The best camping near Carmel with wildlife watching

·

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, we've got you covered. With over 410 options near Carmel, Indiana, perfect for wildlife watching enthusiasts like yourself, you'll have no shortage of amazing campsites to choose from. From the scenic Marick Acres with 253 reviews, to the peaceful Walnut Valley Realm with 230 reviews, and the adventure-filled Heritage Farm Stay Adventure with 196 reviews, there's something for everyone. And with average prices per night starting at $35 and options as low as $7, you're sure to find a campsite that fits your budget. Plus, popular amenities like pets, campfires, and trash facilities, as well as activities like whitewater paddling, boating, and visiting historic sites, will make your camping experience even more enjoyable. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure!

98% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Carmel

1. Heritage Farm Stay Adventure

99%
(384)
41mi from Carmel · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Enjoy a stay at Heritage Farm and experience all the exhilaration that an Indiana farm has to offer. Heritage Farm is a working alpaca farm with over 50 alpacas you can watch and interact with. Also residing on the farm are a flock of chickens, several goats. The newest addition to the farm is a pair of small breed Kune Kune pigs! If you want to, you can help with the daily chores of feeding the animals and collecting eggs. After that, you can explore the big red barn that was selected as one of the top-ten Bicentennial barns in the state. Roam around the 120 acre homestead, woods and creek and soak in the sights, sounds and smells of the farm. Be sure to visit our farm store before you leave where you can shop for alpaca products such as sweaters, hats, mittens and scarves. Pick up some farm fresh eggs from our flock of pastured chickens! Heritage Farm has several options for overnight lodging. One of the most popular places to stay is in our authentic 1850's log cabin. And it's certainly special to us as well. The cabin represents a valued part of our heritage. It reminds us every day of our agricultural roots, solid values and the importance of faith and family. Our Philosophy You want to have a wonderful stay at Heritage Farm and we want that for you too. This is your retreat for however long you are staying and we hope you'll be relaxed, comfortable and happy. Our Faith Our Christian faith is important to us. We have been so richly blessed with this farm and sharing it with others is what God has called us to do. We strive to show God's love to our guests by exceeding their needs and expectations and by inviting them to enjoy his beautiful creation. We abide by what it says in the Bible in 1 Peter 4:9-10: "Cheerfully share your home with those who need a place to stay. God has given each of us a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." Valuing Our Past, Building for the Future Our mission at Heritage Farm is to apply that same pioneer spirit and value system to our alpaca business and Farm Stay enterprise. We are dedicated to working hard to provide the best of care to our herd and our overnight guests. Visit us on Facebook: facebook.com/heritagefarmstays
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night

2. Apple acres

99%
(126)
27mi from Carmel · 1 site · Tent, RV
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. Enjoy - Breeo smokless firepit, two Adirondack chairs, two hammock chairs, 8ft epoxy coated picknick table. Fast Wi-Fi at this spot! R/C and non motorized bike dirt track available to use. Berms, high bank turns and whoops! dogs love them too. Local attractions - Brew links brewing = 3 min drive, Splash Island water park = 5 min drive, Indianapolis Motor Speedway = 35 min drive, Hendricks Live Music Center - 7 Min drive More local info, check out this link! https://www.visithendrickscounty.com/trip-planning/regions/plainfield/ No chickens on or near property, so go ahead and sleep in...
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night

3. Hidden Valley Fun Time Happy Camp!

98%
(123)
40mi from Carmel · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
READ ALL OF "SITE" DESCRIPTION PLEASE BE AWARE THAT PICTURES ARE OF PROPERTY IN GENERAL AND NOT SPECIFIC SITE YOU ARE BOOKING THAT WILL VARY BY NEED, FIT, AND LONGEVITY OF BOOKING!!! Thanks!!! Once the secret speakeasy after dark spot for local political big wigs this property has been transformed from swampland to hidden gem right on the edge of America's Hometown of Muncie, Indiana! Welcome to Narnia! Or Atlantis!? Or... The Property? The Hidden Valley? We just haven't committed to a name yet so it's a little bit of everything all rolled into one! 8 acres on the magical Ganges, er, White River makes for a fun time. You can expect a certain amount of privacy while still potentially making a new friend or two depending on the night. You will be nestled under some giant sycamores, cottonwoods, black walnuts, catulpas, and a mess of bush honeysuckle that is always being battled! We have 2-3 sites directly on the river and then scores throughout with trails, hills, and other interesting features. Multiple firepits though I CANNOT guarantee firewood. There is often plenty to collect or available on site but if you can bring your own that'd be safest bet! We are (somehow) located partially inside Muncie city limits right on the river. Yes you may occasionally hear some trains or even particularly loud cars while camping deep in the woods but this is the tradeoff for a one mile drive to bars, restaurants, and groceries! Best of both worlds. The Muncie Eagles, whose nest resides directly across the river from us, do not seem to mind! This location is also directly on two main bike trail routes and our trails are fun for low impact mountain biking! We also have a small armada of kayaks/canoes on site; IF arranged that option does exist for cost of transport! We have 2 porta potties on site as well and fresh water hose available at main house. Looking forward to hosting!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night

