These days, everyone is searching for the best budget-friendly family vacation ideas. Families want the most bang for their buck, but aren't sure where to start and what to look for when booking a family getaway. We've compiled everything you should consider before booking your budget-friendly travel plans, as well as what's included in a stay at our Indiana camping resort!

Know When to Book Your Vacation
Understanding both when to book your family vacation, as well as what month your family vacation should take place are HUGE factors in determining the overall cost of your trip.
First, booking your family vacation all depends on what deals are available. Most of the time, businesses offer great Black Friday deals, as well as deals during the off-season of their business. For Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake, we offer a wide variety of deals all camping season. Plus, the longer you stay, the longer you save!
Now onto when your family vacation should actually take place! Most of the time, summer months tend to be the most expensive time periods for travel. If you're looking for more affordable ways to vacation with family, we recommend looking during the spring, fall, or winter! Although our Indiana campground isn't open during the winter, our most affordable time of year to stay is during our non-peak season (4/26/2025 - 5/23/2025 & 8/17/2025 - 11/8/2025). This time period is the prime opportunity for budget-friendly vacation for families!

The Most Affordable Accommodations
Whether you're booking a hotel, Airbnb, or other accommodation type, every hospitality company has a few options that are the most affordable. With this being said, we recommend browsing every accommodation type to see what the total cost is - but, also keep in mind what your requirements are. For example, a basic hotel room with a queen bed may be the cheapest option, but if you'd be most comfortable in a suite with a separate bedroom with a pull-out couch, booking this option may be the best route to ensure the whole family is comfortable during your vacation.
Cabin Rentals
Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake is one of the best campgrounds with cabins in Indiana. Offering 7 different cabin types, there's something for everyone! We've outlined some of the most affordable Indiana cabin rentals you can choose from:
Rustic Cabin Options
We offer a two rustic cabin options, including our 2-Room Rustic Cabins and 1-Room Rustic Cabins. Each of these Pennsylvania cabins come with a queen bed and kitchenette, giving you all the necessities you will need during your budget-friendly family vacation!
Barton Lake Bungalow
Choose our Barton Lake Bungalow for a little more luxury to your Indiana camping stay! Equipped with AC/heat, TV/DVD player, full bathroom, kitchen (oven), a 4-burner stove, microwave, apartment fridge, coffee maker, toaster, dishes, silverware, pots & pans, table and barstools. You can also enjoy a loft space, picnic table, charcoal grill, and fire ring.
Three Bears Lodge
Our Three Bears Lodge is a great affordable option for larger families looking to try cabin camping in Indiana! This cabin offers sleeping space for up to 19 people with 5 private bedrooms and 2 sleeper sofas. Our base rate includes 12 people. Enjoy a full kitchen, 2 full bathrooms, game room, washer/dryer and air conditioning/heating, too! Step outside to enjoy the deck overlooking the lake, gas grill, picnic table, and fire ring. Basic kitchen furnishings are provided. This lodge is just steps away from all our major attractions - enjoy easy access to the Water Zone, arcade, lake, jumping pillows, Ranger Station, and more!
RV Sites
Are you bringing your rig to our Indiana RV resort? Great choice! Now, all that you have to do is figure out which RV site type fits your RV as well as your needs. Back-in or pull-thru, gravel or paved, the options are endless!
Red Carpet Pull Thru RV Site
These Red Carpet Pull-Thru RV Sites feature a cement pad with 30/50 amp electric options, water and sewer hookups, fire pit, and picnic table. Enjoy easy access to all amenities, including the Water Zone, pools, Boo Boo™ Cafe, arcade, and Ranger Station.
Preferred Premium Back In RV Site
Enjoy a full hook-up site in one of our premium locations that place you right next to some of our many amenities. These sites include 50 amp electric, sewer and water hookups, square picnic table, charcoal grill, and fire ring.
Lakefront Standard Back In RV Site
Enjoy your own undisturbed lake views from one of our Lakefront Standard RV/Tent sites. These sites give you your own private water frontage with access to recreational activities such as fishing and boating. Enjoy 30 amp electric and water hookups, picnic table, and fire ring.
Tent Sites
There's nothing quite like sleeping under the stars, but did you know not all tent sites are created equal? Some tent sites may offer grassy, gravel, or paved sites, as well as other amenities like a fire ring or charcoal grill. This is key information to consider when tent camping in Indiana!
Red Carpet Tent Site
Relax and recharge in the great outdoors at one of our brand new Red Carpet Tent Sites! 30-Amp Charcoal Grill Fire Ring Picnic Table Water Hook-Up
Standard Tent Site
Spend the night under the Indiana stars with one of our Standard Tent Sites! Sites have 30/50 amp electric, water hookups, a picnic table, and a fire ring.
Rustic Tent Site
Connect with nature at one of our rustic tent sites at our Indiana Campground. No water or electric.

Understand What's Included in Your Stay
Are you looking for all meals and activities to be included in your stay? Or maybe you just want the top attractions to be included? Either way, every vacation destination offers different amenities, so be sure to check out which ones are included in your reservation!
Here at Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake, we have a variety of attractions, activities, and facilities included with your stay!
Included Attractions
From a huge water park, swimming pools, and water slides to a large jumping pillow, mini golf course, and sports courts, we have 15+ attractions that are completely free to use during your stay! View all of our attractions here - attractions with a green checkmark in the top-right corner are included with a reservation.
Included Activities
All season long, our Indiana campground has daily activities for the kiddos, so the parents can enjoy a stress-free family vacation without the hassle of planning things to do! In addition, we also have a full line-up of themes that our activities revolve around. Whether you choose to stay during Super Hero Spectacular, or one of our iconic Halloween Weekends, you can expect our Camp-Resort to go all out for each theme!
Included Facilities & Amenities
From laundry services and comfort stations, our campground in Indiana has a variety of facilities and amenities for your family. Although some facilities may cost a few extra bucks, these services are here for you in case you need it.

The Option for Add-Ons
Although you may be searching for budget-friendly family vacation ideas that won't break the bank, it's also key to note that there may be some opportunities to pay a little more for a fun experience. Resorts or cruises may offer additional excursions for you to choose from, whereas our camping resort has a variety of add-ons to give your family vacation a little extra glam. From golf carts and pool cabanas, to fun passes and bear visits, you'll have the option to add these onto your reservation if you wish. But don't worry if you decide not to invest in one of these add-ons, you'll still have an abundance of fun during your family getaway!
Whether you're cabin or RV camping in Indiana, or are booking a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or another type of vacation destination, we hope these tips & tricks will help you in booking the perfect budget-friendly family vacation.