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61 campgrounds and RV Parks near Ellettsville, IN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
61 campgrounds
6536 campsites
64 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Best campgrounds near Ellettsville, IN
McCormick's Creek State Park
Spencer, IN (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(221 sites)
+8
Knightridge Campground
Smithville-Sanders, IN (13 miles away)
Lake Monroe Village
Bloomington, IN (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(425 sites)
+11
Paynetown State Recreation Area Monroe Lake
Bloomington, IN (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(320 sites)
+10
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Lake Monroe
Bloomington, IN (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(98 sites)
+6
Hickory Hills Campground
Indiana (16 miles away)
(170 sites)
+5
Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park and Campground
Morgantown, IN (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(400 sites)
+11
Misty Morning Campground
Cloverdale, IN (21 miles away)
Buffalo Ridge - Brown County State Park
Nashville, IN (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(92 sites)
+9
Sunny Acres Lake Lieber State Recreation Area
Cloverdale, IN (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(96 sites)
Raccoon Ridge - Brown County State Park
Nashville, IN (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(49 sites)
+5
Brown County State Park
Indiana (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(80 sites)
+3
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Grills Showers Dump station Toilets Tables Playground Firewood General store Laundry
Camping near Ellettsville, Indiana
Ellettsville sits in Monroe County in south-central Indiana, just west of Bloomington and within easy reach of two major camping hubs: McCormick's Creek State Park to the west and Monroe Lake to the southeast. The area combines rolling wooded hills, limestone canyons, and Indiana's largest inland lake, giving RV travelers a mix of state-park camping and lakeside private resorts.
McCormick's Creek State Park lies about seven miles west of Ellettsville along SR 46 and is the oldest state park in Indiana, opened in 1916. Its campground has been closed since an EF-3 tornado, and the Indiana DNR has stated it will likely be several years before the campground reopens; day-use areas, the Canyon Inn, and family cabins remain open. For full-hookup and electric camping, most travelers head south toward Monroe Lake, where Paynetown State Recreation Area Monroe Lake, Lake Monroe Village, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Lake Monroe, and Knightridge Campground cluster near the shoreline.
Bloomington, home to Indiana University, provides nearby groceries, propane, restaurants, and urgent-care services, making the area practical for both weekend trips and longer stays.
Things to do near Ellettsville
Monroe Lake is the region's main draw. Boating, fishing, swimming, and paddling are the core summer activities, with sandy beaches at Paynetown State Recreation Area Monroe Lake and boat, kayak, and paddleboard rentals available on site. Three signed hiking trails at Paynetown wind through woods and lake overlooks, and the site is a designated stop on the Indiana Birding Trail.
McCormick's Creek State Park offers waterfalls, a limestone canyon, the historic Statehouse Quarry, and a CCC-era fire tower. Several trails south of the creek and the nature center are open for day use.
Families staying at Lake Monroe Village have access to a swimming pool, playground, and rental options including kayaks and golf carts. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Lake Monroe adds themed kids' activities. Downtown Bloomington provides restaurants, breweries, and the IU campus for a change of pace.
Camping spots and RV parks near Ellettsville, IN
Seasonal patterns near Ellettsville
- spring
March - May
63° / 42°F 114 mmWettest season; May peaks near 136 mm rainfall
- summer
June - August
84° / 64°F 102 mmPeak bookings; humid; Paynetown fills on IU weekends
- fall
September - November
66° / 45°F 84 mmCooler and drier; strong foliage through October
- winter
December - February
41° / 25°F 76 mmCold; DNR water off and reduced amenities Nov to Apr
Late spring through early fall is the practical window for RV travel in the Ellettsville area. Full amenities at Indiana DNR properties, including water and modern restrooms, run May through October. From November through April, water is turned off, modern restrooms close, and full-hookup sites are winterized, though camping remains available at a reduced rate. Callers should confirm water and restroom status directly with the property in early spring and late fall.
