- Waterside Camping
The best lakeside camping near Madison
87% (64) • 34 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Madison
Camping Along the Old Bison Trail
1. Camping Along the Old Bison Trail
96%
(56)
31mi from Madison · 15 sites · Tents, RVs
Peaceful Secluded Campsites are what you want. Several beautiful settings will be what you get and much much more.
Our campsites lie along the Old Buffalo Trace, the name given by early pioneers to the massive trail left by centuries of migrating bison that traveled right through this property.
Making their way between salt and mineral licks along the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers, these herds were part of the plentiful wild game which was the reason so many local native tribes referred to old "Cain-tuk-ee" as their "Happy Hunting Ground".
Our 7 campsites are constructed on "The Old Coates Homestead" where we make our home in the original 1858 Homestead house which we recently restored and where we make our delicious gourmet foods. (learn more here: www.steepleviewfarmstore.com)
We have sites to fit everyone's needs. Five sites are accessible by vehicle. Two are "walk in" only.
The vehicle accessible sites range from sites for one tent, pop up or van campers, to our featured site "Thistledown Gathering Place" which a large group size setting great for scouting trips, church groups, multi-family camping and parties of up to 16 people.
Each site has a fire ring, fire wood is available for purchase, we offer clean and well maintained portable toilets, municipal drinking water, hiking trails, and lots and lots of wildlife to help you commune with the absolute beauty of this peaceful farm named Steepleview Farm (learn more here: www.steepleviewfarm.com).
But camping isn't the only reason to choose Steepleview Farm. It becomes base camp for so many people looking to take in the amazing itinerary of activities so close by. Here are just a few:
The Ark Encounter
The Creation Museum
Historic Old Frankfort (state capitol) with historic home and capitol tours
Historic Madison Indiana, a river captains town of magnificent homes and a quaint little town for strolling, or the Madison Regatta or the BBQ festival
Big Bone Lick State Park, massive prehistoric dinosaur dig
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Neeley Family Distillery
Belterra Casino
Clifty Falls State Park
Old Frankfort Cemetery, burial site of Daniel and Rebecca Boone
and so much more....
And don't forget, the history of this place makes your stay that much more than just a night in a campground. You will be sleeping among the spirits of history, the native Americans who hunted this land, the earliest pioneers who mapped it for the expansion west, the early 1800's homesteaders who cleared and worked the land with teams of horses, the centuries of tobacco farmers who shipped their goods to market on the many rivers and streams that surround you.
We work very hard to make this THE best camping destination you will find anywhere. And, upcoming.........Pioneer Log Cabins. We have recently acquired a collection of log cabins for a true to life, historic reenactment staycation.
We are fortunate that one of the cabins was the frontier church known as "Shilo Baptist Church" from 1830-1840. The pastor of this church baptized Abraham Lincoln's father and is credited with having changed his attitudes toward ending slavery.
Our hiking trails and nature trails bring you lots of knowledge, peace, shade, cool breezes and you can bring your horse (no motorized recreational vehicles) oh and lots of wildlife viewing.
Here are a few of our featured campsites:
REDBUD MEADOW: Our first campsite used by hundreds of people over the years.
A secluded lawn in the midst of redbud trees, easy to drive to and from with a pile of firewood and a metal fire ring.
The premier site on our property.
THE BAPTISMAL POND: As history goes the pond in front of this site was used in the 1800's for baptisms for the church visible from everywhere on the farm, thus our name.
This is a tent site, easy to drive into and out of, fires permitted in season.
THISTLEDOWN GATHERING PLACE: This is a very large meadow, surrounded by trees with the capacity for large groups, many tents and gatherings of lots of people.
Very level, easy in and out with vehicles. Fires permitted in season.
WHITETAIL SANCTUARY: Every night for decades a herd of whitetail deer graze in this pastoral setting.
Drive in and out, fires in season.
Suitable for a family sized tent.
THE PENNINSULA:
This camping spot is WALK IN ONLY.
You can drive to the trailhead on grass and walk the path to the campsite (about 200 yards).
One of two remote sites.
It sits in the woods, on the bank of a wet weather creek which flows around two sides of the campsite.
Fires permitted in season.
TOTEM TREES: This site is WALK IN ONLY.
A short hike down the hill from the grass parking area and you have a small spot for a tent, in the woods, surrounded by trees and a lot of standing dead ash which appear as if you are in the presence of totem poles.
