Lake Camping Near Painted Hills, Indiana, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

In Painted Hills, lake camping means easy access to the water and over 1,300 options to suit how you like to camp. Sites here put you right up against the shoreline, with plenty of space for swimming, hiking, and spotting wildlife. Facilities like pet-friendly spaces, toilets, and showers come standard at many camps. Campsites range from $25 up to a $75 average, so you can find a spot that fits your budget. Locals often recommend Happy Campers Campground (109 reviews) for its easy lake access, or Dirt Weapon Ranch (22 reviews) for a quieter stay. If you want room for larger groups, Cera Sports Park and Campground (2 reviews) has you covered. Expect early mornings with mist on the water, trails leading through pines, and evenings that settle down with the sound of frogs. Bring good boots and a towel—most folks end up in the lake at least once.

87% (174)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Painted Hills, lake camping means easy access to the water and over 1,300 options to suit how you like to camp. Sites here put you right up against the shoreline, with plenty of space for swimming, hiking, and spotting wildlife. Facilities like pet-friendly spaces, toilets, and showers come standard at many camps. Campsites range from $25 up to a $75 average, so you can find a spot that fits your budget. Locals often recommend Happy Campers Campground (109 reviews) for its easy lake access, or Dirt Weapon Ranch (22 reviews) for a quieter stay. If you want room for larger groups, Cera Sports Park and Campground (2 reviews) has you covered. Expect early mornings with mist on the water, trails leading through pines, and evenings that settle down with the sound of frogs. Bring good boots and a towel—most folks end up in the lake at least once.

87% (174)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Happy Campers Campground

99%

(191)

36mi from Painted Hills · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Brazil, IN

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. Dirt Weapon Ranch

98%

(41)

17mi from Painted Hills · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Gosport, IN

Come and enjoy our private 90-acre retreat, perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. Nestled in an arch of the White River, this secluded sanctuary boasts two private lakes, offering opportunities for swimming, hiking, fishing, and relaxation. Conveniently located within a short driving distance to Indy, Bloomington, and Southern Indiana, you'll find yourself immersed in nature while still having access to nearby urban amenities. We offer five powered campsites and numerous options for primitive camping lakeside or riverside. Please note that there are no direct water hookups, so be sure to bring your own water for your stay.

3. Cera Sports Park and Campground

62%

(13)

33mi from Painted Hills · 301 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Columbus, IN

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.

4. Morgan Monroe State Forest

67%

(3)

35 sites · Painted Hills, Indiana

Discover the natural splendor of Morgan Monroe State Forest.

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

5. Yellowwood State Forest

100%

(3)

90 sites · Nashville, Indiana

Discover the natural splendor of Yellowwood State Forest and its myriad outdoor activities.

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

6. Stone of Hope Campground

100%

(1)

43mi from Painted Hills · 2 sites · Tents · Brazil, IN

A private lake nestled in the woods with trails throughout Peaceful, wild life - a real opportunity to experience nature at its best

7. Monroe Lake

92%

(8)

312 sites · Smithville Sanders, Indiana

At Monroe Lake, your trip will be about as deluxe as a state park stay gets. Lounge your days away at the Fourwinds Resort & Marina, where the crisp linens and mini-fridges will spoil you into oblivion. Even if you're looking to rough it a little on the campgrounds, you'll still have access to a vast array of activities. Two different beaches perfect for swimming, boat rentals, and several beautiful hiking trails highlight the natural beauty in the area. Whether you're on the hunt for waterfowl or want to waterski on the gorgeous sparkling waters, your favorite outdoor activity is likely found here. Did we mention there's a Marina called The Pleasure Craft? Just soak that in for a minute. No more information needed.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

8. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

100%

(6)

150 sites · Vallonia, Indiana

Discover the natural charm of Starve Hollow State Recreation Area.

Pets

Potable water

Campfires

9. Spring Mill State Park

100%

(2)

224 sites · Mitchell, Indiana

See how pioneers lived and learn about outer space at this southern Indiana park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

10. Shakamak State Park

100%

(1)

207 sites · Coalmont, Indiana

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

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Painted Hills

100%

(1)

Oak Ridge Campground

5.8mi from Painted Hills · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Morgan Monroe State Forest

100%

(1)

Scout Ridge Youth Tent Campground

5.8mi from Painted Hills · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Morgan Monroe State Forest

Mason Ridge Campground

6.3mi from Painted Hills · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · in Morgan Monroe State Forest

100%

(3)