Summer brings the heaviest demand. Paynetown fills quickly during Indiana University weekends, home football games, and holiday weekends, so reservations well in advance are recommended. Blue-green algae can be present in Monroe Lake year-round; the DNR advises against drinking lake water and recommends showering after swimming.
Fall offers cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and strong foliage color through October, with lighter crowds after Labor Day. Winter camping is possible but limited to sites with electric-only service, and snow or ice can affect travel on the twisting SR 446 approach to Monroe Lake.
Top Hosts near Ellettsville, IN
Brandon18 trips - Joined Jan 2024 - Superhost
5.0
Very nice camper. The owners were very responsive and made the weekend one to remember for my family and me.
Chase C. - Aug 2026
5.0
Great camper and had everything we needed!
Hope G. - Jul 2025
BM
Brandon4 trips - Joined Aug 2025
5.0
Easy to work with.
Jodi W. - Jul 2026
5.0
the RV was very clean and beautiful. it was exactly what we needed. I can't thank Brandon enough for his kindness and help. I recommend this RV and Brandon highly.
Deena O. - Nov 2025
How to book campgrounds near Ellettsville
Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs, including Paynetown State Recreation Area Monroe Lake, use the Indiana DNR reservation system on ReserveAmerica (camp.IN.gov) or by phone at 1-866-6CAMPIN. Bookings open up to six months in advance, and reservations can be made as late as the day of arrival, subject to availability. A one-time vehicle entrance fee applies on top of the site fee, and annual passes are available for frequent visitors.
Private resorts handle bookings independently. Lake Monroe Village and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Lake Monroe both take reservations through their own websites. Knightridge Campground is a smaller, family-owned property; call ahead to confirm site availability and hookup details.
For peak summer weekends and any IU football or graduation weekend, book eight to twelve weeks out.
What to expect on-site
Paynetown State Recreation Area Monroe Lake offers electric sites plus non-electric and primitive options, with a dump station, showers, camp store, two beaches, multiple boat ramps, and a nature center. Sites vary from grass with gravel pads in wooded loops to more open loops suited for larger rigs; some lakeside sites slope toward the water and can complicate leveling. The maximum vehicle length is 60 feet with 20/30-amp electric service.
Lake Monroe Village is a full-service private resort with full-hookup RV sites, cabins, tent sites, a pool, bathhouses, laundry, WiFi, and rental options. It is big-rig friendly with pull-through sites.
Cell coverage is generally reliable on major networks around Monroe Lake. Ticks and mosquitoes are common in warmer months, so pack repellent and check for ticks after hikes.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Ellettsville, IN
How much does an RV rental in Ellettsville cost?
RV rental in Ellettsville is affordable, with travel trailers commonly starting around $90 to $130 per night and Class C motorhomes typically running $175 to $250 per night on RVezy. Because hosts set their own rates, prices flex with the season, and summer weekends plus Indiana University football and graduation weekends in Bloomington command premiums. For a cheap RV rental in Ellettsville, target midweek bookings between late March and mid-May, or after Labor Day when fall foliage trips are equally beautiful but rates drop. Pro tip: filter for Instant Book and travel trailers if you have a tow vehicle, since towables are consistently the best value in Monroe County.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Ellettsville%2C%20IndianaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Ellettsville, Indiana?
Good news: your regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Ellettsville. Indiana does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or any special endorsement for personal motorhomes or travel trailers used recreationally, so a standard Class D license works for everything on the RVezy platform. You'll need to be 25 or older, and RVezy verifies your ID securely through the booking flow so there's no paperwork at pickup. Visiting from outside the US? Bring your home-country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) and you're set. Most first-time renters in Bloomington and Ellettsville are pleasantly surprised by how quick the verification step is.
in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/drivers-licenses/Is my RV rental protected if something happens during the trip?
