Skip to main content
Formerly known as Sanidumps.
RVingLife.com

RV Parks In Madison, Indiana

38.7359° N, 85.3800° W

Quick Overview

Madison is one of the loveliest river towns in the Midwest, perched on the Ohio River in southeastern Indiana with one of the largest National Historic Landmark districts in the country. For RVers, it pairs that small-town charm with genuinely good camping: a full-service state park on the bluffs above town and a handful of campgrounds right on the riverbank. Whether you want waterfalls and forest or a site overlooking the Ohio, Madison delivers a memorable stay rather than just a place to park.

The crown jewel is Clifty Falls State Park, just west of town, with 106 RV campsites offering electric, water, and sewer hookups. The electric loop has 100 Class A sites, 31 of them pull-through, and rates run roughly $33 to $52 a night depending on the day of the week. You can reserve up to six months out, and the park rewards you with hiking trails to multiple waterfalls through a rugged canyon and overlooks of the Ohio River valley. It is one of the better-equipped state park campgrounds in the region and camps year-round.

For riverfront camping, the city-run Riverview Campground sits right on the Ohio with 33 sites offering water and 30/50-amp electric, with prime riverfront sites running higher than river-view sites. Nearby Tandy's and Two Rivers Campground add full hookups along the river, and Two Rivers stays open year-round. Riverside sites cost a premium, especially on summer weekends, but waking up on the Ohio in a historic river town is something special. Between the bluff-top state park and the riverbank private parks, you have both ends of the public-versus-private choice covered.

Below we break down the campgrounds worth knowing, what your rig needs to get hooked up, how far ahead to book around the busy Madison Regatta weekend, what it all costs, and what is worth doing in this gem of an Ohio River town while you are parked.

Top Rated Dump Stations in Madison

No rated stations yet. Be the first to leave a review!

Traveling to Madison by RV

Madison sits on the Ohio River in southeastern Indiana, served by U.S. 421, which crosses the river on a bridge to Milton, Kentucky, along with state routes 56, 7, and 62 that run along the river and inland. There is no interstate right in town; the nearest are I-65 to the west near Seymour and Columbus and I-71 across the river in Kentucky, each within an hour or so, so plan your routing to come in on the U.S. and state highways.

The approach to Madison drops down to the river through bluffs, so there are some grades on the hill into town, and you will want to take it slow and use lower gears with a big rig on the descent. Once you are down in the valley, local access to the riverfront campgrounds and up to Clifty Falls State Park is straightforward on paved roads. Fuel and groceries are available in town, and the larger metros of Louisville and Cincinnati are each about ninety minutes away for anything you cannot find locally. Watch for winter ice on the river-valley grades in the cold months.

Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials

Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Madison, Indiana, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.

Check your RV insurance coverage

A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.

Know your roadside assistance options

RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.

Decide about an extended warranty early

Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.

Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees

A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.

RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.

Dump Station Costs in Madison

Camping costs in Madison depend on whether you choose the bluff or the river. Clifty Falls State Park electric sites run about $33 to $45 a night Sunday through Wednesday and $40 to $52 Thursday through Saturday, a fair deal for full-service camping with water and sewer in a scenic state park. The city-run Riverview Campground charges a premium for its prime riverfront sites, roughly $44.99 midweek and $63.99 on weekends, with cheaper river-view sites around $29.99 to $41.99, so you can dial the cost up or down by site location.

Across the board, weekends along the Ohio cost more than midweek, so a midweek stay is the budget move if your schedule allows. The other private river campgrounds, Tandy's and Two Rivers, fall in a similar range, with Two Rivers offering daily and weekly rates year-round. For longer stays, ask the private parks about weekly pricing. If value matters most, Clifty Falls gives you full hookups and waterfall hiking for a reasonable state-park rate, while the riverfront parks charge extra for that coveted spot right on the water. Book early for any summer weekend or the Regatta.

Free: 1 station (50%)
Paid: 1 station (50%)

Contact station for pricing details.

Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.

What RVers Are Saying About Madison

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

Best Time to Visit Madison by RV

❄️

Winter

Nov - Feb

26F - 42F

Crowds: Low

Cold Ohio Valley winter with freezes and occasional snow. Most riverfront private campgrounds close for the season, but Clifty Falls State Park camps year-round with electric sites, making it the cold-weather option. Winterize your rig and bring a heated hose. Quiet time to see the historic district without crowds.

