Poplar Grove Campground

Hello, fellow Hoosiers! Are you dreaming of a tranquil camping retreat where the air is fresh, the trees provide ample shade, and the sounds of nature lull you to sleep? Look no further than Poplar Grove Campground in Cloverdale, Indiana. Nestled within the expansive Lieber State Recreation Area, Poplar Grove offers a wonderfully maintained and relaxing environment that's perfect for both seasoned campers and those new to the joys of the great outdoors. It’s a place where you can truly unwind, surrounded by the beauty of Indiana's forests, with easy access to some of the state's most beloved natural attractions.

Poplar Grove Campground stands out for its commitment to providing a clean, comfortable, and peaceful experience. It's an ideal base for exploring everything that Lieber State Recreation Area has to offer, including the magnificent Cataract Falls, Indiana's largest waterfall by volume. Whether you're planning a short weekend escape or a longer vacation, this campground promises a refreshing break from the everyday hustle.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at what makes Poplar Grove Campground such a wonderful choice for locals. We'll detail its convenient location, the array of services and amenities it offers, its standout features, and how you can get in touch to book your next memorable Indiana camping adventure. Our aim is to provide a clear, factual, and engaging overview that highlights why Poplar Grove Campground is perfectly suited for your next outdoor experience.

Poplar Grove Campground is located at 1317 West Lieber Road, Cloverdale, IN 46120, USA. This address places it firmly within Lieber State Recreation Area, a popular destination in Putnam County, just a short drive from the town of Cloverdale. Its strategic position offers excellent accessibility for residents across Central and Western Indiana.

The campground is conveniently located near major routes, including Interstate 70, making it an easy drive for campers coming from Indianapolis, Terre Haute, or Bloomington. From I-70, you can take Exit 37 (Putnamville) and head south on SR 243 for approximately 3 miles to reach the park entrance. If you're coming from the south on US-231, you'll turn onto N. Cataract Rd 1050 N. for about 3.1 miles to find the park entrance. The ease of access, combined with its setting amidst old-growth forests, provides a perfect balance of convenience and natural immersion. This means you can quickly transition from highway driving to peaceful camping, spending less time on the road and more time enjoying your surroundings. The location is also ideal for those wanting to explore the famous Cataract Falls, as it's within the same recreational area, making day trips to the falls a breeze.

Poplar Grove Campground, as part of Lieber State Recreation Area, offers a comprehensive set of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for a variety of needs. It strikes a balance between embracing nature and providing necessary conveniences.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers a mix of electric and non-electric sites, accommodating both RVs (up to 100 ft max length, with 30 amp service available at electric sites) and tent campers. Each site typically includes a fire ring and two picnic tables.
• Immaculate Shower Houses: A consistent highlight from customer reviews is the exceptional cleanliness and illumination of the shower houses, with "plenty of hot water." This amenity greatly enhances the comfort of your stay.
• Clean Restrooms: Alongside the showers, the restroom facilities are noted for their cleanliness, providing well-maintained essential services for all campers.
• Communal Water Access: Water taps are available within the campground loops, allowing campers to easily fill up their water containers.
• Dump Station: A convenient sanitary dump station is available for RV campers for wastewater disposal.
• Seasonal Aquatic Center: Lieber State Recreation Area boasts a state-of-the-art Aquatic Center, which is typically open during the Memorial Day to Labor Day recreation season. This center features a zero-entrance pool, water bubblers, and even a tornado water slide, offering fantastic family fun (fees may apply).
• Beach Access: Located at Cagles Mill Lake, the recreation area has a designated beach and swimming area, complete with covered shelters and grills, providing a relaxing spot by the water.
• Playgrounds and Activity Fields: Within the recreation area, and often within walking distance of the campgrounds, you'll find playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits, offering various recreational opportunities.
• Camp Store: A camp store is usually available nearby for basic supplies, firewood, and other camping necessities.

Poplar Grove Campground, and its setting within Lieber State Recreation Area, is rich with features that make it a compelling choice for an Indiana camping adventure.

