The best camping in Ouabache State Park, IN

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Top-rated campgrounds

Cattail Springs

99%
(37)
50mi from Ouabache State Park · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Anderson, IN
Welcome to Cattail Springs! Nestled on nine wooded acres conveniently located just one mile off I-69 in Daleville, Indiana, this relaxing and peaceful property also features a stunning five-acre pond. The pond is fully stocked with a variety of fish, inviting anglers of all skill levels to cast a line. We do ask that you respect the catch and release rule. Surrounded by trees, this former stone quarry feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Enjoy peaceful mornings by the water, afternoons filled with outdoor activities and quiet evenings by the fire pit under a starlit sky. Keep an eye out for deer, our resident blue herons, songbirds, ducks and other woodland creatures. Up to two dogs are permitted. Pet waste must be properly bagged and thrown away and dogs must be leashed when not at your immediate campsite. Enjoy free wifi to stream your favorite shows or connect to the office. The level of interstate travel noise that can be heard varies since the campground is within a mile of I-69. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS + CONVENIENCES (Anderson, Daleville + Chesterfield are all within minutes of the campground) Showers and gray water disposal: Pilot, 15876 W. Commerce Road, Daleville, IN 47334. Laundry at EZ Wash: 323 Anderson Road, Anderson, IN 46017. Badger Bait and Tackle: 121 W. Plum Street, Chesterfield, IN 46017. Firewood: purchase from us for a donation or at local gas stations. Groceries or supplies: Harvest Market (205 Federal Drive, Chesterfield, IN 46017). Exit 226, one exit south, offers Meijer, WalMart, pet food stores and more. Harrah's Hoosier Park Casino Racetrack: horse racing and gaming (4500 Dan Patch Circle, Anderson, IN 46013). Mounds State Park: 4306 Mounds Rd, Anderson, IN 46017, two miles from the property, features beautiful trails as well as ten earthworks built by the Adena-Hopewell people, prehistoric Indians. Entrance fee is typically $7. Dining: exit 234 offers traditional fast food options (Starbucks, Wawa, Wendy's, McDonald's, Subway, Wendy's, Culvers, Pizza King, Bird's Smokehouse and more). Exit 226, one exit south of Cattail Springs, offers a robust variety of restaurants, including McAlister's, Chic-fil-A, Montana Mike's, Texas Roadhouse, Chipotle, Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel and more.
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$24
 / night

Mercer County Fairgrounds

30mi from Ouabache State Park · 179 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Celina, OH
Experience the unique charm of camping at the Mercer County Fairgrounds, where you can immerse yourself in a serene environment from May through October. This campground offers a tranquil escape, making it perfect for both weekend getaways and extended stays. The fairgrounds feature paved driveways that are ideal for leisurely walks or biking, ensuring you can explore the area comfortably. One of the standout attractions is the half-mile racetrack, where you can often catch harness horses training in the mornings, adding a distinctive touch to your camping experience. In addition to the peaceful setting, the surrounding area boasts various outdoor activities, including nearby natural features and swimming holes. You'll also find a selection of restaurants and shops just a short drive away, making it easy to enjoy local cuisine and amenities during your stay. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, the Mercer County Fairgrounds offers a memorable camping experience.
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$18
 / night

River Camp Fort Wayne

98%
(216)
20mi from Ouabache State Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Fort Wayne, IN
Each site is in a wooded, shaded area with a flat area on the ground to place a single large tent. Each site has its own fire ring and a small wooden table. There is wood on the ground you may use for firewood, and ample twigs etc on the ground for kindling (do not cut any trees or branches off trees). There is a covered firewood shed with dry firewood as well. There are maintained trails with river access for kayaks. There are 2 porta potties near the campsites with a handwashing station, that is open year round. There is a single bathroom with flush toilet and sink with running water that is a short walk away (open May-Oct depending on weather) There is an outdoor on-demand hot-water shower at bathroom, with a water hose available as well. On-demand hot water heaters provide hotter water at a low water pressure, and cooler water at full blast. We do provide a large trash bin near the porta potties for trash disposal. DO NOT throw trash into fire pits or burn barrels in the woods. Campsites are a short walk (100-200 feet) away from parking area (you CANNOT drive directly to or park at your campsite). Foster Park is a short bike ride away where you will find greenway trails that run throughout Fort Wayne (ride your bike to downtown!!) Our property backs up to the St Mary's River, bring you kayaks and fishing poles! (We reserve the right to assign you to a different (but equally beautiful) campsite in the case of property maintenance concerns, recent rain or weather conditions etc). All guests must be part of a registered group! Link to Trails Maps fwtrails.org Need to rent a bike or kayak: (we do not rent or provide kayaks, canoes or bikes onsite) fwoutfitters.com/#
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$33
 / night

