Campground Culture

Camping here at Indian Lakes RV Resort, in Batesville, Indiana, got me thinking about something that we rarely consider, but something that is nevertheless very real-- campground culture.

Every campground has its own sort of culture that defines it. Some campgrounds are rustic and quiet and great for relaxing in. Some campgrounds are primarily parking lots for your RV while you go to amusement parks or other points of interest. Their sites are tiny and crowded and you may find yourself trying not to stare into your neighbor's window. But you don't mind too much because you're not there for the park ambiance anyway. One park we've been to in Florida has a decidedly French culture-- it is the main winter get-away for our French Canadian friends. One park we stayed at in the Spokane area was, we quickly discovered, a weekend party park for the locals. We won't be going back there. Ever.

Indian Lakes also has a culture. I will call it a "suburban golf cart" culture, for lack of a better name. It is a very large well-kept park, something more akin to a sprawling neighborhood. The roads are all beautifully blacktopped with no annoying potholes. We found what we initially thought was a great pull-through spot on a corner. Before very long, we realized that we were on the hub of a literal parade route. Yes, every Saturday evening at 7:30 everyone who owns a golf cart or ATV climbs in their little vehicle, cranks up their music, and drives around the park, right past our site, and around, and back again. It's quite a sight.

If that were the only parade, it wouldn't be an issue. Might even be fun. But the reality is, these cart-drivers start up in the early afternoon, driving around for no apparent reason but to drive around, many with their music in loud "share" mode, and it keeps on going like this until more or less "quiet time," which is 11:00 p.m. It's worse on the weekend, and I'm writing this on Memorial Day weekend, which might possibly be worse in that it's an extra day longer. 

Sunday afternoon in the neighborhood

The bathhouse and laundry in the center of the hub

Our spot on the crossroads

If this is the kind of thing that draws you, you'll love this place. I'm sure the people are friendly, though I haven't met any of them. I own I'm a bit of an introvert and not much of a party animal, so I've kept (and will continue to keep) pretty much to myself during our two week stay. (We leave on Friday.)

On Tuesday, Mark and I will check out the swimming pool, which opened this weekend. No way I'm going over there until the crowd clears out.

I can't really give the place "bad marks," because it's really all about the culture. Apparently there's no shortage of campers who love this particular culture. You may, too. My idea of happy camping is a bit quieter. If we ever do come back, we'll know better and look for a more out of the way spot off the parade route. 

Have a blessed week and safe travels!