8. Blue River Sports

100%
(18)
34mi from Carmel · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Our 22 acre property is perfect for people who want to get away. There is only one house visible from ours. Its very quiet and secluded. We offer 50amp service, water hookup and dump station if needed. There is WIFI also available for RV Campers (we are in the country so it is what it is). There are 2 sites. One in the woods for tent campers and one up above for RV campers. We do not have showers or bathrooms for campers. The Big Blue River boarders the whole property. We have kayaks we could rent out if someone needed them or bring your own. We have a large fire ring up above and a more compact one for river front, with the first wheel barrow load of wood free. We are close to I70 and have a nice little convince store and Dollar Store about a mile away that will have all the necessities. Plenty of room to park at both sites.
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
$15
 / night

12. Gravel's End

90%
(10)
47mi from Carmel · 1 site · RV
Bare-bones camping! This secluded spot allows dry camping in a beautiful 9-acre woods. A winding gravel drive takes you to the heart of the forest and away from civilization. Fully self-contained RVs/camper vans can park level and find a large clearing to enjoy the sounds and sites of native Hoosier flora and fauna. This is a single lane with no turn-around for lengthy vehicles. Our family’s desire is to eventually live on the site and some signs of development can be found, but our first priority is the tedious but rewarding task of removing the non-native species (Burning Bush, Winter Creeper, Asian Honeysuckle, Garlic Mustard, Multiflora Rose) to allow for the native woods and understory to thrive. We are a few years into this process and have already seen major gains in the health of the woods, thanks to the guidance we received from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Limited use of the site ensures the native animal presence is not overly disturbed and preserves a true experience for campers to enjoy. Fill your fresh water tank before arriving and dump your black water tank at a dump station when you’re done. Gray water may be dumped onsite ONLY if you are using earth friendly soaps/ cleaners. Pre-cut and dried firewood for your enjoyment can be arranged ahead of time for a fee. Kindling can be gathered in the cleared areas and along the trails, but we ask that you do not enter non-cleared areas of the woods as this is disruptive to the plant and animal life. There is a one party limit so you may enjoy your nature experience in privacy. With two connecting trails carefully carved into the woods, you are sure to spot signs of creatures like red squirrels, chipmunks, possum, rabbits, garter snakes, frogs, toads, and deer. This property is a bird watchers delight! In the past year, we have observed Blue Jays, Cardinals, Goldfinches, Carolina Wrens, Baltimore Orioles, Cedar Waxwings, American Robins, Sparrows, Tufted Titmice, Finches, Downy Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers, and Pileated Woodpeckers. Black Vultures and Red-Tailed Hawks are a common sight, and you may hear Owls during your overnight stay. Despite the feeling of total privacy, this site is minutes from Muncie, a mid-sized city in Delaware county. Muncie is home to Ball State University, which hosts concerts, speakers, and other programs. Muncie boasts an active downtown with shops, restaurants and breweries. IU Ball Hospital, an award-winning medical facility, is a 15-minute drive. Ruoff Music Center, a beloved outdoor music venue that provides live entertainment throughout the concert season, is less than an hour from the site. Indianapolis, a little over an hour drive, offers vast entertainment opportunities.
Pets
from 
$25
 / night

