Best Camping in and near Lincoln State Park

Lincoln State Park: A Tribute to Nature and History.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Lincoln State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Lincoln State Park

Lincoln State Campground

299 sites · RVs, Tents In Lincoln State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Lincoln State Park

99%

(770)

Happy Hollow Homestead

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Marengo, IN

We now have 3 buildings for rent. The Cozy Camping Cottage, the Camping Cabin and the newest addition is our A-frame which is the most secluded spot on the land. - Voted best Hipcamp in Indiana to visit for 6 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

99%

(109)

Lake View camping

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Reynolds Station, KY

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.

90%

(25)

Watson's Rivercamp Retreat

6 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Evansville, IN

Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, this primitive camp is ideal for nearby fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming! Our unique location offers a picturesque view of downtown Evansville and Dutch’s Island. Set in a no-wake zone, the shallow beachy island also serves as a barrier from the river channel creating calm lake-like waters. We are located only 0.2mi from Dogtown boat ramp and 300ft from Nu Plaza marina. Biking, walking/hiking trails, local park, and pool nearby. On our property, we allow our campers the flexibility to pick their own perfect spot to camp. There are large mature trees that offer plenty of shade and flat ground for an easy setup. Each site has a firepit, picnic table, and nearby trash can. A firewood bundle is included and complimentary smores packages upon request. Our property features 2 communal areas each with a fire pit, charcoal grill, tables, chairs, and lights. There is access to electric power strips and water hoses in each communal area. Kayaks are available to registered campers only first come, first serve. Price is $25 or a single kayak, $50 for a tandem. Includes lifejackets. We look forward to having you!

97%

(33)

Places of Sanctuary

7 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Parkers Settlement, IN

Places of Sanctuary has 30 Acres of woods which include several dedicated hiking trails with beautiful clearings and benches for resting and reflecting along the way. You're welcome to fish in the pond that has plenty of shade and sun, or sit around the bonfire site where we have benches provided and roast marshmallows. With two easy-access large tree houses, bench swings and a big picnic shelter, there's lots of room to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. You might encounter wildlife like: deer, mink, or geese, but you're sure to see our chickens and ducks running around and hear our rooster crow in the morning. Depending on the time and season, we offer several hands on experiences with berry picking, chicken tending, food processing, gardening, and general light land maintenance like checking the trails for down limbs and trash. With gorgeous views and the convenience of being just 10 minutes from University Southern Indiana or 15 minutes from restaurants and stores, we welcome you to camp with us. If you are interested in staying longer than 3 nights or your RV/camper is longer than 36 feet long, please message us to see if we can accommodate your visit. Usually we can!

96%

(151)

Blue River Retreat

9 sites · Tents2 acres · Fredericksburg, IN

Welcome to our primitive campground on the beautiful Blue River! We have 2 acres of riverfront property at the end of a dead end road at the Crawford/Washington County line. Nice and secluded, we have the perfect place to getaway. There is river access for swimming and fishing or you can rent a canoe or kayak from us for a little paddling around. We provide picnic tables and fire rings. Firewood can be purchased from us for an additional cost. Our grounds are fairly flat with plenty of tree cover. If you enjoy hammock camping, our trees are perfect for that! Wildlife is abundant in the area; deer, otter, eagles, raccoons, and beaver are likely to be seen year round. If you are looking for activities nearby you will find Old Mill Canoe Rental in Fredericksburg (15 min drive), Marengo Cave (15 min drive), Beck's Mill (20 min drive), Buffalo Trace Park (25 min drive), as well as many other attractions in nearby Corydon, Salem, and Paoli.

96%

(23)

Lost River Hostel

18 sites · Lodging31 acres · West Baden Springs, IN

The Lost River Hostel is a nonprofit arts and cultural center located on a 29+ acre hillside in West Baden Springs, Indiana overlooking a section of the Lost River valley. Lost River Hostel strives to build and maintain an extraordinary space fueled by a constant cycle of generosity and creativity. We hope everyone who stays here will go back into the world refreshed and rejuvenated – wanting to be better people and do great things. Everything we do here is driven by our mission statement: "To provide a sandbox for exploration of goals and growth through nature and human connection." We accomplish this by providing a distraction-free, reflective space that is welcoming of people from all backgrounds and beliefs. A communal dinner with gratitude circle is included in every stay. We also host workshops and events related to music, writing, yoga, organic gardening, cooking, and environmental sustainability.

