Tent campsites near Jeffersonville, Indiana exist within a diverse landscape of rolling hills and densely forested areas. Most camping options sit at elevations between 400-700 feet above sea level in the Ohio River Valley region, where summers typically reach highs in the mid-80s with moderate humidity. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures, making them popular seasons for tent camping activities throughout southern Indiana.
What to do
Kayaking the Blue River: Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping provides direct river access for paddlers. "The end of a kayaking trip is there so the buses to pick up kayakers are in and out and gets pretty busy at the end of the day," notes reviewer Trisha A., who adds that it's "a great place to camp right off kayak" for those planning water activities.
Hiking woodland trails: Happy Hollow Homestead features multiple forest trails through its property. One visitor mentioned exploring "a beautiful creek with waterfall, bee hives and sinkholes" during a guided tour of the grounds, offering hikers various natural features to discover.
Lake activities: While overnight camping has ceased, Springs Valley Rec Area remains accessible for daytime lake activities. Reviewer Gary P. notes it's "a beautiful lake for hiking, fishing, and my favorite, kayaking. Electric motors only, so nice and quiet," making it an ideal day trip for campers staying at nearby sites.
What campers like
Tree canopy coverage: Campers frequently mention the dense tree coverage at regional campsites. "The forest is beautiful and we had no problems with ticks or mosquitoes while sleeping in our hammocks," reports Aspen B. about her stay at Happy Hollow Homestead, highlighting the practical benefits of the forest setting.
Site spacing and privacy: Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping receives positive reviews for its layout. Sammii D. explains, "Sites are relatively close but you still have plenty of your own space. Each site comes with a fire pit and picnic table." Another visitor mentioned appreciating the "secluded and shaded" environment.
Family-friendly features: Unique recreational features appeal to families with children. "The tree web is a giant net about 15 feet in the air. My boys loved climbing up and laying in the web. The tire swing was also fun for the kids," writes Heather K. about activities available at the Walnut Grove area.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent sites offer basic amenities only. At Birdsell Castle, campers find drive-in and walk-in tent sites with toilets and drinking water, but no showers or electric hookups, requiring preparation for primitive camping conditions.
Seasonal considerations: Fall brings comfortable camping temperatures but also hunting season in surrounding woods. Some campsites border public hunting areas, so wearing bright colors during hunting seasons is advisable when hiking off-site.
Cell service limitations: Digital connectivity varies significantly. At Happy Hollow Homestead, one camper reports "one bar with cell booster" in their review, while others mention no service, noting it was "so nice to 'unplug' and enjoy talking with each other and making new friends."
Tips for camping with families
Unique recreational features: Bourbon Trail Campground provides tent sites with walk-in options suitable for families seeking more secluded camping experiences, while still maintaining access to toilets and fire rings for evening campfires.
Off-site attractions: "Close to Marengo Cave, the Indiana Shoe Tree and a bunch of Canoe trip companies," writes Sammii D. about the Old Mill location, highlighting family-friendly activities within driving distance of the campsites.
Weekend events awareness: Some campgrounds host scheduled events that change the atmosphere. "The weekend we were there was during the Summer Soulstice music festival. The campground was very lively and everyone was having fun," notes one family about Happy Hollow Homestead, suggesting checking event calendars before booking.
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: RV access requires careful planning at several locations. At Happy Hollow Homestead, a visitor with a "20' Ford Transit ModVan" mentioned, "We were nervous about bottoming in the dry creek bed on way to Walnut Grove area, but no problem," suggesting smaller RVs navigate the terrain successfully.
Firewood availability: Several campsites sell firewood on-premises. Trisha A. mentioned Old Mill provides "nice size pieces of wood and large bundles," eliminating the need to transport firewood from outside sources, which is often discouraged to prevent spreading invasive species.
Limited hookups: Drakes Ridge Rustic Nudist Retreat and most other tent-focused campgrounds near Jeffersonville lack RV hookups entirely, making them suitable primarily for self-contained units or those comfortable with boondocking.
