RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Shoals, IN
48 campgrounds and RV Parks near Shoals, IN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
48 campgrounds
4417 campsites
56 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Shoals, IN
Sleeping Bear Retreat
French Lick, IN (13 miles away)
+4
Painter Creek RV Park
French Lick, IN (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+5
Patoka Pines RV Campground & Storage
French Lick, IN (18 miles away)
Patoka Lake State Reservoir
Indiana (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(500 sites)
+6
Galesburg East/Knoxville KOA
Paoli, IN (21 miles away)
+4
Spring Mill State Park
Mitchell, IN (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(223 sites)
+9
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Lake Monroe
Bloomington, IN (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(98 sites)
+6
Sycamore Springs Park - Roberson Foundation
English, IN (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(34 sites)
+4
Lake Monroe Village
Bloomington, IN (31 miles away)
$$$$$
(425 sites)
+11
Hardens Camp Tennessee Indiana
Indiana (35 miles away)
$$$$$
(15 sites)
+2
Paynetown State Recreation Area Monroe Lake
Bloomington, IN (35 miles away)
$$$$$
(320 sites)
+10
Hillbilly Acres Campground LLC
Linton, IN (35 miles away)
$$$$$
+6
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Grills Toilets Tables Showers Playground Dump station Firewood Trails Hiking
Camping near Shoals, Indiana
Shoals sits along the East Fork of the White River in Martin County, in the hilly, heavily wooded southern Indiana uplands. The town is a practical base for RV travelers targeting Martin State Forest, created in 1932 with the purchase of more than 1,200 acres and now grown to over 7,000 acres, with 26 primitive campsites in a heavily wooded setting. Shoals is roughly a half-hour drive from Bedford, French Lick, and Jasper, putting several public and private campgrounds within easy reach.
Options close to town include Sleeping Bear Retreat and Painter Creek RV Park for smaller, quieter stays. South of Shoals, Patoka Pines RV Campground & Storage and the much larger Patoka Lake State Reservoir, with 26,000 acres of land and water including an 8,800-acre lake that supports bald eagle nesting sites, give RV renters a lake-oriented alternative.
Travelers routing through Illinois toward or from the region often use Galesburg East/Knoxville KOA as a first- or last-night stopover. Between these choices, RV renters can match a trip to river bluffs, reservoir shoreline, or full-hookup convenience.
Things to do near Shoals
Martin State Forest offers hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching, with beautiful hiking trails and seven miles of mountain biking paths. Two lakes inside the forest, Martin and Hardwood, are open to fishing with channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and redear, and boat motors are limited to electric trolling motors.
At Patoka Lake State Reservoir, boating and fishing dominate the itinerary. The 8,800-acre lake supports freshwater jellyfish and bald eagle nesting sites, and river otters and osprey were reintroduced there by the DNR. Interpretive Services staff run programs featuring a non-releasable red-tailed hawk and other natural and cultural history features of the area.
Off the water, day trips reach French Lick's historic hotels and springs, plus caves and covered bridges scattered across the surrounding limestone country.
Camping spots and RV parks near Shoals, IN
When to visit Shoals
- spring
March - May
65° / 53°F 115 mmWet with frequent thunderstorms; wildflowers in the state forest
- summer
June - August
85° / 74°F 100 mmWarm and humid; Patoka Lake sites book earliest
- fall
September - November
67° / 55°F 90 mmCool nights; peak leaf color in mid to late October
- winter
December - February
42° / 32°F 85 mmCold; snow possible; some private parks reduce services
The prime RV window in southern Indiana runs from late April through October. Summers bring warm, humid weather with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and reservoir sites book earliest. It is advisable to reserve well ahead for summer weekends and holiday periods, when Patoka Lake fills quickly.
Spring is wet but green, with wildflowers in the state forest and cool nights ideal for campfires. Fall is a strong shoulder season: leaf color across the Hoosier hills usually peaks in mid- to late October, water levels drop as Patoka draws down to its winter pool, and crowds thin after Labor Day.
Winter conditions are milder than the northern Midwest but still cold, with snow possible from December through February. Patoka Lake is open year-round, and Martin State Forest remains accessible, though private RV parks may reduce hookups or amenities in the coldest months, so confirm services directly before booking.
