Indiana Beach Camp Grounds: Your Gateway to Lakeside Fun in Monticello, IN

Indiana Beach Camp Grounds Introduce

For Indiana families and individuals seeking an action-packed outdoor adventure combined with the thrill of an amusement park, Indiana Beach Camp Grounds in Monticello, IN, offers a truly unique proposition. Situated right next to the iconic Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort on Lake Shafer, this campground provides more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a gateway to an entire world of rides, water attractions, and lakeside recreation. Our aim is to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Indiana Beach Camp Grounds, highlighting its features and why it’s a suitable choice for locals looking for a vibrant and convenient vacation spot in the Hoosier State.

Imagine a camping trip where the excitement of roller coasters and water slides is just a short, complimentary trolley ride away, or where you can easily access the beautiful Lake Shafer for boating and swimming. Indiana Beach Camp Grounds aims to provide a lively and amenity-rich experience, making it an excellent option for families with children and those who appreciate having a multitude of activities within easy reach. While some aspects, as noted in reviews, might require careful planning regarding fees and site conditions, the overall draw remains its unbeatable location and the sheer volume of entertainment on offer. We understand that Indiana residents look for diverse recreational opportunities, and this campground caters directly to those seeking a dynamic and memorable getaway.

Location and Accessibility

Indiana Beach Camp Grounds is strategically located at 2732 NW Shafer Dr, Monticello, IN 47960, USA. This address places it directly adjacent to the Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort, a major amusement and water park attraction on the shores of Lake Shafer. Monticello, Indiana, itself is a popular tourist destination, particularly known for its two large recreational lakes: Lake Shafer and Lake Freeman.

For Indiana residents, the campground's location offers excellent accessibility. Monticello is situated in north-central Indiana, making it a manageable drive from major population centers like Indianapolis (approximately 95 miles north) and Lafayette. The campground's address on NW Shafer Drive indicates its direct proximity to Lake Shafer, a significant advantage for those interested in water activities. A key highlight of its location is the free transportation provided from the camp resort to the Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort via a ferry boat or trolley. This allows campers to enjoy the amusement park and water park without needing to move their vehicles or worry about parking, which is a substantial convenience. While the area can be bustling, especially on holiday weekends, the proximity to the amusement park and Lake Shafer means endless entertainment options are just steps or a short ride away. This ease of access and the direct link to a major attraction make Indiana Beach Camp Grounds a very appealing choice for Hoosiers seeking an all-in-one vacation spot.

Services Offered

Indiana Beach Camp Grounds offers a wide array of services designed to accommodate various camping styles and enhance the overall family vacation experience, with a clear focus on integrating with the adjacent amusement park and lake activities.

Diverse Campsite Options: The campground provides a variety of accommodations including spacious RV sites (with pull-through drives capable of handling large rigs like 5th wheels and motorhomes), as well as tent sites. Some RV sites offer full services (30- or 50-amp electric, water, and sewer connections), while tent sites can range from rustic (no services) to full-service.
Cabin Rentals: For those desiring more comfort, rustic cabins are available, fully equipped with electricity. Some cabins also include air conditioning, and a few even have restroom facilities. Campers staying in "dry cabins" are advised to bring their own linens, towels, paper products, and cleaning supplies.
Clean Restrooms and Shower Houses: Multiple reviews praise the cleanliness and maintenance of the bathhouses and shower facilities, a critical amenity for any campground.
Swimming Pool/Kiddie Pool and Water Works Splash Pad: The campground features a swimming pool (recently redone, though a review mentioned it being cold), a kiddie pool, and a splash pad, offering on-site aquatic fun for guests.
Free Transportation to Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort: A major convenience, a free trolley provides transportation directly from the campground to the main gate of Indiana Beach Amusement & Water Park.
Pet-Friendly Sites: Pets are generally allowed at campsites (typically limited to two pets, on leash, and not left unattended, with owners responsible for cleanup). However, pets are generally not permitted in cabins or on cabin grounds, with the exception of service dogs.
Camp Stores: Two camp stores are available on-site, offering convenience items, firewood, and possibly souvenirs.
Laundry Rooms: Facilities for laundry are provided, which is especially useful for longer stays.
Dump Stations: Available for RVs for waste disposal.
Lake Access and Boat Ramp: Direct access to Lake Shafer, along with a convenient boat ramp, is provided for boating and fishing enthusiasts. While there are rules about daily boat removal and limited parking near the launch, the access itself is a key service.
Wi-Fi: Available for a small fee, allowing guests to stay connected.
Propane Service: On-site propane service is offered for RVers.
Playgrounds: Multiple playgrounds are available to entertain children.
Miniature Golf: A miniature golf course is available (note: a fee may apply, and reviews mention issues with algae in surrounding ponds).
Game Barn/Arcade: An arcade or game barn provides indoor entertainment (reviews suggest some machines may be non-working).
ATMs: Available for cash withdrawals.
Flexible Check-in/Check-out: While check-in for RV/tent sites is 2 PM and cabins 4 PM, and check-out is 11 AM, late check-out might be available for an additional fee for campsites (not cabins).

