- Waterside Camping
The best lakeside camping near Bloomington
88% (193) • 48 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bloomington
Dirt Weapon Ranch
1. Dirt Weapon Ranch
98%
(41)
14mi from Bloomington · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Come and enjoy our private 90-acre retreat, perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. Nestled in an arch of the White River, this secluded sanctuary boasts two private lakes, offering opportunities for swimming, hiking, fishing, and relaxation. Conveniently located within a short driving distance to Indy, Bloomington, and Southern Indiana, you'll find yourself immersed in nature while still having access to nearby urban amenities.
We offer five powered campsites and numerous options for primitive camping lakeside or riverside. Please note that there are no direct water hookups, so be sure to bring your own water for your stay.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$20
/ night
Happy Campers Campground
2. Happy Campers Campground
99%
(191)
35mi from Bloomington · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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. We have trash bens available.
Seasonal shower house and porta pottys. Please specify RV or tent site when you are booking! Open now.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$45
/ night
Nighthawk Forest
3. Nighthawk Forest
100%
(16)
47mi from Bloomington · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled deep in Hoosier National Forest and just a short drive from Paoli and French Lick, Indiana, Nighthawk Forest offers a secluded and pristine outdoor experience for all camping enthusiasts!
Situated on 65 hilly and wooded acres, Nighthawk Forest features well-groomed tent pads, water and electric hookups for RVs and even vintage campers. Enjoy breathtaking walks in the woods, go fishing in our pond, and set up your camp chairs under the incredible night sky and marvel under the majesty of the Milky Way! Take a hike or a mountain bike ride on the Springs Valley Trail down to Tucker Lake.
Come see what it’s like to be treated like family at Nighthawk Forest Campground.
For more camping options - including group reservations - please call 812-203-0200.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
Monroe Lake
4. Monroe Lake
92%
(8)
Park 7.3mi from Bloomington · 312 sites
At Monroe Lake, your trip will be about as deluxe as a state park stay gets. Lounge your days away at the Fourwinds Resort & Marina, where the crisp linens and mini-fridges will spoil you into oblivion. Even if you're looking to rough it a little on the campgrounds, you'll still have access to a vast array of activities. Two different beaches perfect for swimming, boat rentals, and several beautiful hiking trails highlight the natural beauty in the area. Whether you're on the hunt for waterfowl or want to waterski on the gorgeous sparkling waters, your favorite outdoor activity is likely found here. Did we mention there's a Marina called The Pleasure Craft? Just soak that in for a minute. No more information needed.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Yellowwood State Forest
5. Yellowwood State Forest
100%
(3)
State forest 10mi from Bloomington · 90 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Yellowwood State Forest and its myriad outdoor activities.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
eXplore Brown County!
6. eXplore Brown County!
20mi from Bloomington · 5 sites
eXplore Brown County at Valley Branch Retreat is in historic, scenic, southern Brown County, Indiana. Year-round adventure featuring: zip line canopy tours, paintball, off-road vehicle tours, arrow tag, mountain biking, hiking trails, camping, and cabins. Including the longest, fastest, and highest twin zip line in Indiana.
Stay in one of our rustic camping cabins, all with heat and AC. Our campground features primitive and full-hook-up sites. Rowboats and canoes are available to rent on our 4-acre fishing lake.
Our Gallery Banquet Hall is available to celebrate your wedding, special occasion, corporate retreat, reunion, or social function. We host many events here at eXplore Brown County, large groups are always welcome. Plan your next adventure with us today.
Free Wi-Fi is available at the Gallery on the porch.
Come eXplore with us today!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$95
/ night
Cera Sports Park and Campground
7. Cera Sports Park and Campground
62%
(13)
38mi from Bloomington · 301 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
With 326 campsites, CERA offers plenty of camping spots. 252 sites are full-service sites with water, 30 & 50 amp electric, and sewer hookups. Check out our campground map below to see which sites will suit your stay!
