The best camping in Hardy Lake, IN

Discover Hardy Lake's serene waters and vibrant wildlife.

The best camping in Hardy Lake, IN

1. Hardy Lake Campground

162 sites · Tents, RVs · In Hardy Lake

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Hardy Lake is the only property with a raptor rehabilitation center, though we're sorry to say they don't currently have any dinos in stock

Public campgrounds in Hardy Lake are often sold-out.

Nightfall Farm

2. Nightfall Farm

100%

(74)

4.5mi from Hardy Lake · 2 sites · Lodging

We're bringing my family farm back to life. My parents farmed here until the 1980's, but couldn't make a profit with corn and soybeans. My husband, Nate, and I moved home in 2014, and started turning the fields into pastures. Today, we run Nightfall Farm, raise animals with respect, and sell pasture-raised meat locally. Come wander the 125 acres of woods, wetlands, and farm. Check out the animals in our pastures, and walk along the Muscatatuck River. Enjoy a quiet fire. Hear the roar of frogs calling in Spring. Chase fireflies. Behold a family farm coming back to life.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

from

$60

/ night

Rockytop Family Farms

3. Rockytop Family Farms

97%

(43)

16mi from Hardy Lake · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

**25 Minutes north of Louisville, KY** ________________________________________ RV Site on our family land. 30 AND 50 amp electric, water, sewer. Fire-pit with seating, free firewood provided. Trash can provided. Next-door to Yankeetown Area/indoor roping arena. If you participate in the rodeo at Yankeetown, utilize our site with hookups for your horse trailer! Nearby access to the Knobstone trail access point. Just a few miles away from LM Sugarbush; Indiana's largest annual Maple Syrup Festival. Long gravel driveway; 1/4 mile or more off of State Rd 160. We border the Clark-State Forestry. We have a small farm pond that's full of fish; no license required. Bring your fishing pole and have fun! Expect to hear chickens, guineas, pigs, dogs barking, kids playing. You may hear a tractor, lawn mower, or gator ATV go by as we are always busy doing something. Your pets are welcome, but keep in mind that this property is patrolled by two large Great Pyrenees dogs, and while they are friendly to people, they are territorial and have been aggressive towards other dogs until they become friends. For the safety of all the dogs, your pets must be contained/on a leash at least until all of the dogs can get to know each other. We are 5 miles from I-65, and 19 miles north of Louisville, KY. Verizon phone/data service is good; can't confirm others.

Pets

Campfires

Full hookups

from

$26

/ night

Riverside Camp & Ramp

4. Riverside Camp & Ramp

100%

(12)

20mi from Hardy Lake · 9 sites · RVs

Get away from the city life and come stay down at Riverside Camp and Ramp. This campsite is nested on a beautiful view of the Ohio River just 3 miles outside of Madison, IN. Get away from it all when you stay under the stars at the Riverside O-Asis! With access to a fire ring, picnic table and shared green space, you can enjoy all of the amenities of camp life plus a beautiful view.

Pets

Full hookups

from

$54

/ night

Hidden Valley River Camp

5. Hidden Valley River Camp

99%

(200)

23mi from Hardy Lake · 4 sites · Tents

Beautiful valley on the Ohio River with 300 feet of beach front, private boat dock, covered 20x30 community pavilion and a large fire pit. A beautiful creek to explore, very secluded and off the beaten path with lots of wildlife to enjoy.Learn more about this land:Beautiful private Valley setting on the Ohio River with private boat dock. Creek bed with rocks and fossils. 2 covered pavillions and fire pit and eagles and wildlife There is a mile gravel road and steep hill is why no rv's. Cars and trucks have no problems.