Yes, every RV rental in Ellettsville booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you are covered from the moment you pull away from the host's driveway. At checkout you choose your protection level, which covers physical damage to the RV and provides peace of mind whether you are driving State Road 46 toward Monroe Lake or parked at Paynetown State Recreation Area. Higher protection tiers significantly reduce your out-of-pocket responsibility if a minor mishap happens. Pro tip: compare the plan tiers side by side at booking so you choose the right level of coverage for your trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat is the cancellation policy for an RV rental in Ellettsville?
Booking is low-risk because RVezy sets the cancellation policy, not individual hosts, so you get a consistent, transparent experience across every listing in Ellettsville. There is a grace-period window after booking where you can cancel for a full refund, and additional refund tiers apply depending on how far in advance you cancel before your trip start date. If a host ever cancels on you, RVezy provides a full refund or travel credit so your plans stay on track. Pro tip: book early to lock in the best rigs for IU graduation weekend or the Little 500, knowing flexibility is built in if plans shift.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Ellettsville?
Yes, plenty of hosts offer a pet-friendly RV rental in Ellettsville, and finding one is as simple as toggling the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy. Indiana State Parks and Monroe Lake's Paynetown and Hardin Ridge campgrounds welcome leashed pets at most campsites, and the Charles C. Deam Wilderness and Hoosier National Forest trails are dog-friendly when your pup stays on a leash no longer than six feet. Many Ellettsville hosts include perks like pet bedding or a small cleaning add-on rather than charging large pet fees. Pro tip: Lake Monroe's shoreline near Cutright SRA is a fantastic spot for a sunset walk with a tired, happy dog after a day of exploring.
in.gov/dnr/state-parks/rules/pets-in-state-parks/Can the RV be delivered to my campground in Ellettsville?
Yes, RV delivery in Ellettsville is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-time renters heading to Paynetown Campground, Hardin Ridge, or McCormick's Creek State Park. Many local hosts will deliver the rig directly to your campsite, level it, hook up water and electric, and walk you through every system before they leave. Delivery fees are usually based on round-trip mileage from the host's location, and some include setup at no extra charge for nearby parks. Pro tip: message the host before booking with your campsite number and arrival date so they can quote delivery precisely, and you can show up with just your cooler and clothes.
in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/mccormicks-creek-state-park/How does mileage work and how far can I travel from Ellettsville?
Mileage is set by each host and shown clearly on every Ellettsville listing, with some offering RV rental with unlimited mileage for road-trippers. From Ellettsville you are well positioned for big adventures: Brown County State Park is about 25 miles east, Indianapolis sits about 60 miles north, Indiana Dunes National Park is roughly 220 miles northwest, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is about 175 miles south, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about 380 miles southeast. If you are planning a multi-state RV road trip from Ellettsville, filter for hosts with generous or unlimited mileage. Pro tip: even with a 100-mile daily cap, Monroe Lake and Hoosier National Forest are both well inside that range.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Ellettsville%2C%20IndianaWhere are the best campgrounds near Ellettsville to park my RV?
You're spoiled for choice with some of the best campgrounds near Ellettsville sitting within a 30-minute drive. Paynetown State Recreation Area on Monroe Lake has 227 electric sites, a marina, swimming beach, and 27 pull-throughs perfect for larger rigs. Hardin Ridge in Hoosier National Forest offers six shaded loops with electric and non-electric options on the lake's south shore. McCormick's Creek State Park, just 12 miles west in Spencer, features limestone canyons, waterfalls, and a family-friendly campground. Lake Monroe Village and Monroe Causeway Campground round out the local favorites for full-hookup RV camping in Ellettsville. Pro tip: book Paynetown's lakeside sites early because they sell out months ahead for summer weekends.
in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/monroe-lake/When is the best time to visit Ellettsville in an RV?
Late April through mid-June and all of September into late October are the sweet-spot windows for an Ellettsville RV trip, with daytime highs in the comfortable 65 to 80 degree range and crisp, bug-free evenings perfect for campfires. Summers (June to August) are warm and humid with highs in the mid-80s, ideal for swimming at Monroe Lake but busier at campgrounds. Fall is genuinely spectacular here because the hardwood forests of Brown County and Hoosier National Forest light up in red, orange, and gold, typically peaking the third and fourth weeks of October. Pro tip: book a fall foliage trip months ahead, as it's the single most popular RV camping season in southern Indiana.
weather.gov/ind/I've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay?
