If you’re looking for amazing places to go camping in Indiana, then you’ve come to the right place!
Indiana may be best known for its farmland, but there are also some beautiful state parks and vibrant cities that are close to some awesome campgrounds.
Whether you’re looking for Indiana DNR camping sites or you want to stay closer to cities like Indianapolis, there is an Indiana campsite that is perfect for your tastes.
So, you can make any getaway in Indiana a camping getaway, because there are so many cool campgrounds in Indiana!
It truly is one of the best Midwest states for camping trips.
This is why we’ve found some of the epic places to go camping in Indiana for you to visit!
18 Epic Places For Camping In Indiana
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Campground Is One Of The Most Popular Indiana Campgrounds
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Campground is actually a popular chain of campsites.
They have locations all over the USA, and they have several campgrounds in Indiana.
The most popular Yogi Bear campground in Indiana is the location on Barton Lake, in Fremont.
This amazing Indiana campground is full of resort-style amenities!
You can hang out by one of the many heated pools, relax on the lazy river, or take endless trips down one of the waterslides.
They also have traditional campsites, RV campsites, and cabins of all sizes that you can rent.
Jellystone Campground also has activities like gem mining, mini-golf, sports courts, outdoor movies, an arts and crafts center, and playgrounds.
Camping at Jellystone Park Indiana is a great way to enjoy your next camping in Indiana family trip!
Try Camping At Indiana Dunes National Park
Camping in Indiana Dunes National Park is a real treat.
One of the newest national parks in the USA, Indiana Dunes is a very popular destination for nature lovers in Indiana.
Indiana Dunes camping is a really fun way to experience the park.
The Dunewood Campground is a large looped campground within the park.
In this Indiana Dunes campground, there are two loops with 66 campsites.
Each loop has a modern bathroom with toilets and showers, and each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit.
They also have campsites for both traditional camping and RV camping.
The Indiana Dunes campground is easily one of the best places to go camping in Indiana.
Find Camping Near Indianapolis At Shades State Park
About 47 miles northwest of Indianapolis you can find the beautiful Shades State Park.
This DNR in Indiana is a popular park because it is so peaceful and the landscape is stunning.
It’s especially popular with hikers thanks to its great trail system.
I highly suggest taking some time to go camping in Indiana state parks like Shades State Park.
At the campground, there are five loops with a total of 109 campsites.
Most of the campsites are non-electric, and a few of them are specifically for youth camping trips.
However, keep in mind that Shades State Park only allows camping from April to October.
During that time, it is one of the best Indiana DNR campsites to explore.
Grandpa’s Farm Campground Is A Unique Place To Go Camping In Indiana
If you want to stay at Grandpa’s Farm Campground, keep in mind it is a seasonal campground.
That means it’s only open from the spring to early fall.
But, if you can go camping during their open season, it’s a really fun Indiana campground to visit.
This campground in Indiana is located in the rolling hills of picturesque Richmond in the eastern part of the state.
There is a river that flows through the campground.
They also have space for activities like volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard, horseshoe, frisbee, hiking, and more!
The Richmond area also has plenty of things to do too.
Grandpa’s Farm Campground has sites for both RV and traditional campsites.
So no matter your camping preference, you can enjoy this picturesque campground in Indiana.
Go Camping At Clifty Falls State Park Year Round
Another great DNR in Indiana is Clifty Falls State Park.
This state park actually offers camping year-round, which is something, not every Indiana state park campground offers.
It’s a great place to try camping in Indiana State Parks if you want to experience cold weather camping.
The campground has seven loops with a total of 167 campsites.
Most are electric, but they do have non-electric sites as well.
So it’s a great area for Indiana DNR camping if you are traveling and camping in an RV.
Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire pit, and in each loop, you’ll find a modern bathroom with toilets and showers.
This is a great location to experience fall in Indiana!
RV Campers Will Love Dogwood Springs Campground
Calling all RV campers!
The Dogwood Springs Campground is an Indiana campsite just for you.
With 500 acres of wooded land in western Indiana, Dogwood Springs Campground is a beautiful place to stay.
