Lake Camping Near Tell City, Indiana, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2026

Looking for a lakeside camping spot around Tell City? You’ll find over 1,200 choices here, all set up for easy access to the water—perfect if you want to wake up to the sound of waves or cast a fishing line before breakfast. Top options include Lake View camping (81 reviews), Hill Springs Campground (48 reviews), and Nighthawk Forest (9 reviews). Most sites offer toilets, allow pets, and let you build a campfire. Swim, hike the shoreline trails, or fish straight from camp. Prices average $40 a night, with some options as low as $15. If you want a real lake experience, this is the place to do it.

96% (200)

Top-rated campgrounds near Tell City

Looking for a lakeside camping spot around Tell City? You’ll find over 1,200 choices here, all set up for easy access to the water—perfect if you want to wake up to the sound of waves or cast a fishing line before breakfast. Top options include Lake View camping (81 reviews), Hill Springs Campground (48 reviews), and Nighthawk Forest (9 reviews). Most sites offer toilets, allow pets, and let you build a campfire. Swim, hike the shoreline trails, or fish straight from camp. Prices average $40 a night, with some options as low as $15. If you want a real lake experience, this is the place to do it.

96% (200)

Top-rated campgrounds near Tell City

1. Tar Springs 2

98%

(32)

13mi from Tell City · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Historic property once a health resort in the 1840's, lodging rooms available, men's and women's restrooms and showers, lockers, kitchenette, optional breakfast, private 16 acre lake, fishing and boats available, dock, natural springs and rock formations enclose the valley, hiking, camping sites and primitive camping available. Original property was considered for a training camp facility for Mohammed Ali. For your safety, no arrivals after dark.

2. Lake View camping

98%

(147)

14mi from Tell City · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

30 years ago this was a pay lake it has been shut down for years. I got it a few years ago for a family getaway. So there is some really nice fish in the lakes. We have a outside kitchen with a gas grill, gas griddle and sink.we also have a sink for your use. There is also a toilet with a flushing toilet.

3. Hill Springs Campground

100%

(68)

33mi from Tell City · 15 sites · Tents, RVs

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

4. Lincoln State Park

299 sites · Gentryville, Indiana

Lincoln State Park: A Tribute to Nature and History.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Ferdinand State Forest

57 sites · Birdseye, Indiana

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

Campfires

Toilets

Potable water

6. Live.Love.Lake

100%

(1)

34mi from Tell City · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Relax, unwind, and take in the wonderful sights and sounds of nature with the beautiful river running through the backyard. Enjoy the firepit and quiet forest surroundings with your loved ones in our two bedroom, one bath home. Beautiful scenery from newly installed windows, bunk bed with additional roll out bed and sleeper couch, as well as coffee bar and private parking await you! As of Nov. 2022, the river is currently down in level due to winter but still a beautiful feature to see.

7. Nighthawk Forest

100%

(16)

38mi from Tell City · 3 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.

8. Painter Creek Camp Resort

79%

(7)

36mi from Tell City · 2 sites · RVs

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!

9. Scales Lake Park

28mi from Tell City · 51 sites

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.

10. Rough River Lake

60%

(5)

355 sites · Caneyville, Kentucky

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

11. Patoka Lake

100%

(1)

445 sites · Birdseye, Indiana

Discover plenty to do on the water at Indiana's second-largest lake.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

12. John James Audubon State Park

87 sites · Henderson, Kentucky

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Camper favorites near Tell City

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Live.Love.Lake

100%

(1)

34mi from Tell City · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Relax, unwind, and take in the wonderful sights and sounds of nature with the beautiful river running through the backyard. Enjoy the firepit and quiet forest surroundings with your loved ones in our two bedroom, one bath home. Beautiful scenery from newly installed windows, bunk bed with additional roll out bed and sleeper couch, as well as coffee bar and private parking await you! As of Nov. 2022, the river is currently down in level due to winter but still a beautiful feature to see.

Nighthawk Forest

100%

(16)

38mi from Tell City · 3 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.

Painter Creek Camp Resort

79%

(7)

36mi from Tell City · 2 sites · RVs

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!

Scales Lake Park

28mi from Tell City · 51 sites

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.

Public campgrounds near Tell City

Lincoln State Campground

17mi from Tell City · 299 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln State Park

Ferdinand Campground

22mi from Tell City · 57 sites · in Ferdinand State Forest

Axtel Campground

28mi from Tell City · 153 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rough River Lake

100%

(2)

North Fork Campground

28mi from Tell City · 79 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rough River Lake

Laurel Branch Campground

29mi from Tell City · 61 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rough River Lake

100%

(1)

Cave Creek Campground

30mi from Tell City · 62 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rough River Lake

100%

(1)

Patoka Lake Campground

30mi from Tell City · 445 sites · Tents, RVs · in Patoka Lake

John James Audubon Campground

44mi from Tell City · 87 sites · Tents, RVs · in John James Audubon State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

C

Cheryl

November 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

The rooms were nice and the property is beautiful! Hosts were very kind and helpful.

V

Victoria

November 2025

10 ft campervan

1 night at Live.Love.Lake

Excellent stargazing! We were just passing through, stayed in our van in the driveway and were comfortable. The is a lovely stone firepit with chairs in the yard with lake and star views. I expect it would be a great spot for hunters passing through or setting up for a while. Recommended!