Features / Highlights

Indiana Beach Camp Grounds stands out due to several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for a family-oriented vacation, particularly for Hoosiers seeking combined amusement park and outdoor experiences.

Unbeatable Proximity to Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort: The absolute top highlight is its immediate adjacency to Indiana Beach Amusement & Water Park. With free trolley/ferry transportation, campers have unparalleled access to roller coasters, water slides, shows, and the famous boardwalk, making it a true "stay and play" destination.
Lake Shafer Access: The campground's location on Lake Shafer offers direct access to a large recreational lake for boating, fishing, and swimming. This provides a natural counterpart to the excitement of the amusement park.
Family-Focused Environment: With playgrounds, pools, a splash pad, and activities often geared towards children, the campground is clearly designed to cater to families with kids and grandkids, as evidenced by satisfied multi-generational groups.
Cleanliness of Core Facilities: Despite some other criticisms, multiple reviews consistently praise the "very clean and maintained" restrooms and shower houses, which is a crucial aspect of any camping experience.
Variety of Accommodations: The choice between full-hookup RV sites, rustic tent sites, and comfortable cabins (some with A/C and restrooms) allows different family preferences and budgets to be accommodated.

However, it's also important to acknowledge aspects highlighted in some reviews for transparency:

Additional Fees: Be aware of potential extra charges for "second cars" (especially during holiday weekends, which can be significant), golf cart usage (if you bring your own), and potentially for mini-golf or splash pad access (if not included with park admission).
Site Conditions: Some older reviews noted issues like tripping hazards (holes, exposed fabric, buried debris, glass, screws, nails, exposed roots) on certain sites, indicating a need for potential site maintenance. While the park is aware of this, potential visitors might want to confirm current site conditions upon booking.
Golf Cart Restrictions: A highlight for some might be the ability to bring their own golf cart, but note the significant daily fee and the restriction against rental carts.
Mini Golf Algae/Maintenance: The mini-golf course's ponds were noted to have "thick algae" and "stunk horribly" in one review, suggesting maintenance issues in some recreational areas.

Despite some of these challenges, the overwhelming highlight remains the direct and convenient access to a full-fledged amusement and water park experience, making it a unique and exciting option for those seeking a vibrant, amenity-rich vacation.

Contact Information

For inquiries, reservations, and to obtain the most current information regarding rates, availability, and specific policies, please use the following contact details for Indiana Beach Camp Grounds:

Address: 2732 NW Shafer Dr, Monticello, IN 47960, USA

Phone: (574) 583-4141

Mobile Phone: +1 574-583-4141

It is highly recommended to call directly, especially when planning a visit during peak seasons or holidays, to clarify any specific rules or fees regarding additional vehicles, golf carts, or amenities that might have changed.

Conclusion: Why Indiana Beach Camp Grounds is Suitable for Locals

For Indiana residents, Indiana Beach Camp Grounds in Monticello offers a distinctly appealing and convenient vacation option, especially for families seeking a blend of outdoor recreation and amusement park thrills. Its unparalleled proximity to the Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort, complete with free trolley and ferry access, is a game-changer for locals. This allows Hoosiers to enjoy endless rides, water slides, and boardwalk fun without the added hassle of daily travel or parking, effectively combining a camping trip with a theme park getaway.

