The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Decatur, Indiana

In Decatur, river camping means waking up to the sound of water moving just past your tent. With over 210 riverfront campsites here, you’ll find spots where fishing is easy, canoes launch right from shore, and morning mist hangs over the water. Average rates sit around $33 a night, and you can snag a site for as little as $30. Campfires are allowed at most sites, and basic comforts—like toilets and showers—are standard. If you want to see what’s popular, check out River Camp Fort Wayne (117 reviews), Blue Water Lake (43 reviews), and Creekside Acres / N. Manchester (31 reviews). Hike along quiet banks, spot deer at dawn, or brave the river in winter for snow sports. You won’t run out of wildlife to watch or trails to wander.

98% (268) • 24 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Decatur

In Decatur, river camping means waking up to the sound of water moving just past your tent. With over 210 riverfront campsites here, you’ll find spots where fishing is easy, canoes launch right from shore, and morning mist hangs over the water. Average rates sit around $33 a night, and you can snag a site for as little as $30. Campfires are allowed at most sites, and basic comforts—like toilets and showers—are standard. If you want to see what’s popular, check out River Camp Fort Wayne (117 reviews), Blue Water Lake (43 reviews), and Creekside Acres / N. Manchester (31 reviews). Hike along quiet banks, spot deer at dawn, or brave the river in winter for snow sports. You won’t run out of wildlife to watch or trails to wander.

98% (268) • 24 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Decatur

1. River Camp Fort Wayne

98%

(216)

16mi from Decatur · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Each site is in a wooded, shaded area with a flat area on the ground to place a single large tent. Each site has its own fire ring and a small wooden table. There is wood on the ground you may use for firewood, and ample twigs etc on the ground for kindling (do not cut any trees or branches off trees). There is a covered firewood shed with dry firewood as well. There are maintained trails with river access for kayaks. There are 2 porta potties near the campsites with a handwashing station, that is open year round. There is a single bathroom with flush toilet and sink with running water that is a short walk away (open May-Oct depending on weather) There is an outdoor on-demand hot-water shower at bathroom, with a water hose available as well. On-demand hot water heaters provide hotter water at a low water pressure, and cooler water at full blast. We do provide a large trash bin near the porta potties for trash disposal. DO NOT throw trash into fire pits or burn barrels in the woods. Campsites are a short walk (100-200 feet) away from parking area (you CANNOT drive directly to or park at your campsite). Foster Park is a short bike ride away where you will find greenway trails that run throughout Fort Wayne (ride your bike to downtown!!) Our property backs up to the St Mary's River, bring you kayaks and fishing poles! (We reserve the right to assign you to a different (but equally beautiful) campsite in the case of property maintenance concerns, recent rain or weather conditions etc). All guests must be part of a registered group! Link to Trails Maps fwtrails.org Need to rent a bike or kayak: (we do not rent or provide kayaks, canoes or bikes onsite) fwoutfitters.com/#

2. Blue Water Lake

94%

(58)

26mi from Decatur · 21 sites · Tents, RVs

Blue Water Lake is located next to the Salamonie River with fishing access in the lake or the river. Blue Water Lake was previously Baltes Stone Quarry deepest point 30 ft. Lime stone edged with a straight drop off in most places. Beach area available for swimming access. No lifeguards on duty, swim at your own risk. Primitive camping available. Out house available. Less than a mile from Montpelier, a golf cart community. Small town still host Montpelier Speedway one of the last dirt tracks in Indiana. Races on most Saturday nights. You can also get a round of golf in at Bluewater Golf course 9 hole course located across the road from the lake. The land now covered by Montpelier used to be a part of the Native American Miami Nation's Godfroy Reserve. Giant Indian statue at our town center featured on Parks and Reaction TV Show.

