The best waterside campgrounds in Indiana

Indiana’s waterside camping scene runs deep, with over 8,200 options lining lakes, creeks, and winding rivers. Average sites run about $40 a night, though you’ll spot some as low as $7. Campers praise Happy Hollow Homestead (663 reviews) for its tucked-away river access, while Walnut Valley Realm Campground (399 reviews) puts you close to quiet ponds and woods. Marick Acres (327 reviews) draws regulars for its easy swimming spots. Most sites here come with showers and toilets, and many welcome pets. Expect plenty of swimming, horseback riding, and wildlife-watching. If you like your view with a shoreline, Indiana’s got you covered.

97% (4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Indiana’s waterside camping scene runs deep, with over 8,200 options lining lakes, creeks, and winding rivers. Average sites run about $40 a night, though you’ll spot some as low as $7. Campers praise Happy Hollow Homestead (663 reviews) for its tucked-away river access, while Walnut Valley Realm Campground (399 reviews) puts you close to quiet ponds and woods. Marick Acres (327 reviews) draws regulars for its easy swimming spots. Most sites here come with showers and toilets, and many welcome pets. Expect plenty of swimming, horseback riding, and wildlife-watching. If you like your view with a shoreline, Indiana’s got you covered.

97% (4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Lochloosa River Retreat

98%

(137)

10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Culver, IN

Lochloosa River Retreat – Family Fun, River Adventures and Relaxing Stays on the Tippecanoe! Welcome to Lochloosa River Retreat—your home away from home along the beautiful Tippecanoe River! Nestled on 6 peaceful acres, our hobby farm offers primitive tent camping, dry RV sites, a River View RV lodging site (RV included) and a cozy cabin stay in the Zen Shed—perfect for families, paddlers, and nature lovers looking to unwind. At full capacity, we can host up to 60 people and also offer group hosting. Paddle, float, and explore! We offer kayak and tubing trips on a scenic stretch of the river—message us to get on the float schedule. Guest enjoy playing in the shallow creek that winds through the property, as well as relaxing at camp, listening to the sounds of running water and a fire, or playing and cooling off in our saltwater pool complete with a slide and diving board. Wildlife is abundant, so bring your binoculars for birdwatching or cast a line from the riverbank. Want more comfort? Book a stay in the Zen Shed, our rustic riverside cabin or the River View RV for the ultimate glamping comfort—both perfect for a peaceful, unplugged getaway with real beds and front-row views of nature. Located near Lake Maxinkuckee and the charming town of Culver, there’s plenty to explore just a short drive away. There are also a few nature preserves nearby as well as a new Bark Park! A nearby country store (2 miles) offers pizza, chicken, ice, and other essentials. 🚿 Clean indoor bathrooms and showers 🏕️ Tent, RV sites, cabin lodging (Zen Shed) or RV lodging (River view RV) 🛶 Family-friendly tubing and kayak trips 🐾 Pet-friendly (north of the creek only) 🔥 Campfires, sunsets and stargazing galore Please review site details before booking. Pets are welcome only at campsites north of the creek, as our farm animals live on the south side. Please make sure to enter pets at booking to make sure your preferred site is pet friendly. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We can’t wait to welcome you to Lochloosa—where adventure meets relaxation and memories are made by the river!

2. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

96%

(24)

5 sites · Lodging · Gary, IN

This is a hidden gem in the outskirts of Gary. Located on the Calumet river is this amazing horse farm with 3 horses and 4 ponies. It’s 1 mile off of the 80/94 and 65 highway. Only a 45 min drive from Chicago. We also offer free parking to Miller Beach on Lake Michigan which is only a 10 min drive to there and the Indiana Dunes. Theres also Deep River Dam where you can drop your kayak and do some fishing less then a mile away. Pet fee 50 dollars for 1st pet 25 dollars for 2nd pet (75) 2 max pets

3. Dirt Weapon Ranch

98%

(41)

10 sites · Tents, RVs · Gosport, IN

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.

Public campgrounds in Indiana

100%

(3)

Versailles Campground

220 sites · Tents, RVs · in Versailles State Park

100%

(1)

Patoka Lake Campground

445 sites · Tents, RVs · in Patoka Lake

100%

(1)

Brookville Lake Campground

437 sites · Tents, RVs · in Brookville Lake

95%

(40)

Dunewood Campground

66 sites · Tents, RVs · in Indiana Dunes National Park

Clean inviting campgrounds at Paynetown SRA on Monroe Lake. There are Modern toilets/showerhouse nearby.

92%

(8)

Monroe Lake Campground

312 sites · Tents, RVs · in Monroe Lake

Salamonie River Campground

36 sites · Tents, RVs · in Salamonie River State Forest

Ouabache Campground

124 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ouabache State Park

Stories from the community

R

Rachel

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

Nicole and her husband were extremely inviting and accommodating. The property is beautiful and the wildlife abundant. Would definitely recommend!

