Camp Atterbury Campground

Introduction / Overview

For eligible Indiana locals seeking a unique outdoor experience, Camp Atterbury Campground in Edinburgh, IN, offers a distinct opportunity for relaxation and recreation. Situated within the larger Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, this campground provides a comfortable and secure environment for military personnel (active duty, National Guard, Reserves, and retired) and State of Indiana employees. It's more than just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent; it’s a facility designed to provide essential amenities and a peaceful setting for those who serve or have served our state and nation.

Camp Atterbury, with its rich history dating back to 1942 as a training ground, has evolved to include Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities that cater to its authorized users. The campground offers a chance to disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with nature, all within a secure and well-maintained environment. While it is important to note the specific eligibility requirements for staying here, for those who qualify, Camp Atterbury Campground presents a valuable resource for local outdoor enjoyment. It stands out for its unique blend of military operational backdrop and tranquil recreational spaces, providing an experience unlike typical public campgrounds in Indiana. The consistent presence of dedicated staff, like the lauded Campground Host, further enhances the welcoming atmosphere, striving to ensure a positive and accommodating stay for all eligible visitors.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Atterbury Campground is conveniently located in Edinburgh, IN 46124, situated approximately 30 miles south of Indianapolis. Its strategic placement in south-central Indiana makes it an accessible destination for eligible individuals and families throughout the state. The campground is nestled within the extensive Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, offering a distinct environment that combines military operational areas with recreational spaces.

Access to Camp Atterbury is well-defined, typically requiring entry through a secured gate, which underscores the facility’s primary military mission while ensuring a safe environment for campground users. Visitors will find the drive to Edinburgh straightforward via major Indiana roadways. While the campground is within the confines of the military installation, its design aims to provide a comfortable and serene experience. It's worth noting that while Camp Atterbury itself is a large facility with active training, the campground areas are distinct and focused on recreation. For those eligible to use the facility, the relatively short drive from central Indiana urban areas allows for a convenient escape to the outdoors. While certain local amenities like large grocery or big box stores might require a slightly longer drive (around 20 minutes as noted in reviews), the presence of on-post facilities like a small PX offers some convenience for immediate needs. This balance of being within a secure military base yet offering recreational reprieve makes it a unique and accessible option for its specific user base in Indiana.

Services Offered

• RV Sites with Hookups: Features pull-through and back-in sites equipped with 30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer hookups for comfortable RV camping.
• Tent Camping Areas: Designated spaces for traditional tent camping.
• Bathhouses: Facilities with showers and restrooms, though hot water availability may vary between specific bathhouses.
• Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry services for camper convenience.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Available at most campsites for outdoor dining and campfires.
• Pet-Friendly: Welcomes well-behaved pets, with specific restrictions (e.g., not allowed inside base buildings like bathhouses).
• Stocked Pond Fishing: Offers catch-and-release fishing opportunities in a stocked pond.
• Free Firewood: Reportedly, free firewood is provided at campsites for campers to enjoy bonfires.
• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station for RV waste disposal.
• Campground Host: A dedicated on-site host, often available to assist campers and address needs.
• Proximity to PX (Post Exchange): A small store on base for basic necessities, though hours may vary.

Features / Highlights

• Exclusive Access: Open only to military personnel (Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, Retired) and State of Indiana employees, ensuring a specific community environment.
• Secure Environment: Located within a military installation, providing enhanced security.
• Unique Ambiance: The sounds of occasional training activities (e.g., gunfire, helicopters) can be heard, offering a distinct backdrop for those who appreciate it.
• Peaceful Setting: Despite the training activities, the campground generally maintains a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation.
• Fishing Opportunities: The stocked pond provides a relaxing activity for anglers.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Allows eligible campers to bring their beloved pets, enhancing the family camping experience.
• Dedicated Campground Host: The presence of a friendly and helpful host contributes significantly to a positive stay.
• Close to Indianapolis Area Attractions: While on base, it serves as a convenient base for exploring attractions in Indianapolis and central Indiana.

Contact Information

Address: Edinburgh, IN 46124, USA

For specific inquiries about Camp Atterbury Campground reservations, eligibility, and current amenities, it is highly recommended to contact the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) office at Camp Atterbury directly. The most reliable contact information found is:

Campground Reservations: 812-526-1399 Ext. 61128

MWR Office General Line: 812-526-2954

Email: ng.in.inarng.list.cajmtc-dpca-mwr@army.mil

Hours of Operation for MWR office: Monday – Saturday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm. Closed on Sundays and federal holidays.

It's always advisable for potential visitors to confirm current operational status and any updated access policies directly with the MWR office before planning their trip.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For eligible Indiana locals – specifically military personnel and State of Indiana employees – Camp Atterbury Campground offers a uniquely tailored and highly suitable outdoor recreational option. Its primary advantage lies in its secure, familiar environment within a military installation, providing a sense of community and safety that might not be found elsewhere. This exclusive access creates a respectful and understanding atmosphere among campers, many of whom share similar backgrounds of service to the state or nation.

The campground's amenities, including full RV hookups, tent sites, bathhouses, and even free firewood, cater to a comfortable camping experience. The added recreational value of a stocked fishing pond and the general peacefulness, despite the active training environment, provide ample opportunities for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment. While some external amenities might require a short drive, the presence of an on-site PX and a dedicated, helpful Campground Host significantly enhance convenience for authorized users.

For Indiana residents who meet the eligibility criteria, Camp Atterbury Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a valuable benefit, a place to decompress, and an opportunity to connect with fellow service members and state employees in a recreational setting. It offers a practical and meaningful local escape, allowing them to enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor pursuits that Indiana has to offer, all within a supportive and well-managed environment. It's a testament to providing dedicated services for those who contribute so much to the Hoosier State, making it an ideal choice for a specialized local retreat.