3. Creekside Acres / N. Manchester

96%

(39)

44mi from Decatur · 1 site · Lodging

We moved to our 3 1/2 acre property in 2012 to escape town life and to enjoy a more simple family life. Nestled among the trees, our home is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy what God created - singing birds, fragrant flowers, colorful sunsets, gigantic ancient sycamores, and rushing creek waters. We're excited to share this beautiful area, especially the adorable shed and gardens we created for others to experience the peace of God. It's our hope that many will discover the tranquility we have come to appreciate here.Learn more about this land:The Shed Retreat is a sacred space for anyone looking to shed their worries, fears, and busy schedules. Once a home for goats located in a secluded area on our property, it is now a peaceful garden oasis among the trees for those seeking a break from the norm. Inside, you can enjoy a cozy and relaxing place to lounge or rest.  Outside, you can spend time around the fire pit, collect fresh eggs for breakfast, kayak on a nearby river, bike to local ice cream shops, or take a nap in a hammock.

4. Ouabache State Park

124 sites · Vera Cruz, Indiana

Discover Ouabache State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Campfires

5. Salamonie River State Forest

36 sites · Mount Etna, Indiana

Discover the natural beauty of Salamonie River State Forest.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

6. Scott and Amy's Rural Respite

100%

(34)

48mi from Decatur · 21 sites · Tents, RVs

This 80 acre farmland has been in the family for 6 generations. Some of the land is still used for farming to this day. The old barn, built in the late 1800's still stands. Now there is also a motocross track on the property. The track is only open occasionally. Enjoy easy trails in the woods, feed fish in the pond, and if you would like to see our goats and chicken we can arrange a time to introduce you!

7. StarCountryAcres Wildlife Hab

100%

(5)

40mi from Decatur · 12 sites · Tents

Moved to Indiana from San Antonio Texas, This land has been occupied by my family for over 32 yrs. It's situated out in the country on 3 county line roads, access to StarCountryAcres by State Road 15 and State Road 9 3 country line roads,Grant,Wabash, Huntington Turn on 700 N 1200 S We have built this up to become a Wildlife Habitat Certified by the National Wildlife Federation. Learn more about this land: Bring your own tent (This is a tent only campground and Primitive) and enjoy the 5 acres of land that is Certified by the National Wildlife Federation. There are two Nearby Lakes, there is the Mississinewa Reservoir and the Salamone Reservoir, there are beaches to lay at and swimming allowed, both of these places are not far from StarCountryAcres Wildlife Habitat. Less than 25 miles. Bring a GPS to find these two lakes. If you love watching birds then this is the place to see them, bring your binoculars,scopes and camera's. In the summer you can enjoy the two big Montmorency Cherry Trees, pick and eat all you want.The cherries are all gone but its Blackberry time pick all you want Free.. There are also Raspberry Blackberry Bushes you can pick in mid July. Blackberry Season is over Campers can enjoy the Apple Trees and the Grapes when in season. Apple & Grape season is over Pear season is here, Pick all you want FREE. The pears are ready to eat as they are dropping to the ground What more can a camper want than Fresh berries to pick with your pancakes in the morning! Summer/Fall time only. There is now a 24x8 Screen house, it has a table and chairs and also a bench, on the other end of the screenhouse there is a POTTY. The screen house is for campers who want to eat and not have to worry about bugs buzzing around their food. We have tables and chairs in the screen house. WE ARE OPEN FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND.

8. Living Waters Resort

90%

(5)

47mi from Decatur · 40 sites · Tents

This property has everything you could possibly want. 4 acre private lake stocked for good fishing. Western portion of the property is surrounded by the White River stretching north. Sparrow creek borders the South edge of property. Several spots for camping under the trees near a full service bathhouse. For those that want to see the stars; you can set up north of Mills Lake and experience little to no light pollution! Fishing on Mills Lake does not require fishing permit. Large Pavillion for shelter/picnics/activities. Single Site is limited to 1 Tent up to 4 Adults. Conveniently located between Muncie and Winchester. Close enough for a short drive to the city and far enough to be in the serene country setting. Less than 2 miles from Winchester Speedway!

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

D

Dustin

November 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Scott and Amy's Rural Respite

Amazing hosts! A surprise blizzard rolled through, so I informed them I was going to hit a hotel, but didn't expect a refund, because these things happen. Refunded anyway! Super nice of them! Much respect.