You'll be just fine, and Ellettsville is actually a great place for a first time renting an RV because the roads are calm, the speed limits are reasonable, and the campgrounds are forgiving. Every RVezy host provides a full walkthrough at pickup covering driving tips, leveling, hookups, the generator, slide-outs, and the dump process, so you leave knowing exactly how everything works. If city driving worries you, choose a host who offers delivery and skip the wheel entirely. Pro tip: for your first trip, pick a travel trailer or Class C under 28 feet and head straight to Paynetown or McCormick's Creek, both under 30 miles away with easy pull-through sites.
in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/mccormicks-creek-state-park/What happens if I have a problem on the road?
You are never on your own. Every RV rental in Ellettsville comes with 24/7 roadside assistance included with your protection plan, covering flat tires, lockouts, battery jumps, fuel delivery, and towing. RVezy customer support is also reachable around the clock before, during, and after your trip. If something mechanical pops up at Paynetown or out on State Road 46, one call gets help dispatched to your exact location, and your host is usually quick to respond too since they know their rig best. Pro tip: save the RVezy support number and your host's number to your phone before you leave the driveway, then forget about it and enjoy the trip.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionCan I take the RV to Kentucky, Illinois, or other nearby states?
Yes, interstate travel within the US is welcome on most Ellettsville listings, which makes an RV road trip from Ellettsville to Mammoth Cave, the Red River Gorge, Shawnee National Forest, or the Smokies completely doable. Confirm cross-state travel with your host when you book, since a small number set geographic limits. Travel into Canada may be allowed on some listings with advance host approval, while travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental because protection coverage does not extend there. Pro tip: Louisville is only about 95 miles south, Cincinnati about 175 miles east, and Nashville, Tennessee about 290 miles southwest, so a long weekend can easily span two or three states from here.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on an Ellettsville RV trip?
Indiana fuel prices are typically near the national average, which makes budgeting straightforward for an RV trip. Expect roughly 8 to 10 miles per gallon (mpg) for a Class A, 10 to 14 mpg for a Class C, 18 to 22 mpg for a campervan rental in Ellettsville, and 12 to 16 mpg for a tow vehicle pulling a travel trailer. For a typical 200-mile loop hitting Monroe Lake, Brown County State Park, and back to Ellettsville, plan on $60 to $110 in fuel depending on rig size. Pro tip: top off in Bloomington before heading into Hoosier National Forest, as stations get sparse once you are past State Road 446.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Ellettsville?
For Indiana State Parks like Monroe Lake's Paynetown SRA, McCormick's Creek, and Brown County, reservations open up to six months in advance through the Indiana DNR reservation system, and prime summer weekends often book that far out. Hoosier National Forest sites at Hardin Ridge are reservable up to six months ahead on Recreation.gov. For shoulder-season trips (late April, May, September, October), four to eight weeks of lead time is usually plenty. Pro tip: if your dates are locked, book the campsite first and then the RV on RVezy, since rigs are easier to find last-minute than a lakeside site at Paynetown in July.
recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2733What are the local roads and driving conditions like around Ellettsville?
Driving around Ellettsville is genuinely easy, even in a larger motorhome rental in Ellettsville. State Road 46 and the I-69 corridor (formerly State Road 37) are the main arteries, well maintained with gentle grades, and downtown Bloomington stays manageable outside of IU game days. The terrain gets hillier and curvier as you head south toward Hoosier National Forest and east into Brown County, so take it slow on State Road 446 and the back roads to Nashville, Indiana. Winter storms can bring ice in January and February. Pro tip: avoid driving through Bloomington's campus area on Saturday football mornings, and use the State Road 45/46 Bypass instead.
in.gov/indot/traffic-and-road-conditions/What amenities can I expect at campgrounds near Ellettsville?