100%

(6)

Waterfront Cabins and Camp Haven

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents32 acres · Owensboro, KY

Welcome to Camp Safe Haven, your Family Oasis since 2005! Nestled just 11 miles west of Owensboro, KY, our property offers a haven away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Discover our Waterfront Cabins and Tent Sites, where nature's serenity meets pretty water and nurturing hills. Indulge in our cozy cabins, either our poolside cabin in our campgrounds or our cabin in the woods, featuring scenic water views and nestled amidst the woods. Or, pitch your tent at one of our seven Tent Sites and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature day or night. Relax and unwind by taking a dip in our above-ground swimming pool or lounging on the poolside deck. Explore our beautiful trails winding through the property, offering encounters with the beauty of nature at every turn. At Camp Safe Haven, our mission is to nurture nature and secure serenity for all our guests. Pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and make yourself at home as you embark on a memorable getaway filled with relaxation, adventure, and cherished moments

94%

(33)

HOBA farm riverfront property

5 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Cloverport, KY

Learn more about this land: At HOBA Farm we have 13 acres of wooded river front property. We also have a large lake with kayaks and paddlebaords available! There are plenty of cute animals to visit. Near by there are plenty of hiking trails, caves, beautiful parks, and boat launches. We have plenty of room to set up tents and hammocks in a variety of locations. Its very shady down by the river too! Most of our property is natural and full of wild flowers all summer. This is primitive camping only. We have a portapotty on site but currently do not have running water or electric. Please be sure to bring your own drinking water.

86%

(7)

Carefree Sister's Sleepover

1 site · RV, Tent6 acres · Leavenworth, IN

Our 6 acre property is a small, simple place to sleep for a night or a weekend while you're traveling through. No fancy frills, just a quiet, pretty place to pitch a tent or park your camper for an evening or two. Only 3.2 miles north of Exit 92 (Carefree exit with a Love's Truckstop), this is the perfect place to stop over while traveling. Both my sister and I travel solo and with friends and having affordable place to park your vehicle or pitch a tent with a place to go to the restroom, gaze at the stars, and have a campfire makes cross country trips more enjoyable. Our land has a gorgeous nighttime view of the stars on the front half, and the back half is wooded and borders a creek. At night, you can watch the soft glow of the Milky Way climb across the sky or sit by a campfire. There is a cleared walking path from the front of the land to the creek at the back so you can sit for a while and enjoy the sound of the running water 11 months a year (the creek is very low in August). You can't drive back there, but you could pitch your tent or hang a hammock in the flat area by the creek. If you stay for a few days, we are: 5 miles to the Louisville Astronomical Society's Dark Sky viewing location, 6.1 miles to Wyandotte Park 7.8 miles to Marengo Cave 8.6 miles Cave Country Canoe 6.6 miles Rothrocks Mill Public Access to Blue River (you can swim here!) We are a perfect half way spot between RRG and Jackson Falls NOTE: This property is completely off grid. We have an enclosed pit toilet and hand sanitizer in the green privy. A gas fire ring and a wood fire ring. You will need to bring wood for burning. This place is very safe, but I always like to be near the road when I travel solo. You might choose to park a little further in, and that is fine, but the topography goes downhill (literally) toward the back of the field. You are welcome to park by our little tiny house if your vehicle is safe to do so. Be aware that this road is gravel and in the spring, it can be muddy if there has been a lot of rain! Remember, we are in the country! :) Our neighbors have cows and they talk to each other during the day. You might hear dogs in the distance, as farmers often have dogs. This is mostly raw land, so be mindful of ticks. There is 40% Deet on the porch of the tiny yellow house if you need to use some. Be mindful if you are highly reactive to poison ivy if you are walking around in the woods. We've never had any issues but I wanted to bring it to your awareness that you should be mindful if you are reactive. You can park near the little red cabin if you'd like. In the summer, you will hear birds, crickets, and cicadas, so if nature sounds annoy you, this might not be the place for ya! Past guests have identified the following birds on the property: Cardinal House sparrow House finch Blue Jay Eastern Bluebird Crow Common crackle Bobwhite quail Yellow warbler Catbird Barn Swallow Mourning doves Chipping sparrow Field sparrow Night Herons Owls among others not identified. Also, the Indiana Brown Bat We love this little get away and we think it is perfect for a safe, simple, and affordable place to stay while you are on the road. :) If you have any questions, reach out! While you are here, please feel free to message us if you need something or have questions. We are happy to help and if we aren't sleeping, we will respond as soon as possible! For special groups that plan in advance: My little sister is a Wilderness EMT and has taught Survival courses for over 10 years. It might be fun to get a group of friends together and take a small group weekend course on the property where you'd learn how to build a fire, make simple shelters, walk slack lines, orient, and learn what to do if you are lost in the woods (and/or how to teach children what to do if they are lost in the woods), among other things. I have a telescope and for those groups, I can set up the telescope for you to see stars and planets. Other options include a rest and reflection weekend, group yoga weekends, and group sound baths. If these options interest you, reach out in advance.