CERA offers six camping cabins of various sizes. All cabins sit on lakefront lots amid the trees. Bathhouse facilities are located within 100 feet directly behind the cabins. Our camping cabins are a great option for enjoying the outdoors without having to pitch a tent or pull a camper.
There are three shower houses available and a centrally located dump station.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$75
/ night
Stone of Hope Campground
8. Stone of Hope Campground
100%
(1)
42mi from Bloomington · 2 sites
A private lake nestled in the woods with trails throughout
Peaceful, wild life - a real opportunity to experience nature at its best
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$30
/ night
Painter Creek Camp Resort
9. Painter Creek Camp Resort
79%
(7)
49mi from Bloomington · 2 sites
Tucked back off of State Rd 145 in French Lick, IN our property offers year-round camping & full 50-amp hook ups available on all sites. A covered outdoor lounge, and a basketball court are available for guests to use, as well as seasonal bathhouse and laundry facility ($4 a load). We are only 1 mile from the Painter Creek Boat Ramp, and within a 15 min drive to Patoka Lake State Park, The French Lick-West Baden Resort, and The Pete Dye Golf Course!
Pets
Full hookups
from
$40
/ night
Morgan Monroe State Forest
10. Morgan Monroe State Forest
67%
(3)
State forest 13mi from Bloomington · 35 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Morgan Monroe State Forest.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Spring Mill State Park
11. Spring Mill State Park
100%
(2)
State park 31mi from Bloomington · 224 sites
See how pioneers lived and learn about outer space at this southern Indiana park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Starve Hollow State Recreation Area
12. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area
100%
(6)
State park 34mi from Bloomington · 150 sites
Discover the natural charm of Starve Hollow State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Martin State Forest
13. Martin State Forest
State forest 34mi from Bloomington · 26 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Martin State Forest and its myriad of outdoor activities.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Shakamak State Park
14. Shakamak State Park
100%
(1)
State park 38mi from Bloomington · 207 sites
Discover Shakamak State Park's serene lakes and lush campgrounds.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Jackson-Washington State Forest
15. Jackson-Washington State Forest
State forest 41mi from Bloomington · 48 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Jackson-Washington State Forest.
Toilets
Campfires
Picnic table
88% (193) • 48 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bloomington
Dirt Weapon Ranch
1. Dirt Weapon Ranch
98%
(41)
14mi from Bloomington · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Come and enjoy our private 90-acre retreat, perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. Nestled in an arch of the White River, this secluded sanctuary boasts two private lakes, offering opportunities for swimming, hiking, fishing, and relaxation. Conveniently located within a short driving distance to Indy, Bloomington, and Southern Indiana, you'll find yourself immersed in nature while still having access to nearby urban amenities.
We offer five powered campsites and numerous options for primitive camping lakeside or riverside. Please note that there are no direct water hookups, so be sure to bring your own water for your stay.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$20
/ night
Happy Campers Campground
2. Happy Campers Campground
99%
(191)
35mi from Bloomington · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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. We have trash bens available.
Seasonal shower house and porta pottys. Please specify RV or tent site when you are booking! Open now.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$45
/ night
Nighthawk Forest
3. Nighthawk Forest
100%
(16)
47mi from Bloomington · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled deep in Hoosier National Forest and just a short drive from Paoli and French Lick, Indiana, Nighthawk Forest offers a secluded and pristine outdoor experience for all camping enthusiasts!
Situated on 65 hilly and wooded acres, Nighthawk Forest features well-groomed tent pads, water and electric hookups for RVs and even vintage campers. Enjoy breathtaking walks in the woods, go fishing in our pond, and set up your camp chairs under the incredible night sky and marvel under the majesty of the Milky Way! Take a hike or a mountain bike ride on the Springs Valley Trail down to Tucker Lake.
Come see what it’s like to be treated like family at Nighthawk Forest Campground.