J

Joshua

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Hill Springs Campground

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

s

shylah

October 2025

With kids

3 nights at Tar Springs 2

I cat say enough about how awesome this place was and what an incredible value for the price! Chuck and Van were gracious and kind hosts and we enjoyed getting to know them while we were there too! The photos don’t do this place justice. The kitchen had everything we needed, the bathroooms were immaculate. Our kids loved fishing, playing with the dogs and exploring. Also Jeffrey’s cliff hike is a MUST!

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!

C

Carrie

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

Our family had a FANTASTIC time at Tar Springs 2 with Chuck and Van. What a beautiful place! Everything was so clean and the sites were well spread out. The lake was perfect for fishing and the paddle boats were available for use. With water and firewood readily available it made things very convenient. The guest restrooms and showers were IMMACULATE! We felt so welcomed by them and their lovely pets! We were fortunate enough to be there during their Fall Festival and enjoyed the great bluegrass music in their outdoor stage, the food truck, and the fireworks. Really, nothing is more peaceful than watching the cows roam across the land while you sip your coffee by the open fire. Even with many sites filled, there was still a sense of quiet and being secluded. We really enjoyed this trip and are planning to (at least!) go back in the fall to enjoy the Sacagawea festival in September! Book this. What a beautiful place to rest your busy soul. Thank you, Chuck and Van. We can't wait to see how big the kitties get!

R

Robyn

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

The area is just beautiful! We really enjoyed our camping experience here!

J

Jeremy

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

Amazing place. Omg just beautiful. We stayed up the hill under the cliff so awesome. Very very cool place. Gemma and I (that’s my German Shepherd) went hiking around and we loved it. Easy hike either direction but totally amazing-must do. Chuck is very cool, they both super good people and I truly thought the world of them in a matter of minutes. Very clean well taken of property. Facilities were all there and very clean. Probably won’t camp anywhere else unless leaving the state. I have to go back to experience the beautiful lake. Yes my brother and my older son showed up the next day and we a great time, setting around the fire telling stories. Best camping spot around.

H

Harley

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Lake View camping

The campsite had running water and a small bathroom with hot water to wash your hands. 3 areas to fish. 2 kayaks available to use. Bathroom was kept nice and clean. It was just us on the tent camping side over the weekend. We caught a good amount of bluegill and catfish. William was very friendly and greeted us upon arrival and gave us a run down of what to expect. Fishing rules are in the bathroom as well. Everything was great overall. My kids had a blast.

A

Angela

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

Our family had an amazing time staying at Chuck and Van’s Tar Springs 2 campsite! They were wonderful hosts and made us feel so welcome!

A

Angela

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

We loved our stay at Chuck and Van’s! The privacy was amazing and the facilities so nicely kept! Hope to return for another weekend soon!

d

donna

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

Our stay here was wonderful! The scenery is breathtaking and so peaceful. Our host was so kind and showed us such a good time! This particular weekend had a food truck and a music band! The room was super nice and we were so pleased with all of the accommodations!!! We will definitely be coming back and hopefully get to stay longer!!!

M

Mindy

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

The property is soooo cool. The rock formations were amazing. The history of the land is worth researching. Van was the friendliest of hosts and their puppy hosts was also very friendly. ❤️ 10/10 recommend. Thank you so much!!

Z

Ziv

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Lake View camping

Beautiful site! Great set up, highly recommended !

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.

B

Brandon

September 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Lake View camping

Get-a-way. Quiet and dark. Calm and peaceful. Kind hosts greet you and then leave you to yourself. This site offers no frills but everything you need. From a common area with propane, grills, and some snackage, to included kayaks and a canoe. Quiet country roads—the kind that could take you home to the place you belong—allow walking and cycling and are never too far from a grocery or small town restaurant. WiFi does not exist here and that is okay (I promise). You will get a few bars for texting and some minor streaming. Radio and digital TV signals from Evansville (IN) and Louisville (KY) allow for some connection if you want it. Otherwise, wake up, have a coffee, stare at the pond, read, check and then ignore your email, take a nap, write a little, catch some sunfish or small bass or crappie, throw them back, buy things from Amish roadside stands (especially bake sales), go to the Dollar Store for groceries 10mins away. Wanna go a bit further? Go hiking or fishing or boating 30min away at Rough River State Park, drive 30ish mins to Owensboro for Barbecue the Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Green River Distillery, visit Holiday World Theme park an hour away for a couple of the country’s best rollercoasters and a giant waterpark with free sodas and free sunscreen, or drive 90 mins to Mammoth Cave National Park. Regardless, don’t go here or tell anyone about it because I don’t want it to get busy…

J

Joyce

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

It is a beautiful relaxing place. We spent 2 nights in their room. It was a relaxing weekend end ,with very nice people. So Nice to meet them. And stay in their resort.

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.

M

May

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Lake View camping

Had an amazing time in the cabin! The surrounding area was extremely scenic and private, the campsite was very clean, and Bill was very responsive. I'd highly recommend booking here!

B

Brent

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Tar Springs 2

We really enjoyed this campground. It was well maintained and spread out. Our dogs loved running around in the fields. It was a much needed getaway. Would recommend 10/10