• Exceptional Cleanliness of Facilities: The "absolutely wonderful" and "extremely clean and well-lit shower house" with "plenty of hot water" is a standout feature, ensuring a comfortable and refreshing experience for all campers.
• Spacious and Shaded Lots: Campers appreciate the "nice lots" with "large trees for shade," providing a natural, comfortable setting even on warmer days. The sites are often "nestled into the treeline" by old-growth forest.
• Proximity to Cataract Falls: Being part of Lieber State Recreation Area means direct and easy access to Cataract Falls, Indiana's largest waterfall, offering breathtaking scenic views, hiking opportunities, and fantastic photo ops.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of an Aquatic Center with a pool and slide, along with playgrounds and various sports courts, makes Poplar Grove an excellent choice for families with children, ensuring plenty of on-site entertainment.
• Tranquil Evenings: The campground is noted for being "so quiet and relaxing in the evenings," allowing campers to hear "the birds sing" and truly unwind in nature's embrace.
• Friendly Staff and Welcoming Atmosphere: Reviews highlight "friendly and helpful" park staff, contributing to a positive and welcoming environment for all visitors.
• Outdoor Activities Galore: Beyond camping, visitors have access to fishing and boating on Cagles Mill Lake, hiking on trails that parallel roadways, and a nature center, offering a wide range of activities for every interest.
• Two Picnic Tables per Site: The provision of two picnic tables per lot is a thoughtful touch, offering extra convenience for larger groups or families.

For more information, to inquire about specific site availability, or to make reservations at Poplar Grove Campground (part of Lieber State Recreation Area), you can use the following contact details:

Address: 1317 WEST LIEBER ROAD, Cloverdale, IN 46120, USA

Phone: (765) 276-0194 (This is the contact number for Lieber State Recreation Area, which oversees Poplar Grove Campground.)

Reservations for Indiana State Park campgrounds, including Poplar Grove, are typically made through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reservation system, often via ReserveAmerica. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on booking and park rules.

For residents of Indiana, Poplar Grove Campground in Cloverdale offers an exceptionally suitable and highly appealing option for their next outdoor adventure. It truly encapsulates the best of Hoosier hospitality and natural beauty, making it a prime destination for a wide range of campers.

Firstly, its strategic location within Lieber State Recreation Area provides effortless accessibility for many across the state. Being just off major interstates means less travel time and more vacation time, a significant advantage for quick weekend getaways or longer family trips. The ease of reaching such a well-appointed campground, combined with its proximity to the iconic Cataract Falls, means locals have a world-class natural attraction right in their backyard, ready to explore without extensive planning or travel.

Secondly, the campground's dedication to cleanliness and comfort sets it apart. The glowing reviews about the "extremely clean and well-lit shower house" with "plenty of hot water" speak volumes about the quality of the facilities. This attention to detail greatly enhances the camping experience, ensuring that even those who prefer a few more amenities can enjoy a true outdoor escape. The variety of sites, catering to both RVers with hookups and tent campers, means that Poplar Grove can accommodate diverse preferences, making it welcoming for all types of local adventurers.

Furthermore, the abundance of on-site and nearby recreational opportunities ensures there’s always something to do. The Aquatic Center with its pool and water slide is a fantastic draw for families, offering a refreshing way to cool off during hot Indiana summers. Beyond swimming, the extensive network of hiking trails, fishing, and boating opportunities on Cagles Mill Lake provide endless possibilities for outdoor fun. The "so quiet and relaxing in the evenings" atmosphere allows for genuine relaxation, while the "friendly and helpful" staff foster a welcoming community feel that makes returning visitors feel like family.

While one review noted potential issues with quiet hours enforcement, the overall consensus points to Poplar Grove as a highly positive and recommended camping destination. For Indiana locals seeking a clean, comfortable, family-friendly, and naturally beautiful campground with easy access to incredible attractions, Poplar Grove Campground in Cloverdale truly delivers an outstanding outdoor experience.

Poplar Grove Campground

Cloverdale, IN 46120, USA