NO OPEN FIRES. MUST USE BACKPACKER STOVE AND FLAMELESS LIGHTING.
SPOTTED FAWN HIDEAWAY: This totally secluded walk in campsite is suitable for a small tent only AND PERFECT FOR HAMMOCK CAMPING.
NO FIRES as the site benefits from the shade and protection of overhanging cedar trees and the ground is covered in cedar needles. NO OPEN FIRES. MUST USE BACKPACKER STOVE AND FLAMELESS LIGHTING.
SO WHAT'S OUR STORY?
https://steepleviewfarm.com/our-history
So many great people, so many great stories and so many opportunities to share the blessings of our little piece of heaven with you.
We hope to see you here.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
Little Cabin
2. Little Cabin
100%
(1)
16mi from Madison · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Little Cabin, where you're invited to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the countryside. Nestled on 25 acres adorned with a tranquil pond, our location offers ample space for your tent or RV. Situated just 30 minutes from Madison, Indiana, and a mere three miles from Stream Cliff, we provide convenient access to nearby attractions. Additionally, our proximity to Louisville, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis, approximately an hour from each, makes us an ideal retreat.
There are a couple of important details to note:
1. Please be aware that we have honey bees onsite.
2. We have two cats and a dog which roam around
3. Regrettably, we do not offer hookups or restroom facilities.
We look forward to hosting your stay at Little Cabin!
Pets
from
$40
/ night
M&M SHOW PLACE & LAKE
3. M&M SHOW PLACE & LAKE
88%
(17)
21mi from Madison · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:
We have chickens, ducks, guinees, a large garden, many flower gardens, flowering plants, trees, and bushes, large mature trees, and a small lake, full of large catfish, bass, bluegill and crappie. A small shelter with a large picnic table and benches around the lake. There are chairs and 2 installed hammocks for your enjoyment. There is also 2 fishing benches, a place for a campfire, a stainless steel propane grill, firewood, and a great place for private walks.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$30
/ night
General Butler State Resort Park
4. General Butler State Resort Park
State park 15mi from Madison · 104 sites
Discover General Butler State Resort Park's natural charm.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Hardy Lake
5. Hardy Lake
State park 16mi from Madison · 162 sites
Discover Hardy Lake's serene waters and vibrant wildlife.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Cera Sports Park and Campground
6. Cera Sports Park and Campground
62%
(13)
36mi from Madison · 301 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
With 326 campsites, CERA offers plenty of camping spots. 252 sites are full-service sites with water, 30 & 50 amp electric, and sewer hookups. Check out our campground map below to see which sites will suit your stay!
CERA offers six camping cabins of various sizes. All cabins sit on lakefront lots amid the trees. Bathhouse facilities are located within 100 feet directly behind the cabins. Our camping cabins are a great option for enjoying the outdoors without having to pitch a tent or pull a camper.
There are three shower houses available and a centrally located dump station.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$75
/ night
Three Springs Campground RV Park
7. Three Springs Campground RV Park
89%
(19)
49mi from Madison · 34 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Your family adventure awaits at Three Springs RV Park. Nestled in the heart of Kentucky’s scenic landscapes, just moments from the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum, our park offers a family-friendly haven for unforgettable experiences. Explore God’s creation, build lasting memories, and find peace in every sunset and starlit sky. Start your adventure with us today!
Whether you're driving across the country in your RV, pitching a tent under the stars, or seeking the cozy comfort of a cabin, Three Springs RV Park offers a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler's needs. Explore our welcoming spaces designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind, and discover the ideal base for your adventures in the scenic heart of Kentucky.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$40
/ night
eXplore Brown County!
8. eXplore Brown County!
49mi from Madison · 5 sites
eXplore Brown County at Valley Branch Retreat is in historic, scenic, southern Brown County, Indiana. Year-round adventure featuring: zip line canopy tours, paintball, off-road vehicle tours, arrow tag, mountain biking, hiking trails, camping, and cabins. Including the longest, fastest, and highest twin zip line in Indiana.
Stay in one of our rustic camping cabins, all with heat and AC. Our campground features primitive and full-hook-up sites. Rowboats and canoes are available to rent on our 4-acre fishing lake.
