Mounds State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Mounds State Park offers exceptional RV camping with 75 electric-hookup sites in its Family Campground, featuring 10 prehistoric earthworks built by the Adena-Hopewell people around 160 B.C., over 6 miles of hiking trails, and year-round access to the White River. Located just outside Anderson and one hour northeast of Indianapolis, Indianapolis RV rentals and Anderson camper van options provide convenient access to this 259-acre state park offering family-friendly nature programs, ancient history exploration, and peaceful riverside camping within easy reach of central Indiana attractions.
What Makes Mounds State Park the Ultimate RV Destination?
Located just one hour northeast of Indianapolis, the foundations of Mounds State Park began long ago when ancient prehistoric Indians began building large earthwork structures that, to the modern man, looked like mounds of dirt. Known as the Adena-Hopewell people, these natives are responsible for inspiring the park's name by building the 10 unique mounds that still exist today inside Mounds State Park.
The largest of these earthworks, known as the Great Mound, is believed to have been constructed around 160 B.C. Archaeological surveys indicate the mounds were used as gathering places for religious ceremonies, from where astronomical alignments could be viewed. Today, the mounds are a popular destination for many visitors who seek to learn more about humanity's past as well as adventurous visitors who want to take on the challenge of exploring these ancient ceremonial sites.
In addition to this living, tangible piece of ancient history, the park is bordered by the flowing White River. Hiking trails cut through thick forest, leading visitors along paths to meadows full of wildflowers and scenic bluffs. Campers can learn about the many different species of birds and wildlife that call the park home by visiting the Nature Center to view displays and experience the wildlife viewing room.
Mounds State Park is full of fun and educational activities for the whole family. From ranger-led programs to swimming in the park pool during summer, fishing the White River, and exploring miles of trails, it's well worth a stop if you're cruising through Indiana in your RV. The park's compact 259-acre size makes it easy to explore everything on foot or by bike, with campsites conveniently located within walking distance of major attractions.
RV Rentals in Mounds State Park
Transportation
Driving
Mounds State Park is located just outside of Anderson, Indiana, and is right next to the Anderson Municipal Airport. The park is extremely easy to reach via paved roads and highways from any direction. From Indianapolis, take I-69 North to Exit 26, then SR 9 North to SR 232 East for approximately 2 miles to the park entrance—total drive time is about one hour.
From the north, take I-69 South to Exit 34, then SR 67 West to CR 100 South. Turn right on CR 100 South to SR 232 East, then right again on SR 232 East for about a quarter mile to the entrance. From the east or west, use SR 67 or SR 32 to connect to SR 232 East, leading directly to the park entrance.
Local roads leading to the park's entrance are well-maintained and suitable for all RV sizes. Once inside the park, visitors should travel slowly as the roads are curved and often shaded by large trees. Roads to the campsites are paved but narrow, so drivers need to be cautious and drive at low speeds while entering and exiting the campground. Be aware that only select sites are designed as pull-through, while the rest require backing into your trailer or RV.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Indianapolis Gateway Access: Indianapolis RV rentals position you perfectly for exploring Mounds State Park and central Indiana attractions. Located just one hour southwest of the park, Indianapolis offers the largest selection of RV rental options in the region, from Class C motorhomes to travel trailers. The city provides full services, RV dealerships, and easy highway access via I-69.
Anderson Local Access: Anderson RV rentals offer the closest access to Mounds State Park, located just minutes from the park entrance. This smaller city provides convenient local amenities and serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Madison County region while keeping you close to your campsite.
Parking
You can park your RV at designated campsites in the Family Campground. Day-use parking is available near the Nature Center, Great Mound area, and picnic grounds. The main parking areas can accommodate RVs, though spaces may be limited during peak summer weekends. RV parking is also available near the pool area during swimming season.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is not available within or to Mounds State Park. The nearest city with limited public transit is Anderson, located adjacent to the park. Once inside the park, walking and biking are the best ways to get around. The park's compact size means most attractions are within a half-mile to one-mile walk from the campground.
Campgrounds and parking in Mounds State Park
Campsites in Mounds State Park
Reservations camping
Family Campground (Primary Campground)
Mounds State Park features one main campground known as the Family Campground, offering 75 campsites available by reservation only. This well-maintained campground provides year-round camping opportunities with modern amenities designed for family comfort and convenience.
Site Details and Amenities: All 75 campsites include electrical hookups with 50-amp power capabilities, making this campground ideal for RVers of all experience levels. Most sites accommodate RVs between 40 and 66 feet in length. Sites include a combination of pull-through and back-in options, with pull-through sites limited and requiring advance reservation. Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring (most sites), picnic table, and level gravel or paved parking pad.
The campground features modern facilities, including a shower house with hot showers and flush toilets, operating seasonally from late March through November. A dump station is conveniently located within the campground for easy waste disposal. Water spigots are distributed throughout the campground for easy access, though water service is turned off from November through late March for winter camping.
