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Prairies, old-growth woodlands, serene lakes, and majestic sandstone cliffs can all be found in the gorgeous wilderness around Terre Haute, Indiana—near the Indiana-Illinois border. Whether you’re visiting Eastern Illinois University or learning the history behind Shades State Park, you’ll find all kinds of entertaining diversions in and around these great campgrounds.
1. McCormick’s Creek
Image from The Dyrt camper Sammi H.
This state-run park is 39 miles from Terre Haute. Explore the wonders of the surrounding areas like Wolf Cave and the Creek Canyon Falls.
McCormick’s Creek campground is made up of a whopping 247 sites, 180 of which have electricity, while the remaining sites are primitive. All major amenities are available at the park. It is quite large with an amphitheater, multiple stores to stock up, and tons of activities; such as fishing, birdwatching, mountain biking, and star gazing.
“The park offers numerous hikes varying in difficulty, accessing features and attractions including a 90′ fire tower, scenic canyon and waterfall, small cave (Wolf Cave), interesting sinkholes, and some stunning second growth hardwood forest.”– Stephen & Theresa B.
Campground Details:
- Price: $14-219
- Number of sites: 247
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Peaceful Waters Campground
A perfect place for fishing, kayaking, or boating, Peaceful Waters is only 30 miles from Terre Haute. Guests get to sleep under, and relish in, the extraordinary night skies at this prairie campground.
Amenities at this campground include showers, an adorable general store, and shaded campsites. The family-run campground has even creatively converted grain bins into cozy personal cabins! It’s a must-visit spot if you’re visiting the Terre Haute area.
“There’s a nice pond in the center of the campground where they have paddle boats and canoes”– Leah M.
Campground Details:
- Price: $35-40
- Number of sites: 85
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Prairie Creek Park
Image from The Dyrt camper George
Excellent quiet campsites right on the lake create a peaceful atmosphere at Prairie Creek Park. Only 14 miles from Terre Haute, this campground has close to 300 acres to explore and an expansive 16 acres of water area. The trees in nearby Elliott Woods are old-growth maples and other hardwoods, making for beautiful fall foliage and maple syrup each spring.
This campground has showers, dump stations, a playground, and picnic shelters for larger parties.
“Great hiking trails, beautiful bike track, and fishing. This park also has a pioneer village and yearly activities such as vintage camping and a pancake breakfast!”– Sharon T.
Campground Details:
- Price: $12
- Number of sites: 26
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. Terre Haute Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Nancy W.
Only 9 miles from Terre Haute, this shady, secluded campground has many great family activities, like playing a game on the oversized chess set, and even the opportunity to interact with animals. There’s also a pool and a huge bounce “pillow” for the kids to jump out some of that extra energy.
The campsites range from full hookups (even for big rigs) to walk-in sites. One important thing to note is that, while it is a dog-friendly campground, there are a handful of breed restrictions—make sure to call ahead or check details on their website. Showers, laundry, and excellent bathroom facilities complete the package in Terre Haute Campground.
“Our site was semi-private with a porch swing and grill. We had such a fun stay here. Not only do they have a pool and playground, they run a small train every evening for the kids to ride.”– Sheila B.
Campground Details:
- Price: $41-70
- Number of sites: 82
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
5. Shades State Park
Only 47 miles away from Indianapolis, Shades State Park boasts sandstone cliffs and canoeing on Sugar Creek. Explore the shadowy ravines between the cliffs or take a relatively long hike in Pines Hill Nature Preserve.
This darkly wooded and peaceful park has 105 total campsites—7 of which are hike-in sites and another 10 are boat-in only sites. Amenities include sewer hookups, trash services, and showers.
“Nice, quiet campground with spacious sites. Canopied by the big beautiful Indiana trees. Close to some good hiking trails.”– Kate M.
Campground Details:
- Price: $10-24
- Number of sites: 122
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. Shakamak
Image from The Dyrt camper Brian N.
Shakamak State Park, only 37 minutes from Terre Haute, is found between three human-made lakes where boating, fishing, and hiking are all plentiful. The trees in and around Shakamak State Park provide shade in the hot months and beautiful colors throughout the fall.
All major amenities are offered at this expansive campground, which has a total of 219 campsites—121 of which have electricity, but only 8 have full hookups. Activities include birdwatching, boat rentals, and a basketball court.
“The park is beautiful, great hiking and biking. Rented kayaks, and it was like glass on the lake. Very reasonable boat rentals. Campground was beautiful.”– Rich B.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 219
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
7. Fox Ridge State Park
This state park is a perfect spot if you’re visiting Eastern Illinois University, and it’s only an hour from Terre Haute. If you camp at Fox Ridge State Park, don’t miss the excellent hiking in the area, like the 144-step climb to the Eagle’s Nest, which overlooks the Embarras River.
Showers serve more than 40 campsites and two rustic cabins. There is a maximum RV length of 40 feet, and just one pull-thru site for easy RV parking.
“This 2,064-acre park is located along the Embarras River. It is full of ridges and ravines that provide moderate hiking trails. The park is popular with hikers and mushroom hunters.”– Eric & Diana H.
Campground Details:
- Price: $10-55
- Number of sites: 43
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Camping near Terre Haute and the Illinois-Indiana border is filled with surprises, like sandstone cliffs and gorgeous shaded ravines. These campgrounds are just some of the camping options available throughout this area. For hundreds more, check out The Dyrt’s full list of the best camping near Terre Haute and the Indiana-Illinois border.
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