The best campgrounds near Merom, Indiana with fishing

In Merom, anglers have over 590 tent camping options geared toward fishing, with prices starting at just $15 a night and averaging around $40. You’ll find sites tucked along quiet ponds, creeks, and lakes—plenty of spots where you can cast a line before breakfast. Top picks include Happy Campers Campground (109 reviews), Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm (32 reviews), and Celtic Glen Farm Stay (28 reviews)—each one with its own character, from quiet forest edges to open farmland. Most sites allow campfires, and you won’t have to rough it: showers and toilets are common. When you’re not fishing, you can cool off swimming or saddle up for horseback riding nearby. This is camping with the basics covered and the fish biting, just outside of town.

98% (222)

Top-rated campgrounds near Merom

In Merom, anglers have over 590 tent camping options geared toward fishing, with prices starting at just $15 a night and averaging around $40. You’ll find sites tucked along quiet ponds, creeks, and lakes—plenty of spots where you can cast a line before breakfast. Top picks include Happy Campers Campground (109 reviews), Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm (32 reviews), and Celtic Glen Farm Stay (28 reviews)—each one with its own character, from quiet forest edges to open farmland. Most sites allow campfires, and you won’t have to rough it: showers and toilets are common. When you’re not fishing, you can cool off swimming or saddle up for horseback riding nearby. This is camping with the basics covered and the fish biting, just outside of town.

98% (222)

Top-rated campgrounds near Merom

1. Happy Campers Campground

99%

(191)

42mi from Merom · 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. Celtic Glen Farm Stay

98%

(53)

48mi from Merom · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Celtic Glen is a working, 100 acre family farm of heritage breed livestock, nestled in an old limestone quarry on the banks of the White River, on one side, and Fall Creek, on another. Lots of space between campsites and are often all to yourself. Learn about regenerative farming with rare breeds on a farm tour, or mining and wetlands restoration on an ecological history tour. Pet and feed the livestock. Fish and bird-watch. Take a yoga class (at times with goats or bunnies) in the center of the stone henge. Have coffee with goats. Eat farm craft meats, eggs, prepared soups, casseroles, and baked goods, or hop into town for a bite.We are across the river from McCormick's Creek State Park (Indiana's first state park with miles of trails, a swimming pool, and lodge) and just two miles north of Spencer, a small town with an excellent brew pub, winery, cafe, and more. Just 12 miles north of the farm is Cataract Falls State Recreation Area. We are only 20 minutes from Bloomington and Indiana University; 45 minutes from Indianapolis Int'l Airport. This is a working farm with lots of livestock, electric fences, and working dogs, so please leave the farm animals alone unless someone from the farm is available and present. Dogs must be on a leash in the camping area. given the above features of a working livestock farm, the quarry ruins, the operative railroad tracks, and the river (not suitable for swimming), family friendly (children under the age of 18 must be attended by adults at all times). *We have lots of on-farm food and supplies options, please contact us for a complete list and any requests. All sites have a private stone fire circle as well as access to a common grill, handwashing station, porta potty or septic outhouse, cold/solar water shower. *We have posted many events on our farm facebook page @celticglenllc and we are within 2-4 miles of lots of options. *Please note that the riverfront wetlands will be closed to guests during deer rifle hunting season for safety.

3. Bird Watch at Pine Lake

95%

(11)

44mi from Merom · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Our property has a robust migratory bird population. We see Blue Heron, geese, ducks, song birds, birds of prey, including the occasional Bald Eagle visit our property. We have a small wetland area and pond, which attract a lot of wildlife, such as muskrat, deer, fox, frogs, turtles, and other small woodland animals. We have wooded areas as well as meadows, which are perfect for tent camping, and are a short walk from the parking area. Our property makes a great base camp for exploring local areas of interest. Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site is just a few miles south of Charleston. Lake Charleston is just a few miles away, and boasts several nesting pairs of Bald Eagles. There are also fishing, hiking and bike trails around Lake Charleston. We are very close to Illinois' largest Amish Community in the Arcola/Arthur area, with many Amish shops, bakeries, quilt shops, and more. Aikman's Wildlife Adventures is in nearby Chesterville. There is a very nice bike path just to the west of our property. This bike path takes you through Charleston, past the Coles County Fairgrounds, and into Mattoon.

4. Greene-Sullivan State Forest

3 sites · Dugger, Indiana

Discover the serene beauty of Greene-Sullivan State Forest and its myriad of lakes.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

5. Shakamak State Park

100%

(1)

207 sites · Coalmont, Indiana

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

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

6. Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

100%

(57)

39mi from Merom · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

This was once a self sustaining farm built in the 1950s. The farm raised cattle, pigs, chickens. There was 35 tillable acres which produced corn and oats for the livestock. The farm had its own feed grinder in the old barn. There is an old hand built cooler room where all the meat was stored. There are four wells on the farm one of which is used for watering animals and cooling alpacas on hot summer days. One of our tent sites is in the corner of our alpaca pasture. You'll hear the roosters, goats, donkeys and more than likely, Rose, our Maremma livestock guardian dog, throughout your stay.

