 2" of rain on Friday. The campground (lower) sits at a low elevation. Our site was 70% flooded."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Several campgrounds offer specific child-friendly amenities. "The perks of this KOA are a very nice playground and wading pool area. So if you have younger children, ideal for you," notes a visitor to Indianapolis KOA.
Consider noise levels: Family-oriented sites may be livelier, while others maintain quiet hours. "The balance between kid fun and peaceful nature is actually on point here. It was beautiful and peaceful but still a blast for kids with the water, playground, and even horses to view (not for riding)," reports an Indianapolis KOA camper.
Check for nearby activities: Some campgrounds offer easy access to additional recreation. A White River Campground visitor mentioned, "There is a canoe launch spot on the river, and hiking trails... Also close by is koteewi, which has horseback riding, ziplines, an archery range, along with other activities."
Evaluate food options: On-site dining can be convenient with children. At S and H Campground, facilities include "a little restaurant" according to one reviewer, while another notes they have "a pool, stocked pond, game room, ice cream shop and cafe."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When booking at popular campgrounds, location within the property matters. A visitor to Turkey Run State Park Campground advises, "We were in a wooded section and it was pretty private however our site was pretty sloped. Next time I would probably pick the site on either side of 167... The open, grassy area sites don't offer any privacy."
Electrical considerations: Power reliability varies between locations and usage times. An S and H camper noted, "We were on site 86, 50 amp service, but when everyone started turning on their AC, my surge protector kept kicking due to voltage swings."
Full hookup availability: Water and sewer connections aren't universal at all sites. At Glo Wood Campground, a visitor reports, "We had 50 amp/water and sewer... Sites are gravel and fairly level with a firepit and picnic table."
Approach roads: Access conditions affect larger rigs at some locations. "The only real problem we encountered was the dirt road through the site was difficult to navigate, even though it hadn't rained for a few days," notes a Glo Wood Campground reviewer.
