Summer may be over, but the best season for camping has just begun. Colorful trees, fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and less bugs — need we say more?
Here are a few places to camp around Indiana that are worth the drive:
Lake Waveland Park
Editor Shea can’t gatekeep this one any longer. At Waveland, you’ll find both primitive and modern campsites — all clean, spacious, shaded, and close to the lake. The campground also hosts fun events like catfishing competitions, movie nights on the beach, and cornhole tournaments.
Brown County is one of the most beautiful spots in the Midwest to watch fall colors take over the landscape.
Photo via Hipcamp
Brown County State Park
Large campgrounds, hiking + mountain biking trails, a saddle barn for guided horse rides, and a horseman campground with 70 miles of horse trails are just a few of the things that make this park a spectacular choice for a camping adventure. And if you just don’t feel like roughing it in the great outdoors, the park’s rustic Abe Martin Lodge offers motel rooms, cabins, dining, and an indoor water park.
Indiana Dunes State Park
This gorgeous park includes more than three miles of beautiful beach and 134 electric campsites along Lake Michigan’s southern shore. If you’re looking for a challenge, climb the three tallest sand dunes in the park on a 1.5-mile self-guided trail that begins at the nature center. If you succeed, you can get a free “3-Dune Conqueror” sticker from Indiana Dunes Tourism.
Hoosier National Forest
Across expansive 204,303 acres of forest, you’ll find four separate recreation areas with camping loops. Dispersed camping is also available along many of the hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails — just observe the rules.
Turkey Run State Park Campground
Need an electrical hookup? This campground has 213 electric (Class A) spots, six of which are wheelchair accessible. The sites also include picnic tables + fire rings, with modern restrooms and showers nearby.
Want even more campsites that are especially good for stargazing? We’ve got another guide.