13. Marick Acres

100%
(383)
34mi from Carmel · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
What once started in the mid 1800's as a 240 acre sugar maple tree farm is now our little 18 acres of heaven on earth. Our house was built on the property in 1875. The land is rolling and dotted with flower beds, animals, and beautiful green grass that is mowed weekly. We are bordered by fields and a cemetery that dates back to the 1800's.We are neighbors with those who grow crops, raise beef cows, bison, and alpacas.2 blocks from our driveway is Blue River which offers fishing, kayaking, tubing, and canoeing (if you have your own equipment). Town is 2 minutes away, but there is not much there other than a convenience gas station, aTodd's Great Outdoor Bait Shop, and an engine repair shop. There are often festivals, open Music Jams and community events. "Civilization" is a 30 minute drive to find movies, grocery, shopping, and a public pool. The sky appears to be scattered with diamonds on a clear night and during season the fireflies light the trees up like twinkling lights at Christmas! Learn more about this land: We have an 18 acre mini farm, close to a small town and near a river. We have two small ponds that can be fished in during the early spring, wildlife, and birds to watch.  There are 6 very nice areas for camp sites that allow for privacy and relaxation. Each site has a fire pit and table. We also have just put in a new out house and have a port-a-potty for our campers to use. We are 10 minutes from Interstate 70 and only 30 minutes from Indianapolis. If you are just passing through or arriving late,  let us know and we will be happy to have a campfire started for you. Accommodations can be made for group camping!  We also have a gazebo that can be used for weddings and vow renewals. Officiant on site.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

17. Cornerstone Campground

41mi from Carmel · 51 sites
Welcome to Cornerstone Campground and Retreat Center, a unique family-friendly destination nestled in the heart of New Castle, IN, in Henry County. Conveniently located just 30 miles from Indianapolis and easily accessible via I-70, our campground offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it an ideal spot for your next getaway. At Cornerstone, we provide a variety of spacious campsites suitable for families camping in tents, RVs, or anything in between. Our beautiful brick retreat house is perfect for large groups and event hosting, ensuring that we can accommodate your needs no matter the occasion. The retreat center features Gilley’s Banquet Hall and the Daily Bread Cafe, which offer catering options and meeting spaces for any event. The Daily Bread is not just a cafe; it also houses our camp store and arcade, where you can enjoy delicious homemade pizzas, desserts, specialty shakes, and beverages. Our popular pizza delivery service allows you to have a hot meal ready upon your arrival. Our campground boasts clean, hot showers, well-maintained grounds, and serene docks overlooking a picturesque pond. Enjoy our swimming pools, ball courts, and canoe and kayak rentals, or take a thrilling ride down the largest tube slide playset in Indiana. Throughout the summer, we

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, we've got you covered. With over 410 options near Carmel, Indiana, perfect for wildlife watching enthusiasts like yourself, you'll have no shortage of amazing campsites to choose from. From the scenic Marick Acres with 253 reviews, to the peaceful Walnut Valley Realm with 230 reviews, and the adventure-filled Heritage Farm Stay Adventure with 196 reviews, there's something for everyone. And with average prices per night starting at $35 and options as low as $7, you're sure to find a campsite that fits your budget. Plus, popular amenities like pets, campfires, and trash facilities, as well as activities like whitewater paddling, boating, and visiting historic sites, will make your camping experience even more enjoyable. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure!

98% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Carmel

1. Heritage Farm Stay Adventure

99%
(384)
41mi from Carmel · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Enjoy a stay at Heritage Farm and experience all the exhilaration that an Indiana farm has to offer. Heritage Farm is a working alpaca farm with over 50 alpacas you can watch and interact with. Also residing on the farm are a flock of chickens, several goats. The newest addition to the farm is a pair of small breed Kune Kune pigs! If you want to, you can help with the daily chores of feeding the animals and collecting eggs. After that, you can explore the big red barn that was selected as one of the top-ten Bicentennial barns in the state. Roam around the 120 acre homestead, woods and creek and soak in the sights, sounds and smells of the farm. Be sure to visit our farm store before you leave where you can shop for alpaca products such as sweaters, hats, mittens and scarves. Pick up some farm fresh eggs from our flock of pastured chickens! Heritage Farm has several options for overnight lodging. One of the most popular places to stay is in our authentic 1850's log cabin. And it's certainly special to us as well. The cabin represents a valued part of our heritage. It reminds us every day of our agricultural roots, solid values and the importance of faith and family. Our Philosophy You want to have a wonderful stay at Heritage Farm and we want that for you too. This is your retreat for however long you are staying and we hope you'll be relaxed, comfortable and happy. Our Faith Our Christian faith is important to us. We have been so richly blessed with this farm and sharing it with others is what God has called us to do. We strive to show God's love to our guests by exceeding their needs and expectations and by inviting them to enjoy his beautiful creation. We abide by what it says in the Bible in 1 Peter 4:9-10: "Cheerfully share your home with those who need a place to stay. God has given each of us a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." Valuing Our Past, Building for the Future Our mission at Heritage Farm is to apply that same pioneer spirit and value system to our alpaca business and Farm Stay enterprise. We are dedicated to working hard to provide the best of care to our herd and our overnight guests. Visit us on Facebook: facebook.com/heritagefarmstays
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night