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

from

$42

/ night

Hones Pointe Campground

6. Hones Pointe Campground

97%

(842)

28mi from Hardy Lake · 36 sites · Tents, RVs

Hones Pointe was established in 1988. It was built by four insurance agents to elude our sales managers so we could enjoy a unique natural setting. Over the years, we have planted many different varieties of trees and perennials to observe. Also evidence exists of this area being an Indian camp long ago as suggested by arrowheads and an old handmade rock wall. Primitive camping where you can pick your own scenic spot. We will furnish picnic table, fire ring, garbage can, and charcoal grill during your campout. Welcome!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$32

/ night

Starlight Hollow Farms

7. Starlight Hollow Farms

96%

(13)

31mi from Hardy Lake · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Small Farm located just 3 miles outside of Lagrange, KY and 18 miles outside of Louisville, KY but it feels like you are deep in the countryside. There are tons of things to be excited about here at Starlight....there are horses, and a mini-pig to snuggle with. There are chickens and ducks to watch do .....chicken and duck things. There is a little pond that is stocked full of fish to catch (and then throw back). Rolling hills, with beautiful vistas, or old timey barns and cabins. If you are the adventurous type, you can pitch tent with the horses and let them wander around you all night! If you want a more mundane and easy type of experience there are several places to throw up your tent or hammocks with access to power, and water...it’s all up to you!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$40

/ night

Cedar Trail

8. Cedar Trail

96%

(23)

31mi from Hardy Lake · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome to our charming rural RV campsite! Grocery store & dining are 10 minutes away from the site. Gas station & interstate are 6 minutes from the site. Hiking is 8 minutes from the site. We offer two back-in spaces available—one to the west and one to the east of a new barn, ready for you to back in. With 50 and 30 amp hookups and serene surroundings, it's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature's beauty.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

from

$35

/ night

Nayture's Hilltop Farm

9. Nayture's Hilltop Farm

100%

(129)

33mi from Hardy Lake · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Beautiful wooded 36 acre property in Brown County; 2 large fishing ponds, each with a dock; paddle boat available for use; 1+ mile hiking trail around property; 9-hole Frisbee Golf Course; water spicket available; outhouse available. 9 miles to Brown County State Park North Gate; 4.8 miles to historic Story Inn; 12 miles to downtown Nashville.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$32

/ night

Cabins at Guthrie Meadows

10. Cabins at Guthrie Meadows

98%

(96)

35mi from Hardy Lake · 4 sites · Lodging

Our cabins sits on 100 acres. Our cabins have AC/Heat. A dry sink are in each cabin are provided. Roast hotdogs over your private fire pit as a fire pit is just outside the cabin along with private picnic table. We have a shower bathroom house. You provide your own towel, and soap products. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash and under your control at all times. Privy's are found just outside the cabin. We have miles of hiking trails and several spring fed creeks so take your hiking boots off and wade in the clean cool water. Stars are in abundance at Guthrie Meadows so star gazing is a must!

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$88

/ night

Ambers Acres

11. Ambers Acres

100%

(22)

36mi from Hardy Lake · 4 sites · RVs

Hi Hipcampers! This site offers full water, sewer, and electric hookups. Want to see a working farm? Want to wake up to animals grazing? Come stay at Ambers Acres! The pasture your ssite is nestled in, has goats and possibly cows at all times! That doesn’t mean you won’t see rabbits and squirrels running around also! Keep an eye out for the occasional turkey and deer also! We are just a few miles from the Old Mill Canoe Rental on the Blue River, Buffalo Trace Park, and Cave Country Canoe rentals.

Pets

Full hookups

from

$32

/ night

Brambleberry Permaculture Farm

12. Brambleberry Permaculture Farm

100%

(17)

42mi from Hardy Lake · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging

Espri and Darren began Brambleberry Permaculture Farm in the fall of 2003 in the beautiful hills of southern Indiana. We are primarily a plant nursery, but also offer permaculture landscaping and farm consultations. We usually have cows, chickens and rabbits, but are currently taking a break from cattle to build better fences lol. We occasionally have peacocks, ducks, pigs or other livestock as well.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$30

