The camping areas near Hawesville, Kentucky span across western Kentucky and southern Indiana, with several water bodies shaping the landscape at elevations below 500 feet. The region features rolling hills with mixed hardwood forests that provide natural shade for campsites during summer when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F. Winter camping remains viable at many locations with overnight lows rarely dropping below 20°F.
What to do
Boating options: non-motorized: At Vastwood Co Park, campers access the lake via a dedicated boat dock limited to non-motorized craft. "Very pretty city park with wide sites though some are close together. Nice lake, trails, swimming area. Etc. Sites have water and electric, dump station on site," notes Dave B.
Disc golf course: free access: Scales Lake Park offers an on-site disc golf course within walking distance of campsites. A camper reported, "This is one of our favorite places to camp. Very clean and lots for us to do!" The course winds through wooded areas with varying difficulties.
Hiking trails: varied terrain: The Hoosier National Forest North Face Loop Campground provides access to the Two Rivers Trail, a 15-mile technical trail connecting both Indian and Celina Lakes. "We got that in #7 camp in north loop. We felt like we own the place!" mentions Rica Z. about the secluded camping experience near the trails.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campsites at Hoosier National Forest South Slope Loop Campground offer considerable space between neighbors. "Nice facilities. Camping spots not on top of each other. Great hiking. Quiet," notes Russell, highlighting the spaciousness often lacking at more commercial campgrounds.
Clean facilities: "This campground is delightful. All of the sites are spaced far enough away that you'll have your privacy. The sites are clean and spacious as well as very flat for tents," reports Chelsi S. about North Face Loop, indicating the well-maintained bathroom facilities and level tent pads.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes in the region provide fishing access without large crowds. "The small fishing pier we visited is handicap accessible adjacent to the handicap parking spot," explains a review of Celina Recreation Area, noting the accessibility features for anglers of all abilities.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October, with limited winter availability. The spring and fall shoulder seasons offer the best combination of moderate temperatures and lower crowds.
Bug protection required: The region has significant tick populations, particularly in early summer. "We hiked extensively and though this is definitely not mountainous terrain it will give you a work out. A lot of cool rock formations and wild life to be seen, then there's the tick's," warns a reviewer at Celina Recreation Area.
Site reservation timing: Weekend slots fill quickly, especially at water-adjacent sites. Many campgrounds accept reservations up to six months in advance, with holiday weekends booking within minutes of reservation windows opening.
Tips for camping with families
Petting zoo access: Scales Lake Park maintains a small petting zoo on-site. "Scales Lake is a wonderful campground. It has primitive, cabIns, and RV camping. 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," shares Jennifer T.
Playground options: Multiple playgrounds throughout the region provide recreation for different age groups. "Two playgrounds, little petting zoo for kids. Beach area with small fee. Full hook up sites," notes Jessica D. about family amenities.
Swimming areas: Dedicated swimming zones with varying depths accommodate different swimming abilities. Some locations charge small day-use fees ($3-5 per person) for swimming access even for registered campers.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Rough River Dam State Resort Park provides RV sites with varying levelness. "Our spot was great and didn't require much leveling. We did get a deluxe spot. However we only got the spot because at the others were sold out. Many of the other Spots were on hills and right on top of each other," advises one RVer about selecting optimal sites.
Electrical hookup limitations: Most glamping options close to Hawesville, Kentucky provide 30-amp service, with 50-amp availability at select locations. Campers with high electrical demands should verify amperage before booking.
Road access considerations: The rural roads leading to several campgrounds have tight curves and limited shoulders. "The road is twisty and skinny. I'm not pulling a boat and would be concerned about passing in the curves. I was pulling a little 10ft trailer and almost got taken out by a dump truck," cautions a visitor regarding access routes.
