Hidden Paradise Campground: Your Indiana Getaway in St. Paul

Hidden Paradise Campground Introduce

For Hoosiers seeking a refreshing escape into nature, Hidden Paradise Campground in St. Paul, Indiana, truly lives up to its name. Located at 802 E Jefferson St, St Paul, IN 47272, this 80-acre family-owned campground offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, making it a beloved destination for locals across the state. What sets Hidden Paradise apart is its distinct natural features, including a spring-fed quarry lake and the Flat Rock River, providing unparalleled opportunities for water-based fun.

Since 1988, Hidden Paradise Campground has been a cornerstone for creating unforgettable outdoor experiences. As one reviewer aptly puts it, it’s a "nice campground in a relatively remote spot" that is "clean and quite." This sentiment underscores the park's commitment to providing a serene yet engaging environment for its guests. Whether you're looking to cool off on a hot summer day or simply unwind amidst Indiana's natural beauty, Hidden Paradise offers a diverse range of activities and amenities to cater to all preferences.

The centerpiece of Hidden Paradise is undoubtedly its unique quarry swimming in "Dream Lake." This 20-foot-deep lake, nestled among high limestone cliffs, offers a designated swimming area complete with "inflatable fun: a floating trampoline, obstacle course, jumping platform, and slide." While a reviewer noted the mandatory life vest rule for all ages and found it "pretty expensive," this policy is in place for safety, and life vests are provided for free as part of admission. This ensures a secure environment for all swimmers, from the youngest children to adults, to enjoy the refreshing waters.

Beyond the quarry, the Flat Rock River winds along the north side of the grounds, offering a different kind of aquatic adventure. Guests can rent kayaks and canoes or bring their own, along with tubes, to enjoy the shallow waters perfect for "creek stomping" and river fishing. The "well stocked" camp store and "friendly staff" contribute to the overall positive experience, making Hidden Paradise Campground a top choice for family and friends looking to enjoy Indiana's great outdoors. It’s a place where memories are made, and the joys of camping are truly celebrated.

Location and Accessibility

Hidden Paradise Campground is ideally situated at 802 E Jefferson St, St Paul, IN 47272, USA. This location places it in a relatively remote yet highly accessible spot in central Indiana, making it a convenient getaway for residents from various parts of the state. St. Paul is a small town in Decatur County, offering a peaceful rural setting that feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, yet remains within easy reach of major population centers.

One of the campground's significant advantages is its strategic proximity to major interstates. It is located just "2 miles off Interstate 74," making it incredibly easy to reach for campers traveling from Indianapolis, Cincinnati, or other key areas in the Midwest. This excellent accessibility means less time spent driving and more time enjoying the natural surroundings. For instance, it's approximately "an hour from downtown Indianapolis," making it a perfect weekend escape for urban dwellers looking for a quick nature fix.

While offering a secluded feel, the campground is not entirely isolated from essential services. The nearby town of St. Paul, though small, provides basic amenities such as gas stations and a Family Dollar store. More extensive shopping, dining, and healthcare facilities can be found in larger nearby towns like Shelbyville or Greensburg, just a short drive away. This balance of rural tranquility and convenient access to modern necessities makes Hidden Paradise Campground a practical choice for Indiana locals seeking both relaxation and convenience in their outdoor adventures. Its position along the Flat Rock River and surrounding Dream Lake also contributes to its picturesque and accessible natural environment.

Services Offered

Hidden Paradise Campground provides a comprehensive range of services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all campers:

Diverse Camping Options: Offers 183 RV sites (including large pull-throughs, full hookups with limited sewer, and sites with water and electricity), 168 wooded sites for RV and tent camping, primitive tent sites, and seasonal sites.
Cabin Rentals: Features six charming cabin rentals, including the Hide-a-Way, Bird of Paradise Duplex, Land of Nod Log Cabin, Garden of Eden, Rivers Bend, and Creekside Cabins, catering to various group sizes and amenity preferences.
Water Park Activities: Provides quarry swimming in the spring-fed "Dream Lake" with a floating trampoline, obstacle course, jumping platform, and slide.
River Activities: Offers access to Flat Rock River for wading, swimming, tubing, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Kayak and canoe rentals are available.
On-Site Store: A well-stocked camp store for supplies, snacks, and essentials.
Recreational Facilities: Includes a playground, basketball court, volleyball court, game room, and picnic areas.
Essential Amenities: Features clean restrooms, hot showers, laundry facilities, and a dump station.
Event Hosting: Pavilion available for weddings, reunions, or company picnics.
Pet-Friendly: Welcomes four-legged companions (specific pet policies and restrictions should be confirmed).
Golf Cart Rentals: Available for rent, or guests can bring their own with proof of insurance (no ATVs allowed).
Seasonal Activities: Hosts a variety of events, including live music, karaoke, chili cook-offs, fishing derbies, and campsite decorating contests.
Scuba Diving: Offers scuba diving in the quarry lake and scuba air fills.

Features / Highlights

Unique Quarry Swimming: "Dream Lake" features a spring-fed quarry with inflatable water toys, a jumping platform, and a slide, providing a fantastic way to beat the summer heat.
Mandatory Life Vests for Safety: All swimmers are required to wear life vests (provided free of charge with admission), ensuring a safe environment for all ages, though some adults may find this restrictive.
Flat Rock River Access: Direct access to the Flat Rock River for calmer water activities like creek stomping, fishing, tubing, kayaking, and canoeing.
Family-Owned and Operated: Contributes to a welcoming and community-focused atmosphere.
Well-Maintained Grounds: Praised by reviewers for being "clean and quite," reflecting a commitment to upkeep.
Friendly and Helpful Staff: Reviewers consistently note the staff's friendliness, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Diverse Accommodation Options: Offers a wide range of choices from primitive tent sites to RV sites with varying hookups, and comfortable cabin rentals.
Convenient Location: Easily accessible from I-74, just an hour from Indianapolis, making it ideal for weekend getaways.
Well-Stocked Camp Store: Provides convenience for campers needing supplies or forgotten items.
Year-Round Operation: Open throughout the year, allowing for seasonal camping experiences, though water access may be limited in colder months.