/ night

Happy Hollow Homestead

13. Happy Hollow Homestead

99%

(909)

43mi from Hardy Lake · 24 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

Camping Along the Old Bison Trail

14. Camping Along the Old Bison Trail

96%

(56)

47mi from Hardy Lake · 21 sites · Tents, RVs

Peaceful Secluded Campsites are what you want. Several beautiful settings will be what you get and much much more. Our campsites lie along the Old Buffalo Trace, the name given by early pioneers to the massive trail left by centuries of migrating bison that traveled right through this property. Making their way between salt and mineral licks along the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers, these herds were part of the plentiful wild game which was the reason so many local native tribes referred to old "Cain-tuk-ee" as their "Happy Hunting Ground". Our 7 campsites are constructed on "The Old Coates Homestead" where we make our home in the original 1858 Homestead house which we recently restored and where we make our delicious gourmet foods. (learn more here: www.steepleviewfarmstore.com) We have sites to fit everyone's needs. Five sites are accessible by vehicle. Two are "walk in" only. The vehicle accessible sites range from sites for one tent, pop up or van campers, to our featured site "Thistledown Gathering Place" which a large group size setting great for scouting trips, church groups, multi-family camping and parties of up to 16 people. Each site has a fire ring, fire wood is available for purchase, we offer clean and well maintained portable toilets, municipal drinking water, hiking trails, and lots and lots of wildlife to help you commune with the absolute beauty of this peaceful farm named Steepleview Farm (learn more here: www.steepleviewfarm.com). But camping isn't the only reason to choose Steepleview Farm. It becomes base camp for so many people looking to take in the amazing itinerary of activities so close by. Here are just a few: The Ark Encounter The Creation Museum Historic Old Frankfort (state capitol) with historic home and capitol tours Historic Madison Indiana, a river captains town of magnificent homes and a quaint little town for strolling, or the Madison Regatta or the BBQ festival Big Bone Lick State Park, massive prehistoric dinosaur dig Buffalo Trace Distillery Neeley Family Distillery Belterra Casino Clifty Falls State Park Old Frankfort Cemetery, burial site of Daniel and Rebecca Boone and so much more.... And don't forget, the history of this place makes your stay that much more than just a night in a campground. You will be sleeping among the spirits of history, the native Americans who hunted this land, the earliest pioneers who mapped it for the expansion west, the early 1800's homesteaders who cleared and worked the land with teams of horses, the centuries of tobacco farmers who shipped their goods to market on the many rivers and streams that surround you. We work very hard to make this THE best camping destination you will find anywhere. And, upcoming.........Pioneer Log Cabins. We have recently acquired a collection of log cabins for a true to life, historic reenactment staycation. We are fortunate that one of the cabins was the frontier church known as "Shilo Baptist Church" from 1830-1840. The pastor of this church baptized Abraham Lincoln's father and is credited with having changed his attitudes toward ending slavery. Our hiking trails and nature trails bring you lots of knowledge, peace, shade, cool breezes and you can bring your horse (no motorized recreational vehicles) oh and lots of wildlife viewing. Here are a few of our featured campsites: REDBUD MEADOW: Our first campsite used by hundreds of people over the years. A secluded lawn in the midst of redbud trees, easy to drive to and from with a pile of firewood and a metal fire ring. The premier site on our property. THE BAPTISMAL POND: As history goes the pond in front of this site was used in the 1800's for baptisms for the church visible from everywhere on the farm, thus our name. This is a tent site, easy to drive into and out of, fires permitted in season. THISTLEDOWN GATHERING PLACE: This is a very large meadow, surrounded by trees with the capacity for large groups, many tents and gatherings of lots of people. Very level, easy in and out with vehicles. Fires permitted in season. WHITETAIL SANCTUARY: Every night for decades a herd of whitetail deer graze in this pastoral setting. Drive in and out, fires in season. Suitable for a family sized tent. THE PENNINSULA: This camping spot is WALK IN ONLY. You can drive to the trailhead on grass and walk the path to the campsite (about 200 yards). One of two remote sites. It sits in the woods, on the bank of a wet weather creek which flows around two sides of the campsite. Fires permitted in season. TOTEM TREES: This site is WALK IN ONLY. A short hike down the hill from the grass parking area and you have a small spot for a tent, in the woods, surrounded by trees and a lot of standing dead ash which appear as if you are in the presence of totem poles. NO OPEN FIRES. MUST USE BACKPACKER STOVE AND FLAMELESS LIGHTING. SPOTTED FAWN HIDEAWAY: This totally secluded walk in campsite is suitable for a small tent only AND PERFECT FOR HAMMOCK CAMPING. NO FIRES as the site benefits from the shade and protection of overhanging cedar trees and the ground is covered in cedar needles. NO OPEN FIRES. MUST USE BACKPACKER STOVE AND FLAMELESS LIGHTING. SO WHAT'S OUR STORY? https://steepleviewfarm.com/our-history So many great people, so many great stories and so many opportunities to share the blessings of our little piece of heaven with you. We hope to see you here.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$25

