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This interactive map showcases backpacking trails in Indiana and their amenities. It includes backpacking trails, noting whether they allow dispersed (i.e., back-country) camping and their designated campsites, campgrounds, shelters, trailheads, and parking.
- Best Hiking and Camping in Indiana
- Turkey Run State Park
- Shades State Park
- Spring Mill State Park
- Potato Creek State Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park
- Mccormick's Creek State Park
- Summit Lake State Park
- Pokagon State Park
- Mounds State Park
Sculpted by glaciers thousands of years ago, Indiana is a state of rich natural beauty and wonder. From the flat, marshy areas of Northern Indiana to the gently rolling hills and ravines of its midsection, all the way to the caverns and limestone cliffs of Southern Indiana, there's a whole lot to see. Through years of Boy Scouts and camping with my...
Turkey Run State Park, located near Marshall, Indiana, is a beautiful place to hike and camp. Glaciers carved the park's gorges out of Mansfield sandstone over a millennia, and today, it is now possible to hike these paths along Sugar Creek. Don't fret if camping is not your forte. The rustic Turkey Run Inn is available for those who want the ameni...
Turkey Run's next-door neighbor, Shades State Park, offers more scenic hiking along sandstone ravines and Sugar Creek. Just outside of Waveland, Indiana, and 17 miles southwest of Crawfordsville, Shades is great to visit in the fall. For the avid hiker, the nearby Pine Hills Nature Preserve has some lengthy trails to wander! Camping at the Shades i...
If you're interested in historic cabins and spelunking, then Spring Millis the state park for you! Spring Mill is a few miles out of Mitchell, Indiana, and has a variety of camping amenities. Tour a pioneer village that includes a working mill and a variety of village shops. The Twin Caves boat tour is definitely a recommended attraction for anyone...
Located just 12 miles southwest of South Bend, Potato Creekis one of the top state parks in Northern Indiana. Potato Creek has a large number of electric campsites as well as separate sites for horse owners. In addition to hikers, Potato Creek caters to cyclists and equestrians. The exciting paved bicycle paths take you up and down some of the best...
Right along the coast of Lake Michigan at Chesterton, Indiana, you'll find the Indiana Dunes State Park. The Dunes have a recently remodeled campground with 140 sites available. It's a pretty popular state park, so it's important that you reserve a site ahead of time. Hiking trails through the dunes are rather enjoyable, but the top attraction of t...
Number six on my list is McCormick's Creek. McCormick's Creek is located 14 miles northwest of Bloomington, out by Spencer, Indiana. McCormick's Creek is named after John McCormick, the area's first settler (aside from the Miami Indians, of course!) and features some stunning waterfalls, as you can see in the photograph. Hike through the canyons su...
For the fishing enthusiast, Summit Lake State Parkis the place to go. This 800-acre lake just outside of New Castle, Indiana, is supposedly great for fishing (I can't say I'm much of a fisherman myself). It's also an excellent place to encounter wildlife and watch birds! But mostly, it's known for fishing.
Just outside of Angola, Indiana, you'll find Pokagon State Park. I've included this in my list for one reason: the winter activities! Sure, Pokagon has your hiking and camping (and fine hiking and camping at that!), but when the state park really shines is in the winter! When snow covers the ground, you can traverse powder-covered trails with cross...
Mounds State Parkis great for the history buff. Near Anderson, Indiana, this Indiana State Park features a series of mounds, or earthworks built by a prehistoric Indian tribe called the Adena-Hopewell people. The largest of these mounds was constructed circa 160 B.C. and was believed to have been used for religious purposes. The Mounds State Park o...
Explore the most popular state parks in Indiana with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
Jan 29, 2024 · Campsites range from $12 to $44, depending on which sites are chosen and the amenities they offer as well as the time of year. Holidays and weekends are always a little more. As with most Indiana state parks, entry is $7 for in-state license plates and $9 for out-of-state plates.
Aug 25, 2024 · What is the best time of year to visit Indiana’s state parks? The best time to visit Indiana’s state parks depends on your preferred activities and weather conditions. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures and vibrant foliage, making them ideal for hiking and enjoying outdoor activities.
Aug 16, 2024 · What are the best times to visit Indiana State Parks for camping? The best time to visit Indiana State Parks for camping depends on your preferences. The spring and fall offer mild temperatures and stunning foliage, while summer offers warm weather and opportunities for swimming and water sports.
Aug 22, 2024 · Indiana State Parks offer a variety of camping options, from primitive campsites to RV parks with full amenities. As night falls, the sky transforms into a celestial canvas, offering breathtaking views of constellations and shooting stars.