How to book a campsite near Shoals
For Patoka Lake and other Indiana state properties, use the Indiana DNR reservation system through Reserve America. Reservations for Patoka Lake can be made online through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources reservation system or through Reserve America, up to six months in advance, and it is recommended to reserve early, especially for summer weekends and holidays. You will need to create an account, select dates, and choose from available sites; a reservation fee applies in addition to camping fees.
Martin State Forest does not accept reservations. Camping is first-come, first-served, and a self check-in station is located in the campground. Private parks such as Painter Creek RV Park, Patoka Pines RV Campground & Storage, and Galesburg East/Knoxville KOA typically take reservations by phone or through their own websites.
What to expect on the ground
Public options in this area lean rustic. Primitive class C camping is available at Martin State Forest with 26 designated campsites, pit toilets, and drinking water near sites. Sites are wooded and quiet, but there are no electric hookups at the forest campground and RVs are limited to about 30 feet in length, so smaller and self-contained rigs handle it best. The nearest dump station is in Huron, a few miles northeast of the forest.
Patoka Lake is a step up in amenities. The main modern campground offers electric sites, with additional primitive sections and dump stations on site. Expect paved pads at modern loops and a longer walk to showers from some waterfront sites.
Cell service can be limited in the more remote forested areas, so download maps before arriving and plan on grocery runs into Shoals, Loogootee, or Jasper.
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 Shoals, IN
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Shoals, IN?
RV rental in Shoals, IN is one of the most affordable ways to explore southern Indiana, with most rigs falling between $90 and $250 per night depending on size and season. Compact campervans and travel trailers are the budget-friendly picks, while a Class C motorhome rental Shoals sleeps the whole family for around $175 to $225 a night. To score a cheap RV rental Shoals, try booking midweek (Sunday through Thursday), avoiding the Catfish Festival weekend in late June/early July, and traveling in the shoulder months of April, May, September, or October. Pro tip: many hosts offer discounted weekly rates, so a 5+ night Shoals RV trip can drop your nightly cost significantly.
visitmartincountyindiana.com/Do I need a special license to rent an RV in Shoals, Indiana?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Shoals, Indiana for almost every rig on the platform. Indiana only requires a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for recreational vehicles over 45 feet long or above 26,000 pounds gross weight, and virtually every motorhome rental Shoals listing falls well under those thresholds. You'll need to be 25 or older with a valid license, and RVezy handles ID verification right inside the booking flow. Visiting from another country? Bring your home license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) and you're set. First time renting an RV? Pick a Class C or travel trailer, and your host will walk you through everything at pickup.
in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/commercial-drivers-license-overview/Is RV rental in Shoals, IN covered by insurance and roadside assistance?
Every RV rental in Shoals, IN comes with a built-in protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can roll toward Jug Rock or Patoka Lake knowing you are covered. During checkout you choose the renter protection plan tier that fits your comfort level, which sets your deductible and coverage limits. If you get a flat on US-50 or your battery dies at Martin State Forest, one call to RVezy support dispatches help. That built-in safety net is a big reason first-time renters feel confident booking through RVezy.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Shoals RV rental?
Booking your Shoals RV trip is low-risk because RVezy sets the cancellation policy platform-wide, not individual hosts. Refund amounts depend on how far in advance you cancel, and the full policy details are available in the RVezy Help Center so you know exactly what to expect. If a host cancels on you, RVezy refunds your booking or helps you rebook with travel credit. If life happens, contact RVezy support and they will walk you through your options so you can rebook with confidence.
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 Shoals?
Yes, pet-friendly RV rental in Shoals is easy to find: flip on the Pet-Friendly filter when you search and you will see every host who welcomes four-legged co-pilots. Many hosts in the area allow dogs with a small cleaning fee, and southern Indiana is genuinely pet-friendly: Jug Rock Nature Preserve, Martin State Forest trails, and the shoreline at West Boggs Park all allow leashed dogs. Hindostan Falls is another scenic, pup-approved picnic spot just minutes from town. Pack a tie-out stake and a collapsible water bowl, since summer humidity in Martin County climbs fast and shaded sites at Patoka Lake are a dog's best friend.
in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/martin-state-forest/Can the RV be delivered to my campground near Shoals?