Campgrounds near Ellettsville range from full-hookup resort style to rustic, so you can match the experience to your rig. Paynetown SRA at Monroe Lake offers electric sites (no individual water or sewer at each pad), a centralized dump station, modern shower houses, and potable water fills near the entrance. Hardin Ridge has electric and non-electric loops with restrooms, shower buildings, and a dump station. McCormick's Creek State Park provides electric sites, hot showers, and a dump station. Most private parks around Bloomington offer full 30/50-amp hookups with sewer. Pro tip: fill your freshwater tank before leaving your host's driveway, since on-site fills at state parks can have a line on Friday afternoons.
in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/monroe-lake/What's actually inside the RVs available in Ellettsville?
Most RVs you rent in Ellettsville are well equipped for a comfortable trip. Expect real beds (queen or king in many Class C and travel trailer floor plans), a full kitchen with fridge, freezer, propane stove, microwave, and sink, a bathroom with toilet and shower, air conditioning, a furnace for chilly nights, and seatbelted seating for travel. Many rigs include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor speakers, and a propane or onboard generator for off-grid camping. Wi-Fi varies, so if you need to work remotely, ask the host or bring a personal hotspot since cellular coverage in Hoosier National Forest can be spotty. Pro tip: check the sleeps count on the listing carefully so everyone has a real bed, not a converted dinette.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Ellettsville%2C%20IndianaWhat add-ons and pickup options should I look for when I rent an RV in Ellettsville?
When you rent an RV in Ellettsville, hosts typically offer a menu of useful add-ons: linen and towel packages, camp chairs, outdoor grills, generators, bike racks, kayaks, fire pits, and pre-stocked kitchen kits. RV delivery and setup is a standout option, especially for first-timers heading to Paynetown or McCormick's Creek, and it usually costs less than you would expect for in-county drops. Pickup is straightforward at the host's location with a full walkthrough, and dropoff times are clearly listed. Mileage policies vary, with some hosts offering unlimited miles within Indiana. Pro tip: bundle delivery, setup, and a linen package on your first trip so you arrive to a campground-ready RV and just start the campfire.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Ellettsville%2C%20IndianaHow do payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is handled entirely through the RVezy platform, so you never hand cash or a check to the host. You pay with a credit or debit card at booking, and the security deposit is held separately on your card shortly before your trip starts and released after a successful return. Deposit amounts are set by each Ellettsville host and shown clearly on the listing before you book. To avoid any deposit hiccups, follow the host's checkout checklist: return the RV with the same fuel and propane levels, dump the tanks if required, and snap photos at dropoff. Pro tip: do a quick walkaround video at pickup and dropoff for your own records.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksAny insider tips for an RV trip from Ellettsville?
Here is the local secret: Ellettsville sits perfectly between two of Indiana's best outdoor playgrounds, with Lake Monroe and Hoosier National Forest to the southeast and McCormick's Creek's limestone canyons just 12 miles west. Time your trip for the last two weekends of October to catch the Brown County State Park fall foliage explosion (about a 25-mile drive east), and stop at the Bloomington Community Farmers' Market on Saturday morning for trip groceries. The Charles C. Deam Wilderness on Monroe Lake's south shore is the only federally designated wilderness in Indiana and feels remote despite being about 30 minutes away. Pro tip: drive State Road 446 across the Lake Monroe causeway at sunset for one of the most underrated scenic drives in the Midwest.
in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/brown-county-state-park/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Indianapolis, INCincinnati, OHFort Wayne, INLexington, KYShelbyville, KYCarlisle, OHWestfield, INChenoa, ILBattle Ground, INMason, OHBargersville, INBrooklyn, INBrookville, OHFour Bridges, OHWarsaw, KYConverse, INKettering, OHFairborn, OHCrown Point, INGridley, ILGreencastle, INHoagland, INCamden, OHMadison, IN