🌸

Spring

Mar - May

44F - 64F

Crowds: Medium

The waterfalls at Clifty Falls State Park are at their best in spring with high water, making it prime time for that park. Riverfront campgrounds along the Ohio reopen, and the historic district is pleasant. Watch for spring rain and occasional river high water affecting the lowest riverside sites.

☀️

Summer

Jun - Aug

66F - 86F

Crowds: High

Peak season along the Ohio River. Clifty Falls and the riverfront campgrounds fill on weekends, and the Madison Regatta hydroplane races in July pack the town, so book well ahead. Warm and humid, so a powered site for AC is worth it. Weekend rates run higher than midweek at the river parks.

🍂

Fall

Sep - Oct

45F - 67F

Crowds: Medium

Beautiful season in the Ohio Valley with fall color through the Clifty Falls canyon and along the river bluffs. Comfortable camping and thinner crowds after Labor Day. Confirm hours late in the season, as the riverfront private parks generally close by late October, though Clifty Falls camps year-round.

Explore the Madison Area

A few things we have learned about camping in Madison. First, the season makes the trip. Spring is the time to see the Clifty Falls waterfalls at full roar with high water, while fall brings spectacular color through the canyon and along the river. If waterfalls are your goal, aim for spring. Second, plan around the Madison Regatta in July, the hydroplane races that pack the town and fill the riverfront campgrounds; either book months ahead to be part of it or avoid that weekend if you want quiet.

Third, choose your setting deliberately. Clifty Falls offers full hookups with sewer, pull-through sites, and year-round camping up on the bluffs with the waterfalls and trails, while the riverfront parks like Riverview, Tandy's, and Two Rivers put you right on the Ohio with river traffic rolling by. Riverfront sites cost a premium over river-view sites, so decide whether the water view is worth it. Finally, build in time for the historic district. Madison's preserved 19th-century downtown and the Lanier Mansion are genuine highlights, not afterthoughts, so this is a town to linger in for several nights.

National Parks Nearby

Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Madison

What are the best RV parks near Madison, IN?

Madison sits on the Ohio River and the standout camping is Clifty Falls State Park, just west of town, with 106 RV campsites offering electric, water, and sewer hookups in a scenic setting above the river canyon. For riverfront camping, the city-run Riverview Campground has 33 sites right on the Ohio with water and 30/50-amp electric, and nearby Tandy's and Two Rivers Campground offer full hookups along the river, with Two Rivers open year-round. Between the state park bluffs and the riverside private campgrounds, Madison gives RVers a genuine choice of public and private settings, both with easy access to one of Indiana's most beautiful historic towns.

Does Clifty Falls State Park have RV hookups?

Yes. Clifty Falls State Park has 106 RV campsites, with the electric loop offering 100 Class A electric sites, 31 of which are pull-through, plus water and sewer hookups available. That makes it one of the better-equipped state park campgrounds in the region for RVers. Electric rates run roughly $33 to $45 a night Sunday through Wednesday and $40 to $52 Thursday through Saturday. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance by calling 1-866-622-6746 or booking online through Indiana State Parks. The park sits above the Ohio River with hiking trails to its namesake waterfalls, so it pairs full-service camping with genuine scenery. Reserve early for summer and fall weekends.

How much does RV camping cost near Madison, IN?

Costs vary by setting. Clifty Falls State Park electric sites run about $33 to $45 a night midweek and $40 to $52 on weekends, a fair price for full-service state park camping with sewer. The city-run Riverview Campground charges roughly $44.99 a night Monday through Thursday and $63.99 Friday through Sunday for prime riverfront sites, with cheaper river-view sites around $29.99 to $41.99. The other private river campgrounds are in a similar range. Weekends along the Ohio cost more than midweek across the board, so if you are flexible, a midweek stay saves money. Long-term and weekly rates may be available at the private parks for extended stays.

How far ahead should I reserve a campsite in Madison, IN?

Book early for summer and any event weekend. Clifty Falls State Park takes reservations up to six months ahead, and its sites fill for summer and fall weekends, so reserve as far out as you can for those. The riverfront campgrounds, especially the city-run Riverview, fill up around the Madison Regatta hydroplane races in July, which is the single busiest weekend of the year in town, so book months ahead if you want to be there for it. Outside of summer weekends and events, a week or two of notice is usually enough at the private parks, and midweek stays are easy to get on shorter notice.

