Whether you’re into roughing it with nothing but a pop-up tent and a change of clothes rolled into your sleeping bag, or you’re a glamper who’ll settle for nothing but air-conditioned lodging, here are a few Indiana parks to fit your outdoor style. Ready to make a reservation? Have a question about a campsite’s accessibility or amenities? Visit indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com or contact individual campgrounds.
Harmonie State Park
After trekking through the forest—complete with a peek at one of Indiana’s largest pecan trees—find a spot to unwind at one of the 200 spacious electric campsites. If you prefer to put your feet up surrounded by a screened porch at the end of a summer day or in front of a cozy wood stove in the wintertime, reserve one of the rustic cabins. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or horseback riding, this property nestled on the banks of the Wabash River just might make you feel right at home.
3451 Harmonie State Park Rd.
New Harmony, IN
812-682-4821
Clifty Falls State Park
Just west of the historic town of Madison, it’s more than 14 miles of hiking trails range from relaxed to rugged, winding past four waterfalls, through deep gorges, and by sheer rock walls. You can set up shop at one of the electric or nonelectric sites available—or book yourself a room at the Clifty Inn. Don’t forget to check out the nature center or hit the tennis courts. Tip: Avoid construction by using the State Road 56 East entrance.
2221 Clifty Dr.
Madison, IN
812-273-8885
Marengo Cave
Tent and RV sites, electrical hookups, contemporary restrooms and showers, private gazebos, a fi re pit, grills, free Wi-Fi in the gift shop—just a few relative luxuries found at this creekside oasis. Got a group in tow? Rent one of the four cabins, which sleep four to 14. Try challenging your friends to a pedal go-kart race, or letting the kids crawl their way through a big wooden maze called a cave simulator. You can examine the cave itself on two walking tours: the Crystal Palace, a 40-minute hike, or the Dripstone Trail, a stalagmite-studded trek.
400 E. State Rd. 64
Marengo, IN
812-365-2705
Lincoln State Park
Wake up with the sunrise, then head out to explore the same gently sloping hills and generous forests that Abraham Lincoln enjoyed as a boy. Ten miles of hiking trails surround Lake Lincoln, Weber Lake, and a fi re tower with spectacular views of the countryside. Overnight campers can choose from electric or primitive sites, as well as cabins or group cottages. Rentals of canoes, paddle-boats, and rowboats are also available.
15476 N. County Rd. 300 East
Lincoln City, IN
812-937-4710
Brown County State Park
Nicknamed Little Smokies, this Southern Indiana gem’s rugged hills, ridges, and ravines have a similarity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Among its 400-plus campsites and its pleasing cabins are great places to go horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. If your idea of camping includes retail therapy by day, visit the many specialty and craft stores in downtown Nashville.
1405 State Rd. 46 West (West Gate)
1801 State Rd. 46 East (North Gate)
Nashville, IN
812-988-6406
McCormick’s Creek State Park
Indiana’s first state park has more than 10 miles of trails past high cliff s, thick woods, and waterfalls. Choose among electric sites with the luxury of restrooms and showers, reserve a family cabin, settle into a comfy room at the Canyon Inn or—for the expert camper—tough it out at one of the nonelectric locations. Don’t forget the deodorant wipes—these areas are shower-free.
250 McCormick’s Creek Park Rd.
Spencer, IN
812-829-2235
Versailles State Park
Put on your khaki fedora and bring a magnifying glass on your family campout. This historic location—once covered in ancient seawater—is great for unearthing fossils and shells. Cruise around the 230-acre lake and marvel at vivid views of hardwood forests, birds, and other wildlife. Mountain bikes are welcome, and there are more than 20 miles of bridle trails. Call it a night at one of the 226 electric sites with multiple restroom/shower areas.
1387 U.S. 50 East,
Versailles, IN
812-689-6424
Charlestown State Park
A picturesque setting around Fourteen mile Creek and the Ohio River greets hikers and campers at this 15,000-acre park. Its fluid elevation and topography offer rugged trails with cliff s and sinkholes. One fascinating trail takes you through the ruins of the 100-year-old Rose Island Amusement Park. Visitors seeking a serene stay can park at one of the 189 electric sites, with nearly 60 of them being full hookups. Patient bird-watchers could be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of almost 75 different species, including scarlet tanagers, black vultures, and the elusive bald eagle.
12500 State Rd. 62
Charlestown, IN
812-256-5600
O’Bannon Woods State Park
O’Bannon Woods State Park (formerly Wyandotte Woods State Recreation Area) lies in the central and extreme southern part of the state, bordering the Ohio River. It is nestled inside 2,400-acre Harrison Crawford State Forest, but is managed separately, along with Wyandotte Caves State Recreation Area. O’Bannon Woods was the location of one of the few African-American Civilian Conservation Corps units. The property also has a uniquely restored, working haypress barn, complete with oxen for power and a pioneer farmstead. Indiana’s first natural and scenic river, Blue River, flows through the state park and forest. For more information about O’Bannon Woods or Wyandotte Caves, contact the park office.
7234 Old Forest Road SW
Corydon, IN 47112
812-738-8232
Spring Mill State Park
Spring Mill State Park offers a powerful illustration of the link between the natural and cultural worlds. The water flowing from several cave springs led to the founding of an industrial village in the early 1800s. Pioneer entrepreneurs took advantage of a constant water source that never froze, using it to power several gristmills, a wool mill, a saw mill, and a distillery. In turn, pioneer settlers shaped the landscape around the village, clearing land for agriculture and timber. The park today continues to illustrate how nature shapes us and how we shape our environment. A parcel of virgin timber sits in contrast to regenerated forest, a man-made lake struggles to survive against the in-flow of silt from cave-fed systems, and the native flora and fauna face challenges from man’s introduction of new species.Visitors can explore this story in the park’s four interpretive facilities—the Pioneer Village, Nature Center, Grissom Memorial, and Twin Caves Boat Tour—and see it reflected on the landscape as they hike the trails. The interpretive staff also offers a wide variety of public programs, including an extensive special events schedule. Public programs are offered year-round.
3333 State Road 60 E.
Mitchell, IN 47446
812-849-3534
From the writers of Indianapolis Monthly or Emmis Communications with additions by the staff at F.C. Tucker Emge REALTORS.
