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The best river, stream, or creek RV sites near Santa Claus
98% (841) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Claus
Fairhaven Farm Campground
1. Fairhaven Farm Campground
94%
(51)
27mi from Santa Claus · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Nighthawk Forest
2. Nighthawk Forest
100%
(16)
33mi from Santa Claus · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
Happy Hollow Homestead
3. Happy Hollow Homestead
99%
(910)
37mi from Santa Claus · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
- Voted best Hipcamp in Indiana for 7 years.
- Listed on Rachael Ray Magazine's "8 of America's Coolest Campgrounds"
We offer a "Camping Cabin", The "Cozy Camping Cottage" or tent camping in Black Walnut Grove, in an open field, in the woods, or a shady grove. We like to interact with people or you can keep to yourself and have a quiet getaway in the woods. Sorry, but the tree house isn't available to rent since it is my home. I may rent it out in the future. Also in progress is the "Dome"
We are on a solar powered, off the grid 30 acre homestead that has 24 acres of wooded land and 6 acres of groomed land. Come explore our land and relax in the "Tree Web", see the 2 story tree house that I live in, have fun on the tire swing, or just sit and enjoy all that nature has to offer. You can explore our interesting topography that has close to 100 foot of elevation changes, our (mostly) dry creek system that starts with 2 springs that drain into 3 sinkholes or walk 3 miles of trails (if you follow each trail from end to end).
We love groups - Host your event here or have a group gathering with all your friends and family. We have spaces large enough to host hundreds of people.
We welcome pets for camping, but no pets allow in the Camping Cabin. Also be aware that we have 2 friendly dogs on the land that roam freely.
- 3.5 miles to Marengo Cave
- 7 miles to the Blue River (canoes, rafting and swimming)
- 30 minutes to Patoka Lake
- 37 miles west of Louisville
- 13 miles north of Interstate 64
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Pike State Forest
4. Pike State Forest
100%
(1)
State forest 21mi from Santa Claus · 36 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Pike State Forest.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Patoka Lake
5. Patoka Lake
100%
(1)
State park 24mi from Santa Claus · 445 sites
Discover plenty to do on the water at Indiana's second-largest lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Buck Creek Sanctuary
6. Buck Creek Sanctuary
94%
(60)
48mi from Santa Claus · 15 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Buck Creek Sanctuary, a 58-acre botanical, wildlife and human sanctuary located near Elizabeth, Indiana. A place where people can connect with nature, each other, and themselves.
“There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places”
-Wendell Berry
Buck Creek Sanctuary is a place to return to the sacred.
Buck Creek Sanctuary is designed to help bring the scared back into our everyday lives
Ken’s guiding truth is that we are part of nature and must find our part to play within it by honoring all things as being sacred. He dedicates his life to personal growth, consciousness raising, health, and healing of the planet.
He wants to share Buck Creek Sanctuary with others
to allow them to connect with nature and the sacredness of all things.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$10
/ night
Hohl Farms
7. Hohl Farms
100%
(8)
6.7mi from Santa Claus · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
O'Bannon Woods State Park
8. O'Bannon Woods State Park
75%
(3)
State park 36mi from Santa Claus · 291 sites
Discover O'Bannon Woods State Park and its lush landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
John James Audubon State Park
9. John James Audubon State Park
State park 38mi from Santa Claus · 87 sites
Discover John James Audubon State Park's natural beauty and wildlife.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Rough River Lake
10. Rough River Lake
60%
(5)
Park 47mi from Santa Claus · 355 sites
Boasting rocky shorelines, verdant outcroppings, and tranquil waters, Rough River Lake is a stunning getaway for you and your closest friends. About 90 miles south of Louisville, it's far enough away from civilization to get a breath of fresh air, but close enough not to be too inconvenient. If you're really rarin' to explore, try hitting up the sandy beaches built for swimming and boat launches that are just waiting for your vessel. Hiking and interpretive trails are the perfect place to keep an eye out for wildlife, and no one will fault you for wanting to take a swing at the 18-hole golf course. With the historic Green Farm nearby, you can check out a large ancestral home and water-powered mill sitting on 3,000 miles of picturesque land. Pretty sweet deal, we've gotta say.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
98% (841) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Claus
Fairhaven Farm Campground
1. Fairhaven Farm Campground
94%
(51)
27mi from Santa Claus · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Nighthawk Forest
2. Nighthawk Forest
100%
(16)
33mi from Santa Claus · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
Happy Hollow Homestead
3. Happy Hollow Homestead
99%
(910)
37mi from Santa Claus · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
- Voted best Hipcamp in Indiana for 7 years.
