The best campgrounds near Crane, Indiana with swimming

In Crane, you’ll find over 2,500 campsites where swimming is front and center. Average price per night sits at $30, but you can snag a spot for as little as $7. Top picks like Happy Campers Campground (109 reviews), Blue River Retreat (76 reviews), and Hill Springs Campground (48 reviews) draw regulars for their clean water, easy access, and laid-back atmosphere. Most sites welcome pets and offer showers and toilets. When you’re not swimming, keep an eye out for deer, cast a line, or saddle up for horseback-riding. Crane’s campsites run along creeks, near forest trails, and beside fishing holes—plenty of spots to stake your claim and dive in.

100% (262)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Crane, you’ll find over 2,500 campsites where swimming is front and center. Average price per night sits at $30, but you can snag a spot for as little as $7. Top picks like Happy Campers Campground (109 reviews), Blue River Retreat (76 reviews), and Hill Springs Campground (48 reviews) draw regulars for their clean water, easy access, and laid-back atmosphere. Most sites welcome pets and offer showers and toilets. When you’re not swimming, keep an eye out for deer, cast a line, or saddle up for horseback-riding. Crane’s campsites run along creeks, near forest trails, and beside fishing holes—plenty of spots to stake your claim and dive in.

100% (262)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Happy Campers Campground

99%

(191)

42mi from Crane · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Brazil, IN

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. Unplugged Acres

100%

(21)

43mi from Crane · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Birdseye, IN

TWO SPOTS TO CHOOSE FROM…… The camping spot we refer to as the NORTHSIDE SPOT is a flat yard atop a hill it makes for a great spot to park your RV, camper, tent or boat. This grass camping spot is always mowed and clean. Two large pine trees provide some shade for this northside camping spot. You can enjoy nearly panoramic views of the night sky! This spot is alongside a country road. It is considered less private than the SOUTH SIDE SPOT. The SOUTH SIDE CAMPING SPOT, is for tent campers only with a smaller vehicle. It is very private and completely surrounded by woods. This spot can accommodate two tents and one or two cars. There is no view of the night sky since you are in a dense forest. Patoka lake is less than 10 minutes away ( boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, biking). Holiday World ( an amusement park) is about 30 minutes away.

3. Nighthawk Forest

100%

(16)

35mi from Crane · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Paoli, IN

Nestled deep in Hoosier National Forest and just a short drive from Paoli and French Lick, Indiana, Nighthawk Forest offers a secluded and pristine outdoor experience for all camping enthusiasts! Situated on 65 hilly and wooded acres, Nighthawk Forest features well-groomed tent pads, water and electric hookups for RVs and even vintage campers. Enjoy breathtaking walks in the woods, go fishing in our pond, and set up your camp chairs under the incredible night sky and marvel under the majesty of the Milky Way! Take a hike or a mountain bike ride on the Springs Valley Trail down to Tucker Lake. Come see what it’s like to be treated like family at Nighthawk Forest Campground. For more camping options - including group reservations - please call 812-203-0200.

4. Shakamak State Park

100%

(1)

207 sites · Coalmont, Indiana

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

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

5. Hoosier National Forest

88%

(13)

252 sites · Paoli, Indiana

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

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

6. Little Blue Horse Camp

100%

(48)

50mi from Crane · 1 site · Tent · Grantsburg, IN

Enjoy some serenity in our little piece of heaven on the Little Blue River. A unique retreat, with access to the river, areas to explore, rock features, water falls and a ton of nature. We ask that you respect all the surrounding wildlife and plant life-- we are also a preservation space. Learn more about this land: Enjoy sleeping and waking to the serene sounds of the lazy Little Blue River and enjoy comforts of a cozy campground, nestled on private land in the Hoosier National Forest.

