The best campgrounds near Clay City, Indiana with swimming

Clay City draws swimmers with over 1,900 campsites where you can cool off in lakes, ponds, or rivers. Most spots let you build a campfire, take a hot shower, and count on a working toilet—essentials after a day in the water. Expect to pay around $25 a night, with some campsites dropping as low as $15. Hiking trails cut through the woods, fishing spots line the banks, and wildlife wanders nearby. Local favorites include Happy Campers Campground (109 reviews), Overland Camping at The 1938 Barn (51 reviews), and Parker M.’s Land (9 reviews). If you want a spot to swim, relax, and explore, Clay City covers all the bases.

97% (183)

Top-rated campgrounds near Clay City

Clay City draws swimmers with over 1,900 campsites where you can cool off in lakes, ponds, or rivers. Most spots let you build a campfire, take a hot shower, and count on a working toilet—essentials after a day in the water. Expect to pay around $25 a night, with some campsites dropping as low as $15. Hiking trails cut through the woods, fishing spots line the banks, and wildlife wanders nearby. Local favorites include Happy Campers Campground (109 reviews), Overland Camping at The 1938 Barn (51 reviews), and Parker M.’s Land (9 reviews). If you want a spot to swim, relax, and explore, Clay City covers all the bases.

97% (183)

Top-rated campgrounds near Clay City

1. Happy Campers Campground

99%

(191)

16mi from Clay City · 7 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.

2. Overland Camping at The 1938 Barn

95%

(69)

29mi from Clay City · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Large secluded cove near our barn and garden. Watch the sun come up from the orchard. There is 1 electrical plug so not all 3 spaces have electric but you can run a cord. There is also a single water spigot to share as well. There are 2 houses somewhat visible through the trees but no direct line of sight and otherwise private. We have 2 dogs, Whiskey and Barb, Whiskey will usually keep her space but bark, if you ignore her she will be friendly, acts mean but never bites. Barbara is a Jack Russell. She will jump in the truck if you don't tell her not to and will happily run off with snacks. We ask you please don't feed them as it will teach them to come for food and some people don't appreciate the dogs..  This is a farm so you may see and smell animals. Depending on when you book you may even be somewhat near animals. Be aware of this and be ready to keep dogs contained. We typically run pigs in the woods around the cove but we move them regularly and keep the smell to a minimum by doing so.

3. Shakamak State Park

100%

(1)

207 sites · Coalmont, Indiana

Discover Shakamak State Park's serene lakes and lush campgrounds.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

4. McCormicks Creek State Park

100%

(5)

233 sites · Spencer, Indiana

Welcome to Indiana’s first state park, camping mecca since 1916.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. 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

6. Hoosier National Forest

88%

(13)

252 sites · Paoli, Indiana

See the wilderness of southern Indiana from the Ohio River to just south of Bloomington.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

7. Turkey Run State Park

94%

(25)

211 sites · Marshall, Indiana

Hike through history at this well-appointed state park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

8. Shades State Park

94%

(8)

106 sites · Alamo, Indiana

A shady retreat for hikers, campers, and canoeists just outside the city.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

9. Brown County State Park

100%

(21)

610 sites · Nashville, Indiana

Mountains in Indiana? Welcome to the Little Smokies.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Clay City

100%

(1)

Shakamak Campground

9.5mi from Clay City · 207 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shakamak State Park

100%

(5)

McCormicks Creek Campground

21mi from Clay City · 233 sites · Tents, RVs · in McCormicks Creek State Park

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

92%

(8)

Monroe Lake Campground

39mi from Clay City · 312 sites · Tents, RVs · in Monroe Lake

100%

(6)

Hardin Ridge Campground

41mi from Clay City · 200 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hoosier National Forest

94%

(25)

Turkey Run Campground

42mi from Clay City · 211 sites · Tents, RVs · in Turkey Run State Park

94%

(8)

Shades Campground

45mi from Clay City · 106 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shades State Park

100%

(21)

Brown County Campground

46mi from Clay City · 610 sites · Tents, RVs · in Brown County State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

A

Amber

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Overland Camping at The 1938 Barn

This hipcamp was great!!! Beautiful property it was exactly as described. We met the owners they were super friendly! Baby pigs were born while we were there adding an even better experience. Also in a perfect spot to visit the covered bridge festival! Definitely recommend

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

Heather

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Happy Campers Campground

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.

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.

A

Alexander

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Overland Camping at The 1938 Barn

A good place, quiet, spacious, very beautiful turkeys

A

Alexander

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Overland Camping at The 1938 Barn

Good place , a pretty quiet place , we recommend it!!

J

James

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Happy Campers Campground

I absolutely loved camping on Dwight’s land. Dwight and his wife are absolutely amazing people. They were very helpful with everything his wife even offered us life jackets and floaties so that we could go swimming in the pond and on a very hot day it was very helpful. I honestly would live there if I could haha. I would HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND Dwight and Happy Campers as a place for a peaceful getaway,and I definitely will be back very soon

I

Isaac

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Happy Campers Campground

Very peaceful and quiet place to get away from the noise and enjoy a nice cabin along with A fire pit and swimming in the pond. the hosts were very helpful and friendly. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who enjoys the countryside.

j

jerika

March 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Happy Campers Campground

my family & i loved Dwight's place! we booked the day of & were greeted when we arrived to the cabin on the property. cabin was very clean & oh so cozy w. a beautiful view of the pond on site. my son did some pretty good fishing, room to walk the dog around & probably the cleanest outhouse i've been in to date! thanks so much for having us.. can't wait to come back!