- Waterside Camping
The best lakeside camping near Clay City
99% (206) • 29 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Clay City
Happy Campers Campground
1. Happy Campers Campground
99%
(192)
16mi from Clay City · 6 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
Dirt Weapon Ranch
2. Dirt Weapon Ranch
98%
(41)
25mi from Clay City · 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
Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm
3. Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm
100%
(58)
30mi from Clay City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
This was once a self sustaining farm built in the 1950s. The farm raised cattle, pigs, chickens. There was 35 tillable acres which produced corn and oats for the livestock. The farm had its own feed grinder in the old barn. There is an old hand built cooler room where all the meat was stored. There are four wells on
the farm one of which is used for watering animals and cooling alpacas on hot summer days.
One of our tent sites is in the corner of our alpaca pasture. You'll hear the roosters, goats, donkeys and more than likely, Rose, our Maremma livestock guardian dog, throughout your stay.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$32
/ night
Shakamak State Park
4. Shakamak State Park
100%
(1)
State park 9.5mi from Clay City · 207 sites
Discover Shakamak State Park's serene lakes and lush campgrounds.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Lincoln Trail State Park
5. Lincoln Trail State Park
State park 32mi from Clay City · 204 sites
The focus of Lincoln Trail State Park is the lovely Lincoln Trail Lake. It’s thickly-wooded shoreline and myriad of small coves and inlets, makes it a great lake for exploration and wildlife viewing. Around the lake, you’ll discover rare wildflowers, ancient forests, and shady ravines and valleys.Small boats with small motors (or, better yet, no motors) are perfect for serene explorations. Try your skill at hooking largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and channel catfish. Then head over to one of two secluded campgrounds to set up your home away from home and fry up your catch. The pace is slow at Lincoln Trail State Park, and that’s just the way we like it.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Stone of Hope Campground
6. Stone of Hope Campground
100%
(1)
18mi from Clay City · 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
Morgan Monroe State Forest
7. Morgan Monroe State Forest
67%
(3)
State forest 37mi from Clay City · 35 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Morgan Monroe State Forest.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Monroe Lake
8. Monroe Lake
92%
(8)
Park 39mi from Clay City · 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
9. Yellowwood State Forest
100%
(3)
State forest 42mi from Clay City · 90 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Yellowwood State Forest and its myriad outdoor activities.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Martin State Forest
10. Martin State Forest
State forest 45mi from Clay City · 26 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Martin State Forest and its myriad of outdoor activities.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
99% (206) • 29 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Clay City
Happy Campers Campground
1. Happy Campers Campground
99%
(192)
16mi from Clay City · 6 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
Dirt Weapon Ranch
2. Dirt Weapon Ranch
98%
(41)
25mi from Clay City · 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
Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm
3. Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm
100%
(58)
30mi from Clay City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
This was once a self sustaining farm built in the 1950s. The farm raised cattle, pigs, chickens. There was 35 tillable acres which produced corn and oats for the livestock. The farm had its own feed grinder in the old barn. There is an old hand built cooler room where all the meat was stored. There are four wells on
the farm one of which is used for watering animals and cooling alpacas on hot summer days.
One of our tent sites is in the corner of our alpaca pasture. You'll hear the roosters, goats, donkeys and more than likely, Rose, our Maremma livestock guardian dog, throughout your stay.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$32
/ night
Shakamak State Park
4. Shakamak State Park
100%
(1)
State park 9.5mi from Clay City · 207 sites
Discover Shakamak State Park's serene lakes and lush campgrounds.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Lincoln Trail State Park
5. Lincoln Trail State Park
State park 32mi from Clay City · 204 sites
The focus of Lincoln Trail State Park is the lovely Lincoln Trail Lake. It’s thickly-wooded shoreline and myriad of small coves and inlets, makes it a great lake for exploration and wildlife viewing. Around the lake, you’ll discover rare wildflowers, ancient forests, and shady ravines and valleys.Small boats with small motors (or, better yet, no motors) are perfect for serene explorations. Try your skill at hooking largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and channel catfish. Then head over to one of two secluded campgrounds to set up your home away from home and fry up your catch. The pace is slow at Lincoln Trail State Park, and that’s just the way we like it.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Stone of Hope Campground
6. Stone of Hope Campground
100%
(1)
18mi from Clay City · 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
Morgan Monroe State Forest
7. Morgan Monroe State Forest
67%
(3)
State forest 37mi from Clay City · 35 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Morgan Monroe State Forest.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Monroe Lake
8. Monroe Lake
92%
(8)
Park 39mi from Clay City · 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
9. Yellowwood State Forest
100%
(3)
State forest 42mi from Clay City · 90 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Yellowwood State Forest and its myriad outdoor activities.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Martin State Forest
10. Martin State Forest
State forest 45mi from Clay City · 26 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Martin State Forest and its myriad of outdoor activities.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
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!
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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.
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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!
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Z
Zack
October 2025
Tent
Great place to pitch a tent. I would go back. View was great.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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A
Alexander
October 2025
Tent
With kids
the place is beautiful, it's quiet, we loved it, we would definitely go back!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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K
Kevin
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Happy Campers Campground
This is such a cool campground! The cabin is perfect, and we loved that there weren't hundreds of other campers. This is small campground that obviously focuses on customer service. Dwight is a top-notch host. I highly recommend the cabin and this campground.
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R
Russell
September 2025
Tent
Awesome property. The host was very responsive. Very nice property with bathrooms and water available. Very nice primitive camp sites available with views of the pond. I woke to a nice surprise of juvenile bald eagles getting in some practice. Huge bonus for a bird lover like myself. I really enjoyed this property.
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