/ night

A Notch Above-RV Riverside Campsite

15. A Notch Above-RV Riverside Campsite

99%

(81)

47mi from Hardy Lake · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

If you enjoy camping right on the banks of a major river (Ohio), this may be the place for you! Relax on the riverside with a campfire and one of the best river views on the entire Ohio River! You can even throw in a fishing line if you want!

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

from

$35

/ night

Kerr creek

16. Kerr creek

100%

(20)

48mi from Hardy Lake · 1 site · RV

Learn more about this land:Level field next to Kerr creek for camping next to your car. Multiple wooded sites on hills next to State Forrest if you willing to hike. Close to Yellowwood and Brown County State Forrests.

Pets

from

$26

/ night

Persimmon Honey Hollow

17. Persimmon Honey Hollow

93%

(23)

48mi from Hardy Lake · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Cozy ramshackle farmstead in the Hoosier Hills offer a chance to get up close and personal with the land, through camping, and hiking through the woods. Not only is Hoosier National Forest located both to the north and south for hiking and trail riding, but just 3 miles away is the Rise of Lost River at Orangeville, a natural landmark. Spring Mill State park is located about 20 minutes away in Mitchell, IN, while Patoka Lake is about 15 minutes south of nearby French Lick. For those interested in farmers' markets, Orange County Homegrown markets run Saturday at Orleans(10 miles away) from 8am-noon, and in French Lick 7 miles) from 4-8pm.

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/ night

Little House

18. Little House

100%

(10)

48mi from Hardy Lake · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

One campsite with sewer hook up

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

from

$15

/ night

Buck Creek Sanctuary

19. Buck Creek Sanctuary

94%

(58)

49mi from Hardy Lake · 20 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

Nighthawk Forest

20. Nighthawk Forest

100%

(16)

50mi from Hardy Lake · 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.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$30

/ night

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hardy Lake adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Hardy Lake

Nightfall Farm

100%

(74)

4.5mi from Hardy Lake · 2 sites · Lodging

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

from

$60

/ night

Rockytop Family Farms

97%

(43)

16mi from Hardy Lake · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Pets

Campfires

Full hookups

from

$26

/ night

Riverside Camp & Ramp

100%

(12)

20mi from Hardy Lake · 9 sites · RVs

Pets

Full hookups

from

$54

/ night

Hidden Valley River Camp

99%

(200)

23mi from Hardy Lake · 4 sites · Tents

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

from

$42

/ night

Hones Pointe Campground

97%

(842)

28mi from Hardy Lake · 36 sites · Tents, RVs

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$32

/ night

Starlight Hollow Farms

96%

(13)

31mi from Hardy Lake · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$40

/ night

Cedar Trail

96%

(23)

31mi from Hardy Lake · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

from

$35

/ night

Nayture's Hilltop Farm

100%

(129)

