The best campgrounds near Trafalgar, Indiana with swimming

In Trafalgar, you’ll find over 1,700 places to camp with direct access to swimming—ponds, creeks, and small lakes dot the area, so you rarely walk far for a dip. Average rates hover around $42 a night, but some sites go as low as $7 if you’re flexible. The water is usually clear by mid-summer, and you’ll notice locals packing up for an early morning swim or a lazy afternoon float. Campsites like Happy Campers Campground (109 reviews), Shalamar Farm (81 reviews), and The Rusted Plow (15 reviews) stand out for easy water access and plenty of shade. Most sites allow campfires and pets; you’ll also find basic toilets at almost every campground. Between swims, you can spot deer at dawn or cast a line for bluegill. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a good cooler—summer here is made for the water.

100% (246)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Trafalgar, you’ll find over 1,700 places to camp with direct access to swimming—ponds, creeks, and small lakes dot the area, so you rarely walk far for a dip. Average rates hover around $42 a night, but some sites go as low as $7 if you’re flexible. The water is usually clear by mid-summer, and you’ll notice locals packing up for an early morning swim or a lazy afternoon float. Campsites like Happy Campers Campground (109 reviews), Shalamar Farm (81 reviews), and The Rusted Plow (15 reviews) stand out for easy water access and plenty of shade. Most sites allow campfires and pets; you’ll also find basic toilets at almost every campground. Between swims, you can spot deer at dawn or cast a line for bluegill. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a good cooler—summer here is made for the water.

100% (246)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Happy Campers Campground

99%

(191)

47mi from Trafalgar · 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. The Rusted Plow

100%

(22)

39mi from Trafalgar · 19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Carthage, IN

We live off of a gorgeous winding tree lined road between Knightstown and Carthage. Our property has several options for you to tent camp or we can accommodate large RVs. Electric will be supplied via extension cord and we can provide well water to fill your tank or a hose from our pump for you to use as needed. We own 10 acres with a pasture of wild flowers, chickens, and several varieties of trees. The surrounding 100 acres along Big Blue River is owned by our family and available for your enjoyment. Kayaking, hiking, bird watching, swimming and just relaxing! We hope we can be a quiet spot for your travels thru the midwest. We are 30 minutes from Indianapolis, 20 minutes to a gorgeous lake and mountain bike trail and Knightstown has several quaint shops and antique venues for you to enjoy! Please keep all animals on a leash or contained. We do live in the midst of cornfields and forest where racoons, opossums and our pets live. We have outdoor kitties Reginald is a big gray boy who will try to climb your leg if you stand still long enough! lol Abigail is our outdoor pooch and she does like to roam outside during the day. We also have a new to our farm rescued Great Pyreneese that is adjusting! She is in an enclosed pen behind our barn and should'nt cause you any trouble. You may hear her barking off and on as she adjusts to the new surroundings. If you need anything please let us know :D We are always ready to make your stay as comfortable as we can!

3. Blue River Sports

100%

(18)

37mi from Trafalgar · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Carthage, IN

Our 22 acre property is perfect for people who want to get away. There is only one house visible from ours. Its very quiet and secluded. We offer 50amp service, water hookup and dump station if needed. There is WIFI also available for RV Campers (we are in the country so it is what it is). There are 2 sites. One in the woods for tent campers and one up above for RV campers. We do not have showers or bathrooms for campers. The Big Blue River boarders the whole property. We have kayaks we could rent out if someone needed them or bring your own. We have a large fire ring up above and a more compact one for river front, with the first wheel barrow load of wood free. We are close to I70 and have a nice little convince store and Dollar Store about a mile away that will have all the necessities. Plenty of room to park at both sites.

4. Brown County State Park

100%

(21)

610 sites · Nashville, Indiana

Mountains in Indiana? Welcome to the Little Smokies.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

5. Hoosier National Forest

88%

(13)

252 sites · Paoli, Indiana

See the wilderness of southern Indiana from the Ohio River to just south of Bloomington.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

6. Shalamar Farm

100%

(126)

48mi from Trafalgar · 3 sites · RVs · Lebanon, IN

BEST IN STATE 2025, hosted over 240 rigs since 2020! Private home with 13 acres built in 2018 with maintained lawn, shade trees, quiet and peaceful setting. Accept long term renters and traveling professionals. Eleven miles to LP1 (North Eli Lilly site) and 4 miles to Leap (Foundry). Welcome to Shalamar Farm, our second time around! SHADE TREE: full hook ups, pull thru, rig must be less than 30 feet. NORTH: full hook ups, back in, rig must be less than 35'. SOUTH: full hook ups, back in, rig must be less than 45'. BOOKED UNTIL 8-2027 HOSPITALS: Lebanon 7 miles, Crawfordsville 19 miles, Zionsville 20 miles, Westfield 25 miles, Indianapolis (86th Street area) 26 miles, Carmel 31 miles. Do not feed our friendly pets, George our 20 yo horse and Lowell our 7 yo cat. Eastern time zone.