2. Apple acres

99%
(126)
27mi from Carmel · 1 site · Tent, RV
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. Enjoy - Breeo smokless firepit, two Adirondack chairs, two hammock chairs, 8ft epoxy coated picknick table. Fast Wi-Fi at this spot! R/C and non motorized bike dirt track available to use. Berms, high bank turns and whoops! dogs love them too. Local attractions - Brew links brewing = 3 min drive, Splash Island water park = 5 min drive, Indianapolis Motor Speedway = 35 min drive, Hendricks Live Music Center - 7 Min drive More local info, check out this link! https://www.visithendrickscounty.com/trip-planning/regions/plainfield/ No chickens on or near property, so go ahead and sleep in...
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night

3. Hidden Valley Fun Time Happy Camp!

98%
(123)
40mi from Carmel · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
READ ALL OF "SITE" DESCRIPTION PLEASE BE AWARE THAT PICTURES ARE OF PROPERTY IN GENERAL AND NOT SPECIFIC SITE YOU ARE BOOKING THAT WILL VARY BY NEED, FIT, AND LONGEVITY OF BOOKING!!! Thanks!!! Once the secret speakeasy after dark spot for local political big wigs this property has been transformed from swampland to hidden gem right on the edge of America's Hometown of Muncie, Indiana! Welcome to Narnia! Or Atlantis!? Or... The Property? The Hidden Valley? We just haven't committed to a name yet so it's a little bit of everything all rolled into one! 8 acres on the magical Ganges, er, White River makes for a fun time. You can expect a certain amount of privacy while still potentially making a new friend or two depending on the night. You will be nestled under some giant sycamores, cottonwoods, black walnuts, catulpas, and a mess of bush honeysuckle that is always being battled! We have 2-3 sites directly on the river and then scores throughout with trails, hills, and other interesting features. Multiple firepits though I CANNOT guarantee firewood. There is often plenty to collect or available on site but if you can bring your own that'd be safest bet! We are (somehow) located partially inside Muncie city limits right on the river. Yes you may occasionally hear some trains or even particularly loud cars while camping deep in the woods but this is the tradeoff for a one mile drive to bars, restaurants, and groceries! Best of both worlds. The Muncie Eagles, whose nest resides directly across the river from us, do not seem to mind! This location is also directly on two main bike trail routes and our trails are fun for low impact mountain biking! We also have a small armada of kayaks/canoes on site; IF arranged that option does exist for cost of transport! We have 2 porta potties on site as well and fresh water hose available at main house. Looking forward to hosting!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night

8. Blue River Sports

100%
(18)
34mi from Carmel · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Our 22 acre property is perfect for people who want to get away. There is only one house visible from ours. Its very quiet and secluded. We offer 50amp service, water hookup and dump station if needed. There is WIFI also available for RV Campers (we are in the country so it is what it is). There are 2 sites. One in the woods for tent campers and one up above for RV campers. We do not have showers or bathrooms for campers. The Big Blue River boarders the whole property. We have kayaks we could rent out if someone needed them or bring your own. We have a large fire ring up above and a more compact one for river front, with the first wheel barrow load of wood free. We are close to I70 and have a nice little convince store and Dollar Store about a mile away that will have all the necessities. Plenty of room to park at both sites.
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
$15
 / night

