‘Tis the season for s’mores, family fun, and mosquitos! That’s right—camping season is creeping up on us! I’ve compiled a list of kid-friendly camping sites in and around Indianapolis. I’ve included many amenities to each location, and each location offers reservations. Keep in mind the more popular locations will book quickly, so make your reservations now.
My search uncovered some hidden gems in central Indiana, and I’m excited to utilize some of these parks this summer. Fun, woodsy goodness is in our own backyard; we just have to know where to look. Keep in mind as you peek through the list that all the prices are for camp sites only. I simply couldn’t include the additional costs of boat rentals, fishing permits, etc. Get ready to grab the bug spray and the graham crackers, and challenge your family to a smartphone-free weekend outdoors (ok, that might be stretching it…I don’t judge!)
Not ready for camping, try hiking with kids near Indianapolis. You could also go glamping near Indianapolis. Indy with Kids founder, Katy Mann, is a big fan of “glamorous camping.”
This article may contain affiliate links.
S&H Campground
2573 W 100 N, Greenfield, IN
Open year round, All Ages, $30-65 a day, depending on electricity hook up preference.
12 acre park, fishing, pets welcome, Wi-Fi, pool, boating, horseshoes, cabins, restaurant, RV service, groceries on site, AAA and military discounts. Activities all weekend during summer, complete with bounce houses!
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Jellystone Park Indy
5964 S State Road 109, Knightstown, IN
Open year round, All Ages, $33-93 a day, depending on electricity hook up preference and campsite type.
Cabin rentals, tent sites, RV sites, Bonnieville Gold Camp (kiddos can mine for gems and gold right there at the campground!), paddle boat rentals, swimming pool, fishing, game room, Wi-Fi, boating within 30 minutes of the park. Events every weekend through the summer. New in 2018 – 5 person paddle boat, Berg peddle cart rentals, and large GaGa Ball pit. Contact Park for discounts and restrictions.
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Lake Monroe – Bloomington
4850 S State Road 446, Bloomington, IN
Open year round, All Ages, Find costs on website, depending on electricity hook up preference and campsite type.
Beach, camping, fishing, hiking trails, hunting, playgrounds. Minutes from Brown County and Springmill and McCormick’s Creek Parks.
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White River Campground – Cicero
11299 E 234th St, Cicero, IN
Open March 15 – November 11, All Ages, $25-30 a day, depending if you live inside or outside of Hamilton County
Wi-Fi areas, primitive camp sites, volleyball, fishing pier, canoeing, trails. Located just east of Morse Reservoir, RV hook ups, playgrounds, river-views on the 26 acre property.
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Indianapolis KOA
5896 W 200 N, Greenfield, IN
Open March 15 – November 11, All Ages, Contact location for pricing information.
Cabin, RV, and tent sites. Bark Park—leash-free dog playground, Wi-Fi, pool, fishing, bike rentals, ice cream bar, horses for petting, and Gaga Ball are all available at this fun location. Pool with various water features and slides! Pool open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
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Brown County State Park
1810 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN
Open year round, All Ages, Contact location for pricing information, varies by season, electric or equestrian.
Nature center, bridle trails, fishing, hiking, mountain bike trails, tennis courts, open fields, pool, playgrounds. Cabin, tent, and RV camping. Youth tent areas, horseman’s campground. There are so many things to do and see in Brown County Park, that I can’t map out a cost for you here. Basic tent camping is comparable to other state parks, but the amenities in Brown County can easily affect the cost of your trip. Totally worth it, whatever you decide to do!
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Ouabache (pronounced like “Wabash”) State Park
4930 E. State Road 201 Bluffton, IN
Open year round, All Ages, Contact location for pricing information.
Nature center, picnicking and shelters, fishing, boating, hiking trails, paved bike trails, pool, tennis courts, boat rental, basketball and volleyball courts, playgrounds.
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Charlestown State Park
12500 Indiana 62, Charlestown, IN
Open year round, All Ages, With electric $16-33/day, Full hook-up $23-40/day.
Boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, jet skiing, waterfalls, shelters, playgrounds. $12 to $40 a day, depending on electrical hook up preference.
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Spring Mill State Park
3333 State Road 60 E, Mitchell, IN
Open year round, All Ages, Youth tent $20/day, Primitive camping $10-12/day, Camping with hook ups $16-35/day.
Caves! Boat tours of caves! They are only open Memorial Day through mid-August, so plan accordingly. Nature center, nature nook, hiking, biking, lodging, pool, camp store, hayrides, bike rental. Grissom Memorial is also on site, honoring astronaut Virgil “Gus” Grissom.
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Indiana Beach
5224 E Indiana Beach Rd, Monticello, IN
Seasonal, All Ages, $24+ per day, depending on season and electrical hook up.
On site cabins are also available for rental, but they fill up fast! Pet friendly, themed weekends, playgrounds, boating, Indiana Beach Amusement Park is RIGHT THERE, mini-golf, free tram and ferry to Indiana Beach boardwalk.
Jellystone Park Indy
5964 S State Road 109, Knightstown, IN
Open year round, All Ages, $33-93 a day, depending on electricity hook up preference and campsite type.
Cabin rentals, tent sites, RV sites, Bonnieville Gold Camp (kiddos can mine for gems and gold right there at the campground!), paddle boat rentals, swimming pool, fishing, game room, Wi-Fi, boating within 30 minutes of the park. Events every weekend through the summer. New in 2018 – 5 person paddle boat, Berg peddle cart rentals, and large GaGa Ball pit. Contact Park for discounts and restrictions.
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Lake Monroe – Bloomington
4850 S State Road 446, Bloomington, IN
Open year round, All Ages, Find costs on website, depending on electricity hook up preference and campsite type.
Beach, camping, fishing, hiking trails, hunting, playgrounds. Minutes from Brown County and Springmill and McCormick’s Creek Parks.
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White River Campground – Cicero
11299 E 234th St, Cicero, IN
Open March 15 – November 11, All Ages, $25-30 a day, depending if you live inside or outside of Hamilton County
Wi-Fi areas, primitive camp sites, volleyball, fishing pier, canoeing, trails. Located just east of Morse Reservoir, RV hook ups, playgrounds, river-views on the 26 acre property.
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Make it a summer to remember out at the campgrounds! Have fun!
This article contains affiliate links for products we recommend for family camping. Earnings contribute to the efforts of supporting family togetherness through this website.
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