7. 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

8. Red Hills State Park

30 sites · Sumner, Illinois

A small, intimate gem of a park with a lovely little lake known for largemouth bass bank fishing.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

9. Sam Parr State Fish & Wildlife Area

10 sites · Newton, Illinois

Sam Parr is a scenic park located in the quaint city of Newton. Its central point is unarguably the 183-acre gem of a lake that is surrounded by rolling hills speckled with timber. This shimmering beauty is home to some killer fishing game, including bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Skim out on the glassy waters by canoe or kayak or kick back on the sandy shorelines for some much needed chillaxing.Explorations can easily be had for avid hikers and riders, with miles of foot and equestrian trails stretching throughout the park. Sing songs around the campfire and sip that cold beer in the fading sunlight next to the lake—the camp vibes are truly overflowing at this mellow spot.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

10. Owen-Putnam State Forest

69 sites · Spencer, Indiana

Discover the natural splendor of Owen-Putnam State Forest.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

11. Fox Ridge State Park

44 sites · Charleston, Illinois

Your lazy Sunday just got a bit more action-packed! At Fox Ridge State Park, turn your lazy into relaxation: stroll through the rolling hills, causally boat around the lake, and picnic under a shady tree. Hike the trails and bring a camera to catch a snapshot of all the creatures and plants you’ll see! Nearby is the awesome Lincoln Log Historic Site, a definite must-see for historians and patriots alike.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Merom

Greene-Sullivan Campground

17mi from Merom · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Greene-Sullivan State Forest

100%

(1)

Shakamak Campground

20mi from Merom · 207 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shakamak State Park

Plainview Campground

21mi from Merom · 104 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln Trail State Park

Lakeside Campground

21mi from Merom · 100 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln Trail State Park

Red Hills Campground

27mi from Merom · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Red Hills State Park

Sam Parr Campground

30mi from Merom · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sam Parr State Fish & Wildlife Area

Fish Creek Campground

37mi from Merom · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Owen-Putnam State Forest

Fox Ridge Camground

39mi from Merom · 44 sites · Tents, RVs · in Fox Ridge State Park

Horse Campground

44mi from Merom · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Owen-Putnam State Forest

Rattlesnake Campground

44mi from Merom · 40 sites · Tents, RVs · in Owen-Putnam State Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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!

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.

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

C

Caroline

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Celtic Glen Farm Stay

So cozy and everything is ready to go in the cabin for a great night!

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!

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.

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!

jim

September 2025

With pets

1 night at Celtic Glen Farm Stay

Lovely quiet spot. Stayed in the little cabin. Comfortable.

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.

P

Peggy

August 2025

20 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Happy Campers Campground

Beautiful setting, well kept, felt very safe as a solo traveler.

R

Ryan

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Happy Campers Campground

Dwight is a wonderful host. He was easy to communicate with. The camp was great! The pond was delightful! The quiet and the night sky was a welcome relief from the road. Highly recommend place to stay.

Walnut campsite at the edge of the field.

T

Tim

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

The site was very private and on the night we stayed the clear skies allowed for amazing stargazing! Sounds of wildlife like frogs and insects were very relaxing. Restroom wasn't too far either and was well kept. Overall a great place to set up the tent for the evening.

Angie

August 2025

24 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Happy Campers Campground

We loved camping on Dwights land. It was very quiet and well maintained. He greeted us personally and made us feel welcome. We will definitely return

b

brian

August 2025

33 ft Class A

1 night at Happy Campers Campground

Very clean and quiet Dwight was very nice. The only draw back was no pull through

K

Katelynn

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Happy Campers Campground

We enjoyed our stay at happy campers it's a very peaceful place to come after our friend's wedding rehearsal and wedding. Dwight was very welcoming and checked on us each day to make sure our stay was as great as it could be. We loved getting to enjoy the outdoors with our daughter. She was able to play and run Barefoot because Dwight keeps the property very clean and well maintained. It was a peaceful place to sit outside our tent and read a few books to her. We will definitely be back in the future.

Sarah

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Camp with Alpacas at Aris Farm

This was an A+ experience. Tracy‘s farm is very unique and wonderful and she herself is a very welcoming, accommodating host. Even though this was my first time solo camping EVER, I felt very safe and comfortable and enjoyed every minute of it. I was on a road trip on the last leg home so didn’t spend much time at her farm, but plan on returning there just to enjoy the space and land and I will be recommending Tracy‘s farm to all people I personally know who enjoy camping near and far.

S

Seth

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Celtic Glen Farm Stay

We had a wonderful time at Celtic Glen Farm! The people, the animals, and the cozy cabin were all wonderful!!

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

C

Christy

June 2025

33 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Happy Campers Campground

An incredibly beautiful property and neighborhood. The owner was responsive, professional, and kind. Only had the chance to stay for one night but I will make a point of going back so I can spend more time and enjoy more of the land.