Peter

November 2025

13 ft travel trailer

1 night at Blue Water Lake

I had no problem finding the entrance to the property. I pulled in and contacted Amanda as was asked for in the sites posting for the reservation. I waited and didn't get a reply after about 25 minutes or so I explored and I found my site. It was numbered and found it quite easily on the edge of the large pond which I found out later was once a dolomite quarry. Setup and while I was doing so Amadas parents pulled up and greeted me. View was great of the water and site was level with a large area to turn around my for vehicle and trailer to leave the next morning. No electric or potable water which I knew beforehand but the porta potti was appreciated. Would definitely use Amandas property again.

T

Theodore

November 2025

1 night at River Camp Fort Wayne

Wonderful! This location is an amazing place to unwind and relax.

T

Theodore

November 2025

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

Loved staying at this location! Nice lodging, beautiful area, a truly wonderful place to unwind!

N

Nick

October 2025

1 night at River Camp Fort Wayne

I enjoyed exploring the property and the cabin was adequate for my needs.

J

Jennifer

October 2025

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

This was my first camping experience and I couldn't have picked a better place. The property is absolutely stunning! I can't wait to return in the summer, but I'm so glad we got to see the fall colors. Such a short walk to the river, which is just gorgeous. The cabin was perfect for us. The wood stove and water system were super easy to use and having a TV was a cherry on top! Lol. There were little touches everywhere of things that were either helpful or just plain charming. My main concern, being a first-timer was safety and that box was definitely checked. It's a perfect spot for a couple, a family with children or a group of college kids. We just left and I can't say enough. Thanks, Marla, for an amazing time!

Andrew

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Living Waters Resort

Absolutely what we were looking for. Beautiful property, sandwiched between a river and a stocked pond. Fairly quiet, very peaceful. Cindy is an amazing hostess. Super sweet and friendly. Lots of wildlife around. Everything from turkeys and hawks, to deer and coyotes. Definitely a great place to drop a tent, hang a hammock and relax. Thank you so much Cindy, we appreciate you!

R

Russell

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Living Waters Resort

Cindy was a gracious host. She actually walked me around the property to assist me in choosing a spot. She also provided a wagon to help haul my gear. Being able to walk up to the lake from my tent to fish was extremely convenient. I caught a few pan fish on some bee moths. Apparently there's some big cats in the lake. My goal was to relax and unplug and this property allowed me to do just that.

A

Aidan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

Very nice woods and Marla and her husband were extremely nice. The Disc Golf is pretty fun too! Would defintly come back again.

K

Kydeem

October 2025

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

I loved the cabin at Marla's. It also has nice views, cool little trails and a nice place by the water to relax.

H

Haylea

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

We stayed in campsite one. It was really nice and not too far from the parking spots. The bathroom was also nice and not too far of a walk from the campsite. We will definitely be back again. We loved that they provided firewood! Just be prepared to carry your camping stuff to your site, they do have wagons but when we went everyone else had taken them already and kept them at their sites so we had nothing to use to haul our stuff to our site.

D

Deanna

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

Great time with our young kids! The river is beautiful

M

Mark

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at River Camp Fort Wayne

Even though it's in Fort Wayne. It was nice and secluded and peaceful.

K

Katy

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Blue Water Lake

Had a wonderful time. Great fishing spot. Very quiet and peaceful.

N

Neil

September 2025

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

The cabin had convenient access and parking, good amenities, and above all was cozy!

M

Martin

September 2025

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

This is the second time I have stayed at the cabin and both times have been an amazing experience! The amenities offered are amazing! I felt connected to the outdoors while still being able to enjoy the comforts of a clean and well supplied facility! A great way to get away for the weekend without all the hassles of traditional tent camping. A great way to dip your toe into camping before going all out into a tent.

S

Steve

September 2025

Tent

1 night at River Camp Fort Wayne

Great place. The owners are very nice people. I recommend going there.

T

Tyler

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

The campgrounds were clean and maintained. It was easy to get to and quite. I only stayed for one night, but I enjoyed myself thoroughly. I'd recommend for anyone to give it a chance. Being so close to the river was delightful and I'll be returning again in the future.