Campground Layout and Access: Paved roads lead throughout the campground, though drivers should note they are relatively narrow. Drive slowly and watch for pedestrians, especially children on bikes. The campground is divided into sections, with sites 9-20 offering the best shade from mature trees. Other sites are more open, which some campers prefer for satellite reception and solar panel efficiency.
A modern camp store operates during peak season, offering firewood, ice, basic camping supplies, and local information. The store features a charming hummingbird feeder where birds frequently visit. Nightly rates range from $23-$33, depending on season and site selection.
Camping Amenities by Season:
- Peak Season (Late March-November): Full services including water, showers, flush toilets, and dump station
- Winter Season (November-Late March): Limited services with electrical hookups available but no running water; vault toilets only
Pet-Friendly Camping: Pets are welcome at all campsites but are not permitted inside any park buildings. Pets must be kept on a six-foot leash at all times and supervised. Pet owners are expected to clean up after their animals. The campground's proximity to trails makes it easy to exercise pets while enjoying the park's natural beauty.
Youth Tent Areas: Designated youth tent camping areas are available for organized groups, providing a perfect setting for scout troops, church groups, and youth organizations to experience outdoor camping in a supervised environment.
Alternate camping
Alternative Camping Options Near Mounds State Park
Anderson / Muncie KOA Holiday
Fall asleep to the sound of the White River at Anderson / Muncie KOA Holiday. With a mile of river shoreline, this private campground is a lovely place to relax after exploring Mounds State Park. Located approximately 10-15 minutes from the park, you can choose from a wide range of full hookup sites with both back-in and pull-through options in various sizes to accommodate any RV.
Modern amenities include a bathhouse with hot showers and restrooms, laundry facilities, a camp store, and recreational facilities. The riverside location provides fishing access and peaceful views. This KOA offers more amenities than the state park campground for those seeking resort-style camping while still being close to Mounds State Park attractions.
Walnut Ridge Resort & RV Park
Located about 30 minutes southwest of Indianapolis, Walnut Ridge Resort is one of the more social RV parks near Mounds State Park. If you enjoy meeting other travelers and participating in group activities, this resort-style park offers karaoke nights, cornhole tournaments, golf course activities, and other social events.
Amenities include sites with 50 or 30-amp full hookups, Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, mini-golf course, playground, and ice cream shop. This family-friendly destination is perfect for those who want comfortable camping with plenty of entertainment options while using the park as a base to explore Mounds State Park and Indianapolis-area attractions.
White River Campground
Sitting on the northern edge of the Indianapolis suburbs, White River Campground is approximately 30-40 minutes from Mounds State Park. This county-owned park offers a mix of developed and primitive sites with substantial recreational opportunities. Area residents receive a small discount on camping fees.
The campground provides access to the White River for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Its location makes it an excellent base for exploring both Mounds State Park and Indianapolis attractions on the same trip.
Explore more RV parks and campgrounds across North America for your next adventure.
Seasonal activities in Mounds State Park
In-Season
Fishing
The cool, flowing waters of the White River are always teaming with various kinds of fish. Visitors to Mounds State Park will enjoy the peaceful sound of rushing water and the comforting rustling of nature as they relax while casting their lines from the river’s edge. Fishermen who are seeking a little more excitement can rent a canoe from the camp store and paddle down the river, exploring the open water in search of that one big catch.
Hiking
Mounds State Park offers six different hiking trails that will lead visitors on a journey throughout different parts of the path. Ranging in distances as short as half a mile to 2.5 miles, these trails are designed to show off some of the hidden beauties of the park such as scenic overlooks, wildflower-filled meadows, deep ravines, and the mounds that gave the park its name. Hiking trails are marked clearly with the difficulty level so that visitors will be able to choose the path that is the best fit for them.
Off-Season
Exploring the Mounds
RV visitors to Mounds State Park will not want to leave without seeing the ancient wonders that gave the park its name. There are several trails that will lead guests on a self-guided tour of the earthworks, more commonly known as mounds. Further information about the history of the mounds, each of the mounds’ individual characteristics, as well as the locations of all 10 mounds in the parks can be found in the Park’s Visitor Center.
Visiting the Nature Center
The Mounds State Park Nature Center is full of fun educational activities that will appeal to guests of all ages. Open year-round, the Nature Center includes multiple displays that teach visitors about the native wildlife and waterfowl that can be observed in many areas throughout the park. Interactive games and the wildlife viewing room are also popular attractions among younger visitors, teaching them the importance of taking care of the plants and wildlife around them.
Interpretive Naturalist Services
During the year, Mounds State Park offers guests the opportunity to participate in naturalist-led trips throughout the park. These trips are led by professionals such as biologists, historians, botanists, and geologists who lead visitors off the beaten path and teach them a variety of skills such as how to identify plants and wildlife. These trips take on many forms including canoeing down the river, hiking along forest trails, or even night-time walks to see the stars.
