A Camping Weekend Adventure in Hamilton County, Indiana

If you’re looking for a rugged but comfortable camping weekend in a tent or RV, look no further. Hamilton County, Indiana – just north of Indianapolis – has the perfect campground spot for a weekend getaway, with recreation amenities just steps away.

Stay

White River Campground

Located on a picturesque stretch of the White River, the White River Campground features 106 modern and primitive campsites with spots for fishing, boating and relaxation. Reservations are required, so if you have a weekend in mind, call ahead to confirm availability. Click here for daily and weekly rates. In addition, be sure to review White River Campground’s COVID-19 safety guidelines before your visit.

Directions: Take SR 37 N from Noblesville to 234th Street (Strawtown Avenue). Turn west and proceed to the campground on the south side of the road.

Things to Do

Strawtown Koteewi Park

White River Campground is located adjacent to Strawtown Koteewi Park, a 750-acre county park with eight miles of multi-use trails through prairie, woodlands and wetlands. Simply cross the White River via the big blue bridge (you can’t miss it!) and you’re in the park.

Pronounced ko-TAY-wee, the word means “fire” and pays homage to the Native Americans that called this land “home” for centuries. Visit the Taylor Center of Natural History to see artifacts, an outdoor interpretive archaeological exhibit and more.

Beyond walking, biking and hiking, there is so much to explore at Strawtown Koteewi Park. Take a guided horseback ride through the trails with Koteewi Equine Experience, or a pony ride for the little ones. Try your hand at using a bow and arrow at Koteewi Range: Sport and Target Archery Center. Or, climb through the canopy at Edge Adventures Koteewi: Aerial Adventure Park, featuring ziplines and treetop trails. Each venue operates independently, so be sure to plan our your adventure and book your activities in advance. All are within walking distance of the campground.

Rookery Preserve

If you enjoy bird watching, hop in the car and visit Rookery Preserve in nearby Arcadia, where 100 Great Blue Heron nests are in the area. The preserve is open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. From the campground, head west on 234th Street and turn right onto State Road 19. Turn left onto 429th Street and the preserve will be on your left.

White River Canoe Company

See a different side of Hamilton County and kayak or canoe along the White River. You are welcome to bring and launch your own equipment, or you can book an excursion through White River Canoe Company. They will pick up campground guests at the on-site office and transport you to Lafayette Trace for a 5+ mile paddle south back to the campground, approximately two to three hours.

Dining

Restaurants

Many campers will bring their own food and drink or use the grills on-site at White River Campground, but if you want to try the local flavor, there are options nearby for dine-in or carryout. In downtown Cicero, check out Big Dog’s Smokehouse BBQ for, you guessed it, barbeque; Boathouse Kitchen & Swan Dive for all-American food and an amazing view of Morse Reservoir from the patio; and Alexander’s on the Water for mouthwatering ice cream.

A few miles north, visit Wheeler’s Café & Market inside Mercantile 37 for coffee, tea and sandwiches, plus a small, local grocery section. Pick up a souvenir inside the adjacent store filled with vintage treasures.

For extra provisions, check out Wilson Farm Market on US-31. Locals love the jams, jellies and candies in addition to fresh produce and baked goods, like the irresistible pretzel bread and Amish fry pies.
    

Start planning your outdoor weekend adventure and request a free copy of our 2020 Travel Guide. Happy camping!