When is the best time to go RV camping in Madison, IN?

Spring and fall are the standouts. Spring brings high water that makes the Clifty Falls waterfalls roar, the best time to see them, along with mild camping weather. Fall offers gorgeous color through the Clifty Falls canyon and along the Ohio River bluffs, plus comfortable temperatures and thinner crowds after Labor Day. Summer is peak season and a lot of fun on the river, but it is humid and busy, and the Madison Regatta in July packs the town. Winter is cold with freezes, and while most riverfront parks close, Clifty Falls camps year-round for those who want a quiet off-season visit to the historic district.

Can big rigs camp near Madison, IN?

Yes. Clifty Falls State Park is a good big-rig option, with 31 pull-through sites in its electric loop and water and sewer hookups, though you should check individual site lengths when booking since some sites suit larger rigs better than others. The riverfront campgrounds vary; Riverview offers 30/50-amp sites and Two Rivers and Tandy's have full hookups, but the riverside parks can be tighter, so call ahead to confirm a 40-footer will fit and that the approach works. The roads into Madison drop down to the river through some grades, so take it easy with a big rig descending toward the riverfront, but access is manageable with care.

Are there full-hookup campgrounds in Madison, IN?

Yes. Clifty Falls State Park offers water, electric, and sewer hookups at its RV sites, which is full service in a state park setting. Along the Ohio River, Tandy's and Two Rivers Campground both advertise full hookups, with Two Rivers open year-round and operating on daily and weekly rates with a 15-day maximum stay during its April-to-October season. The city-run Riverview Campground offers water and 30/50-amp electric on its riverfront sites rather than full hookups, so you would use a dump station there. Between Clifty Falls and the private river parks, RVers who need sewer at the site have solid options on both the bluff and the riverbank.

Can I camp right on the Ohio River in Madison?

Yes, and it is one of the area's best features. The city-run Riverview Campground sits on two acres of riverfront property right on the Ohio, with 33 Class AA sites offering water and 30/50-amp electric and views of the river traffic and the Kentucky shore. Tandy's is another campground situated right next to the Ohio River with a boat ramp, shower house, and full hookups, and Two Rivers Campground offers river access with full hookups year-round. Riverfront sites cost a premium over river-view sites, especially on weekends, but waking up on the Ohio in a historic river town is a memorable RV stay. Book the riverfront sites early in summer.

What is there to do in Madison, IN while camping?

Madison is a treasure for history lovers, home to one of the largest National Historic Landmark districts in the country, with beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture along its downtown and riverfront. Stroll the historic district, tour the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, and browse the shops and restaurants on Main Street. Clifty Falls State Park just west of town offers hiking to multiple waterfalls through a rugged canyon, with overlooks of the Ohio River valley. The Madison Regatta in July brings thrilling hydroplane racing to the river. Add riverfront parks, local wineries, and scenic drives along the Ohio, and Madison easily fills a long weekend.

Is Clifty Falls State Park open year-round?

Yes, Clifty Falls State Park camps year-round, which makes it the reliable cold-season option around Madison when the riverfront private campgrounds close for winter. The electric loop with its Class A sites stays open, so you can have power through the colder months, though you will want to winterize your rig and bring a heated water hose for freezing nights. Spring is the marquee season at Clifty Falls because high water makes the waterfalls most dramatic, and fall brings excellent color through the canyon. Even in winter, the trails and overlooks of the Ohio River valley are worth the visit, and the campground is quiet and easy to book.

What highways serve Madison, IN for RV access?

Madison sits on the Ohio River in southeastern Indiana, served by U.S. 421, which crosses the river on a bridge to Milton, Kentucky, and by state routes 56, 7, and 62 that connect along the river and inland. There is no interstate right in Madison; the nearest major routes are I-65 to the west near Seymour and Columbus and I-71 across the river in Kentucky, each within an hour or so. The roads approaching Madison descend to the river through bluffs with some grades, so take it slow with a big rig on the hill into town. Once you are in, local access to the campgrounds is straightforward.

Are pets allowed at Madison, IN campgrounds?