For more camping options - including group reservations - please call 812-203-0200.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
Monroe Lake
4. Monroe Lake
92%
(8)
Park 7.3mi from Bloomington · 312 sites
At Monroe Lake, your trip will be about as deluxe as a state park stay gets. Lounge your days away at the Fourwinds Resort & Marina, where the crisp linens and mini-fridges will spoil you into oblivion. Even if you're looking to rough it a little on the campgrounds, you'll still have access to a vast array of activities. Two different beaches perfect for swimming, boat rentals, and several beautiful hiking trails highlight the natural beauty in the area. Whether you're on the hunt for waterfowl or want to waterski on the gorgeous sparkling waters, your favorite outdoor activity is likely found here. Did we mention there's a Marina called The Pleasure Craft? Just soak that in for a minute. No more information needed.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Yellowwood State Forest
5. Yellowwood State Forest
100%
(3)
State forest 10mi from Bloomington · 90 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Yellowwood State Forest and its myriad outdoor activities.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
eXplore Brown County!
6. eXplore Brown County!
20mi from Bloomington · 5 sites
eXplore Brown County at Valley Branch Retreat is in historic, scenic, southern Brown County, Indiana. Year-round adventure featuring: zip line canopy tours, paintball, off-road vehicle tours, arrow tag, mountain biking, hiking trails, camping, and cabins. Including the longest, fastest, and highest twin zip line in Indiana.
Stay in one of our rustic camping cabins, all with heat and AC. Our campground features primitive and full-hook-up sites. Rowboats and canoes are available to rent on our 4-acre fishing lake.
Our Gallery Banquet Hall is available to celebrate your wedding, special occasion, corporate retreat, reunion, or social function. We host many events here at eXplore Brown County, large groups are always welcome. Plan your next adventure with us today.
Free Wi-Fi is available at the Gallery on the porch.
Come eXplore with us today!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$95
/ night
Cera Sports Park and Campground
7. Cera Sports Park and Campground
62%
(13)
38mi from Bloomington · 301 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
With 326 campsites, CERA offers plenty of camping spots. 252 sites are full-service sites with water, 30 & 50 amp electric, and sewer hookups. Check out our campground map below to see which sites will suit your stay!
CERA offers six camping cabins of various sizes. All cabins sit on lakefront lots amid the trees. Bathhouse facilities are located within 100 feet directly behind the cabins. Our camping cabins are a great option for enjoying the outdoors without having to pitch a tent or pull a camper.
There are three shower houses available and a centrally located dump station.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$75
/ night
Stone of Hope Campground
8. Stone of Hope Campground
100%
(1)
42mi from Bloomington · 2 sites
A private lake nestled in the woods with trails throughout
Peaceful, wild life - a real opportunity to experience nature at its best
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$30
/ night
Painter Creek Camp Resort
9. Painter Creek Camp Resort
79%
(7)
49mi from Bloomington · 2 sites
Tucked back off of State Rd 145 in French Lick, IN our property offers year-round camping & full 50-amp hook ups available on all sites. A covered outdoor lounge, and a basketball court are available for guests to use, as well as seasonal bathhouse and laundry facility ($4 a load). We are only 1 mile from the Painter Creek Boat Ramp, and within a 15 min drive to Patoka Lake State Park, The French Lick-West Baden Resort, and The Pete Dye Golf Course!
Pets
Full hookups
from
$40
/ night
Morgan Monroe State Forest
10. Morgan Monroe State Forest
67%
(3)
State forest 13mi from Bloomington · 35 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Morgan Monroe State Forest.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Spring Mill State Park
11. Spring Mill State Park
100%
(2)
State park 31mi from Bloomington · 224 sites
See how pioneers lived and learn about outer space at this southern Indiana park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Starve Hollow State Recreation Area
12. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area
100%
(6)
State park 34mi from Bloomington · 150 sites
Discover the natural charm of Starve Hollow State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Martin State Forest
13. Martin State Forest
State forest 34mi from Bloomington · 26 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Martin State Forest and its myriad of outdoor activities.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Shakamak State Park
14. Shakamak State Park
100%
(1)
State park 38mi from Bloomington · 207 sites
Discover Shakamak State Park's serene lakes and lush campgrounds.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Jackson-Washington State Forest
15. Jackson-Washington State Forest
State forest 41mi from Bloomington · 48 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Jackson-Washington State Forest.
