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From rolling farmland to forests, canyons, and the grand shores of Lake Michigan, Indiana has something for every type of camper. The state has more than 30 state parks with campgrounds for RVers, featuring basic yet well-maintained amenities and knowledgeable rangers. Hiking and fishing opportunities are plentiful, and most parks with lakes and rivers offer a variety of watercraft rentals. Campsites are generally big rig friendly, and almost all have electric hookups.
The state parks do charge a vehicle entrance fee, and prices can sometimes be comparable to a private RV park. But if you’re looking for a peaceful overnight in some of the most beautiful settings around, Indiana state park campgrounds are worth a look.
Reservations
To make a reservation, visit camp.in.gov or call 866-622-6746. Reservations are required during peak season, from late April through early November. Specific dates vary per campground. In the offseason, both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are offered. Reservations at most campgrounds are available 6 months in advance. A minimum of 2 nights is required on regular weekends, 3 nights over holiday weekends.
Campsite sizes
Sizes vary by campground, although almost all have sites that can fit RVs up to 45 feet. Search for campgrounds and campsites by RV length in the reservation system.
Accessibility
ADA-accessible sites are available and searchable online. They may be booked by someone who doesn’t meet the ADA qualifications for disabled if there are no other sites available. However, if a comparable non-ADA site is available upon arrival, the property manager reserves the right to transfer the reservation to it.
Hookups
Partial and full hookups are available and vary by the campground. Almost all campsites have electricity; water and sewer hookups are less prevalent. Sites with hookups are searchable in the reservation system.
Connectivity
WiFi is generally not offered at Indiana state parks. If connectivity is a priority, contact the park for more information about WiFi coverage and cell service.
Maximum stay
The maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights. Campers can return after vacating the campground for at least 2 nights.
Additional facilities
Campsites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings or grills. The reservation system displays details per site, including the type of pad (cement or gravel), back-in or pull-through access, and shade cover.
Campgrounds have a range of facilities, from pit toilets to restrooms with showers, dump stations, visitor centers, stores and concessions, and outdoor activity guides and rentals. Information can be found on each park’s website, and under “Campground Details” in the reservation system.
Cost
Indiana state park campgrounds have flat rates for peak season, from late April through early November. For camping availability and rates outside this period, contact the park directly. Peak season rates range from $16 for a site with no hookups during the week to $44 for a site with full hookups over a holiday weekend.
Additional Fees:
Nonrefundable reservation fee: $5
Change fee: $5
Cancellation fee: $10
Cancellations within 7 days of arrival also forfeit the first night’s fee. Cancellations on the day of arrival or later forfeit the full stay.
The vehicle entrance fee is $9, or $70 for an annual pass for out-of-state residents. Note that the pass is valid only during the calendar year issued.
Pet policies
Pets are allowed as long as they’re kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Of course, campers should always pick up after their pet.
Additional regulations
- Maximum occupancy per site: 6 people and 1 or 2 vehicles.
- Check-in time: 2 p.m. or earlier if available. Check-out time: 2 p.m.
- Quiet hours: 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Alcoholic beverages: Permitted, except at Indiana Dunes State Park.
- Generator use: Permitted, except during quiet hours.
- Campfires: Allowed in designated rings or pits, following local advisories.
- Drone use: Permitted in designated areas only. Check with the specific park for details.
Featured Campgrounds
Indiana Dunes State Park
Chesterton, IN 46304
Indiana Dunes National Park is one of the newest national parks (since 2019) and an easy getaway from the greater Chicago area. Indiana Dunes State Park, adjacent to the national park, was founded in 1925 and gives visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in this unique natural environment. High sand dunes and the spectacular Lake Michigan shoreline are the highlights, but the state park also includes peaceful wooded trails where you can escape the sun and the crowds. There are close to 140 large campsites with electric hookups available. Campground facilities include basic but clean restrooms and showers, potable water, and a dump station. Families will love the nature center and The 3 Dune Challenge (climbing the three tallest sand dunes in the park). Note that the park entrance fee is $12 for out-of-state visitors.
Shades State Park
7751 South 890 West, Waveland, IN 47989
An hour’s drive east of Indianapolis, Shades State Park is a true getaway in nature, with peaceful, wooded campsites and hiking trails that take you through dense forest, deep ravines, sandstone cliffs, babbling springs, and streams. Close to the more popular Turkey Run State Park, Shades attracts in-the-know locals enjoying the same beautiful landscape with fewer crowds. Trails are well marked but some can get challenging, with rock scrambles and wooden ladders, so be sure to consult the map or a ranger before heading out. The campground does not have hookups, but restrooms, potable water, and a dump station are available. Most of the more than 100 sites are spacious and can accommodate RVs around 40 feet—but look out for overhanging tree branches.
Brown County State Park
1801 Indiana 46 East, Nashville, IN 47448
(The park has multiple entry points; see website for details.)
Nicknamed “The Little Smokies,” Brown County State Park resembles the famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with rolling hills, dense forests, and misty mornings. This 16,000-acre park is known for spectacular fall colors but is worth visiting any time of year. Brown County is popular with both day-trippers and campers and has a nature center, naturalist programs, miles of trails, lakes, indoor and outdoor pools, and amenities at the Abe Martin Lodge. Campsites are spread among four different campgrounds and are a mix of electric and no hookups. Potable water and a dump station are available, and restrooms and showers are well maintained. Big rigs can be accommodated, but site length and ease of maneuverability vary widely. Check the campground map carefully or contact the park directly for guidance.
Indiana state park campgrounds that accommodate RV camping
Brookville Lake
Brown County State Park
Chain O Lakes State Park
Charlestown State Park
Clifty Falls State Park
Covered Bridge State Forest Retreat
Deam Lake State Recreation Area
Greene-Sullivan State Forest
Hardy Lake
Harmonie State Park
Indiana Dunes State Park
Lieber State Recreation Area
Lincoln State Park
McCormicks Creek State Park
Mississinewa Lake
Monroe Lake
Mounds State Park
O’Bannon Woods State Park
Ouabache State Park
Patoka Lake
Pokagon State Park
Potato Creek State Park
Prophetstown State Park
Raccoon Lake State Recreation Area
Salamonie Lake
Shades State Park
Shakamak State Park
Spring Mill State Park
Starve Hollow State Recreation Area
Summit Lake State Park
Tippecanoe River State Park
Turkey Run State Park
Versailles State Park
Whitewater Memorial State Park
For more information on Indiana state park campgrounds, visit in.gov/dnr/parklake.