7. Heartland Resort

33mi from Trafalgar · 41 sites · Greenfield, IN

Heartland Resort stands out as a serene oasis in Central Indiana, just a short 20-minute drive east of Indianapolis. Nestled in a picturesque setting, our campground offers a peaceful retreat with full hook-ups suitable for RVs of all sizes. Whether you're planning a quick overnight stay, a weekend getaway, or an extended visit for a week or even a month, Heartland Resort is the perfect destination. For those looking to immerse themselves in the camping experience, seasonal stays are also available. We pride ourselves on providing a welcoming atmosphere and are dedicated to accommodating your needs. Come and discover the charm of Heartland RV Resort, where relaxation and adventure await!

8. 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

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

9. McCormicks Creek State Park

100%

(5)

233 sites · Spencer, Indiana

Welcome to Indiana’s first state park, camping mecca since 1916.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

10. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

100%

(6)

150 sites · Vallonia, Indiana

Discover the natural charm of Starve Hollow State Recreation Area.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Campfires

11. 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

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Trafalgar

100%

(21)

Brown County Campground

17mi from Trafalgar · 610 sites · Tents, RVs · in Brown County State Park

Little Salt Creek Group Site

26mi from Trafalgar · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Hoosier National Forest

92%

(8)

Monroe Lake Campground

27mi from Trafalgar · 312 sites · Tents, RVs · in Monroe Lake

100%

(6)

Hardin Ridge Campground

32mi from Trafalgar · 200 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hoosier National Forest

100%

(5)

McCormicks Creek Campground

32mi from Trafalgar · 233 sites · Tents, RVs · in McCormicks Creek State Park

100%

(6)

Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

41mi from Trafalgar · 150 sites · Tents, RVs · in Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

100%

(2)

Spring Mill Campground

49mi from Trafalgar · 224 sites · Tents, RVs · in Spring Mill State Park

Stories from the community

S

Sheldon

November 2025

19 ft campervan

1 night at The Rusted Plow

We were able to park wherever we wanted on the property. Super quiet spot once the sun went down.

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

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.

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.

charmaine

September 2025

29 ft travel trailer

With pets

9 nights at Shalamar Farm

It's great place to relax and enjoy being with the ones you love ! Lowell the orange cat is the best! The host are very welcoming too 😁

M

Mary

September 2025

13 ft travel trailer

1 night at The Rusted Plow

Tina and Ron are awesome hosts with a great location - just far enough off the beaten path, but still convenient for travelers passing through for one night on a road trip. I was a same day reservation and communication was top notch. I knew before I arrived that I had made the right choice. Ron met me upon my arrival and directed me to my site. Had a wonderful night’s sleep in a peaceful location. I will definitely stay here again when I am passing through this part of Indiana. Thanks for a great stay!

Sandy

September 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Shalamar Farm

We loved camping at Steve and Linda’s farm! It was so peaceful and quiet. They were truly wonderful hosts and we loved meeting the 4 legged hosts too—Lowell (kitty) and George (horse)! Close to restaurants and we loved walking and biking the BIG 4 trail! Perfect escape from hustle and bustle!

A

Adam

August 2025

19 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Blue River Sports

Hosts were extremely friendly and helpful. Spot was quiet.

R

Robert

July 2025

28 ft Class B

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Rusted Plow

Nice quiet place - until sunup when the chickens start to squawking. But really that’s part of the attraction. Site was nice with a fire ring and a relaxing view. Once dark the fireflies came out and it was really cool. The trip from the highway to Tina’s was interesting in itself and showed us a part of Indiana we didn’t know existed. We stopped for a quick overnight on our way west and it worked perfect for us.

J

James

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Happy Campers Campground

I absolutely loved camping on Dwight’s land. Dwight and his wife are absolutely amazing people. They were very helpful with everything his wife even offered us life jackets and floaties so that we could go swimming in the pond and on a very hot day it was very helpful. I honestly would live there if I could haha. I would HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND Dwight and Happy Campers as a place for a peaceful getaway,and I definitely will be back very soon

I

Isaac

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Happy Campers Campground

Very peaceful and quiet place to get away from the noise and enjoy a nice cabin along with A fire pit and swimming in the pond. the hosts were very helpful and friendly. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who enjoys the countryside.

j

jerika

March 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Happy Campers Campground

my family & i loved Dwight's place! we booked the day of & were greeted when we arrived to the cabin on the property. cabin was very clean & oh so cozy w. a beautiful view of the pond on site. my son did some pretty good fishing, room to walk the dog around & probably the cleanest outhouse i've been in to date! thanks so much for having us.. can't wait to come back!