RV camping in Indiana is a great way to explore the state and all of the amazing things it has to offer. Whether you prefer exploring cities with their museums and amusement parks, or you like sticking to beautiful natural areas instead, there’s sure to be something for you to fall in love with in Indiana. And the ability to hop from one spot to another and stay in the middle of nowhere in complete comfort can’t be beat.
Of course, you will want to do a bit of planning before you go RV camping in Indiana. We’ve gathered all the info here in one spot that you’ll need to plan an amazing trip.
Finding Campgrounds
Indiana boasts a wide variety of RV camping options. Whether you prefer luxury RV parks, city camping, or boondocking in the middle of nowhere, you’ll find a spot you love.
Exploring Public Campgrounds in Indiana
Public campgrounds in Indiana include some beautiful state parks as well as national park and national forest camping. These options might provide fewer amenities than some private RV parks, but they are typically much more affordable and offer some beautiful scenery.
National Park Camping
Let’s start by talking about Indiana’s national park – Indiana Dunes National Park. This park is the perfect place to go hiking, bird watching, or swimming. It’s also an ideal camping location.
The in-park campground, Dunewood Campground, has 53 RV campsites as well as modern restrooms with hot showers. There are no RV hookups in the campground, but it does have potable water and a dump station.
National Forest Camping
Hoosier National Forest is nestled in the hills of south central Indiana and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a hike or camping trip.
The camping options here are plentiful and include both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping. One of our favorite campgrounds in the forest is the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area. This campground offers both primitive sites and sites with hookups, and reservations can be made online.
State Park Camping
Of course, we also must mention the state park camping in Indiana. These campgrounds are perfect for those who want to spend some time reconnecting with nature.
One of our favorite Indiana state parks is Chain O’ Lakes State Park. This is a gorgeous place with nine connecting lakes that offer a variety of water recreation opportunities. Campers will find almost 400 campsites in the park, many with electric hookups. A camp store and dump station are available.
Other great Indiana state parks include Shakamak State Park, Clifty Falls State Park, and Spring Mill State Park.
Exploring Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
You might also be interested in private RV parks in Indiana. There are a huge number of parks to choose from, so whether you want glamping at a luxury resort or just need something with a basic bathhouse and dump station, you can pretty easily find what you’re looking for.
One of our favorite private RV parks in Indiana is Grandpa’s Farm Campground. This family-run park is all about making you feel welcome. Here you can enjoy full hookups, hot showers, a swimming pool, and friendly staff in the beautiful Indiana countryside.
Other great options include Lake Haven Retreat and Follow the River RV Resort.
Boondocking in Indiana
Of course, there’s always the option of saving some money and doing some boondocking while in Indiana. There are actually quite a few boondocking options in the state and dry camping in the middle of nowhere could be an awesome, budget-friendly way to go.
The Hoosier National Forest is a wonderful place to look for free camping, such as the dispersed camping near Maines Pond. Casinos are also good places to look as well, and the RV Hall of Fame and Museum offers free parking lot camping to visitors.
Preparing for RV Camping
Next, you’ll want to find an RV for your trip, and make sure it’s properly packed. In this section, we will help you ensure you are fully prepared to hit the road.
Choosing the Right RV for Your Needs
If you have an RV of your own, you can take that RV camping in Indiana. If you’ll be renting, take a look at RVshare’s Indiana RV rentals to find a rig.
To choose the perfect rental RV, decide whether you prefer to drive the RV yourself or have it delivered. If delivery is your preference, make sure to narrow your options down to the deliverable rigs.
Want to drive the rental yourself? You can choose between larger Class A RVs down to smaller Class B campervans, plus a lot in between. If you prefer a trailer, make sure you have a vehicle capable of towing it.
Other things to consider include the size of the RV – you want one big enough to fit everyone, but you may not want to drive an overly large rig. Also look at the floor plan, the amenities included, and what sorts of items are included in the rental.
Packing Essentials for a Successful Trip
Once you have your RV rental booked, you’ll want to make sure you have everything packed. We’ve compiled packing lists for every kind of camping trip you might be planning.
Considerations for Camping in Indiana
For the most part, RV camping from one state to the next doesn’t change all that much. However, there are some small differences when you travel into a new state. You’ll want to check into the RV laws and guidelines for Indiana before you hit the road.
For example, if you’re RV camping in Indiana, your entire rig including any tow vehicles must be under 60 feet long. Trailers can’t exceed 28.5 feet long (which is relatively short) and motorhomes should be 45 feet long or shorter. All rigs must be no more than 8.5 feet wide, and RVs can’t be more than 13.5 feet high.
Triple towing – towing a trailer behind another trailer – is allowed in Indiana. Additionally, overnight parking is allowed in state rest areas, giving you quick and easy places to stop for the night on those long stretches.
Planning Your Itinerary
Now, you’ll want to decide what to do once you arrive in Indiana. With so many museums, hiking trails, festivals, and other attractions to choose from, you’ll find lots to do. Below are our favorite options.
Features and Attractions in Indiana
One of best ways to start a trip to a new state is by taking a scenic drive. Indiana features plenty of scenic byways, including the gorgeous Ohio River Scenic Byway.