Generally yes. Clifty Falls State Park allows leashed pets in the campground and on the trails, which is standard for Indiana State Parks, though pets are not permitted in some buildings or the pool area. The riverfront private campgrounds are typically pet friendly as well, asking that you keep dogs leashed and clean up after them. As always, if you travel with several dogs or a large breed, call the specific campground ahead to confirm their policy, since individual parks set their own limits. Given warm, humid Ohio Valley summers, never leave a pet in a closed rig without the air conditioning running, and bring proof of vaccinations.

Is Madison, IN a good base between Louisville and Cincinnati?

It is a scenic one. Madison sits on the Ohio River roughly between Louisville and Cincinnati, making it a pleasant riverside base for exploring that stretch of the Ohio Valley. From a campsite at Clifty Falls or along the river, you can day-trip to either city, each within about an hour and a half, while enjoying a quieter, more historic home base than the metros offer. The combination of full-service camping at Clifty Falls, riverfront sites in town, one of the country's great historic districts, and waterfall hiking makes Madison more of a destination than a waypoint. For RVers touring the Ohio River corridor, it is a highlight worth several nights.

What are the best RV parks near Madison, IN?

Madison sits on the Ohio River and the standout camping is Clifty Falls State Park, just west of town, with 106 RV campsites offering electric, water, and sewer hookups in a scenic setting above the river canyon. For riverfront camping, the city-run Riverview Campground has 33 sites right on the Ohio with water and 30/50-amp electric, and nearby Tandy's and Two Rivers Campground offer full hookups along the river, with Two Rivers open year-round. Between the state park bluffs and the riverside private campgrounds, Madison gives RVers a genuine choice of public and private settings, both with easy access to one of Indiana's most beautiful historic towns.

Does Clifty Falls State Park have RV hookups?

Yes. Clifty Falls State Park has 106 RV campsites, with the electric loop offering 100 Class A electric sites, 31 of which are pull-through, plus water and sewer hookups available. That makes it one of the better-equipped state park campgrounds in the region for RVers. Electric rates run roughly $33 to $45 a night Sunday through Wednesday and $40 to $52 Thursday through Saturday. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance by calling 1-866-622-6746 or booking online through Indiana State Parks. The park sits above the Ohio River with hiking trails to its namesake waterfalls, so it pairs full-service camping with genuine scenery. Reserve early for summer and fall weekends.

How much does RV camping cost near Madison, IN?

Costs vary by setting. Clifty Falls State Park electric sites run about $33 to $45 a night midweek and $40 to $52 on weekends, a fair price for full-service state park camping with sewer. The city-run Riverview Campground charges roughly $44.99 a night Monday through Thursday and $63.99 Friday through Sunday for prime riverfront sites, with cheaper river-view sites around $29.99 to $41.99. The other private river campgrounds are in a similar range. Weekends along the Ohio cost more than midweek across the board, so if you are flexible, a midweek stay saves money. Long-term and weekly rates may be available at the private parks for extended stays.

How far ahead should I reserve a campsite in Madison, IN?

Book early for summer and any event weekend. Clifty Falls State Park takes reservations up to six months ahead, and its sites fill for summer and fall weekends, so reserve as far out as you can for those. The riverfront campgrounds, especially the city-run Riverview, fill up around the Madison Regatta hydroplane races in July, which is the single busiest weekend of the year in town, so book months ahead if you want to be there for it. Outside of summer weekends and events, a week or two of notice is usually enough at the private parks, and midweek stays are easy to get on shorter notice.

When is the best time to go RV camping in Madison, IN?

Spring and fall are the standouts. Spring brings high water that makes the Clifty Falls waterfalls roar, the best time to see them, along with mild camping weather. Fall offers gorgeous color through the Clifty Falls canyon and along the Ohio River bluffs, plus comfortable temperatures and thinner crowds after Labor Day. Summer is peak season and a lot of fun on the river, but it is humid and busy, and the Madison Regatta in July packs the town. Winter is cold with freezes, and while most riverfront parks close, Clifty Falls camps year-round for those who want a quiet off-season visit to the historic district.

Can big rigs camp near Madison, IN?

Yes. Clifty Falls State Park is a good big-rig option, with 31 pull-through sites in its electric loop and water and sewer hookups, though you should check individual site lengths when booking since some sites suit larger rigs better than others. The riverfront campgrounds vary; Riverview offers 30/50-amp sites and Two Rivers and Tandy's have full hookups, but the riverside parks can be tighter, so call ahead to confirm a 40-footer will fit and that the approach works. The roads into Madison drop down to the river through some grades, so take it easy with a big rig descending toward the riverfront, but access is manageable with care.