94%

(34)

Fairhaven Farm Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · English, IN

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!

95%

(11)

Sleeping Bear Retreat

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · French Lick, IN

Sleeping Bear Retreat is located on over 60 beautifully wooded acres in scenic French Lick, Indiana. Whether you are looking for a quiet weekend getaway, a low cost family vacation, or a group stay, we are the place for you. We are pet friendly, as long as the pet is friendly, and on a leash.

97%

(39)

15 Acre Wood on Lake

3 sites · Tents15 acres · Mt. Vernon, IN

300 feet behind our house is a fire pit, then 15 acres of wood. around an acre lake. We have a boat and you can swim. There's an out house (and use of the woods is ok too) .There is plenty of wood and plenty of forest fun. No motorized Vehicles allowed. No weapons. No hunting. We want to share our land with other lovers of the woods, plants and animals. Like good "scouts", we expect our campers to leave the site the way they find it, tidy . We have recycle and trash containers. There is a drinking water source at the house. Responsible use of alcohol is accepted but drugs or anything that impairs physical safety, is prohibited.

The best camping near Lincoln State Park guide

Overview

About

Fan of our 16th president? Hard not to be. Check out this Honest Abe's beginnings at Lincoln State Park. Start at the Nature Center and catch an interpretive program. Hiking is a popular activity, especially the Neighborhood Walk—paths a young Abe was known for walking. Rent a canoe or paddleboat and hit the water! Go fishing and swim at the beach all day. Forget the 21st century woes and lose yourself in the 1800s. History is rich and for the plucking at Lincoln State Park.

Notable campgrounds

Electric Sites: Nestled amid lush greenery, these 150 sites offer modern convenience in the heart of nature.
Non-electric Sites: For a more rustic experience, choose one of the 88 sites that bring you closer to the park's tranquil beauty.
Primitive Sites: Embrace the simplicity of the outdoors with 31 sites that offer a true escape from the everyday.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, as sites fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Consider visiting during the week for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on cancellations for last-minute opportunities to reserve a prime location.
Explore nearby camping options if your preferred site is unavailable.

When to go

The best time to visit Lincoln State Park is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is warm and the park's full splendor is on display. Winter months can be less ideal due to colder temperatures and limited access to some park facilities.

Know before you go

Check for any alerts or closures before your visit, especially concerning blue-green algae advisories.
Ensure you're prepared for safe swimming by reviewing the park's beach policy.
Accessibility is a priority, but contact the park office for specific needs.
Remember, boating is limited to electric motors only, preserving the park's tranquility.
Take advantage of the interpretive programs to enrich your understanding of the park's history and natural resources.