The best camping near Hardy Lake

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hardy Lake adventure.

Discover Hardy Lake's serene waters and vibrant wildlife.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Hardy Lake

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Hardy Lake

96%
(59)

Camp Escape

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Louisville, KY
Rustic Camping Near Jefferson County Forestry & Tom Wallace Park Welcome to our 5-acre corner lot, a unique mix of rural charm and city convenience. This primitive campsite is perfect for those looking to disconnect and experience nature while still being close to modern amenities. What to Expect: 🌿 Scenic & Secluded – Our property borders Jefferson County Forestry, with an entrance just 1 mile away, offering miles of trails and outdoor adventures. We’re also near Tom Wallace Park, a great spot for hiking and fishing. 🔥 True Off-Grid Camping – This is a bring-your-own-gear site. No water, electricity, or showers—just you, your supplies, and the great outdoors. A fire pit is provided, and there’s a shared porta potty for convenience. 🚜 A Working Farm Community – Expect to see and hear a mix of country and city life. You may hear wildlife, passing trains, tractors, gunfire from Knob Creek Range, and nearby neighbors working their land. It’s all part of the experience of staying in an authentic rural setting. 🏙️ Convenient Location – Though it feels like a getaway, we’re just 5 minutes from Kroger, Walmart, and a variety of restaurants. Downtown Louisville is a 30-minute drive, and we’re 15 minutes from Fort Knox. If you’re looking for an authentic, off-grid camping adventure close to both nature and the city, this is the spot for you! 🌲🏕️
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$14.25
 / night
99%
(821)

Happy Hollow Homestead

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Marengo, IN
We now have 3 buildings for rent. The Cozy Camping Cottage, the Camping Cabin and the newest addition is our A-frame which is the most secluded spot on the land. - Voted best Hipcamp in Indiana to visit for 6 years. - Listed on Rachael Ray Magazine's "8 of America's Coolest Campgrounds" We offer a "Camping Cabin", The "Cozy Camping Cottage" or tent camping in Black Walnut Grove, in an open field, in the woods, or a shady grove. We like to interact with people or you can keep to yourself and have a quiet getaway in the woods. Sorry, but the tree house isn't available to rent since it is my home. I may rent it out in the future. Also in progress is the "Dome" We are on a solar powered, off the grid 30 acre homestead that has 24 acres of wooded land and 6 acres of groomed land. Come explore our land and relax in the "Tree Web", see the 2 story tree house that I live in, have fun on the tire swing, or just sit and enjoy all that nature has to offer. You can explore our interesting topography that has close to 100 foot of elevation changes, our (mostly) dry creek system that starts with 2 springs that drain into 3 sinkholes or walk 3 miles of trails (if you follow each trail from end to end). We love groups - Host your event here or have a group gathering with all your friends and family. We have spaces large enough to host hundreds of people. We welcome pets for camping, but no pets allow in the Camping Cabin. Also be aware that we have 2 friendly dogs on the land that roam freely. - 3.5 miles to Marengo Cave - 7 miles to the Blue River (canoes, rafting and swimming) - 30 minutes to Patoka Lake - 37 miles west of Louisville - 13 miles north of Interstate 64
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$35
 / night
96%
(154)

Blue River Retreat

9 sites · Tents2 acres · Milltown, IN
Welcome to our primitive campground on the beautiful Blue River! We have 2 acres of riverfront property at the end of a dead end road at the Crawford/Washington County line. Nice and secluded, we have the perfect place to getaway. There is river access for swimming and fishing or you can rent a canoe or kayak from us for a little paddling around. We provide picnic tables and fire rings. Firewood can be purchased from us for an additional cost. Our grounds are fairly flat with plenty of tree cover. If you enjoy hammock camping, our trees are perfect for that! Wildlife is abundant in the area; deer, otter, eagles, raccoons, and beaver are likely to be seen year round. If you are looking for activities nearby you will find Old Mill Canoe Rental in Fredericksburg (15 min drive), Marengo Cave (15 min drive), Beck's Mill (20 min drive), Buffalo Trace Park (25 min drive), as well as many other attractions in nearby Corydon, Salem, and Paoli.
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$20
 / night
100%
(2)

Canyon View Quarry

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Georgetown, IN
This unique 2 acre oasis is the historical quarry; It’s how Quarry Road gets its namesake in southern Indiana! With a 40ft. rock wall that horseshoes around the entire property, experience privacy and serenity. LLC Ranch is situated directly above the underground railroad, the Duncan Tunnel. You can hear the train several time a day traveling through the valley and directly under the quarry. There is a rock driveway entry all the way to our red barn. Rain or shine, the gravel driveway is a perfect location for a van or RV to park. There is a pond and a john boat you can use. The pond is filled with imported Japanese Koi fish that you can also feed. Fish food is always available in the barn! Check in is easy, you will be provided a gate code to enter the red gates. LLC RANCH is located 2 miles from I64 and only 10 minutes from Louisville, KY. We accept only one guest at a time to ensure privacy and space to feel relaxed.
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from 
$34
 / night

The best camping near Hardy Lake guide

Overview

About

When you need to escape to the sounds of the city, Hardy Lake is the place to go. With prime water levels year-round, this lakeshore is always pristine, the wildlife always happy, and the fish ready to be reeled in. From great hiking trails to bomb spots to cast your rod, you’ll find it all. The unique features of the lake area include limestone and rocky bluffs that add character, and caves and fossils that entice adventure. There are loads of activities to keep you busy, with basketball and volleyball courts making this a great spot to resolve that grudge match between your friends and a quaint pier that makes for the perfect scenic fishing spot. After experiencing all the rugged forested beauty and glassy lake waters, it may be harder to leave this spot than you expected.

Notable campgrounds

  • Shale Bluff Campground: Offers 149 electric sites nestled in a picturesque setting, ideal for RVs and tents alike.
  • Wooster Primitive Campground: Provides 11 sites for a more rustic and intimate connection with nature.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially for peak season weekends, to secure your preferred spot at Shale Bluff or Wooster Primitive campgrounds.
  • Consider visiting during weekdays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellations as last-minute openings can provide unexpected opportunities.
  • Explore nearby camping options if Hardy Lake's campgrounds are fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Hardy Lake is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm swimming conditions but can be crowded. Winters are quiet but chilly, with limited activities.

Know before you go

  • Check for blue-green algae advisories and shower after swimming to ensure water safety.
  • Be aware that the marina is currently unable to provide fuel due to system issues.
  • Accessibility is a priority; inquire about facilities if you have specific needs.
  • Visit the Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Center to learn about Indiana's birds of prey.
  • Always stay on marked trails to protect the environment and ensure your safety.

Top points of interest near Hardy Lake

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