Lakeside camping in Indiana with campfires
Camp at sandy beaches, farmlands, and forests all in one state.
98% (602 reviews)
- Indiana
98% (602 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Indiana
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top lakeside campgrounds in Indiana with campfires
96%
(124)
Sherfick Farms
66 sites · RVs, Tents34 acres · Noblesville, IN
Learn more about this land:Sherfick Farms has a 3.5acre lake and surrounded by Farm fields. Far enough from the city you can see the stars, but close enough for any of your last minute needs. Enjoy the open field and star lit skies.
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$45
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Michigan City Camping/4min to Beach
1 site · RV, Tent9 acres · Michiana Shores, IN
Discover the ultimate outdoor retreat at our secluded campsite in Michigan City, Indiana, nestled on 9 acres of lush woodland just minutes from the beach. Our spacious site accommodates multiple tents and features a hammock, bonfire pit (Fire wood provided), and picnic table for your comfort. Enjoy the tranquility of nature with the convenience of local breweries, wineries, and the Indiana Dunes National Park nearby. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, our campsite offers the perfect backdrop for your next camping getaway.
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$105
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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. We have trash bens 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.
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$40
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Blue Water Lake
19 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Montpelier, IN
Blue Water Lake is located right next to the Salamonie River with access for fishing in the lake or the river. Less than a mile from Montpelier a golf cart community. Also, Montpelier Motor Speedway a dirt track with races most Saturday nights. Beach area available for swimming access. No lifeguards on duty, swim at your own risk. Primitive camping available. Out house available.
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$25
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The Hideaway at Cooper Lake
3 sites · Lodging30 acres · Westville, IN
The Hideaway is located on private property in Otis, Indiana. Three canvas tents line our man made, creek fed lake. The lake is over 6 acres and approximately 35 ft deep. The lake is stocked with catfish, bluegill, bass and other fish perfect for fishing. Wildflowers and natural paths are available for walking and scenic photoshoots. The property is near the tollroad. Some guests do not notice the noise others have been more sensitive to it. There is space for each site to have privacy. Each site has their own shower, flushing port-o-john, fire pit, dining area.
There is a shared space near the lake which includes lounging furniture.
We proudly do not have wifi and encourage our guests to unplug and relax!
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$210
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Lochloosa River Retreat
9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Monterey, IN
Welcome to Lochloosa River Retreat! We are a small hobby farm on a little over 6 acres of partially wooded land with nearly 700 feet of river frontage on the beautiful Tippecanoe River! We offer primitive tent and primitive dry RV camping with indoor restroom and showers. There is a lovely creek that flows through the property, perfect for exploring and having fun for kids or the kid at heart! Lochloosa is like a sanctuary for wildlife and humans alike! Spend some time watching the many birds, arrange a tubing or kayaking trip on the river, fish off the riverbank, relax and have fun at the in ground saltwater pool complete with slide and diving board, or kick back at your campsite near the creek, gaining some ZEN while listening to the sounds of the babbling brook and watching the amazing sunrises and sunsets! Explore nearby Lake Maxinkuckee beach, named one of Indiana's top twelve lakes to visit and browse the shops and restaurants in Culver or travel 15 miles to Lake Manitou and explore all the fun restaurants and shopping Rochester has to offer. Whatever you decide to enjoy while you're here, we welcome you and hope you love this little slice of camping paradise as much as we do!
We offer a limited number of tube and kayak trips. Please message me for more info or add it as an extra to your reservation to arrange your float in advance of your stay.
All campers have shared access to one indoor family/unisex restroom with two toilets and two showers.
Please be sure to check all info and rules for the particular site that you book. We allow pets in sites north of the creek only as our pets and farm animals live on the south side. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
There is a nearby country store within 2 miles that offers chicken, pizza, ice and miscellaneous items for your convenience!
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$48
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The Fun Farm
2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Fort Wayne, IN
Learn more about this land:
Our location is also home to our fantasy destination, The Fun Farm. Not only is the scenery replete with natural beauty - the pond, the fields, the sledding hill, the nature trail through the forest - but also a setting to engage the imagination!