The campground caters well to families, offering a range of RV and tent sites, as well as cabins, ensuring there's an accommodation type to suit various preferences and budgets. The consistent praise for the cleanliness of the restrooms and shower facilities is a significant comfort for campers. Furthermore, its location on Lake Shafer opens up opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, providing a natural escape right alongside the man-made excitement.

While some reviews highlight important considerations regarding additional fees for extra vehicles or golf carts, and potential site conditions, these are aspects that can be addressed with prior inquiry and planning. The overall value for Indiana families comes from the sheer convenience and the abundance of activities packed into one location. For those in the state looking for an energetic, family-friendly vacation that maximizes fun and minimizes travel logistics by having a major amusement park and a beautiful lake right at their fingertips, Indiana Beach Camp Grounds stands out as a highly suitable and exciting choice for their next memorable adventure.

Indiana Beach Camp Grounds Photos

Indiana Beach Camp Grounds Location

Indiana Beach Camp Grounds

Indiana White County Monticello Northwest Shafer Drive

2732 NW Shafer Dr, Monticello, IN 47960, USA

Indiana Beach Camp Grounds Reviews

We stayed with our kids and grandkids, 39 ft. Class A pulling a yukon.The good: location close to the amusement park, rest rooms were very clean and maintained, however, the location was approximately 1/3 occupied prior to the 4th of July weekend.The bad:1) After dropping 500.00 for the week on the site, when my son and his wife arrived, they were charged 60.00 for their vehicle (10.00 per day second car) to be on our site. For the holiday week, the fee jumped to 30.00 per day, and at some point, second vehicles would be denied entry.2) As shown in the photos, the walking area around our site was filled with tripping hazards. Apparently, the site was evacuated by a "seasonal" occupant last year. There were 8" to 10" holes, exposed pieces of landscape fabric, buried bricks, and covered with broken glass, screws, nails, and exposed tree roots. My wife and I are disabled and we're constantly tripping over objects buriied on the site.3) if you bring a boat, you are supposed to put it on a trailer when done daily, and if there's room, (maybe 2 spots)park it by the boat launch.4) if you own your own golf cart (we don't), you are charged 30.00 PER DAY for your cart to be on property, and rental carts are not permitted.5) we took the the grandkids to the mini golf, the ponds surrounding the course were covered with thick algae due to no operating fountains and stunk horribly.6) When I tried to address the issues with employees that I encountered, they said that those were the rules, and no one could, or would give me the name or contact information of the owner or manager of the campground.
Jul 01, 2025 · Brad E
One of my best friends is a seasonal guest, so we went to her camper. Although the grounds are nice, there are some updates that could be done (i. e. miniature golf). The pool was just redone, but it was too cold to go in.
Jun 15, 2025 · Jennifer
Security is like a nazi. Parked by the entrance for a minute so my husband could run into the office to ask a question. The lady outside was on my case about parking by the office. “It for people going to the office only” hence my husband in the office. Kept asking my kids where their parent was even though I was sitting in a tannning chair by them. Lady at the store was crabby. Security crabby. Everyone was crabby and not friendly. Then told us on the phone they had a pool. Then we get here and it’s not on their map and told us they didn’t have a pool. 3 days later a 15 year old shows us where the pool is. Get your staff together and make it more enjoyable for families.
Jul 02, 2025 · betty messmann
Lot is small for overnight and set up was backwards. We were in E3 pull through. They had the picnic table right next to sewer and hookups! At $61. a night, not worth it. We will not stay here again.
Jun 24, 2025 · Teri Leegaard
Location is very nice, in a quiet area, but be aware, because when we went there were kids at around 4am running around and laughing, which did disrupt my sleep, but other than that, the cabins were very nice and upkept/clean, occasionally, there are golf carts that drive around the area, also be aware of that. Definitely will be back when I do get a chance to come back to Indiana Beach!
Jun 13, 2025 · AP