Lake Waveland Introduce
lake waveland park, lake waveland camping, waveland campground indiana
For Hoosiers looking to connect with nature and enjoy a classic Indiana outdoor experience, Lake Waveland offers a sprawling recreational haven. Located in Waveland, IN, this destination centers around a beautiful 360-acre lake, which serves as the heart of the 248-acre Lake Waveland Park. Whether your passion is fishing, boating, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water under a canopy of trees, Lake Waveland provides a diverse environment for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
Lake Waveland Park is designed to accommodate a range of camping preferences, offering both modern sites with essential hookups and more rustic options for those who prefer a traditional outdoor feel. The park aims to provide a family-friendly atmosphere where visitors can enjoy the lake and surrounding natural beauty. While some aspects may show signs of age, the park’s fundamental appeal lies in its natural setting and the extensive recreational opportunities it presents.
Its generous size, encompassing over 600 acres of combined lake and parkland, ensures that there's ample space for visitors to spread out and enjoy their chosen activities. For Indiana locals, Lake Waveland represents an accessible opportunity for a refreshing escape, a chance to enjoy water sports, fishing, and the simple pleasures of camping without traveling far from home.
Lake Waveland is situated at 11677 IN-47, Waveland, IN 47989, USA. This location places it in Montgomery County, in west-central Indiana. For residents across the state, particularly those in Central and Western Indiana, the campground is easily accessible via Indiana State Road 47, providing a direct route to this outdoor destination.
The park encompasses 248 acres of land, bordering the expansive 360-acre Lake Waveland. This large combined area means that while you're close to a main state road, the park itself offers a significant amount of space and a feeling of being immersed in nature. The lake has no restrictions on boating, allowing for a wide range of water activities including power boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, and pontooning. The irregular shape of the shoreline is particularly well-suited for canoeing, kayaking, and exploring the natural beauty from the water.
Its proximity to other popular Indiana state parks, such as Turkey Run and Shades State Park, within a short driving distance, further enhances its appeal as a central base for exploring Western Indiana's natural attractions. The roads within the campground lead to various camping areas, with sites typically offering easy access for setting up tents or parking RVs. The blend of convenient road access and vast natural space makes Lake Waveland a practical and appealing choice for Indiana families and outdoor adventurers.
- Diverse Campsites: Lake Waveland offers a variety of campsites, including both modern sites with electric and water hookups and more primitive sites for a traditional camping experience. The park is noted to have over 150 campsites.
- Shower Houses: The park provides facilities with showers for campers' convenience. Some sources indicate there are two shower houses.
- On-Site Bait Shop and Camp Store: For immediate needs, there is an on-site bait shop and a camp store. It's noted that these facilities might be cash-only, so campers should plan accordingly.
- Boat Ramp: A boat ramp provides easy access to Lake Waveland for launching boats and other watercraft.
- Swimming Beach: The park features a designated swimming beach on Lake Waveland, offering a safe area for water enjoyment.
- Playground Equipment: A playground is available for children, providing a dedicated space for play. (Note: Recent reviews mention issues with playground equipment, such as missing swings, so condition may vary).
- Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Many campsites typically include picnic tables and fire rings for outdoor dining and campfires.
- Dump Station: A dump station is available for RV waste disposal.
- Water Access: Potable water access is generally available throughout the developed camping areas.
- Rental Cabins: The park offers a limited number of rental cabins, with plans for more in the future, providing an alternative to traditional camping.
- Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally welcome at the campground, allowing visitors to bring their furry companions along. (Specific leash and waste policies apply).
- Boating: Lake Waveland permits unrestricted boating, including power boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, canoeing, and kayaking.
- Fishing: The lake is a popular fishing destination with abundant largemouth bass, bluegill, muskie, crappie, sunfish, and catfish.
- Expansive Lake for All Water Sports: The 360-acre Lake Waveland is a major highlight, with no boating restrictions, making it perfect for everything from power boating and water skiing to peaceful canoeing and fishing.
- Diverse Camping Options: With over 150 campsites, including both modern electric/water sites and secluded primitive spots, Lake Waveland caters to a wide array of camping preferences.
- Family-Oriented Activities: The presence of a swimming beach, playground (though condition may vary), and ample green space makes it an attractive option for families with children.
- Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The lake is well-regarded for its fishing, boasting a variety of species and making it a popular spot for anglers.
- Proximity to State Parks: Its location near Turkey Run and Shades State Park allows campers to easily venture out for additional hiking and exploration in some of Indiana's most scenic natural areas.
- On-Site Convenience: The presence of a bait shop and camp store provides quick access to essential supplies, though visitors should note that these may be cash-only.
- Abundant Green Space: The 248-acre park offers a significant amount of green space for relaxation, walking, and general outdoor enjoyment.
For Hoosiers planning a visit to Lake Waveland and needing to make inquiries or reservations, direct contact with the park management is recommended. The park provides specific phone numbers for assistance.
Address: 11677 IN-47, Waveland, IN 47989, USA
Phone: (765) 435-2073
Mobile Phone: +1 765-435-2073
When contacting Lake Waveland, it is advisable to have your desired camping dates, type of site preferred (modern with hookups or primitive), and the number of people in your party ready. While some information suggests sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, checking availability and reservation policies in advance, especially during peak season, is always recommended to ensure a smooth arrival. Given that some facilities and amenities may be undergoing updates or have varying conditions, direct communication can provide the most current details. It's also wise to inquire about any entrance fees or specific policies regarding number of people per site or vehicle charges, as these can impact your overall stay.
For the most current information and to ensure your visit is as planned, reaching out to Lake Waveland directly using the provided contact numbers is the best course of action.
For Indiana locals, Lake Waveland offers a multifaceted outdoor experience that is both accessible and rich in recreational opportunities. Its convenient location in Waveland, easily reachable via State Road 47, means Hoosiers can embark on a camping trip without the hassle of long-distance travel, making it perfect for weekend getaways or longer family vacations.
The standout feature for residents is undoubtedly the 360-acre Lake Waveland itself. With no boating restrictions, it’s a paradise for water enthusiasts, allowing for everything from exhilarating water skiing and wakeboarding to peaceful canoeing, kayaking, and excellent fishing. This versatility ensures that every member of the family, from avid anglers to those who simply enjoy swimming or relaxing by the shore, will find something to love.
While some public feedback suggests areas for improvement in facility upkeep, the core appeal of Lake Waveland lies in its expansive natural environment and the sheer volume of activities it offers. The availability of both modern sites with hookups and more rustic options means that campers can choose the experience that best suits their preferences, from comfortable RV stays to traditional tent camping under the stars. Its proximity to other popular Indiana State Parks like Turkey Run and Shades provides additional opportunities for hiking and exploring, making Lake Waveland a convenient hub for a broader Hoosier adventure. It truly allows local families and individuals to embrace the outdoor lifestyle that Indiana is known for, right within their own community.
Lake Waveland Photos