Additional services may be arranged on-site. For example, who would you like to have breakfast with? A superhero? A princess? Or perhaps a souvenir caricature of you and your group is in order to commemorate the experience? Maybe an experiential art, dance, drama or music lesson? Guided tours of the grounds can also be arranged to learn more about the history of the farm and it's originality.
If you're interested in a "day trip" or even a limited event, we have the facilities to accommodate your birthday or holiday, engage in art Classes, raise funds for your good cause or enjoy "something different" for this year's corporate party. We're also open to your ideas for a custom school, festival or carnival event. We can accommodate groups from 1 to 400 (maybe more, if we send a few enchanted creatures on vacation!)
MORE NOTES ABOUT THE CAMPSITE: We're flexible with wherever you would like to pitch your tent, but the spots we have established are next to our cabin (where the lighting is best and the ground is flattest.) Parking is most easily found next to these sites as well (and the lighting is also excellent.) Also, in the near vicinity, a shared firepit is readily available and can accommodate at least 12 people.
Check out the additional options (like firewood bundles) below and let us know how we can help you make great memories!
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15 Acre Wood on Lake
3 sites · Tents15 acres · Mt. Vernon, IN
300 feet behind our house is a fire pit, then 15 acres of wood. around an acre lake. We have a boat and you can swim. There's an out house (and use of the woods is ok too) .There is plenty of wood and plenty of forest fun. No motorized Vehicles allowed. No weapons. No hunting. We want to share our land with other lovers of the woods, plants and animals. Like good "scouts", we expect our campers to leave the site the way they find it, tidy . We have recycle and trash containers. There is a drinking water source at the house. Responsible use of alcohol is accepted but drugs or anything that impairs physical safety, is prohibited.
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Shipshewana lake with channel
1 site · RV1 acre · Shipshewana, IN
Learn more about this land:Shipshewana Lake channel frontage Large Amish area Town of Shipshewana 2.5 miles many small specialty shops very touristy with the large flea market through out the summer Pumpkin vine bike trail starts about a mile from site Shipshewana Lake book shackSummer Jon Boat RentalWinter Ice Fishing
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Hill Springs Campground
14 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Dubois, IN
Hill Springs Campground sits on our 120-acre family farm. Our primitive campground is in the middle of 'God's country' as we are miles from the nearest town but very close to local attractions. Patoka Lake, historic towns, and hiking, and are just a few activities to keep you busy. Please read our reviews and book your slice of heaven with us.
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$28
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Camp Ames
3 sites · RVs15 acres · Peru, IN
We established this homestead in 1981. The original 10 acres grew to 15 after acquiring our neighbors smaller lots. With one of those properties we used the well and septic and built camp sites to entertain our friends and family. We have opened this up to some outside travelers to attract interest in our local community. Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, and Class C RVs allowed. Not allowing tent or van camping. All campers must be self contained with your own bathroom. No bathroom facility available.
Learn more about this land:
Camp Ames is located on the scenic Mississinewa River 3.5 miles outside of Peru, Indiana. We have full service camp sites. The camp shack is appointed with a picnic table and TV to catch up on the latest news. Bald eagles are a huge attraction in this area. Acres Trust Nature Preserve is a short walk away. We have our own 4 acre wildflower meadow that attracts many butterflies and birds during the summer months. It's just a peaceful, quiet place to visit. Cell phone service is not great here but not totally absent if you stand in the right place. Wi-Fi is available. This is our private camp ground and not a for public use unless arrangements are made with us. We will assign your site before your arrival. A vacancy on this site does not mean we have availability as our friends and family may be visiting. When requesting a site please include a description of your camper, the number of people and how many amps your camper requires. This help us place you on a site if one is available.