Our Gallery Banquet Hall is available to celebrate your wedding, special occasion, corporate retreat, reunion, or social function. We host many events here at eXplore Brown County, large groups are always welcome. Plan your next adventure with us today.
Free Wi-Fi is available at the Gallery on the porch.
Come eXplore with us today!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$95
/ night
Versailles State Park
9. Versailles State Park
100%
(3)
State park 23mi from Madison · 220 sites
Discover Versailles State Park's rich history and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Deam Lake State Recreation Area
10. Deam Lake State Recreation Area
100%
(3)
State park 32mi from Madison · 215 sites
Find your lake life vibes in southern Indiana.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Jackson-Washington State Forest
11. Jackson-Washington State Forest
State forest 34mi from Madison · 48 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Jackson-Washington State Forest.
Toilets
Campfires
Picnic table
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
12. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
100%
(2)
State park 36mi from Madison · 60 sites
Discover the past amid natural beauty at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Starve Hollow State Recreation Area
13. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area
100%
(6)
State park 37mi from Madison · 150 sites
Discover the natural charm of Starve Hollow State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
87% (64) • 34 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Madison
Camping Along the Old Bison Trail
1. Camping Along the Old Bison Trail
96%
(56)
31mi from Madison · 15 sites · Tents, RVs
Peaceful Secluded Campsites are what you want. Several beautiful settings will be what you get and much much more.
Our campsites lie along the Old Buffalo Trace, the name given by early pioneers to the massive trail left by centuries of migrating bison that traveled right through this property.
Making their way between salt and mineral licks along the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers, these herds were part of the plentiful wild game which was the reason so many local native tribes referred to old "Cain-tuk-ee" as their "Happy Hunting Ground".
Our 7 campsites are constructed on "The Old Coates Homestead" where we make our home in the original 1858 Homestead house which we recently restored and where we make our delicious gourmet foods. (learn more here: www.steepleviewfarmstore.com)
We have sites to fit everyone's needs. Five sites are accessible by vehicle. Two are "walk in" only.
The vehicle accessible sites range from sites for one tent, pop up or van campers, to our featured site "Thistledown Gathering Place" which a large group size setting great for scouting trips, church groups, multi-family camping and parties of up to 16 people.
Each site has a fire ring, fire wood is available for purchase, we offer clean and well maintained portable toilets, municipal drinking water, hiking trails, and lots and lots of wildlife to help you commune with the absolute beauty of this peaceful farm named Steepleview Farm (learn more here: www.steepleviewfarm.com).
But camping isn't the only reason to choose Steepleview Farm. It becomes base camp for so many people looking to take in the amazing itinerary of activities so close by. Here are just a few:
The Ark Encounter
The Creation Museum
Historic Old Frankfort (state capitol) with historic home and capitol tours
Historic Madison Indiana, a river captains town of magnificent homes and a quaint little town for strolling, or the Madison Regatta or the BBQ festival
Big Bone Lick State Park, massive prehistoric dinosaur dig
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Neeley Family Distillery
Belterra Casino
Clifty Falls State Park
Old Frankfort Cemetery, burial site of Daniel and Rebecca Boone
and so much more....
And don't forget, the history of this place makes your stay that much more than just a night in a campground. You will be sleeping among the spirits of history, the native Americans who hunted this land, the earliest pioneers who mapped it for the expansion west, the early 1800's homesteaders who cleared and worked the land with teams of horses, the centuries of tobacco farmers who shipped their goods to market on the many rivers and streams that surround you.
We work very hard to make this THE best camping destination you will find anywhere. And, upcoming.........Pioneer Log Cabins. We have recently acquired a collection of log cabins for a true to life, historic reenactment staycation.
We are fortunate that one of the cabins was the frontier church known as "Shilo Baptist Church" from 1830-1840. The pastor of this church baptized Abraham Lincoln's father and is credited with having changed his attitudes toward ending slavery.
Our hiking trails and nature trails bring you lots of knowledge, peace, shade, cool breezes and you can bring your horse (no motorized recreational vehicles) oh and lots of wildlife viewing.
Here are a few of our featured campsites:
REDBUD MEADOW: Our first campsite used by hundreds of people over the years.
A secluded lawn in the midst of redbud trees, easy to drive to and from with a pile of firewood and a metal fire ring.
The premier site on our property.
THE BAPTISMAL POND: As history goes the pond in front of this site was used in the 1800's for baptisms for the church visible from everywhere on the farm, thus our name.
