The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Oakland City, Indiana

In Oakland City, camping along the river means lazy mornings with mist on the water and the low hum of wildlife as your background noise. With over 680 riverside options, you can pitch your tent right by the bank, close enough to dip your toes in before breakfast. Average nightly rates sit around $35, but you’ll find spots for as little as $15 if you’re quick. Campfires are allowed, and most sites offer showers and toilets—no need to rough it more than you want. Bring your fishing rod, hiking boots, or just a swimsuit and a towel. If you want tried-and-true, check out Fairhaven Farm Campground (39 reviews), Little Blue Horse Camp (37 reviews), or Lost River Hostel (19 reviews). You’ll meet locals on the trails and get a real sense of Indiana’s quieter side.

99% (111)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Oakland City, camping along the river means lazy mornings with mist on the water and the low hum of wildlife as your background noise. With over 680 riverside options, you can pitch your tent right by the bank, close enough to dip your toes in before breakfast. Average nightly rates sit around $35, but you’ll find spots for as little as $15 if you’re quick. Campfires are allowed, and most sites offer showers and toilets—no need to rough it more than you want. Bring your fishing rod, hiking boots, or just a swimsuit and a towel. If you want tried-and-true, check out Fairhaven Farm Campground (39 reviews), Little Blue Horse Camp (37 reviews), or Lost River Hostel (19 reviews). You’ll meet locals on the trails and get a real sense of Indiana’s quieter side.

99% (111)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Fairhaven Farm Campground

94%

(50)

47mi from Oakland City · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · English, IN

Until 2019, this farm was in the same family since 1889. It has been a working farm since that time. In 2019, our family purchased the farm and continue to operate it much the same way. Our family is devoted to history and preserving the essence of the past. You may very well see us pull up in one of our antique cars to greet you! Our neighbors are friendly and many are also small farmers. You can't see their farms from camp, but don't be surprised to hear roosters crowing, cattle mooing, and donkeys braying in the distance. Our farm is surrounded by the Hoosier National Forest, so you'll see and hear plenty of wildlife too. At various times during the summer, you may find wild blackberries, elderberries, and black raspberries growing right in camp!

2. Hohl Farms

100%

(8)

24mi from Oakland City · 1 site · Tent, RV · Dale, IN

Row crop and livestock farm located in the hills of southern Indiana. The farm is 5 minutes from Interstate 64. 30 amp and 50 amp hookups available. Pasture pork and Angus cattle are next to the campsite. Located on a rural country road by crop fields, woods and pasture. Large accommodations are available as the crops are harvested and fields are barren.

3. Nighthawk Forest

100%

(16)

45mi from Oakland City · 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.

4. Pike State Forest

100%

(1)

36 sites · Winslow, Indiana

Discover the natural splendor of Pike State Forest.

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

5. Beall Woods State Park

16 sites · Keensburg, Illinois

Unbelievably tall trees, winding trails, and an abundance of history is what you’ll find at Beall Woods. The last untouched timber east of the Mississippi is found here, so prepare to gawk at the over 100 ft trees. When you are finally able to pull yourself away from trees, enjoy a picnic, fish for a bit, or hike the trails. The visitor’s center is the perfect starting point: make sure to check out the educational programs they offer to give your brain an exercise!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. Little Blue Horse Camp

100%

(48)

48mi from Oakland City · 1 site · Tent · Grantsburg, IN

Enjoy some serenity in our little piece of heaven on the Little Blue River. A unique retreat, with access to the river, areas to explore, rock features, water falls and a ton of nature. We ask that you respect all the surrounding wildlife and plant life-- we are also a preservation space. Learn more about this land: Enjoy sleeping and waking to the serene sounds of the lazy Little Blue River and enjoy comforts of a cozy campground, nestled on private land in the Hoosier National Forest.

7. Backer Half Hundred Acres

100%

(7)

34mi from Oakland City · 5 sites · Lodging · Saint Meinrad, IN

Great piece of secluded land with a cool fire pit and some great walking trails. Chairs and fire tools available. We have 62 acres in total, with a homemade suspension bridge, a tree house, chickens, goats, and a friendly dog. A small spring-fed stream runs right by camp. Plenty of nature to see and enjoy out here.