Suggested Local Attractions:The World's Greatest Amateur Circus: Peru, Indiana, is also known as the "Circus City". In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Peru was home to the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus and others. Even the Ringling Brothers Circus wintered there for a while. For 10 days each July, Peru celebrates the Circus City Festival with rides, crafts, food, games, and more. The highlight, however, is the live amateur circus that has performances throughout the festival. A unique and authentic experience that echoes the early heyday of the circus, this is a fun event not to be missed. Performers are locals, some of whom are direct descendants of professional performers in the earlier shows. Even if a visit is timed to occur outside of July, a visit to the small but impressive International Circus Hall of Fame might be worth the trip. Circus Hall of Fame is located 1.8 miles from Camp Ames.
Grissom Air Museum: Located 7.6 miles from Camp Ames
There are some great interactive displays inside the museum for the kids to sit inside the cockpits of mock ups for pictures and the planes throughout the grounds are well maintained and offer interesting facts. Great Air Museum Celebrating the Aviation History of Grissom Air Force Base.
Miami County Museum: Located 3.6 miles from Camp Ames
Cole Porter's custom 1955 Cadillac, circus carvings, a stagecoach, the World's Tallest Man's overalls, a fantastic collection of rifles, Clyde Beatty's lion tamer's outfit, lots of farm and pioneer items, Miami Indian relics.
Mississinewa Resevoir: Located 3 miles from Camp Ames
Mississinewa Lake is a seasonal resevoir designed for flood control. That said, depending on rainfall during the summer, many recreational activities are available. Swimming at the beach, boating, and fishing. A nice campground and hiking are also on site.
Nickel Plate Trail: Located 2.9 miles from Camp Ames
This asphalt trail is one of the best in the State to ride or walk on!!! It keeps getting better because the trail keeps getting extended with more pathway added. The volunteers do a superb job up keeping this 50 mile path. Make this a to do for a beautiful Fall ride once the leaves begin to change. You'll be immersed in intense colors and wonderful woodsy sights and smells.
Seven Pillars: Located 0.8 miles from Camp Ames
This breathtaking formation along the Mississinewa River was created over the centuries as wind and water eroded the limestone, carving rounded buttresses and alcoves into the north bluff of the river.
Seven Pillars Nature Preserve - Acres Land Trust - Located 0.3 miles from Camp Ames!
This preserve on the south side of the Mississinewa River is named after the landmark 25-foot limestone pillars, also owned by ACRES, which are located on the north side of the river. On top of the bluff grow red cedar, Juneberry and shadbush. In the preserve are beech, maple and other trees, as well as open meadow. The Miami Nation continues to gather at the pillars. The preserve is 148 acres of woods open to the public to walk the woods. There is 1.8 miles of trail. PRESERVE RULES: As a preserve visitor, you are responsible for keeping these habitats undisturbed. Follow these rules to allow the preserve’s plants, wildlife and natural formations to thrive here, in place, for generations: Open Dawn til Dusk, Foot Traffic Only, Dogs Allowed, Always On Leash,Take Nothing, Leave Nothing, Stay On The Trails
McClure’s Orchard/Winery: Located 9.8 miles from Camp Ames
A small, family-owned and operated apple farm nestled in the rolling hills of northern Indiana, located an hour from Indianapolis. Currently growing 125 varieties of apples, which throughout the season are available for u-pick or already picked.
Beginning Labor Day Weekend, ride the tractor and trolley through the Orchard, for tours and apple picking. Toward the end of September through October, the trolley will stop in the pumpkin patch for u-pick. There is no parking or admission fee, and no charge for the ride through the Orchard. More than apples and pumpkins, there’s a playground area and petting zoo for the kids (and the kiddos at heart). During September and October, saddle up a horse, and take a horse ride on the weekends for $1. On most weekends, there’s live music; so, be sure to check the website to see who is playing and which day. McClure’s has a café serving delicious food, made fresh daily. The apple dumplings are amazing! The adults in the group can also sample or enjoy a glass of McClure’s award-winning wine and hard cider. In 2019 a down town location was opened on the Wabash River featuring Wine Tasting just 3.4 miles from Camp Ames.