Be sure to look for landmarks on your drive. Even if you don’t pass them during your drive, you will want to make time for iconic Indiana landmarks such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
NPS sites are also a great option. Be sure to check out the national sites in Indiana, including the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park.
Festivals, Fairs, and Events in Indiana
Adding an event to your travel itinerary is a great way to make your trip more exciting. Indiana has a number of wonderful annual events that are well worth checking out while in the state.
Some of our favorite Indiana events include the Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival in Morgantown in June, the Circus City Festival in Peru in July, and the Amish Acres Arts and Crafts Festival in Nappanee in August.
Exploring Outdoor Activities
Getting outside is what camping is all about, and you’ll want to have some outside time while RV camping in Indiana. Below are some of our favorite things to do outdoors while in the state.
Hiking, Biking and Nature Trails
Indiana has some excellent trails to help you explore nature. From awesome hiking trails to excellent biking trails, you’re sure to find something that suits your fancy.
For hikers, the trails below are a good bet:
- Cowles Bog Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park — Moderate
- West Beach — Dune Succession Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park — Easy
- Trail #3 in Turkey Run State Park — Moderate
- Lawrence Creek Trail in Fort Harrison State Park — Moderate
- Clifty Falls, Hoffman Falls, and Tunnel Falls in Clifty Falls State Park — Moderate
Meanwhile, cyclists will likely enjoy one of the options below:
- Lawrence Creek Trail in Fort Harrison State Park
- Camp Creek and Fall Creek Trails Loop in Fort Harrison State Park
- Southwestway Park Loop in Southwestway Park
- Town Run Trail Park in Hazel Landing Park
- Potato Creek Trails 1,2, and 4 in Potato Creek State Park
Fishing, Boating, and Water Activities
Creeks and lakes are all over the place in Indiana. Take advantage of them and enjoy some time in or on the water while visiting the state!
For those who enjoy fishing, there are a number of great Indiana fishing spots to choose from. We especially love the Morse Reservoir just north of Indianapolis, where you can find catfish, largemouth bass, and more. Monroe Lake is in Bloomington and is another good pick.
Prefer relaxing on a beach? Indiana has you covered. West Beach in Indiana Dunes National Park might be our favorite because of its soft sand and beautiful blue Lake Michigan waters. We also love Pokagon Beach in Pokagon State Park.
Finally, we must mention Indiana’s waterfalls. You’ll find some lovely falls at Clifty Falls State Park. We also recommend Salamonie River Falls, located just outside of Wabash and not too far from Fort Wayne.
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
State Parks, Hoosier National Forest, and the many other natural areas in Indiana offer some wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities. You’re likely to see deer, a variety of birds, and if you go out at night, some bats.
Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge and North Fork State Wildlife Refuge is also a good place to check out.
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
Indiana is an excellent family vacation destination. Whether you’re planning to see Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, or someplace else entirely, we’re betting you’ll find some great ways to keep little travelers entertained. Here are some of the best attractions in Indiana for kids.
Historical Sites and Museums
Hoping to add a bit of roadschooling to your family getaway? Indiana has some excellent opportunities to do so.
The state’s national sites include the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial as well as the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, which we mentioned before. Both are wonderful ways to learn a bit of history while having fun as a family.
Museums are another great educational option. One of the best museums for kids in the state is the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Conner Prairie in Indianapolis is a great way to learn some history with hands-on activities, and Science Central in Fort Wayne offers fun ways to learn about science.
Amusement Park, Zoos, and Wildlife Refuges
Another great way to have fun as a family is by hitting up local amusement parks. Indiana is home to 9 fantastic amusement parks. These include the wonderful Holiday World in Santa Claus, the Indiana Beach Amusement and Water Park on the shore of Lake Schafer, and Big Splash Adventure Indoor Waterpark & Resort in French Lick.
Zoos are also a good way to make memories with your kids. The Indianapolis Zoo is one of the best in the state, and Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is perfect for young children.
Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Indiana
Safety should always be a big consideration, whether you’re traveling or not. For this reason, it’s important to take certain precautions before you go RV camping in Indiana. Packing a first aid kit is a good first step. You’ll also want to make yourself aware of potential bad weather, natural disasters, and dangerous animals.
Weather Conditions and Natural Disaster Preparedness
For the most part, Indiana is a lovely place to visit. But just like any other state, it can see some bad weather and natural disasters.
The main thing you want to look out for in Indiana is severe storms. These can result in flooding, hail, and dangerous lightning. Sometimes these storms will even produce tornadoes.
In order to stay safe while visiting Indiana, be sure to pay attention to the weather forecast. A weather app with push notifications is an excellent tool to help you track dangers. You’ll also want to make sure you always know where the nearest storm shelter is. Keeping a bag packed with emergency supplies such as a hand-crank radio, water bottles, and flashlights, is also a good idea.
Wildlife Encounters and Precautions
Anytime you head into nature, you will want to be prepared for encounters with wildlife. In Indiana, this means watching out for rattlesnakes and dangerous spiders, and seeking help immediately if one does bite you.
You could also come across cougars while hiking or camping near the state line, but this is relatively unlikely and they almost certainly won’t bother you. If you do find yourself face-to-face with a cougar, don’t run or turn your back. Instead, make yourself as big as you can and make noise to scare it away.