Yes, RV delivery Shoals is one of the easiest ways to start your trip, especially if you're flying into Indianapolis or Evansville and don't want to drive a motorhome on day one. Filter for Delivery on RVezy and you'll see hosts who will haul the rig to Martin State Forest, West Boggs Park, Patoka Lake, or even a private property off US-50. They'll level it, hook up water and electric, run the slides, and give you a full walkthrough before handing over the keys. Delivery fees usually scale with mileage, so a campground within 20 miles of Shoals is the sweet spot. It's a game-changer for first-time renters.
visitmartincountyindiana.com/How does mileage work on a Shoals RV rental, and how far can I drive?
Mileage policies are set per listing, and you'll see the included mileage and any per-mile overage right on the listing page before you book, so there are no surprises. Some hosts offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, while others bundle 100-150 free miles per night with a small fee beyond that. Shoals sits at a sweet spot for road trips: French Lick Resort is 14 miles south, Bedford and Bluespring Caverns are about 25 miles east, Bloomington is 50 miles north, and Louisville, KY is roughly 90 miles southeast. Map your route before booking, ask the host any questions through the messaging tool, and pick the mileage package that matches your plan.
in.gov/indot/Where are the best campgrounds near Shoals, IN to park my RV?
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to RV camping Shoals: Martin State Forest (14040 Williams Rd, just 4 miles east on US-50) offers wooded, primitive-style sites with water and toilets at a great price. West Boggs Park, about 11 miles west near Loogootee, has full hookup sites, showers, and a lake for fishing and swimming. Patoka Lake Campground, roughly 25 miles south, is the largest in the region with full hookups and boat ramps. Shirley Creek Campground in Hoosier National Forest is perfect if you want quiet and trees. For something different, Sleeping Bear Retreat near Loogootee even has a free disc golf course on site.
in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/martin-state-forest/When is the best time of year for an RV trip from Shoals?
Late April through mid-October is prime time for an RV road trip from Shoals, with the absolute sweet spot being May, September, and early October when daytime temps run 65-78°F and humidity drops. July and August get hot and sticky (highs in the mid-80s with thick Ohio Valley humidity), but that's also when the Shoals Catfish Festival lights up town over the July 4th weekend, a uniquely Hoosier experience with live music, the Big Catfish Contest, and a queen who kisses the winning fish. Fall in Martin County is stunning, with hardwood forests blazing red and gold along the East Fork of the White River. Winter rentals are limited but doable for cozy hookup stays.
weather.gov/ind/I've never rented an RV before, will I be okay driving around Shoals?
You'll do great, and Shoals is honestly one of the friendliest places in the country to learn. Rural US-50 and US-150 are wide, well-maintained, and traffic is light compared to any city, so first time renting an RV here feels manageable from minute one. Your host will give you a hands-on orientation at pickup, covering the slides, leveling, tanks, generator, and propane, and they're a text away if a question pops up at the campground. Start with a Class C motorhome or a smaller travel trailer for easy handling. Pro tip: drive 5 mph below the limit your first hour, you'll settle in fast on the rolling Martin County backroads.
in.gov/indot/What if something breaks down during my Shoals RV trip?
You're never on your own. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance, so whether you blow a tire on State Road 550, lock yourself out at Hindostan Falls, or need a jumpstart at the Overlook Park pullout on US-50, one call gets help rolling. The protection package covers most mechanical damage, and your host is also a quick message away to troubleshoot small stuff like the water pump or awning. The closest larger service hubs are Bedford (25 miles east) and Washington, IN (20 miles west), both with RV-capable mechanics. Save the RVezy support number to your phone before you leave, and travel knowing you've got backup the whole way.
in.gov/indot/motorist-services/Can I take my Shoals RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, interstate travel is welcome on most rentals. From Shoals you are within easy reach of Kentucky (Mammoth Cave National Park is about 113 miles southeast), Illinois (St. Louis is roughly 200 miles west), and Tennessee, and many hosts approve longer cross-state routes. Message the host through the listing before booking to confirm your itinerary. Cross-border travel into Canada depends on the host and the protection coverage, so always confirm in writing before you book. Travel to Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals. Popular RV road trip routes from Shoals include heading north toward Bloomington and the bourbon and caves loop south through Kentucky.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on a Shoals RV trip?
Fuel is usually the biggest variable cost, so plan smart. Class B campervans get 18-22 MPG, Class C motorhomes average 8-12 MPG, and Class A rigs run 6-10 MPG. Indiana gas prices typically sit a bit below the national average, and Shoals has fuel stations right in town along US-50 plus larger truck-friendly stops in Loogootee (5 miles west) and Washington (20 miles west). A 200-mile loop hitting Patoka Lake, French Lick, and Bedford in a Class C will run roughly $60-$80 in fuel. Pro tip: use the GasBuddy app and fill up in Washington or Jasper, where prices tend to be lower than the small-town pumps.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Shoals?