Toilets
Campfires
Picnic table
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
D
David
November 2025
Tent
What an awesome camp site. It is on a nicely mowed flat lawn on the edge of an old stone quarry. Beautiful! The hosts are very nice and showed me the whole property. I can’t wait to go back next summer!
See more
M
Matias Ignacio
November 2025
19 ft campervan
With pets
Quiet and beautiful place. Kids friendly. Clean bathrooms.
See more
A
Annie
October 2025
22 ft travel trailer
With pets
We had a great night at the Happy Camper Campground! Cozy small camping spot with just a couple other campers nearby. Dwight was great and super responsive and helpful. We also loved getting to know the “camp kitty”. She was so sweet.
See more
Tiffany
October 2025
29 ft Class C
Dwight gave us great directions to avoid the back country roads which made getting there easier than GPS was going to get us there. We enjoyed the quiet country setting at Happy Campers. Dwight was friendly and checked with us each day when we were fishing to see if we needed anything. My favorite was his kitty that seemed to greet each quest at their site as they arrived. She loved to spend time with us around the pond watching the ducks and snuggle by the fire in the evening. We definitely enjoyed her company! We will be back when the fish are biting! Thanks Dwight!
See more
Z
Zack
October 2025
Tent
Great place to pitch a tent. I would go back. View was great.
See more
e
eric
October 2025
25 ft travel trailer
Dwight has a beautiful place he shares with campers. We just needed a short getaway alone and got what we hoped for. It was so relaxing and peaceful and we loved watching the chickens lurking around. We recommend a stay if you're in the area.
See more
J
J
October 2025
45 ft travel trailer
Pros: RV electric hookups. Clean onsite bathroom with running water, sink, flushing toilet and shower. Nice well maintained camping sites (tent and RV). Plenty of land to roam and enjoy nature. Beautiful views of the lakes, nature and wildlife.
Cons: Limited number of firepits. All 5 RV sites share one firepit. Not a real issue if you're the only one there but not great if there are other groups booked on site. Some of the camping sites have firepits but not all of them. Lakes have some junk in them, tires, etc. There is overflow from the river so when it floods the river flows into the lakes and it brings along the trash with it. It wasn't too bad but does give you pause when considering swimming or fishing.
Overall: We had a great trip and will book here again. The pro's outweigh the cons and it was a lot of fun getting away for a weekend with friends.
See more
K
Kevin
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Happy Campers Campground
Dwight and Happy Camper is friendly and hospitable. The cabin a clean, quant and quiet getaway with tons of charm. We have been to the cabin a few times and enjoy fishing in the pond and fire pit. If you’re looking for Hoosier corn fields with the sounds of chicken and ducks in the background, check it out. Would recommend. Kevin and Michelle
See more
A
Alexander
October 2025
Tent
I love this place, very quiet, spacious, good place to fish and enjoy nature, the owner always responded quickly to any questions and always willing to help, in short I would live here without problems, we will definitely return to this place soon
See more
A
Alexander
October 2025
Tent
With kids
the place is beautiful, it's quiet, we loved it, we would definitely go back!
See more
J
J
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Me and the wife, as well as our two children, had a wonderful time! We caught a lot of fish, and my son caught one of his biggest fish yet out of one of the two ponds! My daughter is soon to be 4, and the grass and property were very well maintained as well as the roads being very easy to navigate! We stayed for 3 days and two nights and had wished we had longer to stay. You're close to two town where you can pick up any warm food if you didn't bring anything like that or any supplies you may need. The bathroom and shower was a very nice addition that we don't always find at every hipcamp. The wildlife in the area is plentiful! Both nights we had deer behind our tent, and one night even had one close enough to hear it make it's snort/blow sound and my family loved that. We will definitely be back anytime we want to camp in that area. The pond by the beach is super clean, and would be great swimming in the summer!