The Fun Farm

97%
(55)
23mi from Ouabache State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Fort Wayne, IN
Learn more about this land: Our location is also home to our fantasy destination, The Fun Farm. Not only is the scenery replete with natural beauty - the pond, the fields, the sledding hill, the nature trail through the forest - but also a setting to engage the imagination!   Additional services may be arranged on-site. For example, who would you like to have breakfast with? A superhero? A princess? Or perhaps a souvenir caricature of you and your group is in order to commemorate the experience? Maybe an experiential art, dance, drama or music lesson? Guided tours of the grounds can also be arranged to learn more about the history of the farm and it's originality. If you're interested in a "day trip" or even a limited event, we have the facilities to accommodate your birthday or holiday, engage in art Classes, raise funds for your good cause or enjoy "something different" for this year's corporate party. We're also open to your ideas for a custom school, festival or carnival event. We can accommodate groups from 1 to 400 (maybe more, if we send a few enchanted creatures on vacation!) MORE NOTES ABOUT THE CAMPSITE: We're flexible with wherever you would like to pitch your tent, but the spots we have established are next to our cabin (where the lighting is best and the ground is flattest.) Parking is most easily found next to these sites as well (and the lighting is also excellent.)  Also, in the near vicinity, a shared firepit is readily available and can accommodate at least 12 people. Check out the additional options (like firewood bundles) below and let us know how we can help you make great memories!
Pets
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from 
$39
 / night

Hidden Valley Fun Time Happy Camp!

98%
(123)
41mi from Ouabache State Park · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Muncie, IN
READ ALL OF "SITE" DESCRIPTION PLEASE BE AWARE THAT PICTURES ARE OF PROPERTY IN GENERAL AND NOT SPECIFIC SITE YOU ARE BOOKING THAT WILL VARY BY NEED, FIT, AND LONGEVITY OF BOOKING!!! Thanks!!! Once the secret speakeasy after dark spot for local political big wigs this property has been transformed from swampland to hidden gem right on the edge of America's Hometown of Muncie, Indiana! Welcome to Narnia! Or Atlantis!? Or... The Property? The Hidden Valley? We just haven't committed to a name yet so it's a little bit of everything all rolled into one! 8 acres on the magical Ganges, er, White River makes for a fun time. You can expect a certain amount of privacy while still potentially making a new friend or two depending on the night. You will be nestled under some giant sycamores, cottonwoods, black walnuts, catulpas, and a mess of bush honeysuckle that is always being battled! We have 2-3 sites directly on the river and then scores throughout with trails, hills, and other interesting features. Multiple firepits though I CANNOT guarantee firewood. There is often plenty to collect or available on site but if you can bring your own that'd be safest bet! We are (somehow) located partially inside Muncie city limits right on the river. Yes you may occasionally hear some trains or even particularly loud cars while camping deep in the woods but this is the tradeoff for a one mile drive to bars, restaurants, and groceries! Best of both worlds. The Muncie Eagles, whose nest resides directly across the river from us, do not seem to mind! This location is also directly on two main bike trail routes and our trails are fun for low impact mountain biking! We also have a small armada of kayaks/canoes on site; IF arranged that option does exist for cost of transport! We have 2 porta potties on site as well and fresh water hose available at main house. Looking forward to hosting!
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$36
 / night

