Twin Mills Camping Resort - Howe

Price Range: $30-45 per night

Twin Mills offers one of the best values in Northern Indiana with its beautiful, quiet setting featuring tall trees and spacious sites. Located near the Michigan border, this campground provides affordable full hookup options and basic sites for those on a tighter budget.

Amenities:

• Water and electric hookups
• Clean restrooms and shower facilities
• Fishing pond
• Mini-golf course
• Playground for children
• Laundry facilities

Nearby Attractions:

Just a short drive from Shipshewana's Amish attractions and the RV Capital of Elkhart, Twin Mills provides an economical base for exploring the region. The Shipshewana Flea Market, Amish restaurants, and furniture shops are all within 15 minutes of the campground.

Best Time to Visit: May through September offers the best weather, but consider mid-week stays for even lower rates and fewer crowds.

Shipshewana North Park Campground

Price Range: $35-50 per night

Located in the heart of Indiana's Amish Country, Shipshewana North Park offers affordable camping with a unique cultural experience. This family-friendly campground provides budget-conscious travelers with clean facilities and a convenient location for exploring the area's attractions.

Amenities:

• Full hookup RV sites
• Free Wi-Fi
• Clean bathhouses
• On-site ice cream stand
• Meeting room facilities
• Pet-friendly areas

Nearby Attractions:

The campground is minutes away from the Midwest's largest flea market, Amish buggy tours, and authentic Amish dining experiences. Budget travelers appreciate the ability to walk to many attractions, saving on transportation costs.

Reservation Tips: Book at least 2-3 months in advance for summer weekends, especially during flea market days (Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

Price Range: $23-35 per night

For budget travelers seeking natural beauty, Indiana Dunes State Park Campground offers some of the best value in the state. With spacious sites nestled among oak, maple, and sycamore trees, this state park campground provides affordable access to Lake Michigan's stunning shoreline.

Amenities:

• Electric hookups (no water or sewer at sites)
• Modern restrooms and shower facilities
• Walking distance to beach
• Hiking trails
• Nature center with programs
• Dump station available

Money-Saving Tip:

Purchase an Indiana State Park Annual Pass ($50-80) if you plan to visit multiple state parks during your trip. The pass covers your entrance fees, which can quickly add up.

Reservation Information: Sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance through the Indiana DNR website. Book early for summer weekends as this popular park fills quickly despite its 140+ sites.

Lake Haven Retreat - Indianapolis

Price Range: $35-45 per night (weekly rates available)

One of the most affordable options near Indianapolis, Lake Haven Retreat offers budget-conscious travelers a convenient base for exploring the city while keeping camping costs low. The campground features a five-acre fishing lake and well-maintained facilities.

Amenities:

• Full hookup sites
• 30/50 amp service
• Free Wi-Fi
• Fishing lake (no license required)
• Laundry facilities
• Clean restrooms and showers

Nearby Attractions:

Just minutes from downtown Indianapolis, guests can easily visit the Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and other attractions while saving significantly on accommodation costs compared to hotels.

Budget Tip: Ask about weekly rates, which can reduce your nightly cost by 15-20%. Monthly rates are also available for extended stays.

Glo Wood Campground - Pendleton

Price Range: $25-35 per night

Glo Wood Campground offers some of the most economical RV camping in central Indiana. This no-frills park provides clean, spacious sites with the basics covered at prices that budget travelers appreciate. The owners live on-site and maintain a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere.

Amenities:

• Water and electric hookups
• Some full hookup sites are available
• Pull-through sites for easy access
• Basic restrooms and showers
• Pet-friendly
• Playground for children

Location Benefits:

Located just off I-69, Glo Wood provides easy access to Indianapolis (30 minutes away) while offering significantly lower rates than campgrounds closer to the city. The rural setting provides a peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing.

Reservation Information: This small campground doesn't typically require advance reservations except during major Indianapolis events. Call ahead to check availability.

White River Campground - Cicero

Price Range: $25-40 per night

This Hamilton County park offers excellent value for RVers seeking a water-side camping experience. Situated on the west bank of the White River, this public campground provides affordable rates with scenic views and good amenities.

Amenities:

• Water and electric hookups
• Some full hookup sites
• Clean restrooms and hot showers
• Laundry facilities
• Fishing access
• Hiking trails

Money-Saving Activities:

The river provides free recreation opportunities including fishing and wildlife watching. The campground also offers games and activities that don't require additional fees, making it ideal for families on a budget.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer the best combination of pleasant weather and lower occupancy. Summer weekends tend to fill quickly, especially during local events.

Brown County State Park Campgrounds

Price Range: $23-30 per night

Known as the "Little Smokies," Brown County State Park offers three campground areas (Buffalo Ridge, Taylor Ridge, and Raccoon Ridge) with some of the most affordable RV camping in southern Indiana. The park's stunning natural beauty, especially during fall foliage season, provides tremendous value.