Preslie Meadow: Located at Camp Ames
Preslie Meadow is a 4 acre wildflower habitat. Established in 2018. Paths are provided to walk and enjoy the beauty. An array of wildflowers can be seen at different times in the spring and summer months. Birds, butterflies, bunnies and deer benefit from the meadow. Photographers and admirers walk the paths and drive by all season. Visitors are welcome and ask not to pick the flowers.
Named after the daughter of JR and Marla Dennis of Kokomo. Preslie Lynn Dennis passed from injuries sustained in a car accident on June 22, 2018. She was just short of her 18th birthday and ready to leave for boot camp to serve our country in the United States Army having already served in the National Guard. This multi-talented young lady left us all heart broken. Preslie Meadow lets her memory and beauty live on.
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Big Stones Ranch
1 site · Lodging95 acres · Delphi, IN
Our Creekside Cabin is located on the Wildcat Creek about 15 minutes from Lafayette and 10 minutes to either Delphi or Rossville. This cabin was originally built on our farm as an alternative to camping on the ground in a tent. While we don’t consider this to be “glamping,” it is certainly a step above “primitive.”
Cabin features:
12’x12’ of living space
4’x12’ covered porch
Limited supply of off-grid electricity
Kitchen counter with running cold water (Mar-Oct only)
Toilet (Mar-Oct only)
Mr. Buddy propane heater (use at your own risk)
Window fan
A fold-down style futon
Two “bunks”
Site features:
Gorgeous view of and access to the Wildcat Creek
Fire pit
Camp chairs
Hammock
Porch-style swing overlooking the creek
Property features:
Access to wading, fishing, tubing, kayaking or canoeing on the Wildcat Creek
Fishing pond stocked with bass and bluegill
Nearly 100 acres and three miles of trails for walking, hiking, and exploring
Ask about pricing for the following:
Kayaks
Float tubes
Fishing equipment
Firewood
Our goal is to provide a relaxing and peaceful getaway for those that enjoy all that nature has to offer in Indiana with a few creature comforts beyond primitive tent camping. Loud music, drunkenness, rowdiness, firearms, motor vehicles, disruptive children, and anything else that would be a distraction to other guests or neighbors will not be permitted.
*Note that the Wildcat is a public waterway and subject to state licensing and requirements.
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$100
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Lakeside camping in Indiana with campfires guide
Overview
Stretching down from the Great Lakes into the southern heartlands, Indiana borrows the best of both regions for a warm hug of southern hospitality bolstered by the outdoorsy spirit of the Midwest. Outdoor adventurers can climb the sand dunes along Lake Michigan, paddle the Ohio River, or trek through forested canyons, while a bonafide Indiana camping experience means fishing for your supper and toasting s’mores on the campfire. With temperatures that rarely fall below zero even in mid-winter, camping is a year-round affair in Indiana. Our pick is fall, when breezy weather and fiery autumnal colors make for incredible hiking.
Where to go
North Indiana
Indiana’s most Instagram-worthy landscapes can be found at the state’s northeastern boundary. Sloping dunes and sandy beaches line the southern shore of Lake Michigan, and Indiana Dunes National Park has tent and RV camping right by the beach. Further east, industrial towns pepper the road to Amish Country, where you can check into a rustic log cabin in the woods or camp by the lake in Chain O’Lakes State Park.
Central Indiana
Indiana’s central plains are dotted with laidback market towns, cornfields, and lakes. Indianapolis pulls in crowds for its summer motorsports events, most notably the famous Indy 500, but campers can easily escape the city for nearby Mccormick’s Creek State Park or Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Just to the south, Brown County is home to Monroe Lake, the state’s largest lake, hemmed in by Yellowwood State Forest and Brown County State Park.
Southern Indiana
Hilly southern Indiana is blanketed with woodlands, most notably the forested trails and canyons of Hoosier National Forest. Come in fall to hike against a backdrop of foliage or canoe along Sugar Creek, one of the state’s top paddling destinations. Further south, the Ohio River Scenic Byway draws adventurers to hike, paddle, camp, and fish.
Top cities in and near Indiana
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