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The best camping near Shades State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Shades adventure.

94% (8 reviews)
94% (8 reviews)

A shady retreat for hikers, campers, and canoeists just outside the city.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Shades State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Shades State Park

99%
(91)

Heavenly Acres Creek side Camp

27 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres ¡ Thorntown, IN
We provide a hands on educational experience with a variety of animals, crafts and farm operations or you can simply relax in a quiet farm setting next to the creek and enjoy the view. Our site is a short 10 minute drive to town or the highway (65 and 74) with the exceptional bonus of peace and tranquility of the country.
from 
$35
 / night
100%
(102)

Havendell Farm and Wayside

8 sites ¡ RVs, Tents20 acres ¡ Pittsboro, IN
Since 2003 the land has been home to people, horses, dogs, chickens and barn kitties, a hay field and fruit, vegetable, and flower gardens. Enjoy the country atmosphere in driving proximity to Indianapolis amenities. A great place for a unique getaway. A couple days per week from mid-March to Mid-December, the almost 20 acre property hosts a not for profit children’s physical therapy program called, “TheraTails and Learning Trails”. This program has been taking place at the farm since 2006 serving children with various physical therapy needs. The farm has a short nature trail with a wood chipped path. Visitors may go on foot or use their own bicycles or golf cart to ride the perimeter of the property or the mowed paths. Our location is convenient to county roads for foot or bicycle touring. Located just 20-30 minutes from the Indianapolis International Airport, downtown Indianapolis, the Indianapolis 500, drag racing, state parks, horseback riding, and numerous small town fairs, The Covered Bridge Festival, and farmers markets. Easy access to I-74, fuel, eating establishments, groceries, gyms, a water park and the McCloud Nature Center. Come stay at Daves Country Gem, and get a taste of rural living.
from 
$20
 / night
99%
(41)

Overland camping at the 1938 barn

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Rockville, IN
Large secluded cove near our barn and garden. Watch the sun come up from the orchard. There is 1 electrical plug so not all 3 spaces have electric but you can run a cord. There is also a single water spigot to share as well. There are 2 houses somewhat visible through the trees but no direct line of sight and otherwise private. May see us feeding animals or tending garden. There is also a livestock guardian dog (Cotton) on property, we just ask that you please do not feed her or leave food/trash laying around for her to find.  This is a farm so you may see and smell animals. Depending on when you book you may even be somewhat near animals. Be aware of this and be ready to keep dogs contained. Ask us about purchasing a bag of fresh meat or veggies from our market garden Henrysmarketindiana.com
from 
$15
 / night
100%
(26)

Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents21 acres ¡ Universal, IN
This was once a self sustaining farm built in the 1950s. The farm raised cattle, pigs, chickens. There was 35 tillable acres which produced corn and oats for the livestock. The farm had its own feed grinder in the old barn. There is an old hand built cooler room where all the meat was stored. There are four wells on the farm one of which is used for watering animals and cooling alpacas on hot summer days. One of our tent sites is in the corner of our alpaca pasture. You'll hear the roosters, goats, donkeys and more than likely, Rose, our Maremma livestock guardian dog, throughout your stay.
from 
$35
 / night
99%
(125)

Happy Campers Campground

7 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres ¡ Brazil, IN
We look forward to hosting you at Happy Campers Campground! We have 5 full hook up RV sites 50 and 30 amp, free wifi, fishing, swimming and an 1.5 acre pond. Our property also has fire rings and picnic tables available for our campers. We have a dry cabin also available. Seasonal shower house and porta potty. Please specify RV or tent site when you are booking! We also have bathrooms and a new shower house now! Open now.
from 
$40
 / night
Booked 13 times

Skyview Meadow At Spencer Pay Lake

37 sites ¡ RVs, Tents39 acres ¡ Spencer, IN
Experience the beauty of nature at this charming location, brimming with life. Nestled beside a renowned, well-stocked fishing lake, the site is surrounded by picturesque hay fields and enchanting woods. It's the perfect spot to witness the upcoming eclipse on April 8th. Conveniently located off a US Highway, the property offers easy turnarounds for RVs and Semis. Only 2 miles away from McCormick's Creek State Park, guests can enjoy the proximity to outdoor activities. Small tents are welcome with the purchase of a 12-hour fishing pass, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene surroundings. Additionally, The Hilltop Restaurant, just next door, offers delectable options ranging from steaks and ribs to fantastic pizza. Indulge in a memorable stay surrounded by nature and convenient amenities.
from 
$60
 / night
100%
(2)

Creek’s Bend Camp

2 sites ¡ Tents100 acres ¡ Williamsport, IN
Nestled in a bend on the Big Pine Creek, this 100 acre property is characterized by its hardwood forests, pine woods, bubbling creek, restored prairie, and sandstone bluffs. It’s serene beauty feels healing and inspiring no matter which direction you choose wander. There are miles of walking trails on property and on adjoining nature preserves. During fair weather you may see people float by in kayaks, canoes, or tubes. Come watch for wildlife, play in the creek, gaze up at the stars, and reconnect with yourself. With advance notice, I may be able to give you a 15 minute garden and property tour! Just let me know when you book. Want to book for a large group? Send me a message and I will try to accommodate you. * NICHES Crow's Grove Nature Preserve (Hiking, 2 minutes away) * Williamsport Falls (Indiana’s highest free-falling water fall, 15 minutes away) * Downtown Williamsport (Grocery, bars/restaurants, hospital, 15 minutes away) * Hooker Corner Winery (Wine and events, 16 minutes away) * Downtown Pine Village (Coffee shop, gas, and pizza, 18 minutes away) * Downtown Attica (Grocery, gas, restaurants, drug store, 18 minutes away) * Ravine Park (Walking trails, disc golf, huge playground, 18 minutes away) * Badlands off-road park (Attraction, 20 minutes away) * Portland Arch Nature Preserve (Hiking, 30 minutes away) * NICHES Black Rock Nature Preserve (Hiking, 30 minutes away) * Downtown Danville, IL (Bars/restraunts, grocery, dispensary, 35 minutes away) * Purdue University (40 minutes away) * Shades State Park (Hiking, 50 minutes away) * Turkey Run State Park (Hiking, 50 minutes away) This property is an easy and scenic 40 minute drive from Purdue’s campus, making it the perfect get away for students and townies, or a unique place to stay for people wanting to visit Purdue. To remove a barrier for students, Purdue students may request a free tent for their stay at Creek’s Bend Campground!
from 
$30
 / night
Booked 1 time

Tent camping in forests.

