The 8 Best Places to go Camping near Indianapolis for Families

Are you looking for a family-friendly camping experience near Indianapolis? Look no further! From hiking trails to fishing ponds, there are plenty of options for families to enjoy the great outdoors together.

Discover the best camping spots close to Indianapolis with our guide. These nearby destinations are perfect for an easy outdoor adventure.  Get ready for campfires and relaxing under the stars. Here’s your list of the top places near Indy for a refreshing nature break.

Related Page | LET’S GO TRAVEL: Family-friendly travel destinations around Indiana, the midwest, and beyond. 

Top Campgrounds for Families Near Indianapolis:

1. S&H Campground

Location: 2573 W 100 N,  Greenfield, IN 46140
Family Fun Park Dates: Open weekends from May through November

S&H Campground, which has been family-owned and operated since 1968, takes full advantage of its natural surroundings. Mature trees shade roughly 70 percent of its campsites, with many campsites located near Sugar Creek or the 3-acre fishing lake. Additionally, some sites grant convenient entry to the 12-acre Family Fun Park.

Family Fun Park at S&H Campground

The Family Fun Park includes more than a dozen activities where families can play together. Some of the biggest attractions include Inflatable Playgrounds, a Bungee Trampoline, Miniature Golf, a Water Tag, and a Trackless Train.

Family Fun Park at S&H Campground
Family Fun Park at S&H Campground

2. Jellystone Park

Location: 9396 S Strain Ridge Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401
2024 Operation Dates:  April 5-Oct. 27, 2024

Yogi Bears Jellystone Park is a group of campgrounds offering families a fun outdoor vacation. Indiana has seven Jellystone Parks: Bloomington-Lake Monroe, Fremont, Knightstown, Pierceton, Plymouth, Portage, and Scottsburg.

Families can enjoy a variety of amenities beyond a typical Indiana camping experience at Jellystone Park. Children will particularly enjoy Yogi-themed parties, swimming pools, and the beloved character’s presence.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, Most Kid-Friendly Camping in Indiana
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort

3. Turkey Run State Park

Location: 8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859

Prepare yourself to be amazed by the beautiful scenery at this park! Just southwest of Crawfordsville, this park has lots of options for lodging, including a campground, cabins, and the Turkey Run Inn. In the summer, don’t miss the chance to canoe or peacefully float down Sugar Creek’s beautiful scenery.

lazy river float

4. Indianapolis Koa

Location: 5896 West 200 North, Greenfield, IN 46140
Pool Dates: Memorial Weekend – Labor Day Weekend.

The Indianapolis KOA is a camping site near downtown Indianapolis. It offers different types of accommodation, such as Cabins, Deluxe Cabins, and sites for tents and RVs.

You can enjoy a peaceful walk by the creek and see oak, maple, and sycamore trees. Kids can have fun on the playground, and the whole family can swim in the pool. The campground now has a Bark Park where your pet can run and play.

koa.com/
Images from https://koa.com/

Luxury Glamping Tents at Indianapolis Koa

2024 Season Update at Indianapolis KOA – Now featuring cozy, luxury glamping tents perfect for stepping directly into nature without leaving comfort behind. These stylish tents have two bedrooms, a bathroom, a living area, AC/heat, and a small kitchen. Plus, they come with soft luxury linens. Enjoy beautiful views from patios or an observation deck. Great for families or a quiet getaway. 

Glamping at Indianapolis KOA
Glamping at Indianapolis KOA

5. Hidden Paradise Campground

Location: 802 East Jefferson Street, Saint Paul, IN 47272
Swimming Dates: Memorial and Labor Day Holidays

Hidden Paradise Campground spans across 80 acres and boasts 168 RV sites and 6 cabin rentals. If you love water activities, you’ll be in paradise here.

The designated swimming area at Dream Lake in the campground is a blast for you and your family. It has a floating trampoline, climbing rock wall, large slide, and lounging devices. Please refer to the rates page for pricing.

Kayaks and paddle boats can be rented to explore the Flat Rock River and Dream Lake. Fishing is also available along the north side of the park in the Flat Rock River.

 

Hidden Paradise Campground
Hidden Paradise Campground

6. Bill Monroe’s Music Park & Campground

Location: 5163 N. State Road 135, Morgantown, IN 47448

Bill Monroe’s Music Park & Campground covers 55 acres and provides a peaceful place for families to enjoy nature. This campground offers an old-fashioned camping experience without any extra amenities to pay for.

Visitors can enjoy the company of fellow campers and have a great time without any frills. The campground has water and electric sites with fire rings and picnic tables, and it welcomes pets. For visitors who don’t like tent camping, cabins, and campers are available to rent.

https://www.facebook.com/billmonroemusicpark/
Photo from facebook.com/billmonroemusicpark/

7. Brown County State Park

Location: Nashville, IN

Brown County, also known as “Little Smokies,” looks like the Great Smoky Mountains. It has about 16,000 acres of hilly, foggy land.

Brown County State Park is open all year round and offers several different spots to set up camp. If your family is looking to plan a fall camping trip, Brown County can offer the perfect fall foliage to your family’s camping trip.

Camping in Brown County Indiana
Brown County State Park

8. Mystic Waters Campground

Location: 5435 W State Rd 38, Pendleton

Mystic Waters (formerly Pine Lakes) is a few miles north of Indianapolis, right off I-69 and SR-38 in Madison County. This campground offers rustic cabins, RV sites, and tent camping, all surrounded by three bodies of water. Guests can enjoy activities like kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming, and yoga. Additionally, this family-friendly campground offers lots of entertainment and special events for kids.

Mystic Waters Campground


Are you thinking of planning a trip to go camping near Indianapolis? Here is a packing list for camping with kids. 

Indy's Child
Indy's Child
For over 40 years, Indy's Child has been the go-to resource for Indianapolis families seeking fun, educational, and enriching experiences. Our award-winning magazine and website are devoted to offering expert advice, insider tips, and the latest information on everything from the top local attractions and events to invaluable parenting resources and support. As deeply rooted members of the central Indiana community, our passionate team at Indy's Child is committed to uncovering the best family-friendly experiences and resources that our city has to offer. Whether you're a new parent or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, Indy's Child is here to guide you in the adventure of raising a family in central Indiana.

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