J

October 2025

45 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Dirt Weapon Ranch

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.

C

Camilla

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

We had a wonderful stay. Nice to have a getaway like this so close to the city. We enjoyed the site- absolutely beautiful view of ponies and goats. Camper was worn and comfortable and very well stocked. There’s some highway noise but it becomes like white noise- I didn’t notice it really. The host was incredibly nice and helpful and communicative. We hope to return.

G

Genesis

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

My fiancée and I loved our weekend getaway at Nichole’s site. She was very welcoming & gave us a tour of the camp site. The area was very clean & was a perfect spot for us to disconnect from the city life. She even offered the river tubing ride which we also HIGHLY recommend. It was definitely the highlight of our trip. Nicole was also very quick on her responses and helped us with the questions we had. We will definitely visit again & we recommend this stay 👍🏼💚🌳

s

smita

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

We had such a wonderful stay here! Derek is a very helpful and responsive host. My daughter absolutely loved all the animals — cats, dogs, horses, and goats — which made the trip extra special. The location is perfect, close to the beach and just a short drive from Chicago, so it was both relaxing and convenient. We would definitely love to come back again.

A

Amy

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

Beautiful location. We really enjoyed the river and views. The hosts were great and easy to work with. We will definitely be back.

J

JuliAnn

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

Friendly hosts, nice location! Would definitely return.

M

Marise

September 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

The property was a pleasant surprise for being in a rural area. It was nice to have options of river access for kayaking or a salt water pool to reside in. It was clean. If you’re a tent camper your areas appeared nicely spaced out. If you have an RV you will be at the entrance just off the road (which was rarely traveled). Wide open places if you were to have a group you would have the front all to yourselves. Kayaking on the river was fun. It was a nice couple of days.

E

Emily

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

I loved camping here! The site is clean and well cleared with an amazing view of the river. The hosts were so welcoming and helpful!

Amanda

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

Love this place so much, this was my second time back and plan to come again next summer. Beautiful spot and beautiful beach 10 min away. It’s close to Illinois so it’s a short drive. Highly recommend

M

Mikhail

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

One of the best Hipcamp experiences so far! Spacious camp spot with stunning views at the river. Feels really secluded, in the same time you are steps away from the facilities and swimming pool. Also, I didn’t have any issues with bugs and mosquitoes despite being among trees close to the river.

Creek runs to the river on the edge of Lochloosa. Creekside tents sites available complete with soothing sounds of the babbling brook!

M

Megan

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

Fabulous hosts (friendly & helpful), well kept property with beautiful views. Bathrooms clean & well stocked. Pool was crystal-clear & perfect for relaxing & hanging out.

C

Christine

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

My girlfriend and I loved Nicole's place. It is beautiful, we had a stream running along side our camp site. She is on the river. She has chickens and goats.

E

Emily

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

We loved our stay and didn’t want to leave! We stayed here for a weekend for a girls trip and did a float on Saturday. We stayed on the Firefly campsite and it was a perfect campsite for us, it was private and had a view of the river. The pool was amazing and so clean. Nicole was so kind and helpful with any questions we had before and during our stay. We will definitely be back!

D

Danny

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

Nicole’s land was definitely a time to remember! They were very accommodating to me and my family. The pool was always cleaned everyday and bathrooms/showers were the best and also clean! Will definitely be back again!

B

Ben

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

Great host, great place! Tips: bring bug spray and the water heater is a 6 gallon dudad. Great for camping, though. Enjoyed the rocking swing.

M

Marcy

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

One of my favorite places to stay! During this trip, I enjoyed kayaking. Nicole and her husband were very helpful. The kayaking experience was beautiful and relaxing. All the amenities were clean and well-maintained. The swimming pool is an added bonus at this campground. Nicole & her husband are friendly and kind.

E

Ekta

July 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Lochloosa River Retreat

Loved this place. I would highly recommend this place to everyone. Nicole the owner of the property is so nice and helpful for us.

Amanda

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

I loved this place sooo much. The location was perfect and the private beach that we were able to go to from the Host was AMAZING! I unfortunately had to come later and leave earlier but I already booked another stay cause I cannot stop thinking about it! This was absolutely needed after a rough week. Cannot wait to go back. Highly recommend.

I

Isabella

July 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Lochloosa River Retreat

This camp is absolutely amazing. We visited it on the 4th of July and we really enjoyed everything. The communication was very clear and prompt, the hosts are so friendly. All the territory is so functional, beautiful and clean. The swimming pool is really great with a slide, the water was warm. The river view is beautiful. My husband even caught a fish there on our last day in the morning. Our group enjoyed this camping so much, we will definitely be back. Thank you so much!