8. John James Audubon State Park

87 sites · Henderson, Kentucky

Discover John James Audubon State Park's natural beauty and wildlife.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

9. 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

Potable water

Toilets

10. 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

11. Greene-Sullivan State Forest

3 sites · Dugger, Indiana

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

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Oakland City

100%

(1)

Pike Campground

10mi from Oakland City · 36 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pike State Forest

Beall Woods Campground

26mi from Oakland City · 16 sites · in Beall Woods State Park

John James Audubon Campground

34mi from Oakland City · 87 sites · Tents, RVs · in John James Audubon State Park

Red Hills Campground

38mi from Oakland City · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Red Hills State Park

100%

(1)

Patoka Lake Campground

38mi from Oakland City · 445 sites · Tents, RVs · in Patoka Lake

Greene-Sullivan Campground

48mi from Oakland City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Greene-Sullivan State Forest

Stories from the community

R

River

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Little Blue Horse Camp

This truly is a Perfect Little Spot. The hosts are wonderful and take thoughtful care with the place and the details. Favorite highlights are: the comfy chairs with cushions by the large stone wall fire pit, The composting outhouse is clean, cute and comfortable. The open grassy areas are super soft with the ground underneath, great for walking barefoot and feeling the goodness of the earth beneath your feet, also nice for the level areas for tent camping on the ground. The covered porch for hanging out is lovely, A great place to journal or read when the sun is high. I felt totally tucked away and private. Angie and Paige have made this a very special place.

J

James

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Hohl Farms

Great guy. Easy place to set up for a night. Beautiful land.

Jeremy

September 2025

31 ft Class C

1 night at Hohl Farms

Great private, quiet overnight stop, was exactly what we needed.

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.

J

Joy

August 2025

16 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fairhaven Farm Campground

Enjoyed Nathanael’s property immensely! Plenty of space Perfect place to get away from the crowds and star gaze at night. I would definitely stay again if I’m in the area. He even recommended a couple of nearby hikes that were great!

B

Ben

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Nighthawk Forest

Amazing spot for my son’s first camping trip. Great trails and private camp site!

Samantha

August 2025

40 ft pop-up camper

With pets

1 night at Hohl Farms

A nice private spot to escape for the night. Great hard packed pad equipped with power. A freezer full of delicious bacon, sausage, smoked ham, and loin for purchase right at the site. Alex and his 9 year old son greeted us upon arrival. Awesome people! Very accommodating and allowed our 3 dogs! We had a great stay!

Polly

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Little Blue Horse Camp

A beautiful site on the river, with deer and fireflies. I didn't want to leave!

J

Julian

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Little Blue Horse Camp

Paige and Angie were both very accommodating and flexible to work with when our schedule didn’t turn out exactly as planned. Their campsite was beautiful, and well maintained; with plenty of safe hiking trails, and even a river bank to fish or launch boats from. Would totally recommend this site to anyone who loves camping out in the woods.

C

Christopher

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Fairhaven Farm Campground

Fairhaven is a wonderful little spot not far from the highway with well situated sites. I loved the aesthetics of Forgotten Lane, and was thankful it was a roadbed as I weathered a pretty rough storm on my overnight. Would definitely recommend this site, especially for van campers.

K

Kayla

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at Nighthawk Forest

Enjoyed our stay at Nighthawk Forest [Site 7] celebrating my nephews 14th Birthday! Clean facilities (portable toilets were particularly maintained), and the availability of amenities such as fire wood was satisfactory. The location offered appealing natural surroundings and the serene sounds of pure nature. Good communication with owner as well as the site manager. FYI the ticks were thick on this site (recommend coming fully prepared with repellent) Would definitely recommend to others. Can’t wait to return to Nighthawk Forest!

C

Charlie

June 2025

Tent

2 nights at Little Blue Horse Camp

My partner and I really enjoyed this little pocket of heaven. The property is well kept and if you enjoy rugged camping you will surely enjoy it here! The cabin and kitchen area is so lovely. There is a fridge and air conditioning for if you really need to cool off. The property has two perfect places to set up camp and a couple of wonderful trails that lead off of the camp itself. The neighbor off of the property has a cute dog and chickens where you can buy fresh eggs! It is so peaceful and calm at night all you can hear is the animals, the leave,the crickets,and that really loud toad but don't pay no mind to him.overall we really enjoyed are staying and we will be camping here again and did I mention this was are first time camping.

T

Taylor

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Nighthawk Forest

Nice amenities: water spouts, firewood, porta potties, showers Gorgeous area - feel deep in the woods, nice walking trails

Clara

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Fairhaven Farm Campground

Absolutely amazing spot in a beautiful part of Indiana.

J

Jeffrey

June 2025

16 ft car

2 nights at Fairhaven Farm Campground

Great site with all the amenities promised. Even had some trails cleared to walk around the property some and close to some really good hikes.

L

Lou

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Little Blue Horse Camp

“Perfect Little Spot” is an apt name. You can tell that a lot of thought was put into the details here. Angie was very kind and showed me the place. I couldn’t have asked for a better spot to camp and relax.

A

Amber

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Nighthawk Forest

Great spot! Great host! Just what we were looking for!

V

Vicki

May 2025

32 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Hohl Farms

I loved this property! It is so peaceful here and the owners are friendly. Highly recommend!

H

Hunter

May 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Little Blue Horse Camp

It was as perfect as a spot as it could’ve possibly been. When it rained we went to hang out at the little bar/ cabin area and it was lovely. We were the only campers in the area, getting on the little blue river was absolutely worth it and there’s beautiful trails nearby. We struck gold and will be going back sometime