This is a tent site, easy to drive into and out of, fires permitted in season.
THISTLEDOWN GATHERING PLACE: This is a very large meadow, surrounded by trees with the capacity for large groups, many tents and gatherings of lots of people.
Very level, easy in and out with vehicles. Fires permitted in season.
WHITETAIL SANCTUARY: Every night for decades a herd of whitetail deer graze in this pastoral setting.
Drive in and out, fires in season.
Suitable for a family sized tent.
THE PENNINSULA:
This camping spot is WALK IN ONLY.
You can drive to the trailhead on grass and walk the path to the campsite (about 200 yards).
One of two remote sites.
It sits in the woods, on the bank of a wet weather creek which flows around two sides of the campsite.
Fires permitted in season.
TOTEM TREES: This site is WALK IN ONLY.
A short hike down the hill from the grass parking area and you have a small spot for a tent, in the woods, surrounded by trees and a lot of standing dead ash which appear as if you are in the presence of totem poles.
NO OPEN FIRES. MUST USE BACKPACKER STOVE AND FLAMELESS LIGHTING.
SPOTTED FAWN HIDEAWAY: This totally secluded walk in campsite is suitable for a small tent only AND PERFECT FOR HAMMOCK CAMPING.
NO FIRES as the site benefits from the shade and protection of overhanging cedar trees and the ground is covered in cedar needles. NO OPEN FIRES. MUST USE BACKPACKER STOVE AND FLAMELESS LIGHTING.
SO WHAT'S OUR STORY?
https://steepleviewfarm.com/our-history
So many great people, so many great stories and so many opportunities to share the blessings of our little piece of heaven with you.
We hope to see you here.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
Little Cabin
2. Little Cabin
100%
(1)
16mi from Madison · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Little Cabin, where you're invited to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the countryside. Nestled on 25 acres adorned with a tranquil pond, our location offers ample space for your tent or RV. Situated just 30 minutes from Madison, Indiana, and a mere three miles from Stream Cliff, we provide convenient access to nearby attractions. Additionally, our proximity to Louisville, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis, approximately an hour from each, makes us an ideal retreat.
There are a couple of important details to note:
1. Please be aware that we have honey bees onsite.
2. We have two cats and a dog which roam around
3. Regrettably, we do not offer hookups or restroom facilities.
We look forward to hosting your stay at Little Cabin!
Pets
from
$40
/ night
M&M SHOW PLACE & LAKE
3. M&M SHOW PLACE & LAKE
88%
(17)
21mi from Madison · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:
We have chickens, ducks, guinees, a large garden, many flower gardens, flowering plants, trees, and bushes, large mature trees, and a small lake, full of large catfish, bass, bluegill and crappie. A small shelter with a large picnic table and benches around the lake. There are chairs and 2 installed hammocks for your enjoyment. There is also 2 fishing benches, a place for a campfire, a stainless steel propane grill, firewood, and a great place for private walks.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$30
/ night
General Butler State Resort Park
4. General Butler State Resort Park
State park 15mi from Madison · 104 sites
Discover General Butler State Resort Park's natural charm.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Hardy Lake
5. Hardy Lake
State park 16mi from Madison · 162 sites
Discover Hardy Lake's serene waters and vibrant wildlife.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Cera Sports Park and Campground
6. Cera Sports Park and Campground
62%
(13)
36mi from Madison · 301 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
With 326 campsites, CERA offers plenty of camping spots. 252 sites are full-service sites with water, 30 & 50 amp electric, and sewer hookups. Check out our campground map below to see which sites will suit your stay!
CERA offers six camping cabins of various sizes. All cabins sit on lakefront lots amid the trees. Bathhouse facilities are located within 100 feet directly behind the cabins. Our camping cabins are a great option for enjoying the outdoors without having to pitch a tent or pull a camper.
There are three shower houses available and a centrally located dump station.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$75
/ night
Three Springs Campground RV Park
7. Three Springs Campground RV Park
89%
(19)
49mi from Madison · 34 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Your family adventure awaits at Three Springs RV Park. Nestled in the heart of Kentucky’s scenic landscapes, just moments from the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum, our park offers a family-friendly haven for unforgettable experiences. Explore God’s creation, build lasting memories, and find peace in every sunset and starlit sky. Start your adventure with us today!