33mi from Hardy Lake · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$32

/ night

Cabins at Guthrie Meadows

98%

(96)

35mi from Hardy Lake · 4 sites · Lodging

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$88

/ night

Ambers Acres

100%

(22)

36mi from Hardy Lake · 4 sites · RVs

Pets

Full hookups

from

$32

/ night

Brambleberry Permaculture Farm

100%

(17)

42mi from Hardy Lake · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$30

/ night

Happy Hollow Homestead

99%

(909)

43mi from Hardy Lake · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$35

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Zach

4 days ago

Tent

2 nights at Buck Creek Sanctuary

Tom is an excellent host and hyper responsive! The directions are a little wonky in the way in, but he's very open to where you're allowed to camp. The trees make awesome noises as the wind blows through them and the compost toilet was impeccably clean. And best of all his prices were super reasonable! All in all my first foray into Hipcamp was at his sanctuary and it felt awesome. Would stay again!

Our new Tree Web. Hang out 15 feet up in the trees

Kathryn

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Happy Hollow Homestead

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!

Kyle

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Camp Escape

This place was so cute and the perfect getaway! Absolutely loved our stay!

Valerie

December 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Happy Hollow Homestead

My husband, our 3 boys, and I stayed in the camping cabin for last minute, quick, weekend getaway. Kerry”s directions were clear, so we had no difficulty finding it. When we arrived, he met us near the front and showed us where we were staying. He showed us around and told the boys about the net, the pigs, and the rope swing. They couldn’t wait to start exploring, and even though it was cold outside, they had a blast playing and didn’t want to come inside. The cabin was clean and cozy. The bed was comfortable and the heater worked really well. Everything was just as described, and my only regret is that we only got to stay for one night. None of us were ready to leave. Kerry was friendly, very accommodating, and responded super quickly to messages. I definitely plan to make another trip here when we are able to stay longer.

Justin

December 2025

40 ft fifth wheel

With pets

3 nights at Rockytop Family Farms

I loved the stay and they were very accommodating!

Charles

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Cabins at Guthrie Meadows

Great experience. Beautiful place. Hope to stay there again…soon. Charlie

Jessi

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Hidden Valley River Camp

This was my second stay & again, we had an amazing private stay at Hidden Valley once again! Will be back!

Jessica

November 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cabins at Guthrie Meadows

This is our second time here and my goodness, it’s perfect. My daughter loves hiking on the property and petting the horses. It has everything you NEED and the warm shelter after a rainy hike at McCormicks Creek State Park is always what we need. Can’t wait to come back again. Our little dude with Cerebral Palsy could absolutely love this property too.

Livona

November 2025

With pets

4 nights at Camp Escape

There's a lot of areas to walk, and let your dog run. It's great s itting on the deck watching the stars & enjoying the fireplace. It's was so peaceful.

Matthew

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hones Pointe Campground

I had a great experience. I stayed at Holmes Hideaway site and it was beautiful - on the river with seclusion, fire pits, and plenty of tree cover. I went in mid-november and it was not crowded. Everything done through the app and I was left alone. It was a fun weekend.

Jen

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Happy Hollow Homestead

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!

Liv

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Happy Hollow Homestead

We stayed in one of the tiny glamping cabins and absolutely loved it. It is a simple little wooden box with a full-size bed you crawl into, and it ended up being the perfect cozy nest for the night. There was enough room to sit up, stash our gear, and our dog fit comfortably with us. It was a cold night, but our sleeping bags plus the structure kept us warm, and the sound of rain on the tin roof was unreal. Check-in was easy and the cabin was simple to find. It was clean in that ideal glamping way: not spotless, just naturally rustic and comfortable. The location is incredibly quiet and peaceful. We heard the occasional bit of road noise from a distant back country road, but nothing distracting. The sites are spaced far apart, so everything feels private. The host was wonderful. They gave us plenty of space but were also happy to chat with my husband about permaculture and building ponds. My favorite part of the stay was climbing into the web at night to look at the stars. It felt magical. The outhouse was also surprisingly nice, which was a great little bonus. Would absolutely come back. This place just has something special! ✨

