The best campgrounds near Columbus, Indiana with swimming

Welcome to Hipcamp, your one-stop destination for camping adventures! With over 369 options near Columbus, Indiana that offer swimming, you're sure to find the perfect spot to satisfy your aquatic cravings. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just enjoy taking a refreshing dip, we've got you covered. Check out top campsites like Hones Pointe (352 reviews), Heritage Farm Stay Adventure (196 reviews), and Lake Farm (106 reviews) for some highly recommended options. Plus, you'll enjoy popular amenities like trash disposal, toilets, and pet-friendly sites. And if you're looking to add some extra excitement to your trip, why not try your hand at activities like horseback riding, fishing, or wind sports? So grab your swimsuit and get ready to dive into the great outdoors!

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Top-rated campgrounds near Columbus

Welcome to Hipcamp, your one-stop destination for camping adventures! With over 369 options near Columbus, Indiana that offer swimming, you're sure to find the perfect spot to satisfy your aquatic cravings. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just enjoy taking a refreshing dip, we've got you covered. Check out top campsites like Hones Pointe (352 reviews), Heritage Farm Stay Adventure (196 reviews), and Lake Farm (106 reviews) for some highly recommended options. Plus, you'll enjoy popular amenities like trash disposal, toilets, and pet-friendly sites. And if you're looking to add some extra excitement to your trip, why not try your hand at activities like horseback riding, fishing, or wind sports? So grab your swimsuit and get ready to dive into the great outdoors!

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Top-rated campgrounds near Columbus

1. The Rusted Plow

100%

(22)

42mi from Columbus · 19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

We live off of a gorgeous winding tree lined road between Knightstown and Carthage. Our property has several options for you to tent camp or we can accommodate large RVs. Electric will be supplied via extension cord and we can provide well water to fill your tank or a hose from our pump for you to use as needed. We own 10 acres with a pasture of wild flowers, chickens, and several varieties of trees. The surrounding 100 acres along Big Blue River is owned by our family and available for your enjoyment. Kayaking, hiking, bird watching, swimming and just relaxing! We hope we can be a quiet spot for your travels thru the midwest. We are 30 minutes from Indianapolis, 20 minutes to a gorgeous lake and mountain bike trail and Knightstown has several quaint shops and antique venues for you to enjoy! Please keep all animals on a leash or contained. We do live in the midst of cornfields and forest where racoons, opossums and our pets live. We have outdoor kitties Reginald is a big gray boy who will try to climb your leg if you stand still long enough! lol Abigail is our outdoor pooch and she does like to roam outside during the day. We also have a new to our farm rescued Great Pyreneese that is adjusting! She is in an enclosed pen behind our barn and should'nt cause you any trouble. You may hear her barking off and on as she adjusts to the new surroundings. If you need anything please let us know :D We are always ready to make your stay as comfortable as we can!

2. Blue River Sports

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(18)

40mi from Columbus · 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.

3. Heartland Resort

43mi from Columbus · 41 sites

Heartland Resort stands out as a serene oasis in Central Indiana, just a short 20-minute drive east of Indianapolis. Nestled in a picturesque setting, our campground offers a peaceful retreat with full hook-ups suitable for RVs of all sizes. Whether you're planning a quick overnight stay, a weekend getaway, or an extended visit for a week or even a month, Heartland Resort is the perfect destination. For those looking to immerse themselves in the camping experience, seasonal stays are also available. We pride ourselves on providing a welcoming atmosphere and are dedicated to accommodating your needs. Come and discover the charm of Heartland RV Resort, where relaxation and adventure await!

4. 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

5. Brown County State Park

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(21)

610 sites · Nashville, Indiana

Mountains in Indiana? Welcome to the Little Smokies.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. Canby Ferry Campground

49mi from Columbus · 21 sites

Canby Ferry Campground stands out as a unique destination with its eight private full hookup sites nestled along the scenic Ohio River. This charming campground is conveniently situated next to the Canby Ferry public boat ramp, making it an ideal spot for water enthusiasts. Each site is designed to accommodate RVs up to 45 feet in length and features concrete pads, fire rings, picnic tables, and both 30 and 50 amp service. For those seeking breathtaking views, sites 3 through 6 offer stunning vistas of the river. The campground is just a short 10-minute drive from Historic Downtown Madison, where visitors can explore a variety of local shops, restaurants, and family-friendly activities. Enjoy playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, hiking trails, and a picturesque river walk. Downtown Madison also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including Court Days, Regatta, Chautauqua, Ribberfest, and music in the park, along with a vibrant farmers market. With its prime location and excellent amenities, Canby Ferry Campground is the perfect getaway for outdoor lovers and families alike. Bring your boat, jet skis, or canoe and make the most of your stay!

7. 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

8. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

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(6)

150 sites · Vallonia, Indiana

Discover the natural charm of Starve Hollow State Recreation Area.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Little Salt Creek Group Site

15mi from Columbus · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Hoosier National Forest

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(21)

Brown County Campground

19mi from Columbus · 610 sites · Tents, RVs · in Brown County State Park

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

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(8)

Monroe Lake Campground

28mi from Columbus · 312 sites · Tents, RVs · in Monroe Lake

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(6)

Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

29mi from Columbus · 150 sites · Tents, RVs · in Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

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(6)

Hardin Ridge Campground

31mi from Columbus · 200 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hoosier National Forest

Hardy Lake Campground

32mi from Columbus · 162 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hardy Lake

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(3)

Versailles Campground

39mi from Columbus · 220 sites · Tents, RVs · in Versailles State Park

86%

(9)

Clifty Falls State Park Campground

42mi from Columbus · 164 sites · Tents, RVs · in Clifty Falls State Park

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(2)

Spring Mill Campground

43mi from Columbus · 224 sites · Tents, RVs · in Spring Mill State Park

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(5)

McCormicks Creek Campground

44mi from Columbus · 233 sites · Tents, RVs · in McCormicks Creek State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

S

Sheldon

November 2025

19 ft campervan

1 night at The Rusted Plow

We were able to park wherever we wanted on the property. Super quiet spot once the sun went down.

M

Mary

September 2025

13 ft travel trailer

1 night at The Rusted Plow

Tina and Ron are awesome hosts with a great location - just far enough off the beaten path, but still convenient for travelers passing through for one night on a road trip. I was a same day reservation and communication was top notch. I knew before I arrived that I had made the right choice. Ron met me upon my arrival and directed me to my site. Had a wonderful night’s sleep in a peaceful location. I will definitely stay here again when I am passing through this part of Indiana. Thanks for a great stay!

A

Adam

August 2025

19 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Blue River Sports

Hosts were extremely friendly and helpful. Spot was quiet.

R

Robert

July 2025

28 ft Class B

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Rusted Plow

Nice quiet place - until sunup when the chickens start to squawking. But really that’s part of the attraction. Site was nice with a fire ring and a relaxing view. Once dark the fireflies came out and it was really cool. The trip from the highway to Tina’s was interesting in itself and showed us a part of Indiana we didn’t know existed. We stopped for a quick overnight on our way west and it worked perfect for us.