4 sites ¡ Tents30 acres ¡ Cloverdale, IN
Learn more about this land:Scenic views and hiking. Multiple camp sites available. Farm tour will be provided to establish boundaries. Farm animals are on site to interact with.
from 
$30
 / night
100%
(103)

Shalamar Farm

3 sites ¡ RVs13 acres ¡ Lebanon, IN
Hosted over 210 rigs! Private home on 13 acres, with 3 RV sites, Studio apartment (900 sf) for rent, manicured lawn, garden, trees, peaceful area. We accept long term guests, traveling nurses and traveling professionals! Need a Groundskeeper, maybe swap rent/services. Welcome to Shalamar Farm, our second time around! NORTH: full hook ups, back in, rigs must be less than 35' SOUTH: full hook ups, back in, rigs must be less than 30' SHADE TREE: full hook ups, pull thru, rigs must be less than 25' Studio apartment: furnished with carpet, kitchenette with granite countertops and tile floor, 1 bathroom tile floor with shower, NO SMOKING, NO PETS. CLOSEST HOSPITALS: Lebanon 7 miles, Crawfordsville 19 miles, Zionsville 20 miles, Westfield 25 miles, Indianapolis (86th Street area) 26 miles, Carmel 31 miles. Friendly pets include George the horse, outdoor cats Leroy and Lowell. Eastern time zone and good cell coverage.
from 
$40
 / night
100%
(34)

Martin H.’s Land

2 sites ¡ Tents25 acres ¡ Greencastle, IN
from 
$30
 / night
Booked 12 times

Eclipse Camp Indiana

11 sites ¡ RVs, Tents20 acres ¡ Clayton, IN
Located at a wedding venue, this temporary spot is perfect to camp and view the 2024 solar eclipse! Brick and mortar bathrooms just steps away and beautiful views by our pond. We are opening up our grass parking lot for camping, limited drop cords available for power. Bring a tent, RV or camper van for this unique experience! Local Brewery located 4 min down the road with awesome food and delicious beverages! Weather permitting - Communal fire pit area, cornhole, Fowling set, Fishing is available so bring your pole.
from 
$60
 / night
99%
(77)

Apple acres

1 site ¡ RV, Tent20 acres ¡ Clayton, IN
My Great great grandfather purchased the land in 1834, I am the 5th generation on this farm. Areas first apple orchard started in 1910-1990 now a wedding venue with beautiful scenery. The retired apple orchard still has trees with vast walking trails between the rows. Amazing wildlife! Vast walking trails that are kept mowed. Fishing pond available (with prior permission) pet friendly property for responsible owners that clean up afterword. 2 Bathroom options! One with running water only a 2min walk or use a new port-a-pot with attached sink very close to the shelter. coming soon (Mid May 2023) Smokeless firepit
from 
$49
 / night

The best camping near Shades State Park guide

Overview

About

Just an hour from Indianapolis, Shades State Park is all about peace, quiet, and getting back to nature. Hike along rugged trails through wooded ravines to reach landmarks like the Devil's Punchbowl, Inspiration Point, and Lover's Leap, or enjoy longer walks in the adjoining Pine Hills Nature Preserve. Take to the water to boat or canoe along Sugar Creek, fish for smallmouth bass and catfish, or tackle the Six Ravines Challenge, which leads the way to cascading waterfalls and sandstone cliffs. Campers are in for a treat, too—the park's dark skies afford spectacular stargazing. Shade Campground has non-electric RV campsites, as well as hike-in and canoe-in tent sites along the Backpack Trail.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve RV campsites online via the Reserve America website; hike-in and canoe-in sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  2. Online reservations can be made up to six months in advance. 
  3. Campsites can fill up over holiday weekends, so book a few months in advance to avoid disappointment, especially if you have a particular site in mind.

When to go

Any time is a good time to explore Shades State Park, and the campground stays open year-round. Memorial Day through Labor Day is the busiest period, but the park rarely gets overcrowded. Trails can get slippery after rainfall, so come prepared and check water levels in summer before you plan boating or canoeing trips.

Know before you go

  • Shades State Park is located about 17 miles southwest of Crawfordsville or a 25-minute drive. From Indianapolis, head west on US 41, then continue along SR234—it's about a 70-minute drive. 
  • There is a per-vehicle entrance fee for all Indiana State Parks, and campsite booking fees also apply. An Indiana fishing license is also required if you plan to fish.
  • Facilities at Shades State Park include a camp store, restrooms, picnic areas with grills, drinking water fountains, playgrounds, and a dump station.
  • Pack proper hiking boots for Shades State Park, as many of the hiking trails cross ravine streambeds and uneven terrain. Trails 4 and 5 also have ladders, rendering them unsuitable for small children, pets, and those with limited mobility. 
  • Pets are welcome at Shades State Park, but must be kept on a leash.
  • There are accessible restrooms, picnic areas, and campsites at Shades State Park.

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