- Listed on Rachael Ray Magazine's "8 of America's Coolest Campgrounds"
We offer a "Camping Cabin", The "Cozy Camping Cottage" or tent camping in Black Walnut Grove, in an open field, in the woods, or a shady grove. We like to interact with people or you can keep to yourself and have a quiet getaway in the woods. Sorry, but the tree house isn't available to rent since it is my home. I may rent it out in the future. Also in progress is the "Dome"
We are on a solar powered, off the grid 30 acre homestead that has 24 acres of wooded land and 6 acres of groomed land. Come explore our land and relax in the "Tree Web", see the 2 story tree house that I live in, have fun on the tire swing, or just sit and enjoy all that nature has to offer. You can explore our interesting topography that has close to 100 foot of elevation changes, our (mostly) dry creek system that starts with 2 springs that drain into 3 sinkholes or walk 3 miles of trails (if you follow each trail from end to end).
We love groups - Host your event here or have a group gathering with all your friends and family. We have spaces large enough to host hundreds of people.
We welcome pets for camping, but no pets allow in the Camping Cabin. Also be aware that we have 2 friendly dogs on the land that roam freely.
- 3.5 miles to Marengo Cave
- 7 miles to the Blue River (canoes, rafting and swimming)
- 30 minutes to Patoka Lake
- 37 miles west of Louisville
- 13 miles north of Interstate 64
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Pike State Forest
4. Pike State Forest
100%
(1)
State forest 21mi from Santa Claus · 36 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Pike State Forest.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Patoka Lake
5. Patoka Lake
100%
(1)
State park 24mi from Santa Claus · 445 sites
Discover plenty to do on the water at Indiana's second-largest lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Buck Creek Sanctuary
6. Buck Creek Sanctuary
94%
(60)
48mi from Santa Claus · 15 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Buck Creek Sanctuary, a 58-acre botanical, wildlife and human sanctuary located near Elizabeth, Indiana. A place where people can connect with nature, each other, and themselves.
“There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places”
-Wendell Berry
Buck Creek Sanctuary is a place to return to the sacred.
Buck Creek Sanctuary is designed to help bring the scared back into our everyday lives
Ken’s guiding truth is that we are part of nature and must find our part to play within it by honoring all things as being sacred. He dedicates his life to personal growth, consciousness raising, health, and healing of the planet.
He wants to share Buck Creek Sanctuary with others
to allow them to connect with nature and the sacredness of all things.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$10
/ night
Hohl Farms
7. Hohl Farms
100%
(8)
6.7mi from Santa Claus · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
O'Bannon Woods State Park
8. O'Bannon Woods State Park
75%
(3)
State park 36mi from Santa Claus · 291 sites
Discover O'Bannon Woods State Park and its lush landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
John James Audubon State Park
9. John James Audubon State Park
State park 38mi from Santa Claus · 87 sites
Discover John James Audubon State Park's natural beauty and wildlife.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Rough River Lake
10. Rough River Lake
60%
(5)
Park 47mi from Santa Claus · 355 sites
Boasting rocky shorelines, verdant outcroppings, and tranquil waters, Rough River Lake is a stunning getaway for you and your closest friends. About 90 miles south of Louisville, it's far enough away from civilization to get a breath of fresh air, but close enough not to be too inconvenient. If you're really rarin' to explore, try hitting up the sandy beaches built for swimming and boat launches that are just waiting for your vessel. Hiking and interpretive trails are the perfect place to keep an eye out for wildlife, and no one will fault you for wanting to take a swing at the 18-hole golf course. With the historic Green Farm nearby, you can check out a large ancestral home and water-powered mill sitting on 3,000 miles of picturesque land. Pretty sweet deal, we've gotta say.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
E
Ellie
January 2026
16 ft car
We car camped and it was absolutely amazing! Kerry was very sweet and helpful! The property is amazing, we plan to come back to stay longer when it's warmer outside!
