The best waterside camping in Indiana

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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% (4.1K) 20 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Indiana

Lochloosa River Retreat

1. Lochloosa River Retreat

98%
(138)
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$48
 / night
Dirt Weapon Ranch

2. 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

3. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

96%
(24)
6 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
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$90
 / night
Versailles State Park

4. Versailles State Park

100%
(3)
220 sites · Versailles, Indiana
Discover Versailles State Park's rich history and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Brookville Lake

5. Brookville Lake

100%
(1)
437 sites · Brookville, Indiana
Anglers love the lake nestled in this historic area of Indiana.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Patoka Lake

6. Patoka Lake

100%
(1)
445 sites · Birdseye, Indiana
Discover plenty to do on the water at Indiana's second-largest lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Indiana Dunes National Park

7. Indiana Dunes National Park

95%
(41)
66 sites · Dune Acres, Indiana
Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Monroe Lake

8. Monroe Lake

92%
(8)
312 sites · Smithville Sanders, Indiana
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
Ouabache State Park

9. Ouabache State Park

124 sites · Vera Cruz, Indiana
Discover Ouabache State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Salamonie River State Forest

10. Salamonie River State Forest

36 sites · Mount Etna, Indiana
Discover the natural beauty of Salamonie River State Forest.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water

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% (4.1K) 20 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Indiana

Lochloosa River Retreat

1. Lochloosa River Retreat

98%
(138)
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$48
 / night
Dirt Weapon Ranch

2. 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

3. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

96%
(24)
6 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
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$90
 / night
Versailles State Park

4. Versailles State Park

100%
(3)
220 sites · Versailles, Indiana
Discover Versailles State Park's rich history and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Brookville Lake

5. Brookville Lake

100%
(1)
437 sites · Brookville, Indiana
Anglers love the lake nestled in this historic area of Indiana.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Patoka Lake

6. Patoka Lake

100%
(1)
445 sites · Birdseye, Indiana
Discover plenty to do on the water at Indiana's second-largest lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Indiana Dunes National Park

7. Indiana Dunes National Park

95%
(41)
66 sites · Dune Acres, Indiana
Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Monroe Lake

8. Monroe Lake

92%
(8)
312 sites · Smithville Sanders, Indiana
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
Ouabache State Park

9. Ouabache State Park

124 sites · Vera Cruz, Indiana
Discover Ouabache State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Salamonie River State Forest

10. Salamonie River State Forest

36 sites · Mount Etna, Indiana
Discover the natural beauty of Salamonie River State Forest.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field