On those 500 acres, there are 15 ponds and lakes, a playground, a gated private entrance, and spacious RV sites.
While it’s not an actual KOA Indiana campsite, it’s very similar in the amenities and quality of campsites.
If you’re not interested in Indiana state parks camping, then this is a great alternative.
The campsite is only set up for RV camping, so no tent camping is allowed.
But if you’ve got an RV, or are thinking of renting one, this is an excellent Indiana campground.
Enjoy Camping In Indiana At Pokagon State Park
You can find Pokagon State Park in northeastern Indiana.
The state park has a rich history, particularly Native American history.
Pokagon was named after the father and son who were some of the most notable leaders of the Potawatomi Nation.
There is an inn on the park’s grounds called the Potawatomi Inn that also reflects this history.
Pokagon State Park has become known as the go-to DNR in Indiana for winter outdoor adventure.
This Indiana state park campground is massive, with 277 campsites and an Inn if you’re not interested in camping in the winter.
You definitely want to try Indiana state park camping at Pokagon State Park.
Try Primative Camping At Yellowwood National Forest Campground
The Yellowwood National Forest is a beautiful spot for camping in Indiana.
There is a 130-acre lake, over 2,000 acres of dense forest, and plenty of hiking trails to explore.
It is also a really great DNR in Indiana if you’re interested in trying primitive camping.
Primitive camping is where you have limited resources at the campground or campsite.
At Yellowwood, that means that there are vault toilets and well pumps for drinking water.
But there is no running water, so no showers or flushing toilets.
There are a little over 80 campsites in Yellowwood. Most of them are around the lake and a few are farther into the forest.
If you want to try a more primitive camping experience, then check out Yellowwood National Forest Campsites.
Go Camping In The ‘Little Smokies’ At Brown County State Park
The area around Brown County State Park is often called the ‘Little Smokies’.
That’s because despite not being part of the Great Smoky Mountains, the landscape is very similar.
The park itself is over 16,000 acres of ravines, ridges, and rugged cliffs.
It’s a beautiful place for Indiana DNR camping.
The campground is also massive.
You’ll find over 600 campsites scattered throughout the 16,000-acre park.
They range from primitive, electrical, tent, equestrian, and standard campsites.
Brown County State Park is easily one the best, and most popular, Indiana state park camping destinations.
The Brown County And Nashville KOA Is An Excellent Indiana Campground
The Brown County and Nashville KOA campground is located in southern Indiana.
You’ll be surrounded by the rolling hills that make the area so picturesque at this KOA Indiana campground.
One of the reasons this KOA in Indiana is so popular is because it feels very private and secluded.
It is surrounded by dense trees and most of the campsites have a lot of shade and tree coverage.
Inside the campground for you’ll find RV sites, tent sites, and cabins.
They also have a laundry room, a pool, and a camp store.
Have Fun Camping In Indiana At Starve Hollow State Recreation Area
Starve Hollow State Recreation Area is a small park.
It is a little over 280 acres and includes a 145-acre scenic lake.
Around the lake, there are actually frequent bald eagle sightings, which is a really cool perk that comes with this Indiana campsite.
Chances are typically pretty good that you’ll see one of the majestic birds!
Starve Hollow is known for having some of the best campsites for camping in Indiana.
There are 90 electric campsites, 55 full hook-up sites for RVs, and even cabins you can rent.
Many of the campsites are also situated around the beautiful lake.
Within the recreation area, there is plenty to do. From hiking, swimming, biking, boating, and more!
Manapogo Park Is A Great Seasonal RV Campground In Indiana
If you’re strictly an RV camper, then you’ll want to check out Manapogo Park.
Manapogo Park is a seasonal RV campground in Indiana located in the northeast part of the state.
It’s also very close to a lot of local attractions.
On the park grounds, you’ll find a massive 425-acre lake, a playground, sports fields, a laundromat, restrooms, a camp store, and tons more.
They also host activities every weekend, from dances to potlucks!
Manapogo Park is a great option if you are looking for an extended camping experience in Indiana.