Camp Ames

100%
(69)
47mi from Ouabache State Park · 4 sites · RVs · Peru, IN
We established this homestead in 1981. The original 10 acres grew to 15 after acquiring our neighbors smaller lots. With one of those properties we used the well and septic and built camp sites to entertain our friends and family. We have opened this up to some outside travelers to attract interest in our local community. Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, and Class C RVs allowed. All campers must be self contained with your own Learn more about this land: Camp Ames is located on the scenic Mississinewa River 3.5 miles outside of Peru, Indiana. We have full service camp sites. The camp shack is appointed with a picnic table and TV to catch up on the latest news. Bald eagles are a huge attraction in this area. Acres Trust Nature Preserve is a short walk away. We have our own 4 acre wildflower meadow that attracts many butterflies and birds during the summer months. It's just a peaceful, quiet place to visit. Cell phone service is not great here but not totally absent if you stand in the right place. Wi-Fi is available. This is our private camp ground and not a for public use unless arrangements are made with us. We will assign your site before your arrival. A vacancy on this site does not mean we have availability as our friends and family may be visiting. When requesting a site please include a description of your camper, the number of people and how many amps your camper requires. This help us place you on a site if one is available. Suggested Local Attractions:The World's Greatest Amateur Circus: Peru, Indiana, is also known as the "Circus City". In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Peru was home to the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus and others. Even the Ringling Brothers Circus wintered there for a while. For 10 days each July, Peru celebrates the Circus City Festival with rides, crafts, food, games, and more. The highlight, however, is the live amateur circus that has performances throughout the festival. A unique and authentic experience that echoes the early heyday of the circus, this is a fun event not to be missed. Performers are locals, some of whom are direct descendants of professional performers in the earlier shows. Even if a visit is timed to occur outside of July, a visit to the small but impressive International Circus Hall of Fame might be worth the trip. Circus Hall of Fame is located 1.8 miles from Camp Ames. Grissom Air Museum: Located 7.6 miles from Camp Ames There are some great interactive displays inside the museum for the kids to sit inside the cockpits of mock ups for pictures and the planes throughout the grounds are well maintained and offer interesting facts. Great Air Museum Celebrating the Aviation History of Grissom Air Force Base. Miami County Museum: Located 3.6 miles from Camp Ames Cole Porter's custom 1955 Cadillac, circus carvings, a stagecoach, the World's Tallest Man's overalls, a fantastic collection of rifles, Clyde Beatty's lion tamer's outfit, lots of farm and pioneer items, Miami Indian relics. Mississinewa Resevoir: Located 3 miles from Camp Ames Mississinewa Lake is a seasonal resevoir designed for flood control. That said, depending on rainfall during the summer, many recreational activities are available. Swimming at the beach, boating, and fishing. A nice campground and hiking are also on site. Nickel Plate Trail: Located 2.9 miles from Camp Ames This asphalt trail is one of the best in the State to ride or walk on!!! It keeps getting better because the trail keeps getting extended with more pathway added. The volunteers do a superb job up keeping this 50 mile path. Make this a to do for a beautiful Fall ride once the leaves begin to change. You'll be immersed in intense colors and wonderful woodsy sights and smells. Seven Pillars: Located 0.8 miles from Camp Ames This breathtaking formation along the Mississinewa River was created over the centuries as wind and water eroded the limestone, carving rounded buttresses and alcoves into the north bluff of the river. Seven Pillars Nature Preserve - Acres Land Trust - Located 0.3 miles from Camp Ames! This preserve on the south side of the Mississinewa River is named after the landmark 25-foot limestone pillars, also owned by ACRES, which are located on the north side of the river. On top of the bluff grow red cedar, Juneberry and shadbush. In the preserve are beech, maple and other trees, as well as open meadow. The Miami Nation continues to gather at the pillars. The preserve is 148 acres of woods open to the public to walk the woods. There is 1.8 miles of trail. PRESERVE RULES: As a preserve visitor, you are responsible for keeping these habitats undisturbed. Follow these rules to allow the preserve’s plants, wildlife and natural formations to thrive here, in place, for generations: Open Dawn til Dusk, Foot Traffic Only, Dogs Allowed, Always On Leash,Take Nothing, Leave Nothing, Stay On The Trails McClure’s Orchard/Winery: Located 9.8 miles from Camp Ames A small, family-owned and operated apple farm nestled in the rolling hills of northern Indiana, located an hour from Indianapolis. Currently growing 125 varieties of apples, which throughout the season are available for u-pick or already picked. Beginning Labor Day Weekend, ride the tractor and trolley through the Orchard, for tours and apple picking. Toward the end of September through October, the trolley will stop in the pumpkin patch for u-pick. There is no parking or admission fee, and no charge for the ride through the Orchard. More than apples and pumpkins, there’s a playground area and petting zoo for the kids (and the kiddos at heart). During September and October, saddle up a horse, and take a horse ride on the weekends for $1. On most weekends, there’s live music; so, be sure to check the website to see who is playing and which day. McClure’s has a café serving delicious food, made fresh daily. The apple dumplings are amazing! The adults in the group can also sample or enjoy a glass of McClure’s award-winning wine and hard cider. In 2019 a down town location was opened on the Wabash River featuring Wine Tasting just 3.4 miles from Camp Ames. Preslie Meadow: Located at Camp Ames Preslie Meadow is a acre wildflower habitat. Established in 2018. Paths are provided to walk and enjoy the beauty. An array of wildflowers can be seen at different times in the spring and summer months. Birds, butterflies, bunnies and deer benefit from the meadow. Photographers and admirers walk the paths and drive by all season. Visitors are welcome and ask not to pick the flowers. Named after the daughter of JR and Marla Dennis of Kokomo. Preslie Lynn Dennis passed from injuries sustained in a car accident on June 22, 2018. She was just short of her 18th birthday and ready to leave for boot camp to serve our country in the United States Army having already served in the National Guard. This multi-talented young lady left us all heart broken. Preslie Meadow lets her memory and beauty live on.
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from 
$50
 / night