See moreK
Kathryn
December 2025
Tent
Kerry was very accommodating on our last minute trip! The property was beautiful & interesting & we loved exploring during our low key over night stay. We’ll definitely come back!
See more
J
Jen
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Kerry was a phenomenal host with prompt details messages about local hikes and cave expeditions. He was patience with our staggered arrival. The creativity that goes into how the land is cultivated is clear.
The suspended string platform was so zen being surrounded by a perfect autumn mosaic.
The puppies and pigs on the property were so friendly and polite.
We will be back!
See more
T
Timothy
October 2025
Tent
Kerry was kind, helpful, and the communication was great! This was a beautiful and comfortable environment. We felt safe and welcomed here. The land is beautiful and there is plenty to explore. At night the stars really stand out, great place to sit out by the campfire. You might get so lucky to have a visit from Jersey (the neighborhood dog) who was very friendly and not at all aggressive.
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Steve
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Host was very welcoming and accommodating to our time table. Beautiful setting
See moreK
Kathryn
October 2025
Tent
We really enjoyed our time in the black walnut grove! I’ll be honest and say, we didn’t consider the implications of being in a walnut grove when leaves (and walnuts) are falling, and they fall from very tall trees. But we didn’t run into any issues with it, bedsides an occasional jump scare lol. It was quiet and private, while also having Kerry on property for any issues or questions we might have had. He was extremely accommodating and prompt with responses. I would gladly return to his property for another trip :)
See more
J
James
October 2025
Jen
October 2025
Tent
Ghe property was beautiful and has a lot of really unique sleeping quarters, as well as some very unique little areas sprinkled throughout the property. Kerry was super nice and has a good sense of humor. He was very direct and helpful, and then left us to enjoy our time on his property. We didn't need to reach out, but he did leave his inbox open in case we needed anything during our stay. The camp site were the most spacious and spread out that I have personally come across, leaving plenty of privacy. We absolutely loved our stay here at the Homestead.
See moreJ
Jim
October 2025
18 ft campervan
I was only on this wonderful Land for one evening & morning. It's beauty, calmness, & positive vibrations is impactful.
Easy to find.
Host are as cool as they come.
Everything is clean, locatable, & it's a safe & comfortable space.
Artist, creative thinkers, and ponderers, will immediately be inspired upon arrival!
See more
Jeremy
September 2025
31 ft Class C
Great private, quiet overnight stop, was exactly what we needed.
See more
J
Jennifer
September 2025
Tent
Kerry was so kind and helpful. The property is beautiful and well-maintained and has a couple outhouses and shower. We had plenty of room at our site and a fire pit. The giant rope net they have up in the trees is so cool, we had a lot of fun taking pictures up there. Definitely recommend this campsite, everything was perfect!
See moreJ
Jessica
September 2025
L
Lilly
September 2025
Tent
We had a great stay! Ken was nice and accommodating. Beautiful area.
See more
R
Rob
September 2025
14 ft toy hauler
🤩 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.
See moreR
Rachel
September 2025
Tent
With pets
My trip was wonderful!! Kerry was lovely and accommodating; I felt very comfortable being there and really enjoyed the privacy of the site as well. Kerry was great about letting me know what would be going on in the area during my stay. I’m also very excited about the maple syrup!!
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Mathew
September 2025
12 ft campervan
Wonderful site, host was helpful warm welcoming and a pleasure to chat with. Absolutely can recommend staying here.
See more
J
JimandCathleen
September 2025
16 ft car
Lovely place. Had it to ourselves. Quiet. Bathroom clean. Running water. Great night sky.
See moreK
Kate
September 2025
Tent
We tent camped under the trees and it was fantastic. We had plenty of privacy, easy access to a bathroom, and a small water spigot by the site. Kerry is a great host and checked in with us when our walk took us by his workshop.
If you want a low-key and relaxing escape, this is a great place to find it.
See mores
scott
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Great stay. Well spaced put sites. Would definitely come again!
See more
S
Scott
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Perfect weather for a relaxing getaway. Kerry was a great host. The campsites well maintained - freshly mowed! Quiet and comfortable.
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