12. Gravel's End

90%
(10)
47mi from Carmel · 1 site · RV
Bare-bones camping! This secluded spot allows dry camping in a beautiful 9-acre woods. A winding gravel drive takes you to the heart of the forest and away from civilization. Fully self-contained RVs/camper vans can park level and find a large clearing to enjoy the sounds and sites of native Hoosier flora and fauna. This is a single lane with no turn-around for lengthy vehicles. Our family’s desire is to eventually live on the site and some signs of development can be found, but our first priority is the tedious but rewarding task of removing the non-native species (Burning Bush, Winter Creeper, Asian Honeysuckle, Garlic Mustard, Multiflora Rose) to allow for the native woods and understory to thrive. We are a few years into this process and have already seen major gains in the health of the woods, thanks to the guidance we received from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Limited use of the site ensures the native animal presence is not overly disturbed and preserves a true experience for campers to enjoy. Fill your fresh water tank before arriving and dump your black water tank at a dump station when you’re done. Gray water may be dumped onsite ONLY if you are using earth friendly soaps/ cleaners. Pre-cut and dried firewood for your enjoyment can be arranged ahead of time for a fee. Kindling can be gathered in the cleared areas and along the trails, but we ask that you do not enter non-cleared areas of the woods as this is disruptive to the plant and animal life. There is a one party limit so you may enjoy your nature experience in privacy. With two connecting trails carefully carved into the woods, you are sure to spot signs of creatures like red squirrels, chipmunks, possum, rabbits, garter snakes, frogs, toads, and deer. This property is a bird watchers delight! In the past year, we have observed Blue Jays, Cardinals, Goldfinches, Carolina Wrens, Baltimore Orioles, Cedar Waxwings, American Robins, Sparrows, Tufted Titmice, Finches, Downy Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers, and Pileated Woodpeckers. Black Vultures and Red-Tailed Hawks are a common sight, and you may hear Owls during your overnight stay. Despite the feeling of total privacy, this site is minutes from Muncie, a mid-sized city in Delaware county. Muncie is home to Ball State University, which hosts concerts, speakers, and other programs. Muncie boasts an active downtown with shops, restaurants and breweries. IU Ball Hospital, an award-winning medical facility, is a 15-minute drive. Ruoff Music Center, a beloved outdoor music venue that provides live entertainment throughout the concert season, is less than an hour from the site. Indianapolis, a little over an hour drive, offers vast entertainment opportunities.
Pets
from 
$25
 / night

13. Marick Acres

100%
(383)
34mi from Carmel · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
What once started in the mid 1800's as a 240 acre sugar maple tree farm is now our little 18 acres of heaven on earth. Our house was built on the property in 1875. The land is rolling and dotted with flower beds, animals, and beautiful green grass that is mowed weekly. We are bordered by fields and a cemetery that dates back to the 1800's.We are neighbors with those who grow crops, raise beef cows, bison, and alpacas.2 blocks from our driveway is Blue River which offers fishing, kayaking, tubing, and canoeing (if you have your own equipment). Town is 2 minutes away, but there is not much there other than a convenience gas station, aTodd's Great Outdoor Bait Shop, and an engine repair shop. There are often festivals, open Music Jams and community events. "Civilization" is a 30 minute drive to find movies, grocery, shopping, and a public pool. The sky appears to be scattered with diamonds on a clear night and during season the fireflies light the trees up like twinkling lights at Christmas! Learn more about this land: We have an 18 acre mini farm, close to a small town and near a river. We have two small ponds that can be fished in during the early spring, wildlife, and birds to watch.  There are 6 very nice areas for camp sites that allow for privacy and relaxation. Each site has a fire pit and table. We also have just put in a new out house and have a port-a-potty for our campers to use. We are 10 minutes from Interstate 70 and only 30 minutes from Indianapolis. If you are just passing through or arriving late,  let us know and we will be happy to have a campfire started for you. Accommodations can be made for group camping!  We also have a gazebo that can be used for weddings and vow renewals. Officiant on site.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

17. Cornerstone Campground

41mi from Carmel · 51 sites
Welcome to Cornerstone Campground and Retreat Center, a unique family-friendly destination nestled in the heart of New Castle, IN, in Henry County. Conveniently located just 30 miles from Indianapolis and easily accessible via I-70, our campground offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it an ideal spot for your next getaway. At Cornerstone, we provide a variety of spacious campsites suitable for families camping in tents, RVs, or anything in between. Our beautiful brick retreat house is perfect for large groups and event hosting, ensuring that we can accommodate your needs no matter the occasion. The retreat center features Gilley’s Banquet Hall and the Daily Bread Cafe, which offer catering options and meeting spaces for any event. The Daily Bread is not just a cafe; it also houses our camp store and arcade, where you can enjoy delicious homemade pizzas, desserts, specialty shakes, and beverages. Our popular pizza delivery service allows you to have a hot meal ready upon your arrival. Our campground boasts clean, hot showers, well-maintained grounds, and serene docks overlooking a picturesque pond. Enjoy our swimming pools, ball courts, and canoe and kayak rentals, or take a thrilling ride down the largest tube slide playset in Indiana. Throughout the summer, we

Camper favorites near Carmel

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near Carmel

More campsites near Carmel

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field