Contact Information

Address: 802 E Jefferson St, St Paul, IN 47272, USA

Phone: (765) 525-6582

The office hours are typically Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., with a request for no phone calls after 8 p.m. If the office is unattended, visitors are encouraged to ring the doorbell. For the most up-to-date information on rates, availability, and specific rules (such as pet policies or life vest requirements for adults in certain areas), it is always best to contact the campground directly or visit their official website.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Indiana locals, Hidden Paradise Campground in St. Paul offers a uniquely compelling option for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Its blend of distinctive natural features and family-friendly amenities makes it an ideal destination for a variety of interests. The star attraction, the "Dream Lake" quarry, provides a truly unique swimming experience, complete with exciting inflatables. While the requirement for life vests for all ages may be a point of discussion for some adults, it underscores the campground's commitment to safety, ensuring a worry-free environment for families to enjoy the water. This emphasis on safety, combined with the clear, refreshing waters, makes it an excellent spot for families with children to create lasting summer memories.

Beyond the quarry, the presence of the Flat Rock River offers additional recreational opportunities, catering to those who prefer a more tranquil river experience, from fishing to gentle paddling. The convenience of having both these water features within one campground is a significant draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Furthermore, the campground's "relatively remote spot" combined with its "clean and quite" atmosphere provides the perfect antidote to city life, allowing Hoosiers to truly decompress and connect with nature.

The accessibility of Hidden Paradise, being just an hour from Indianapolis and close to I-74, means that a rejuvenating escape is never too far away. This makes it an ideal spot for weekend trips or longer vacations without extensive travel. The "well stocked" store and "friendly staff" further enhance the experience, ensuring that practical needs are met with a welcoming smile. While one review hinted at pricing being a factor, the range of amenities and unique offerings often justify the investment for many families seeking quality outdoor recreation. Whether you're an RV enthusiast, a tent camper, or prefer the comforts of a cabin, Hidden Paradise Campground offers a diverse array of accommodations and activities that make it perfectly suited for Indiana locals looking for their next outdoor adventure or a peaceful retreat.

Hidden Paradise Campground Photos

Hidden Paradise Campground Location

Hidden Paradise Campground

Indiana Decatur County Saint Paul East Jefferson Street

802 E Jefferson St, St Paul, IN 47272, USA

Hidden Paradise Campground Reviews

Good swimming spot for family and friends to enjoy and get away from the summer heat. I gave it 3 stars because the place is pretty expensive and you have to have a life vast on at all times, what's the fun in that. I understand if the children and little ones have to wear it, but for an adult, come on.
Jun 29, 2025 · JUNEORJUNE
Nice campground in a relatively remote spot. The campground was clean and quite. The store was well stocked and the staff was friendly. The swimming like looked like it would be fun. I would definitely stay here again.
Jun 14, 2025 · Bryan Monaco
Such a fun place, clean park. Friendly campers, cute store,golf cart rentals, peddle boat rentals, cabin rentals
Jun 17, 2025 · Shawnna Otis
Stayed over the weekend with a group of friends. It was our first time camping. Upon checking in the lady that checked me in was so nice & helpful showed me how to get to our site. Camp site is nice. Had a power outlet but it’s a certain prong needed that they sell for rent for $5 at the office. Also came with a picnic table & fire pit. And a water line that we used to brush our teeth & if we needed water to cook with. 2 sets of bathrooms. Adam & Eve bathrooms were so dirty & bugs every where. We stayed 2 nights & they were never cleaned. There is another building across from Adam & Eve that are private bathroom rooms with showers that are updated & nice but were dirty as well! Also would’ve been nice if told that at check in. You have to just figure things out yourself here because the office won’t tell you anything unless you ask. They apparently had karaoke & fireworks but we were never told where they were happening at. We wanted to go to the river but had no idea where to enter it. So we went to the office to ask & stood in line & waited & it was a old woman with glasses she was nice to everyone & when it was our turn she said “did you see the river?” Like duh we see the river but where does it start & end?! She then asked if we were staying on the grounds. When I said yes she asked what my site number was & then finally turned a map around to show the river but still gave a vague answer. And note if you are staying on the camp site they provide you a wrist band upon check in that we had on! So her asking & being rude was so uncalled for. Note we were the ONLY African American people on the whole camp grounds so I’m sure that has something to do with it. Smh. We had a nice time until that interaction.
Jun 23, 2025 · Marshay
We stayed a week. My kid got bored as there isn't much to do. The playground was smaller and she lost interest. The kicker came when the sign read life jackets reccomended . So my husband and I went in without them. We hear a 12 yr old yelling at us to get out because we don't have them on. I said we will just leave she said she didn't care. They yell constantly on a bull horn which is a child. They said she was the " boss lady" . At 12 years old you shouldn't be in charge of campers who pay to come there when you aren't even of age .😒. We also didn't realize the obstacle course was a separate fee. We literally had kids checking us in and didn't tell us much. We didn't pay attention to the paper on the counter . We barley swam because the loud groups of kids coming in screaming like 🤪. Fire works were amazing. The manager answered all the questionswe But save your self money 💰 not worth it at all. We had 3 sites and none of us will be back.
Jun 22, 2025 · Carrie H