Booking 2-3 months ahead is the sweet spot for the most popular Martin County campgrounds, and 4-6 months ahead for July 4th weekend (Catfish Festival) and fall color season in October. Indiana State Park and State Forest sites, including Martin State Forest, can be reserved through the official Indiana DNR camping reservation system online, and Patoka Lake fills up fastest because of its full-hookup sites. West Boggs Park takes reservations directly through Daviess-Martin County. Pro tip: weekdays at Martin State Forest are almost always wide open even in summer, so a Sunday-to-Thursday trip can be booked just a week or two ahead, perfect for a spontaneous getaway.
in.gov/dnr/state-parks/What are the local driving conditions like around Shoals?
Shoals driving is refreshingly easy compared to big-city RV travel: US-50 and US-150 are two of southern Indiana's main east-west routes, wide and well-paved, and traffic stays light outside of weekday morning commutes. Expect rolling hills, limestone bluffs, and curvy backroads if you venture toward Hindostan Falls or Hoosier National Forest, so take it slow on State Road 550 and West River Road. Watch for white-tailed deer at dawn and dusk, especially in fall. Spring brings the occasional thunderstorm rolling through the White River Valley, so check the forecast each morning. Bridges over the East Fork of the White River are tall enough for any standard RV, no clearance worries.
in.gov/indot/What amenities and hookups do campgrounds near Shoals offer?
You'll find a mix that suits every style of camper. West Boggs Park offers full hookups (electric, water, sewer), showers, laundry, and a swim beach on the lake. Patoka Lake has electric and water sites plus a dump station and potable water fill-up. Martin State Forest is more rustic with potable water, vault toilets, picnic tables, and grills, but no electric hookups, perfect if you've got a generator or solar setup. The nearest reliable dump stations are at West Boggs Park and Patoka Lake. Pro tip: ask your host if the RV has a built-in generator or solar package if you plan to camp at Martin State Forest, that one detail can make or break the experience.
in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/martin-state-forest/What's actually inside the RVs available in Shoals?
More than you might expect. Most motorhome rental Shoals listings include a queen or king bed, a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink), a bathroom with shower and toilet, dinette seating that converts to a bed, climate control with AC and furnace, and seatbelts for the number of passengers stated. Many have a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor speakers, and a power awning, and quite a few offer onboard generators and solar for boondocking at Martin State Forest. Wi-Fi is hit or miss depending on the host and cell coverage (Verizon works best in Martin County). Every listing spells out exactly what's included with photos, so you can match the rig to your trip style.
visitmartincountyindiana.com/What add-ons and extras can I get with my Shoals RV rental?
Hosts in the Shoals area offer some genuinely useful add-ons to make life easier. Common options include camping chairs and outdoor rugs, linen and towel packages, kitchen kits, generators, propane refills, bike racks, kayaks (great for the East Fork of the White River near Overlook Park), and pre-stocked grocery starter kits. Pickup is usually at the host's home or storage lot, and dropoff times often run 10am-12pm to give the host time to clean and turn the rig. If delivery is offered, the host brings the RV directly to your campground and picks it up at the end. Add-ons and fees are spelled out on every listing, so you choose exactly what you need.
visitmartincountyindiana.com/How does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and secure: you pay through the RVezy platform with a credit or debit card when you book, and your funds are protected until the trip starts. A refundable security deposit is held separately from the booking payment, and the amount is clearly listed on every listing before you confirm. As long as you return the rig on time, with no damage, the proper fuel level, and within your mileage limit, the deposit is released after the trip wraps. Pro tip: take time-stamped photos of the RV inside and out at pickup and dropoff, that simple habit prevents most deposit disputes and keeps your Shoals RV trip stress-free.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksNearby cities with campgrounds
Indianapolis, INCincinnati, OHLexington, KYLouisville, KYShelbyville, KYCarlisle, OHEllettsville, INWestfield, INChenoa, ILBattle Ground, INMason, OHBargersville, INBrooklyn, INBrookville, OHClarksville, TNOak Grove, KYFour Bridges, OHWarsaw, KYConverse, INKettering, OHFairborn, OHPortland, TNGridley, ILGreencastle, IN