McCormick’s Creek State Park Is A Beautiful Place For Camping In Indiana
One of the best places for camping in Indiana state parks is McCormick’s Creek State Park.
The park is mostly a beautiful limestone canyon that has a rushing river flowing through it with scenic waterfalls.
McCormick’s Creek State Park has just over 200 campsites.
Most of them are electric sites, but a few are primitive sites. So you’ve got plenty of options depending on your camping style.
The state park also has an inn and cabins that you can rent if you want to try a more glamping-style experience.
It’s a beautiful park with some great options for camping that make it one of the best Indiana DNR camping spots.
See Geological Wonders When You Go Camping At Turkey Run State Park
Turkey Run State Park is easily one of the most popular state parks in Indiana.
So it’s no surprise that they have some great options for DNR Indiana camping.
The landscape is beautiful with sandstone ravines, a large creek, and wonderful hiking trails.
There are over 200 campsites at the campground.
They range from electric sites, sites with shelters, and youth tent camping sites.
While you’re there, you’ll be able to enjoy all the great attractions that the state park is known for.
Admire Scenic Views While Camping At Chain O’ Lakes State Park
Chain O’ Lakes State Park is a really cool DNR Indiana camping experience.
As the name suggests, the park is made up of a large chain of smaller lakes.
At Chain O’ Lakes State Park, there are over 400 campsites.
Many of them are right on the shores of the lake.
This means you’ll get to enjoy some incredibly scenic views of a peaceful lakeshore while you are camping there.
The park also has cabins and canoe camping sites you can rent, which is not something you’ll see at most DNR Indiana camping sites.
With the beautiful views and unique campsite options, Chain O’ Lakes State Park is one of the best places for camping in Indiana.
The Indianapolis KOA Holiday Is One Of The Best Places To Go Camping In Indiana
If you’re looking for a truly epic camping adventure then you’ll want to check out the Indianapolis KOA Holiday.
This KOA Indiana campground is full of unique and fun amenities for the whole family.
There is a playground, a water park, a dog park, wifi, and even patios you can hook up to your RV if you have one.
They offer campsites for RVs and tents.
This KOA in Indiana also has cabins you can rent.
So if you really want to go camping, but don’t want to use a tent and don’t have access to an RV, you can still camp here!
Because it is also close to Indianapolis, you can find plenty of fun things to do off the park too.
Enjoy AN Indiana Camping Adventure At Whitewater Memorial State Park
Whitewater Memorial State Park is a great state park in Indiana for camping.
Within the park, there is a 200-acre lake where you can spend some time doing watersports and plenty of hiking trails.
The park also has a large array of different types of campsites.
In total, there are over 300 different campsites.
You can choose a traditional site, electrical hookup site, equestrian site, and they even have 20 cabins you can rent.
The park is also close to local attractions like the Metamora Historic Site and the Kings Island Amusement Park.
It’s a great option for camping in Indiana.
Hardy Lake Is A Great Indiana DNR Camping Spot
Hardy Lake is a Department of Natural Resources Park in Indiana.
It’s named for the 740-acre lake that is on the property.
Around the lake, there are two campgrounds that have over 150 campsites.
Most of them have electrical hookups, but there are a few primitive sites if you prefer that style of camping.
Both campgrounds are right on the edge of the lake, so some of the campsites even have some scenic lake views.
Hardy Lake is one of the best places for Indiana State Park camping!
Packing List For Camping In Indiana
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when camping in Indiana. It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery. This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!
I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies during Indiana camping.
Hydration is so important when traveling. You want to remain hydrated throughout your travels to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels.
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.
Then this set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. then this foldable water-resistant backpack would be great
It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.
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There are so many epic places to go camping in Indiana!
Whether you want to try glamping in a cabin, love traveling in your RV, or enjoy classic tent camping, there is a campground in Indiana that is perfect for your next trip.
Have you ever experienced an Indiana camping trip?
Was your favorite campsite on this list? If not, is there one you love?
I’d love to hear about your trips camping in Indiana in the comments!