See moreZ
Ziv
October 2025
T
Tim
October 2025
Tent
Loved how quiet and private this site felt! I would definitely come back and recommended this to anyone looking for a clean, beautiful and easy place to camp!
See more
D
Darla
October 2025
39 ft Class A
What a beautiful property! We stayed in site 5 next to the barn, mainly for shade, but also to have a closer view of the pond. We ended up setting up our camp area at the back of the camper, because of the late afternoon sun. It was perfect!! The hosts are very nice and checked in once a day of you were out, but weren't intrusive. We actually broke bread with them a few nights! The grounds are immaculate! They have wifi for the site next to the barn, as well as an extender that reaches sites 1-4. All are FHU, which worked great! Next to sites 1-4 is an individual, but roomy shower house, and a port a potty next to that. Across the pond is a super cute cabin, just steps from the pond. It's quiet and peaceful, with the town of Brazil a 15 minute drive. There's Walmart, Verizon, multiple fast food and restaurant options. I had asked the hosts if they knew of any place in town that tints windows and was happy to hear their son actually has a tinting business! He gave us a reasonable quote for the 2 side windows by the captains' chairs and tinted them while we were onsite! They look SO good and lowers the heat up front almost 20 degrees!! Depending on the day, you'll see chickens roam freely. Kitty Kitty was always out on the prowl and isn't shy to come say hello. We traveled in a 40' motorhome and had plenty of space for it and our toad. Plenty of yard to play bocci ball or other outside games. Stocked pond as well!! If you're in the area, it's a must stop for a few nights!
See moreM
Micaela
October 2025
Tent
Beautiful land. We stayed during a hot October weekend and there were no other campers, so it felt private. Loved being able to cool down in the lake and watch all of the fish splashing out of the water. Plus, this time of year there's not too many mosquitos.
There is a communal restroom at the end of the drive with interior and exterior showers. Someone elsewhere out in the woods enjoyed their own weekend, which we could hear. It wasn't an issue for us, but I can understand if that would be a consideration for someone looking for something truly secluded.
The long gravel drive was fun to drive down and didn't pose an issue for my tiny 2wd sedan.
Thanks for the relaxing stay!
See more
Heather
October 2025
With kids
Where to start with this review??
The directions to get there were easy to navigate, and communication with Dwight was super easy.
The location was absolutely beautiful, and serene. The cabin was super comfortable. The site had many amenities that our children loved. The adults favorite was the firepit, the kids loved the access to the boat and the rocking chairs on the porch. Watching the ducks and rooster and making up stories of their antics was a close 2nd.
We were only there for a couple of days but we are excited to come back next year.
See more
Jenny
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Stayed one night after exploring the Redbird State Recreation area and headed east. What a beautiful evening listening to the crickets and frogs and the birds in the morning. We booked the primitive lake site 1 but the host reached out to share we were the only reservation for the night so could camp wherever worked best. Went for a morning walk before hitting the road again and enjoyed seeing deer. Would definitely stay here again if ever back in this direction.
See moreM
Marcia
September 2025
Tent
We loved our time at this Hipcamp site! It was so peaceful and beautifully maintained. Dwight and his lovely wife were so friendly and kind. We were short a camp chair and they didn’t hesitate to loan us one and we’re very responsive to all our needs. Can’t recommend them highly enough!
See moreT
Thawng
September 2025
Tent
It was a very nice spot. I love that it wasn’t crowded and it almost felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. Has an easy access to the river and ponds.
See more
R
Rob
September 2025
14 ft toy hauler
🤩 wow! This camp offers a quiet location in the middle of Hoosier National Forest. Several easy to use pull through sites. The deck platform is a very nice touch in front of our camper! Plenty of water spigots around.
Hot showers and fire wood onsite. What more could you ask for?
The host was very attentive and checked on us daily.
See more