Are there full-hookup campgrounds in Madison, IN?

Yes. Clifty Falls State Park offers water, electric, and sewer hookups at its RV sites, which is full service in a state park setting. Along the Ohio River, Tandy's and Two Rivers Campground both advertise full hookups, with Two Rivers open year-round and operating on daily and weekly rates with a 15-day maximum stay during its April-to-October season. The city-run Riverview Campground offers water and 30/50-amp electric on its riverfront sites rather than full hookups, so you would use a dump station there. Between Clifty Falls and the private river parks, RVers who need sewer at the site have solid options on both the bluff and the riverbank.

Can I camp right on the Ohio River in Madison?

Yes, and it is one of the area's best features. The city-run Riverview Campground sits on two acres of riverfront property right on the Ohio, with 33 Class AA sites offering water and 30/50-amp electric and views of the river traffic and the Kentucky shore. Tandy's is another campground situated right next to the Ohio River with a boat ramp, shower house, and full hookups, and Two Rivers Campground offers river access with full hookups year-round. Riverfront sites cost a premium over river-view sites, especially on weekends, but waking up on the Ohio in a historic river town is a memorable RV stay. Book the riverfront sites early in summer.

What is there to do in Madison, IN while camping?

Madison is a treasure for history lovers, home to one of the largest National Historic Landmark districts in the country, with beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture along its downtown and riverfront. Stroll the historic district, tour the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, and browse the shops and restaurants on Main Street. Clifty Falls State Park just west of town offers hiking to multiple waterfalls through a rugged canyon, with overlooks of the Ohio River valley. The Madison Regatta in July brings thrilling hydroplane racing to the river. Add riverfront parks, local wineries, and scenic drives along the Ohio, and Madison easily fills a long weekend.

Is Clifty Falls State Park open year-round?

Yes, Clifty Falls State Park camps year-round, which makes it the reliable cold-season option around Madison when the riverfront private campgrounds close for winter. The electric loop with its Class A sites stays open, so you can have power through the colder months, though you will want to winterize your rig and bring a heated water hose for freezing nights. Spring is the marquee season at Clifty Falls because high water makes the waterfalls most dramatic, and fall brings excellent color through the canyon. Even in winter, the trails and overlooks of the Ohio River valley are worth the visit, and the campground is quiet and easy to book.

What highways serve Madison, IN for RV access?

Madison sits on the Ohio River in southeastern Indiana, served by U.S. 421, which crosses the river on a bridge to Milton, Kentucky, and by state routes 56, 7, and 62 that connect along the river and inland. There is no interstate right in Madison; the nearest major routes are I-65 to the west near Seymour and Columbus and I-71 across the river in Kentucky, each within an hour or so. The roads approaching Madison descend to the river through bluffs with some grades, so take it slow with a big rig on the hill into town. Once you are in, local access to the campgrounds is straightforward.

Are pets allowed at Madison, IN campgrounds?

Generally yes. Clifty Falls State Park allows leashed pets in the campground and on the trails, which is standard for Indiana State Parks, though pets are not permitted in some buildings or the pool area. The riverfront private campgrounds are typically pet friendly as well, asking that you keep dogs leashed and clean up after them. As always, if you travel with several dogs or a large breed, call the specific campground ahead to confirm their policy, since individual parks set their own limits. Given warm, humid Ohio Valley summers, never leave a pet in a closed rig without the air conditioning running, and bring proof of vaccinations.

Is Madison, IN a good base between Louisville and Cincinnati?

It is a scenic one. Madison sits on the Ohio River roughly between Louisville and Cincinnati, making it a pleasant riverside base for exploring that stretch of the Ohio Valley. From a campsite at Clifty Falls or along the river, you can day-trip to either city, each within about an hour and a half, while enjoying a quieter, more historic home base than the metros offer. The combination of full-service camping at Clifty Falls, riverfront sites in town, one of the country's great historic districts, and waterfall hiking makes Madison more of a destination than a waypoint. For RVers touring the Ohio River corridor, it is a highlight worth several nights.

Are there free dump stations in Madison?

Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Madison.