Camping has always been a family favorite activity but when COVID pushed everyone outdoors last year, it became bigger than ever. More and more families are buying RVs and booking those sometimes hard-to-find perfect campsites. We have now been camping as a family for a few seasons, mostly near our home in Southern Indiana. This area’s camping offers some of the best, and there are some great campgrounds in Southern Indiana to suit your family’s style.
Camping in Southern Indiana offers a wide variety of things to do, depending on the property. Whether your family loves exploring the great outdoors hiking, kayaking, and fishing or if you’re looking for a spot with lots of fun to discover in nearby communities, camping in Southern Indiana covers all the bases.
Check out our list of the best campgrounds in Southern Indiana below!
Before you head out for a weekend of camping, be sure to also check out my FREE printables for a Weekend Camping Menu with Grocery List and Camper/RV Packing Checklist!
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Best Southern Indiana Camping by Category
Southern Indiana has a lot of great camping locations for families. Depending on your family’s interests, we’ve put together the best Southern Indiana camping spots by category.
Best Southern Indiana Campgrounds for Hiking
Spring Mill State Park
We grew up visiting Spring Mill State Park, but never took advantage of their great hiking options until recently. With a great network of seven interconnected trails throughout the park, you can choose a quick family hike or spend all day winding around the hills and karst landscape. Your kids will be so thrilled when you stumble upon the entrance to a cave!
Spoiler – this won’t be the only time Spring Mill hits our best of Southern Indiana camping list! Find out what else they have that we love below!
Clifty Falls State Park
With over 12 miles of moderate to rugged hiking trails, Clifty Falls State Park has been some of the best hiking we’ve seen. Beautiful waterfalls and lookout stops make this a favorite family hiking location.
Brown County State Park
Visit Brown County State Park and you may just forget you’re in Indiana. By far the largest state park in Indiana, you can’t go wrong hiking some of their more than 18 miles of easy to rugged trails. Their gorgeous ravines, lakes, and streams will be fun for your kids to explore. And if you visit in the fall, some of the views almost rival the nation’s best.
Best Southern Indiana Campgrounds for Fishing
Patoka Lake (Fishing by Boat)
Patoka Lake is an excellent choice for fun on the water. Whether fishing or maybe even tubing on their 8,800 acre lake, Patoka has been a favorite of our families for years. If you don’t have your own watercraft – no worries! The marina rents out boats for the day.
Starve-Hollow State Recreation Area (Shore Fishing)
Starve-Hollow State Recreation Area quickly became my favorite Southern Indiana camping location. Our oldest son loves to fish on the banks or from a dock. The park also offers a sand beach and nice playgrounds.
Hint – if you book early enough, make sure to get a spot on the lake. But these spots are the most popular and go fast!
Best Southern Indiana Campground for Kids Being Kids
Sycamore Springs Park
As far as just a relaxing family camping weekend goes (especially if you have little ones), make sure you check out Sycamore Springs Park. This private campground is so peaceful, and has playgrounds around every corner (and then some!). The campground has the CUTEST little playhouse town too!
You can also reserve a shelter house for FREE on their website if you’re having a family reunion or birthday party.
And make sure to get freaked out on the spiral staircase and rickety metal bridge hike! (I’m not sure if it’s actually rickety, but it sure does feel that way!) I’m usually white-knuckling it the whole way, but it’s a great quick family adventure.
Best Southern Indiana Campgrounds for Swimming
Patoka Lake (Lake)
For a dip in the lake, be sure to check out Patoka Lake‘s swimming beach! Of course, if you bring along a boat you can jump right off the side for a swim in Patoka’s 8,800 acre lake.
O’Bannon Woods State Park (Pool)
We haven’t been to O’Bannon Woods State Park‘s Family Aquatic Center yet, but we’ve definitely driven by to check it out a few times! Awesome water slides and a splash pad will be a great summer day for kids of all ages!
Best Southern Indiana Campground for Kayaking
Starve-Hollow State Recreation Area
As I mentioned early, Starve-Hollow State Recreation Area is probably my favorite Southern Indiana camping spot. We love to snag a campsite on the water, for easy access for our kayaks. The lake is beautiful and so, so peaceful. 🙂
Best Southern Indiana Campgrounds for Natural/Cultural Education
Lincoln State Park
All cards on the table – we’ve haven’t camped yet at Lincoln State Park. But we know it is a great spot for cultural education, featuring the boyhood home of our 16th U.S. president. Offering hiking trails, lakes, and an interpretive center featuring early settler life, it’s definitely on our list to visit soon.
Spring Mill State Park
We have been to Spring Mill State Park‘s Pioneer Village countless times. In between tromps through the stream that passes through the village, families can explore 20 historic buildings. Our favorite is the 3-story limestone gristmill where you can still watch them grind cornmeal.
O’Bannon Woods State Park
O’Bannon Woods State Park has excellent natural/cultural resource displays. In their nature center, discover some of the many critters that call Southern Indiana home – including the endangered hellbender! Just outside you’ll find a pioneer farmstead featuring a working haypress barn and the oxen that provide its power.
Charlestown State Park
You’ll feel like you stepped back into the Roaring 20’s when you take a walking tour of Rose Island at Charlestown State Park. I would recommend taking the guided history tour to make the most of your time there. Remnants of this 100-year-old amusement park that families vacationed to via ferry in the early 19th century make for a creepy-cool tour.
Best Southern Indiana Campgrounds for Their Surrounding Area Activities
If you want to venture away from the campground, many of Southern Indiana’s best sites have amazing things to do within a few short miles. Here’s a list of our favorite communities that will be just a hop, skip, and a jump from your RV.
Patoka Lake
A visit to Patoka Lake should definitely include venturing into historic French Lick and West Baden. Exploring their two beautiful historic hotels, horseback riding, or a visit to an indoor water park are just a few of the activities that you’ll find in these small Southern Indiana towns.
Clifty Falls State Park
Just a short distance from Clifty Falls is the historic river town of Madison, Indiana. Madison is a quaint little town, known for antiques, breweries, and scenic drives.
Lincoln State Park
If you have a camping weekend at Lincoln State Park, make sure to spend a day at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. Holiday World is the best amusement park in the region by far, with attractions for ALL ages and a nice water park.
Brown County State Park
Brown County State Park is located in Brown County, Indiana, a popular getaway in Southern Indiana known for antiques and gift shops. Check out what artist will be playing at the Brown County Music Center in “Little” Nashville during your stay.
the Last Word About Camping in Southern Indiana
Southern Indiana offers a wide variety of experiences to match many interests and styles. Whether you spend the weekend at your site or get out in the nearby communities to explore, you and your kids are bound to find adventure!
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What did I miss? Comment below with YOUR favorite Southern Indiana camping spots!
Love sycamore springs
We love Starve Hallow too. We are hoping to make one last trip for the year over fall break