Lake Camping Near Paoli, Indiana, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Paoli draws in campers with its lakes—over 2,000 options let you pitch your tent right by the water’s edge. You’ll find sites where the morning mist rolls off the water, and loons call at dusk. Average rates hover around $40 a night, but some spots dip as low as $28. Local favorites include Hill Springs Campground (48 reviews), Nighthawk Forest (9 reviews), and Painter Creek Camp Resort (4 reviews). Many sites come with showers, allow pets, and let you build a campfire. Spend your days hiking local trails, watching wildlife, or exploring on horseback. If lakeside camping is your thing, Paoli covers all the bases.

93% (77)

Top-rated campgrounds

Paoli draws in campers with its lakes—over 2,000 options let you pitch your tent right by the water’s edge. You’ll find sites where the morning mist rolls off the water, and loons call at dusk. Average rates hover around $40 a night, but some spots dip as low as $28. Local favorites include Hill Springs Campground (48 reviews), Nighthawk Forest (9 reviews), and Painter Creek Camp Resort (4 reviews). Many sites come with showers, allow pets, and let you build a campfire. Spend your days hiking local trails, watching wildlife, or exploring on horseback. If lakeside camping is your thing, Paoli covers all the bases.

93% (77)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Nighthawk Forest

100%

(16)

6.5mi from Paoli · 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.

2. Hill Springs Campground

100%

(68)

17mi from Paoli · 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

3. Painter Creek Camp Resort

79%

(7)

9.8mi from Paoli · 2 sites · RVs · French Lick, IN

Tucked back off of State Rd 145 in French Lick, IN our property offers year-round camping & full 50-amp hook ups available on all sites. A covered outdoor lounge, and a basketball court are available for guests to use, as well as seasonal bathhouse and laundry facility ($4 a load). We are only 1 mile from the Painter Creek Boat Ramp, and within a 15 min drive to Patoka Lake State Park, The French Lick-West Baden Resort, and The Pete Dye Golf Course!

4. 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

5. 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

6. Martin State Forest

26 sites · Shoals, Indiana

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

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

7. Ferdinand State Forest

57 sites · Birdseye, Indiana

Discover the natural charm of Ferdinand State Forest and its myriad of outdoor activities.

Potable water

Toilets

Campfires

8. Jackson-Washington State Forest

48 sites · Little York, Indiana

Discover the rugged beauty of Jackson-Washington State Forest.

Toilets

Campfires

9. 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

10. Deam Lake State Recreation Area

100%

(3)

215 sites · Borden, Indiana

Find your lake life vibes in southern Indiana.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

11. 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

12. Lincoln State Park

299 sites · Gentryville, Indiana

Lincoln State Park: A Tribute to Nature and History.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

13. 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

Public campgrounds near Paoli

100%

(2)

Spring Mill Campground

12mi from Paoli · 224 sites · Tents, RVs · in Spring Mill State Park

100%

(1)

Patoka Lake Campground

15mi from Paoli · 445 sites · Tents, RVs · in Patoka Lake

Martin Campground

17mi from Paoli · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Martin State Forest

Ferdinand Campground

26mi from Paoli · 57 sites · in Ferdinand State Forest

Jackson-Washington Campground

26mi from Paoli · 48 sites · in Jackson-Washington State Forest

100%

(6)

Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

28mi from Paoli · 150 sites · Tents, RVs · in Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

100%

(3)

Deam Lake State Recreation Area

34mi from Paoli · 215 sites · Tents, RVs · in Deam Lake State Recreation Area

92%

(8)

Monroe Lake Campground

37mi from Paoli · 312 sites · Tents, RVs · in Monroe Lake

Lincoln State Campground

42mi from Paoli · 299 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln State Park

100%

(3)

Yellowwood Campground

44mi from Paoli · 90 sites · Tents, RVs · in Yellowwood State Forest

Hardy Lake Campground

44mi from Paoli · 162 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hardy Lake

Stories from the community

J

Joshua

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Hill Springs Campground

Great hosts with an excellent, secluded spot…totally recommend!

s

sophia

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hill Springs Campground

This was a lovely camping spot! The views are gorgeous. The signage and directions to the site are easy to follow. Hosts were communicative and friendly. We love a secluded campsite and this felt like we were surrounded by nothing but trees and rolling farmland. The site was large with plenty of room for our tent and vehicles. We loved watching the sunset here! 10/10 recommend and would love to visit again!

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.

S

Scott

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Hill Springs Campground

I tent camped. It was quiet and clean. Easy to find. The property was properly maintained.

L

Liana

July 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Painter Creek Camp Resort

My husband and I loved our stay here! It was quiet, everyone was friendly, and there was so much there to keep us busy. One of our teenagers even stayed one night with us with their friend and loved it just as much! We are already thinking about staying seasonally. It’s just a short 30 minute drive from our house but made us feel like we were on a getaway.

L

Lars

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hill Springs Campground

The site was beautiful. Every direction was picturesque. We just so happened to go camping here on a weekend with a heat advisory and the pavilion was a nice source of shade. There were a lot more houseflies than I thought there would be; especially around the pavilion, but the site is in the middle of a farm so it’s not entirely unexpected. I’d definitely come back to camp here in the fall/winter.

A

Alek

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Hill Springs Campground

Absolutly beautiful property with plently of choices to camp. The host was communicative and accomedating to my circumstances. I would stay again if I was closer.

B

Brian

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hill Springs Campground

Bryan and Nicole were very accommodating, very nice experience