7. Hill Springs Campground

100%

(68)

33mi from Crane · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · Dubois, IN

Hill Springs Campground is nestled on our 120-acre family farm, and we’re proud to be the third generation to care for this little piece of paradise. Tucked away in the heart of 'God’s country,' our campground offers peace and quiet, miles from the nearest town. The rolling hills provide hay for our cows and wood for the stove, and we take great pride in sharing this beautiful spot with you. Each site offers the chance to unwind by the pond, pick wild blackberries, or hike through our woods. Fire pits are available at all sites. Our sites are simple—no water, electricity, or internet—but generators are welcome, and we provide a toilet on-site. Please remember to pack out all your trash, including cigarette butts. For a glimpse of what to expect, check out a few videos of the campground on our Facebook page, 'hillspringcampground.' We’re also close to plenty of activities: Patoka Lake is just 3 miles away, with 8,800 acres of water, 26,000 sq. feet of land, and a variety of outdoor fun—boating, fishing, hiking, and even a winery. Historic French Lick and West Baden are 16 miles away, offering everything from casinos to a scenic railway, golf courses, a spa, a wildlife park, and the stunning West Baden Springs Hotel, known as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World.' The city of Jasper is 14 miles away, with a charming riverwalk, museums, parks, and food trucks to explore. The small town of Dubois is just 4.5 miles away, with local taverns, a gas station, and a True Value store. At Hill Springs, you can be as close or as far away from the action as you want to be. We’re excited to share this experience with you and welcome your feedback as we start this journey with Hipcamp. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions! Bryan and Nicole

8. McCormicks Creek State Park

100%

(5)

233 sites · Spencer, Indiana

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

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

9. Spring Mill State Park

100%

(2)

224 sites · Mitchell, Indiana

See how pioneers lived and learn about outer space at this southern Indiana park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

10. 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

Toilets

Campfires

11. Patoka Lake

100%

(1)

445 sites · Birdseye, Indiana

Discover plenty to do on the water at Indiana's second-largest lake.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

12. Brown County State Park

100%

(21)

610 sites · Nashville, Indiana

Mountains in Indiana? Welcome to the Little Smokies.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

13. Ferdinand State Forest

57 sites · Birdseye, Indiana

Discover the natural charm of Ferdinand State Forest and its myriad of outdoor activities.

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

14. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

100%

(6)

150 sites · Vallonia, Indiana

Discover the natural charm of Starve Hollow State Recreation Area.

Pets

Potable water

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Crane

100%

(1)

Shakamak Campground

26mi from Crane · 207 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shakamak State Park

100%

(6)

Hardin Ridge Campground

27mi from Crane · 200 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hoosier National Forest

100%

(5)

McCormicks Creek Campground

29mi from Crane · 233 sites · Tents, RVs · in McCormicks Creek State Park

100%

(2)

Spring Mill Campground

29mi from Crane · 224 sites · Tents, RVs · in Spring Mill State Park

92%

(8)

Monroe Lake Campground

29mi from Crane · 312 sites · Tents, RVs · in Monroe Lake

Springs Valley Recreation Area

34mi from Crane · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hoosier National Forest

100%

(1)

Patoka Lake Campground

38mi from Crane · 445 sites · Tents, RVs · in Patoka Lake

100%

(21)

Brown County Campground

39mi from Crane · 610 sites · Tents, RVs · in Brown County State Park

Ferdinand Campground

44mi from Crane · 57 sites · in Ferdinand State Forest

100%

(6)

Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

44mi from Crane · 150 sites · Tents, RVs · in Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

Little Salt Creek Group Site

46mi from Crane · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Hoosier National Forest

Stories from the community

J

Joshua

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Hill Springs Campground

Great hosts with an excellent, secluded spot…totally recommend!

C

Corei

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hill Springs Campground

Thie site was very cute and had a lot of nice amenities like a picnic table, shelter, fire ring, and an outhouse. The host was very nice. We had a great time.