Yellowwood Campground

15mi from Painted Hills · 90 sites · Tents, RVs · in Yellowwood State Forest

92%

(8)

Monroe Lake Campground

22mi from Painted Hills · 312 sites · Tents, RVs · in Monroe Lake

100%

(6)

Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

43mi from Painted Hills · 150 sites · Tents, RVs · in Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

100%

(2)

Spring Mill Campground

46mi from Painted Hills · 224 sites · Tents, RVs · in Spring Mill State Park

100%

(1)

Shakamak Campground

50mi from Painted Hills · 207 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shakamak State Park

Stories from the community

D

David

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Stone of Hope Campground

What an awesome camp site. It is on a nicely mowed flat lawn on the edge of an old stone quarry. Beautiful! The hosts are very nice and showed me the whole property. I can’t wait to go back next summer!

M

Matias Ignacio

2 weeks ago

19 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cera Sports Park and Campground

Quiet and beautiful place. Kids friendly. Clean bathrooms.

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!

Z

Zack

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Dirt Weapon Ranch

Great place to pitch a tent. I would go back. View was great.

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.

J

October 2025

45 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Dirt Weapon Ranch

Pros: RV electric hookups. Clean onsite bathroom with running water, sink, flushing toilet and shower. Nice well maintained camping sites (tent and RV). Plenty of land to roam and enjoy nature. Beautiful views of the lakes, nature and wildlife. Cons: Limited number of firepits. All 5 RV sites share one firepit. Not a real issue if you're the only one there but not great if there are other groups booked on site. Some of the camping sites have firepits but not all of them. Lakes have some junk in them, tires, etc. There is overflow from the river so when it floods the river flows into the lakes and it brings along the trash with it. It wasn't too bad but does give you pause when considering swimming or fishing. Overall: We had a great trip and will book here again. The pro's outweigh the cons and it was a lot of fun getting away for a weekend with friends.

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

A

Alexander

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Dirt Weapon Ranch

I love this place, very quiet, spacious, good place to fish and enjoy nature, the owner always responded quickly to any questions and always willing to help, in short I would live here without problems, we will definitely return to this place soon

A

Alexander

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Dirt Weapon Ranch

the place is beautiful, it's quiet, we loved it, we would definitely go back!

J

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Dirt Weapon Ranch

Me and the wife, as well as our two children, had a wonderful time! We caught a lot of fish, and my son caught one of his biggest fish yet out of one of the two ponds! My daughter is soon to be 4, and the grass and property were very well maintained as well as the roads being very easy to navigate! We stayed for 3 days and two nights and had wished we had longer to stay. You're close to two town where you can pick up any warm food if you didn't bring anything like that or any supplies you may need. The bathroom and shower was a very nice addition that we don't always find at every hipcamp. The wildlife in the area is plentiful! Both nights we had deer behind our tent, and one night even had one close enough to hear it make it's snort/blow sound and my family loved that. We will definitely be back anytime we want to camp in that area. The pond by the beach is super clean, and would be great swimming in the summer!

Z

Ziv

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Dirt Weapon Ranch

Very cool place, private and convenient. I highly recommend

T

Tim

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Dirt Weapon Ranch

Loved how quiet and private this site felt! I would definitely come back and recommended this to anyone looking for a clean, beautiful and easy place to camp!

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!

M

Micaela

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Dirt Weapon Ranch

Beautiful land. We stayed during a hot October weekend and there were no other campers, so it felt private. Loved being able to cool down in the lake and watch all of the fish splashing out of the water. Plus, this time of year there's not too many mosquitos. There is a communal restroom at the end of the drive with interior and exterior showers. Someone elsewhere out in the woods enjoyed their own weekend, which we could hear. It wasn't an issue for us, but I can understand if that would be a consideration for someone looking for something truly secluded. The long gravel drive was fun to drive down and didn't pose an issue for my tiny 2wd sedan. Thanks for the relaxing stay!

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.

Jenny

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Dirt Weapon Ranch

Stayed one night after exploring the Redbird State Recreation area and headed east. What a beautiful evening listening to the crickets and frogs and the birds in the morning. We booked the primitive lake site 1 but the host reached out to share we were the only reservation for the night so could camp wherever worked best. Went for a morning walk before hitting the road again and enjoyed seeing deer. Would definitely stay here again if ever back in this direction.

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!

T

Thawng

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Dirt Weapon Ranch

It was a very nice spot. I love that it wasn’t crowded and it almost felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. Has an easy access to the river and ponds.

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.