Amenities:

• Electric hookups
• Modern restrooms and shower houses
• Dump station
• Access to hiking trails
• Nature center
• Olympic-sized swimming pool (seasonal, small fee)

Budget-Friendly Activities:

With over 20 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking opportunities, and scenic overlooks, the park offers days of free recreation. The nearby town of Nashville provides additional attractions with many free window-shopping opportunities.

Insider Tip: Buffalo Ridge tends to have more level sites for larger RVs, while Taylor Ridge offers more privacy with wooded sites. Book site-specific reservations online to ensure you get the right fit for your rig.

Hidden Paradise Campground - St. Paul

Price Range: $35-50 per night (discounts for weekly stays)

True to its name, Hidden Paradise offers budget-conscious travelers an affordable water recreation destination. Located along Flat Rock River, this campground provides economical rates with excellent water-based amenities that typically cost much more elsewhere.

Amenities:

• Full hookup sites available
• 30/50 amp service
• Swimming quarry with floating trampoline
• Kayak and canoe rentals
• Fishing opportunities
• Clean shower facilities

Value Features:

The campground's quarry swimming area with water slide and floating recreation equipment provides resort-like water fun at a fraction of the cost of water parks or commercial recreation areas. Families especially appreciate the included water activities.

Money-Saving Tip: Ask about their "Stay 6 nights, get the 7th free" offer for extended vacations. Bringing your own kayak or fishing equipment can also save on rental fees.

Shakamak State Park Campground

Price Range: $23-33 per night

Offering some of the best value in southwestern Indiana, Shakamak State Park features heavily wooded campsites with excellent shade and privacy at budget-friendly rates. The park's three lakes spanning 400 acres provide ample recreation opportunities included with your camping fee.

Amenities:

• Electric hookups
• Some full hookup sites
• Modern restrooms and showers
• Swimming beach (seasonal)
• Boat rentals
• Fishing opportunities

Nearby Attractions:

Located near the small town of Jasonville, the park offers a peaceful retreat with lakes known for excellent fishing. The seasonal aquatic center provides additional swimming options for a small fee.

Reservation Information: Sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance. The campground rarely fills completely except on holiday weekends, making it a good last-minute option.

Spring (March-May)

Budget Advantage: Lower Rates & Good Availability

Spring offers excellent value with rates often 20-30% lower than summer prices. Many campgrounds offer "spring opening specials" to attract early season campers.

Weather Considerations:

Temperatures range from 40s-70s°F with occasional rain. Pack layers and rain gear. Some campgrounds may have muddy conditions after spring thaws.

Budget Tips:

• Look for "spring opening" specials at private campgrounds
• State parks are rarely crowded mid-week in spring
• Many attractions have lower shoulder-season rates

Summer (June-August)

Budget Challenge: Peak Season Rates

Summer brings the highest prices and fullest campgrounds, especially on weekends and holidays. However, budget options still exist with proper planning.

Weather Considerations:

Warm and humid with temperatures typically in the 70s-90s°F. Thunderstorms are common in afternoon/evening. Air conditioning usage will increase your electricity costs if metered.

Budget Tips:

• Book Sunday-Thursday stays for lower rates
• Look for campgrounds offering weekly rate discounts
• Consider less popular locations away from major attractions
• Book well in advance (3-6 months) for best site selection

Fall (September-November)

Budget Advantage: Decreasing Rates with Peak Scenery

Fall offers an excellent combination of lower rates and spectacular scenery, particularly in southern Indiana's forested regions. After Labor Day, many campgrounds reduce their rates by 15-25%.

Weather Considerations:

Generally pleasant with temperatures from 40s-70s°F. Nights can be chilly, especially in late fall. Less humidity makes for comfortable camping.

Budget Tips:

• Early-mid October offers the best foliage in southern Indiana
• Late September and November have the lowest rates
• Many campgrounds offer fall festival weekends with included activities
• Bring warm sleeping bags to reduce propane heating costs

Winter (December-February)

Budget Advantage: Lowest Rates & Special Offers

For the truly budget-conscious, winter camping offers the absolute lowest rates of the year, with some campgrounds reducing prices by 40-50%. However, many campgrounds close or offer limited services.

Weather Considerations:

Cold temperatures ranging from 20s-40s°F with occasional snow and ice. Proper RV winterization is essential. Some water systems may be shut down at campgrounds.

Budget Tips:

• Look for campgrounds offering monthly winter rates
• Check which facilities remain open (some bathhouses close)
• Prepare for higher propane usage in heating costs
• Consider southern Indiana locations for milder winter conditions