Country Bungalow

100%
(22)
30mi from Ouabache State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Fort Wayne, IN
We bought this one acre property tucked in the corner of the woods a little more than 2 years ago from the family who built it and lived here for 69 years. It was all original since 1946! The dairy and the farmland around us has been family-owned for over 100 years! Our little acre has become a sweet little hidden secret to all who visit. Quiet and beautiful, yet close to all the quaintness Fort Wayne has to offer. The sunrises are amazing! For nature lovers, there are so many different birds that frequent our trees, even an occasional Bald Eagle! We have renovated the tiny shed into an occasional repurpose shop and now are opening it up for a comfortable glamping spot! We continue to work on renovating our home to eventually welcome more guests. We feel like God saved this sweet spot just for us, so we can't help but share it with others! We hope all who stay, feel the same!
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from 
$88
 / night

Other options near Ouabache State Park

The best camping in Ouabache State Park, IN guide

Overview

About

If you're reading Ouabache State Park like "Wabash" instead of "Ooahbash," we give you props for being exceptionally intuitive. This beautiful state park offers all the amenities of a resort with all the rustic nostalgia of the outdoors. Hike one of five trails that weave through woodland marshes and wind around hickory and oak forests, or take the easier path and bike one of the paved trails. A refreshing dip in the pool or a friendly game of volleyball will be sure to get your heart rate up, and if you come during the right time of year, festivals offer everything from outdoor cooking merit badges to a bison bash. With boating, fishing, and even a resident naturalist to inform, Ouabache State Park really covers all its bases.

Notable campgrounds

  • Electric Campground: Offers spacious sites with electrical hookups, perfect for RVs and tent campers seeking convenience.
  • Youth Tent Area: Dedicated space for youth groups to camp, fostering a sense of adventure and camaraderie amid nature.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially for peak seasons, to ensure you secure a spot at this popular destination.
  • Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellation policies and check back regularly for newly available sites.
  • Explore nearby camping options to have a backup plan in case Ouabache State Park is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Ouabache State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer offers full access to park amenities but can be busy. Winter visits are serene, though some facilities may be closed.

Know before you go

  • Check for any alerts on blue-green algae and adhere to safety guidelines when near the water.
  • Beach and pool hours may vary due to weather and staffing; contact the park office for current times.
  • Stay on marked trails to protect the environment and ensure your safety while hiking.
  • Make shelter reservations in advance to secure your spot for picnicking and gatherings.
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