The best lakeside camping near Oakland City

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In Oakland City, camping by the lake means easy access to calm water, quiet mornings, and plenty of space to cast a line or spot herons. With over 950 lake-focused campsites in this area, you’ll find options where you can swim, fish, or just unwind by the shore. Nightly rates average $40, but it’s possible to snag a spot for as little as $20. Top picks include Places of Sanctuary (51 reviews), Hill Springs Campground (48 reviews), and 15 Acre Wood on Lake (33 reviews). You’ll find sites that allow campfires, hot showers, and welcome pets—practical touches that make a difference after a long day of swimming or wildlife-watching. Bring your fishing gear and binoculars, and don’t forget to check which sites fill up fast on weekends.

96% (175)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Farm-ish Camp & Gather Barn

1. The Farm-ish Camp & Gather Barn

100%
(2)
18mi from Oakland City · 94 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Owensville, IN
Camp and gather at our family owned farm- The Farm-ish Momstead, also known as The Martin Family Farm. Available for primitive camping, day use, or event gathering. Amenities could include the use of the event barn for groups and events, a lake, fishing (bring your own pole and tackle, kayak or SUPs), bonfire pits, a shelter house, and a reliving farm experience if you choose to take part- beef cows, dairy goats (often including milking and goat kids), a mini highland cow, and chickens. Included in your stay is our resident Safety Manager, our collie Tilly. Please know she has a job to do and her best tool is her voice. You may hear barking as she keeps critters away. Other than that, she’s super friendly, although she may forget her manners at times and jump when excited.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Places of Sanctuary

2. Places of Sanctuary

99%
(71)
29mi from Oakland City · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Parkers Settlement, IN
Places of Sanctuary has 30 Acres of woods which include several dedicated hiking trails with beautiful clearings and benches for resting and reflecting along the way. You're welcome to fish in the pond that has plenty of shade and sun, or sit around the bonfire site where we have benches provided and roast marshmallows. With two easy-access large tree houses, bench swings and a big picnic shelter, there's lots of room to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. You might encounter wildlife like: deer, mink, or geese, but you're sure to see our chickens and ducks running around and hear our rooster crow in the morning. Depending on the time and season, we offer several hands on experiences with berry picking, chicken tending, food processing, gardening, and general light land maintenance like checking the trails for down limbs and trash. With gorgeous views and the convenience of being just 10 minutes from University Southern Indiana or 15 minutes from restaurants and stores, we welcome you to camp with us. If you are interested in staying longer than 3 nights or your RV/camper is longer than 36 feet long, please message us to see if we can accommodate your visit. Usually we can!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
We are only 3 miles from Patoka lake where you can swim, hike, and launch or rent a boat.

7. Hill Springs Campground

100%
(68)
33mi from Oakland City · 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
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night
Scales Lake Park

9. Scales Lake Park

20mi from Oakland City · 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

In Oakland City, camping by the lake means easy access to calm water, quiet mornings, and plenty of space to cast a line or spot herons. With over 950 lake-focused campsites in this area, you’ll find options where you can swim, fish, or just unwind by the shore. Nightly rates average $40, but it’s possible to snag a spot for as little as $20. Top picks include Places of Sanctuary (51 reviews), Hill Springs Campground (48 reviews), and 15 Acre Wood on Lake (33 reviews). You’ll find sites that allow campfires, hot showers, and welcome pets—practical touches that make a difference after a long day of swimming or wildlife-watching. Bring your fishing gear and binoculars, and don’t forget to check which sites fill up fast on weekends.

96% (175)

Top-rated campgrounds

The Farm-ish Camp & Gather Barn

1. The Farm-ish Camp & Gather Barn

100%
(2)
18mi from Oakland City · 94 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Owensville, IN
Camp and gather at our family owned farm- The Farm-ish Momstead, also known as The Martin Family Farm. Available for primitive camping, day use, or event gathering. Amenities could include the use of the event barn for groups and events, a lake, fishing (bring your own pole and tackle, kayak or SUPs), bonfire pits, a shelter house, and a reliving farm experience if you choose to take part- beef cows, dairy goats (often including milking and goat kids), a mini highland cow, and chickens. Included in your stay is our resident Safety Manager, our collie Tilly. Please know she has a job to do and her best tool is her voice. You may hear barking as she keeps critters away. Other than that, she’s super friendly, although she may forget her manners at times and jump when excited.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Places of Sanctuary

2. Places of Sanctuary

99%
(71)
29mi from Oakland City · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Parkers Settlement, IN
Places of Sanctuary has 30 Acres of woods which include several dedicated hiking trails with beautiful clearings and benches for resting and reflecting along the way. You're welcome to fish in the pond that has plenty of shade and sun, or sit around the bonfire site where we have benches provided and roast marshmallows. With two easy-access large tree houses, bench swings and a big picnic shelter, there's lots of room to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. You might encounter wildlife like: deer, mink, or geese, but you're sure to see our chickens and ducks running around and hear our rooster crow in the morning. Depending on the time and season, we offer several hands on experiences with berry picking, chicken tending, food processing, gardening, and general light land maintenance like checking the trails for down limbs and trash. With gorgeous views and the convenience of being just 10 minutes from University Southern Indiana or 15 minutes from restaurants and stores, we welcome you to camp with us. If you are interested in staying longer than 3 nights or your RV/camper is longer than 36 feet long, please message us to see if we can accommodate your visit. Usually we can!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
We are only 3 miles from Patoka lake where you can swim, hike, and launch or rent a boat.

7. Hill Springs Campground

100%
(68)
33mi from Oakland City · 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
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night
Scales Lake Park

9. Scales Lake Park

20mi from Oakland City · 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

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds near Oakland City

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