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hones Pointe Campground

Clean quiet and family friendly. Open areas and the river await adventure by all ages. Roving herd of sheep goats, donkey and mini horse add to the whimsy. Steve and his son Bradley are excellent hosts and I will return.

chrystal

November 2025

31 ft travel trailer

With pets

7 nights at A Notch Above-RV Riverside Campsite

This was such a peaceful spot — I had the whole place to myself! Communication with the host was quick and easy, and they were very helpful. I’d definitely recommend arriving during the day, as the driveway can be a little tricky to spot at night and it’s fairly steep. Once settled in, we had a wonderful time by the river and enjoyed the gorgeous fall colors. Highly recommend!

Michael

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Hones Pointe Campground

Beautiful setting, clean facilities with lots of access to the little Kentucky River

Irene

November 2025

1 night at Camp Escape

shelby’s camper is the perfect little getaway!! it was private and cozy and on some beautiful land. we will definitely be coming back!

The Cozy Camping Cottage has it's own yard

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Happy Hollow Homestead

I was for years trying to sleep in a cottage like that and it finally happened. It was a pretty unique cottage, but the experience was good. Very happy with the place all around. Would recommend to others who like something different!. Great host, helpful and respectful.

Caleb

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hidden Valley River Camp

Beautiful and peaceful location. The kids loved running around and playing on the huge field and along the riverbank. The large pavilion with electric comes in handy for blowing up mattresses and the porta-pot style toilet was the cleanest I've ever seen! This was our second time staying here and look forward to staying again.

Zach

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hidden Valley River Camp

Love this area. We have now camped here 4 times and have not had a single complaint. The hosts are very welcoming and even take our kids for rides on their golf cart. This trip was our second annual camping trip with high school friends and bringing all of our kids together to play is awesome. Three of the campsites border a nice 2 acre or greater size yard and the kids play until they are so tired or it’s time for s’mores. We are already talking about another trip this summer.

Susan

October 2025

30 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Ambers Acres

Amber is the sweetest! Nice site and area. Very understanding and professional

The best camping in Hardy Lake, IN guide

Overview

About

When you need to escape to the sounds of the city, Hardy Lake is the place to go. With prime water levels year-round, this lakeshore is always pristine, the wildlife always happy, and the fish ready to be reeled in. From great hiking trails to bomb spots to cast your rod, you’ll find it all. The unique features of the lake area include limestone and rocky bluffs that add character, and caves and fossils that entice adventure. There are loads of activities to keep you busy, with basketball and volleyball courts making this a great spot to resolve that grudge match between your friends and a quaint pier that makes for the perfect scenic fishing spot. After experiencing all the rugged forested beauty and glassy lake waters, it may be harder to leave this spot than you expected.

Notable campgrounds

Shale Bluff Campground: Offers 149 electric sites nestled in a picturesque setting, ideal for RVs and tents alike.
Wooster Primitive Campground: Provides 11 sites for a more rustic and intimate connection with nature.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, especially for peak season weekends, to secure your preferred spot at Shale Bluff or Wooster Primitive campgrounds.
Consider visiting during weekdays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on cancellations as last-minute openings can provide unexpected opportunities.
Explore nearby camping options if Hardy Lake's campgrounds are fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Hardy Lake is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm swimming conditions but can be crowded. Winters are quiet but chilly, with limited activities.

Know before you go

Check for blue-green algae advisories and shower after swimming to ensure water safety.
Be aware that the marina is currently unable to provide fuel due to system issues.
Accessibility is a priority; inquire about facilities if you have specific needs.
Visit the Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Center to learn about Indiana's birds of prey.
Always stay on marked trails to protect the environment and ensure your safety.

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