S

Samantha

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Hill Springs Campground

This is our second time staying at their pond spot. We had a wonderful time again and want to make it an annual tradition! This spot is private but also has modern amenities like the outhouse and coverage for rain.

s

sophia

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hill Springs Campground

This was a lovely camping spot! The views are gorgeous. The signage and directions to the site are easy to follow. Hosts were communicative and friendly. We love a secluded campsite and this felt like we were surrounded by nothing but trees and rolling farmland. The site was large with plenty of room for our tent and vehicles. We loved watching the sunset here! 10/10 recommend and would love to visit again!

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

R

River

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Little Blue Horse Camp

This truly is a Perfect Little Spot. The hosts are wonderful and take thoughtful care with the place and the details. Favorite highlights are: the comfy chairs with cushions by the large stone wall fire pit, The composting outhouse is clean, cute and comfortable. The open grassy areas are super soft with the ground underneath, great for walking barefoot and feeling the goodness of the earth beneath your feet, also nice for the level areas for tent camping on the ground. The covered porch for hanging out is lovely, A great place to journal or read when the sun is high. I felt totally tucked away and private. Angie and Paige have made this a very special place.

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.

R

Rob

September 2025

14 ft toy hauler

3 nights at Nighthawk Forest

🤩 wow! This camp offers a quiet location in the middle of Hoosier National Forest. Several easy to use pull through sites. The deck platform is a very nice touch in front of our camper! Plenty of water spigots around. Hot showers and fire wood onsite. What more could you ask for? The host was very attentive and checked on us daily.

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.

T

Tim

September 2025

28 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hill Springs Campground

Even though my trip didnt go as planned, as always Bryan and Nicole were awesome and the property is beautiful. Once I get the camper fixed ill definitely be back. This is by far my number one place to camp.

J

JimandCathleen

September 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Nighthawk Forest

Lovely place. Had it to ourselves. Quiet. Bathroom clean. Running water. Great night sky.

C

Carlee

September 2025

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Hill Springs Campground

I hesitate to give a great review only because I want to gatekeep this spot so it’s always available when we want it! If gorgeous sky and landscape views, privacy, and a cool dip in the pond is what you’re after, you cannot go wrong with this Hipcamp. We enjoyed going into Huntingburg and Jasper for the day, and then the next day, we enjoyed never leaving. We’d live here if we could. Already planning our next weekend getaway.

B

Ben

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Nighthawk Forest

Amazing spot for my son’s first camping trip. Great trails and private camp site!

S

Shaelyn

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Unplugged Acres

Natalie and her husband were very friendly and helpful, campsite was very nice and safe.

S

Shauney

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hill Springs Campground

This was our second trip to Hill Spring Campground, and once again, the pond site was absolutely perfect. The views are breathtaking, and the pond is such a peaceful spot to relax and fish. We even had the treat of watching a rainstorm roll through, followed by a stunning double rainbow—it was pure magic. This truly is one of our favorite places to camp, and we can’t wait to return again!

Polly

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Little Blue Horse Camp

A beautiful site on the river, with deer and fireflies. I didn't want to leave!

S

Scott

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Hill Springs Campground

I tent camped. It was quiet and clean. Easy to find. The property was properly maintained.

J

Julian

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Little Blue Horse Camp

Paige and Angie were both very accommodating and flexible to work with when our schedule didn’t turn out exactly as planned. Their campsite was beautiful, and well maintained; with plenty of safe hiking trails, and even a river bank to fish or launch boats from. Would totally recommend this site to anyone who loves camping out in the woods.

K

Kayla

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at Nighthawk Forest

Enjoyed our stay at Nighthawk Forest [Site 7] celebrating my nephews 14th Birthday! Clean facilities (portable toilets were particularly maintained), and the availability of amenities such as fire wood was satisfactory. The location offered appealing natural surroundings and the serene sounds of pure nature. Good communication with owner as well as the site manager. FYI the ticks were thick on this site (recommend coming fully prepared with repellent) Would definitely recommend to others. Can’t wait to return to Nighthawk Forest!

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