Lake Camping Near French Lick, Indiana, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a camping experience near French Lick, Indiana with a beautiful lake setting, we've got you covered. With over 90 options available in this area, you'll have no trouble finding the perfect spot. Looking for recommendations? Check out some of our top campsites like Happy Campers Campground (48 reviews), Lake View camping (31 reviews), and Hideaway on Two Crane Lake (29 reviews). With amenities like showers, pet-friendly spaces, and potable water, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And if you're into wind sports, horseback riding, or whitewater paddling, you'll find plenty of exciting activities to enjoy during your camping adventure. So pack your gear and get ready to explore the great outdoors!

93% (77)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a camping experience near French Lick, Indiana with a beautiful lake setting, we've got you covered. With over 90 options available in this area, you'll have no trouble finding the perfect spot. Looking for recommendations? Check out some of our top campsites like Happy Campers Campground (48 reviews), Lake View camping (31 reviews), and Hideaway on Two Crane Lake (29 reviews). With amenities like showers, pet-friendly spaces, and potable water, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And if you're into wind sports, horseback riding, or whitewater paddling, you'll find plenty of exciting activities to enjoy during your camping adventure. So pack your gear and get ready to explore the great outdoors!

93% (77)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Nighthawk Forest

100%

(16)

6.8mi from French Lick · 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.

2. Hill Springs Campground

100%

(68)

10mi from French Lick · 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

3. Painter Creek Camp Resort

79%

(7)

6.6mi from French Lick · 2 sites · RVs · French Lick, IN

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!

4. 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

5. Martin State Forest

26 sites · Shoals, Indiana

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

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

6. Scales Lake Park

48mi from French Lick · 51 sites · Boonville, IN

Nestled on a stunning 66-acre lake, our campground offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure, making it the perfect escape for everyone—from solo travelers to families and retirees. Here, you can unwind in a serene natural environment, where the soothing sounds of nature create an ideal backdrop for relaxation. Imagine gathering around a warm campfire on a clear evening, as the sky transitions from vibrant hues to a blanket of twinkling stars. Sharing these moments with loved ones amidst the beauty of the outdoors enhances the experience. At Scales Lake Park, we provide a variety of camping options to suit your needs. Our Class A sites come equipped with water, sewer, and electricity, ensuring a comfortable stay. For those seeking a more rustic experience, our Class B sites offer water and electric hookups, while our Class C primitive sites cater to the adventurous spirit. Whether you’re looking to explore nearby swimming holes, engage in outdoor activities, or enjoy local dining and shopping, our campground serves as the perfect base for your adventures. Embrace the great outdoors and create lasting memories at our picturesque campground.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

7. 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

8. 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

9. Jackson-Washington State Forest

48 sites · Little York, Indiana

Discover the rugged beauty of Jackson-Washington State Forest.

Toilets

Campfires

10. 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

11. Lincoln State Park

299 sites · Gentryville, Indiana

Lincoln State Park: A Tribute to Nature and History.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

12. 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

13. Deam Lake State Recreation Area

100%

(3)

215 sites · Borden, Indiana

Find your lake life vibes in southern Indiana.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

14. Yellowwood State Forest

100%

(3)

90 sites · Nashville, Indiana

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

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near French Lick

100%

(1)

Patoka Lake Campground

11mi from French Lick · 445 sites · Tents, RVs · in Patoka Lake

Martin Campground

11mi from French Lick · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Martin State Forest

100%

(2)

Spring Mill Campground

17mi from French Lick · 224 sites · Tents, RVs · in Spring Mill State Park

Ferdinand Campground

21mi from French Lick · 57 sites · in Ferdinand State Forest

Jackson-Washington Campground

34mi from French Lick · 48 sites · in Jackson-Washington State Forest

100%

(6)

Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

34mi from French Lick · 150 sites · Tents, RVs · in Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

Lincoln State Campground

37mi from French Lick · 299 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln State Park

92%

(8)

Monroe Lake Campground

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

100%

(3)

Deam Lake State Recreation Area

41mi from French Lick · 215 sites · Tents, RVs · in Deam Lake State Recreation Area

100%

(3)

Yellowwood Campground

47mi from French Lick · 90 sites · Tents, RVs · in Yellowwood State 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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

L

Liana

July 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Painter Creek Camp Resort

My husband and I loved our stay here! It was quiet, everyone was friendly, and there was so much there to keep us busy. One of our teenagers even stayed one night with us with their friend and loved it just as much! We are already thinking about staying seasonally. It’s just a short 30 minute drive from our house but made us feel like we were on a getaway.

L

Lars

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hill Springs Campground

The site was beautiful. Every direction was picturesque. We just so happened to go camping here on a weekend with a heat advisory and the pavilion was a nice source of shade. There were a lot more houseflies than I thought there would be; especially around the pavilion, but the site is in the middle of a farm so it’s not entirely unexpected. I’d definitely come back to camp here in the fall/winter.

A

Alek

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Hill Springs Campground

Absolutly beautiful property with plently of choices to camp. The host was communicative and accomedating to my circumstances. I would stay again if I was closer.

B

Brian

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hill Springs Campground

Bryan and Nicole were very accommodating, very nice experience