Whether you're driving across the country in your RV, pitching a tent under the stars, or seeking the cozy comfort of a cabin, Three Springs RV Park offers a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler's needs. Explore our welcoming spaces designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind, and discover the ideal base for your adventures in the scenic heart of Kentucky.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$40
/ night
eXplore Brown County!
8. eXplore Brown County!
49mi from Madison · 5 sites
eXplore Brown County at Valley Branch Retreat is in historic, scenic, southern Brown County, Indiana. Year-round adventure featuring: zip line canopy tours, paintball, off-road vehicle tours, arrow tag, mountain biking, hiking trails, camping, and cabins. Including the longest, fastest, and highest twin zip line in Indiana.
Stay in one of our rustic camping cabins, all with heat and AC. Our campground features primitive and full-hook-up sites. Rowboats and canoes are available to rent on our 4-acre fishing lake.
Our Gallery Banquet Hall is available to celebrate your wedding, special occasion, corporate retreat, reunion, or social function. We host many events here at eXplore Brown County, large groups are always welcome. Plan your next adventure with us today.
Free Wi-Fi is available at the Gallery on the porch.
Come eXplore with us today!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$95
/ night
Versailles State Park
9. Versailles State Park
100%
(3)
State park 23mi from Madison · 220 sites
Discover Versailles State Park's rich history and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Deam Lake State Recreation Area
10. Deam Lake State Recreation Area
100%
(3)
State park 32mi from Madison · 215 sites
Find your lake life vibes in southern Indiana.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Jackson-Washington State Forest
11. Jackson-Washington State Forest
State forest 34mi from Madison · 48 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Jackson-Washington State Forest.
Toilets
Campfires
Picnic table
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
12. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
100%
(2)
State park 36mi from Madison · 60 sites
Discover the past amid natural beauty at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Starve Hollow State Recreation Area
13. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area
100%
(6)
State park 37mi from Madison · 150 sites
Discover the natural charm of Starve Hollow State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Matias Ignacio
November 2025
19 ft campervan
With pets
Quiet and beautiful place. Kids friendly. Clean bathrooms.
See more
C
Caitlin
August 2025
Tent
With kids
My family and I had the sweetest time camping on Marcus's beautiful property. It is so dreamy, and he was incredibly helpful and kind. Our camping site was really large and secluded, and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. The porta potty near our site was helpful with all our kids, and the water by the main house was clutch. We will definitely be back, and plan on bringing our friends and family!
See more
N
Neleta
July 2025
22 ft campervan
With pets
Great location with lots to do. Would stay again if in the area. Bathrooms were clean.
See more
K
Kainan
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Three Springs Campground RV Park
I loved camping at the cabin. It had a nice theme and the beds were comfortable. The trails around are pretty nice too and it's located near the Creation Museum. I would probably put the A/C unit at the top of the ladder since it was too hot to sleep up there at night.
See more
T
Todd
June 2025
30 ft travel trailer
Amazing campground. Amazing ball complex.
We enjoyed camping on the water. And watching the ducks. And listening to the live music on Saturday night.
See more
M
Megan
May 2025
Tent
Group trip
I had an amazing stay at Steepleview Farms! The tent site was spacious with plenty of room to spread out and set up camp comfortably. Marcus was an excellent host—super communicative and responsive to both texts and calls, which made everything smooth from start to finish. The site itself is peaceful and private, surrounded by trees with plenty of trails to explore nearby. The fire pit was a great touch, and having a porta-potty on-site was really convenient. Firewood was also available for purchase, which made campfires easy and enjoyable. Honestly, there was nothing I didn’t like about this place. If you’re looking for a quiet, well-maintained campsite with a reliable host and great amenities, I highly recommend Steepleview Farms!
See more
N
Nathan
May 2025
16 ft car
This was our first time using Hipcamp, and we had a great experience. The host was great to communicate where our site was located. It was a peaceful, quiet night. I’ll be using the platform again, and I would consider staying here again if in the area.
See moreT
Trip
May 2025
Tent
Great place for hammock camping, hiking, and photography. Marcus is a very responsive communicator. Recommend ordering bourbon honey from their online store before you depart.
See more
S
Shinieke
May 2025
Tent
The electricity and water was very handy the front desk at the store were very helpful and this is just a great place to stay the showers and the toilet was very clean the park was very clean
See more
