Lake Camping Near Elnora, Indiana, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2026

Looking to camp by the water in Elnora? You’ll find over 1,600 lakefront campsites here, with options starting at $25 a night and an average around $40. Bring your fishing rod—these sites are set up for easy lake access, and many campers spend their mornings casting off the dock or paddling out at sunrise. Hiking trails wind through the area, and when winter hits, locals break out their snow gear for cold-weather adventures. Most sites allow campfires and welcome pets; toilets are standard. For a trusted spot, try Happy Campers Campground (109 reviews), Hill Springs Campground (48 reviews), or Dirt Weapon Ranch (22 reviews). Pack your gear, grab your fishing licence, and make sure you’re ready for a weekend by the lake where the only thing louder than the frogs at night is the crackle of your campfire.

96% (242)

Top-rated campgrounds near Elnora

Looking to camp by the water in Elnora? You’ll find over 1,600 lakefront campsites here, with options starting at $25 a night and an average around $40. Bring your fishing rod—these sites are set up for easy lake access, and many campers spend their mornings casting off the dock or paddling out at sunrise. Hiking trails wind through the area, and when winter hits, locals break out their snow gear for cold-weather adventures. Most sites allow campfires and welcome pets; toilets are standard. For a trusted spot, try Happy Campers Campground (109 reviews), Hill Springs Campground (48 reviews), or Dirt Weapon Ranch (22 reviews). Pack your gear, grab your fishing licence, and make sure you’re ready for a weekend by the lake where the only thing louder than the frogs at night is the crackle of your campfire.

96% (242)

Top-rated campgrounds near Elnora

1. Happy Campers Campground

99%

(191)

43mi from Elnora · 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. Dirt Weapon Ranch

98%

(41)

39mi from Elnora · 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.

3. Stone of Hope Campground

100%

(1)

46mi from Elnora · 2 sites · Tents

A private lake nestled in the woods with trails throughout Peaceful, wild life - a real opportunity to experience nature at its best

4. Shakamak State Park

100%

(1)

207 sites · Coalmont, Indiana

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

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

5. Martin State Forest

26 sites · Shoals, Indiana

Discover the natural splendor of Martin State Forest and its myriad of outdoor activities.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

6. Hill Springs Campground

100%

(68)

36mi from Elnora · 15 sites · Tents, RVs

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

7. Nighthawk Forest

100%

(16)

41mi from Elnora · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

8. Painter Creek Camp Resort

79%

(7)

39mi from Elnora · 2 sites · RVs

Tucked back off of State Rd 145 in French Lick, IN our property offers year-round camping & full 50-amp hook ups available on all sites. A covered outdoor lounge, and a basketball court are available for guests to use, as well as seasonal bathhouse and laundry facility ($4 a load). We are only 1 mile from the Painter Creek Boat Ramp, and within a 15 min drive to Patoka Lake State Park, The French Lick-West Baden Resort, and The Pete Dye Golf Course!

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

Electrical hookup

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

Electrical hookup

Toilets

11. Patoka Lake

100%

(1)

445 sites · Birdseye, Indiana

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

12. Yellowwood State Forest

100%

(3)

90 sites · Nashville, Indiana

Discover the natural splendor of Yellowwood State Forest and its myriad outdoor activities.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

13. Ferdinand State Forest

57 sites · Birdseye, Indiana

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

Campfires

Toilets

Potable water

14. Lincoln Trail State Park

204 sites · Marshall, Illinois

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

15. Morgan Monroe State Forest

67%

(3)

35 sites · Painted Hills, Indiana

Discover the natural splendor of Morgan Monroe State Forest.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

Public campgrounds near Elnora

100%

(1)

Shakamak Campground

22mi from Elnora · 207 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shakamak State Park

Martin Campground

23mi from Elnora · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Martin State Forest

100%

(2)

Spring Mill Campground

38mi from Elnora · 224 sites · Tents, RVs · in Spring Mill State Park

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

92%

(8)

Monroe Lake Campground

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

100%

(1)

Patoka Lake Campground

42mi from Elnora · 445 sites · Tents, RVs · in Patoka Lake

100%

(3)

Yellowwood Campground

45mi from Elnora · 90 sites · Tents, RVs · in Yellowwood State Forest

Ferdinand Campground

46mi from Elnora · 57 sites · in Ferdinand State Forest

Plainview Campground

46mi from Elnora · 104 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln Trail State Park

Lakeside Campground

47mi from Elnora · 100 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln Trail State Park

Mason Ridge Campground

47mi from Elnora · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · in Morgan Monroe State Forest

100%

(1)

Oak Ridge Campground

48mi from Elnora · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Morgan Monroe State Forest

100%

(1)

Scout Ridge Youth Tent Campground

48mi from Elnora · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Morgan Monroe State Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

D

David

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Stone of Hope Campground

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!

J

Joshua

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Hill Springs Campground

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

A

Annie

October 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Happy Campers Campground

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.

Tiffany

October 2025

29 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Happy Campers Campground

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!

Z

Zack

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Dirt Weapon Ranch

Great place to pitch a tent. I would go back. View was great.

e

eric

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Happy Campers Campground

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.

J

October 2025

45 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Dirt Weapon Ranch

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.

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

A

Alexander

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Dirt Weapon Ranch

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

A

Alexander

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Dirt Weapon Ranch

the place is beautiful, it's quiet, we loved it, we would definitely go back!

J

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Dirt Weapon Ranch

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!

Z

Ziv

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Dirt Weapon Ranch

Very cool place, private and convenient. I highly recommend

T

Tim

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Dirt Weapon Ranch

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!

D

Darla

October 2025

39 ft Class A

21 nights at Happy Campers Campground

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!

M

Micaela

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Dirt Weapon Ranch

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!

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.

Jenny

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Dirt Weapon Ranch

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.

M

Marcia

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Happy Campers Campground

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!

T

Thawng

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Dirt Weapon Ranch

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.