Lake Waveland Location
Lake Waveland Reviews
Used to be a nice camp ground about 10 years ago. Now it's full of trash and worn down bathrooms. Greedy campground charges $7 entrance fee even if you already purchased a site, and the camp site I got was full of trash from previous campers; clearly they have no obligation to clean anything up around here. Any other campground is better than this place.
Jun 29, 2025 · Gregory BerryFamilies with kids, BEWARE! How this place is still open and has 84% positive reviews is beyond me. Most of these reviews must be from people who are related to the owners or are rough locals who don’t care about a clean campground and just want to party. From the moment my family and I pulled in we had a bad experience. Rough looking people running the check-in. We only wanted one site with two tents and they charged us double the price because we had 8 people and they only allow 6 people per site. That is discrimination against families with more than 4 kids. They also charge you a $7 car fee on top of the camping fee fyi. Everything about the campground is rundown, dirty, and scary. It looks abandoned and like it should’ve closed down 20 years ago. This was probably a really neat place in the 90s and it’s sad to see how it has just been left to rot. Huge dumpsters overflowing with metal rubble, the shelter roofs are caving in, picnic tables are rotted, the playground had no swings, just the frame, monkey bars were old, rusted and falling over, junk and trash all over in piles, the camp store is abandoned and closed. We never did see a “shower house,” there was a building unmarked with tons of garbage and old rusty vehicles next to it, but it was unmarked and we were too scared to even check it out. We saw a man with a group of people at a shelter, standing in the grass and peeing in broad daylight. This is not the place for families with children. It seems to be a place for the drugged out locals to get together and party who don’t care about it not being clean and having no amenities. At one time it looks as if they had a small putt putt course and a water slide for the lake, but that is now rusted and falling apart. The campsites themselves are not labeled. No parking spots or site markings. People just drive in the grass to a wooded area and camp wherever. One of our biggest concerns are all of the huge rotting trees with big dead branches hanging over where we were camping and the kids were playing. We had to move all of our tents out of the woods because we were scared of a big limb breaking off and falling at any time. We had people driving and walking through where we were camping which is concerning and unsafe. We had had questionable characters driving by, yelling out and being loud. People camping next to us had cars coming and going all night, they were playing loud music, and partying well past 1:30 in the morning. There is no DNR patrolling this place so there is definitely a sense of unease. My family and I did not feel safe at all and we will not be returning.
Jul 14, 2024 · Abigail AckermannPlaces is amazing..They're starting to do some really cool stuff there!!! 2025 is gonna be great for this place to Fish!!!Just look!!!!Amazing times!!!!
May 02, 2025 · That Rally Car GuyVery large area. Lots of spaces. Shower house was clean. Vault toilets are ok. The reason for the 4 star vs. 5 is that the fire ring was full of ash and burnt cans.
May 16, 2024 · Ann WarnerWe really enjoyed our stay here. The grounds are kept up well. There are many great primitive and rv camp sites. Lots of relaxing spots for picnics. The beach/sand area is kept clean. The main bath house by rv sites need some updating as well as the kids play areas. Quite an issue w wasps on most buildings/shelters but bugs are expected, so just be aware. Definitely will be coming back. Great location.
Jul 19, 2021 · Jennifer Davenport
More Camping Near Me

8295 IN-234, Waveland, IN 47989, USA

1576 IN-47, Marshall, IN 47859, USA

870 IN-47, Bloomingdale, IN 47832, USA

7749 880 W, Greencastle, IN 46135, USA

264 S Coyote Run, Rockville, IN 47872, USA

10365 E Shop Dr, Rockville, IN 47872, USA

3101 S Sugar Mill Lake Rd, Hillsboro, IN 47949, USA

3325 US-41, Bloomingdale, IN 47832, USA

828 Marshall Rd, Rockville, IN 47872, USA

Union Township, IN 47872, USA

215 S Erie St, Rockville, IN 47872, USA

3204 E 300 S, Hillsboro, IN 47949, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Top Searches
Trending The Campfire Posts





