The best lakeside camping near Milan

·

You’ll find over 1,300 lake-side camping spots around Milan, with options dipping as low as $25 a night and an average stay running about $62. Pitch your tent near the water, cast a line, or dive in for a swim—these sites put you right on the lake’s edge. Campfires are allowed, and you’ll have access to showers and toilets at most sites. Horseback riding, fishing, and swimming keep the days full. Locals recommend Camping Along the Old Bison Trail (31 reviews) for its quiet shoreline and easy trails, Pyramid Point (20 reviews) for lake views from your tent flap, and RoNilaVon Farm (14 reviews) for fishing right off the dock. Skip the crowds and find your own spot—there’s plenty of shoreline to go around.

87% (47) 29 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Milan

Camping Along the Old Bison Trail

1. Camping Along the Old Bison Trail

96%
(56)
35mi from Milan · 21 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
Cera Sports Park and Campground

2. Cera Sports Park and Campground

62%
(13)
37mi from Milan · 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
M&M SHOW PLACE & LAKE

3. M&M SHOW PLACE & LAKE

88%
(17)
36mi from Milan · 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
Versailles State Park

4. Versailles State Park

100%
(3)
220 sites · Versailles, Indiana
Discover Versailles State Park's rich history and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

5. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

100%
(2)
60 sites · Kentucky
Discover the past amid natural beauty at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Little Cabin

6. Little Cabin

100%
(1)
30mi from Milan · 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
Primitive Camping Retreat

7. Primitive Camping Retreat

100%
(1)
49mi from Milan · 3 sites · Tents
Mawhe Acres Camping Retreat has two primitive camp sites just inside the tree line of an open field, each with a 16' x 16' crushed limestone pad for tents. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and access to a compost toilet (in outhouse). There is no potable water or electric. However, for a nominal fee, we can provide a water hose to the campsite. There's easy access with the ability to drive through the field to the campsite or guests can walk in with their gear from driveway. We're fine with car camping too - we just want to keep things as natural as possible. Mawhe Acres - a 25 acre farm, much of which is raw land and woods in their natural state, undeveloped and not farmed for decades - is an official National Wildlife Federation® (NWF) Certified Wildlife Habitat™ site. NWF recognizes our commitment to sustainably providing the essentials of wildlife habitat - natural sources of food, water, cover and places to raise young. The abundant wildlife around includes deer, squirrels, red foxes, turkeys, chipmunks, groundhogs, raccoons, opossums, woodpeckers, owls, and birds of prey (mostly red-tailed hawks and vultures). We have a small lake with good fishing and acres of woods to explore. There are some footpaths for easier walking. We want to share our beautiful land for our guests to enjoy taking in the sights and sounds of the forest which can help you relax. In fact, it’s possible that time in the great outdoors can boost both your mental and physical health. For example, the science on "forest bathing" (also called "forest therapy") makes a convincing argument that spending time communing with nature can improve stress, anxiety and depression. For those who want a little action, we sit behind a new football facility where you may be able to catch a game or two if you're interested. Find the schedule here: https://www.maxpreps.com/ky/falmouth/pendleton-county-wildcats/football/schedule/
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$26
 / night
Brookville Lake

8. Brookville Lake

100%
(1)
437 sites · Brookville, Indiana
Anglers love the lake nestled in this historic area of Indiana.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
General Butler State Resort Park

9. General Butler State Resort Park

104 sites · Carrollton, Kentucky
Discover General Butler State Resort Park's natural charm.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Hueston Woods State Park

10. Hueston Woods State Park

100%
(2)
24 sites · College Corner, Ohio
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hardy Lake

11. Hardy Lake

162 sites · Deputy, Indiana
Discover Hardy Lake's serene waters and vibrant wildlife.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

You’ll find over 1,300 lake-side camping spots around Milan, with options dipping as low as $25 a night and an average stay running about $62. Pitch your tent near the water, cast a line, or dive in for a swim—these sites put you right on the lake’s edge. Campfires are allowed, and you’ll have access to showers and toilets at most sites. Horseback riding, fishing, and swimming keep the days full. Locals recommend Camping Along the Old Bison Trail (31 reviews) for its quiet shoreline and easy trails, Pyramid Point (20 reviews) for lake views from your tent flap, and RoNilaVon Farm (14 reviews) for fishing right off the dock. Skip the crowds and find your own spot—there’s plenty of shoreline to go around.

87% (47) 29 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Milan

Camping Along the Old Bison Trail

1. Camping Along the Old Bison Trail

96%
(56)
35mi from Milan · 21 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
Cera Sports Park and Campground

2. Cera Sports Park and Campground

62%
(13)
37mi from Milan · 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
M&M SHOW PLACE & LAKE

3. M&M SHOW PLACE & LAKE

88%
(17)
36mi from Milan · 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
Versailles State Park

4. Versailles State Park

100%
(3)
220 sites · Versailles, Indiana
Discover Versailles State Park's rich history and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

5. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

100%
(2)
60 sites · Kentucky
Discover the past amid natural beauty at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Little Cabin

6. Little Cabin

100%
(1)
30mi from Milan · 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
Primitive Camping Retreat

7. Primitive Camping Retreat

100%
(1)
49mi from Milan · 3 sites · Tents
Mawhe Acres Camping Retreat has two primitive camp sites just inside the tree line of an open field, each with a 16' x 16' crushed limestone pad for tents. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and access to a compost toilet (in outhouse). There is no potable water or electric. However, for a nominal fee, we can provide a water hose to the campsite. There's easy access with the ability to drive through the field to the campsite or guests can walk in with their gear from driveway. We're fine with car camping too - we just want to keep things as natural as possible. Mawhe Acres - a 25 acre farm, much of which is raw land and woods in their natural state, undeveloped and not farmed for decades - is an official National Wildlife Federation® (NWF) Certified Wildlife Habitat™ site. NWF recognizes our commitment to sustainably providing the essentials of wildlife habitat - natural sources of food, water, cover and places to raise young. The abundant wildlife around includes deer, squirrels, red foxes, turkeys, chipmunks, groundhogs, raccoons, opossums, woodpeckers, owls, and birds of prey (mostly red-tailed hawks and vultures). We have a small lake with good fishing and acres of woods to explore. There are some footpaths for easier walking. We want to share our beautiful land for our guests to enjoy taking in the sights and sounds of the forest which can help you relax. In fact, it’s possible that time in the great outdoors can boost both your mental and physical health. For example, the science on "forest bathing" (also called "forest therapy") makes a convincing argument that spending time communing with nature can improve stress, anxiety and depression. For those who want a little action, we sit behind a new football facility where you may be able to catch a game or two if you're interested. Find the schedule here: https://www.maxpreps.com/ky/falmouth/pendleton-county-wildcats/football/schedule/
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$26
 / night
Brookville Lake

8. Brookville Lake

100%
(1)
437 sites · Brookville, Indiana
Anglers love the lake nestled in this historic area of Indiana.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
General Butler State Resort Park

9. General Butler State Resort Park

104 sites · Carrollton, Kentucky
Discover General Butler State Resort Park's natural charm.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Hueston Woods State Park

10. Hueston Woods State Park

100%
(2)
24 sites · College Corner, Ohio
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hardy Lake

11. Hardy Lake

162 sites · Deputy, Indiana
Discover Hardy Lake's serene waters and vibrant wildlife.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field