Fresh air, wide-open spaces to run, marshmallows melting over an open fire — these are just a few things to love about camping. Camping puts us back in touch with nature and offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect as a family. Thankfully, there are plenty of family-friendly campgrounds just a short drive away.
Charlestown State Park
Overlooking Fourteen Mile Creek Valley and the Ohio River, this state park boasts trails with rugged hills, deep ravines and elevation changes of over 200 feet — a rare treat in our relatively flat state. Highlights include Devonian fossil outcrops and karst sinkholes. Bird watchers will enjoy the 72 species of birds, including an occasional bald eagle. Campers can also take a walk across the historic Portersville Bridge. 12500 Indiana 62, Charlestown | indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com
Indianapolis KOA Holiday
Located just east of downtown Indianapolis, Indianapolis KOA Holiday offers different types of accommodation, such as cabins, deluxe cabins, and sites for tents and RVs. You can enjoy a peaceful walk by the creek and see oak, maple and sycamore trees. Kids can have fun on the playground, and the whole family can swim in the pool. The campground now has a Bark Park where your pet can run and play. 5896 W. 200 North, Greenfield | koa.com/campgrounds/indianapolis
McCormick’s Creek State Park
Magnificent limestone canyons, a flowing creek and scenic waterfalls are just a few of the highlights at McCormick’s Creek, Indiana’s first state park. Numerous hiking trails take visitors through diverse terrain, while Canyon Inn (open to all park visitors) offers a place to kick back, relax and watch birds from the dining room porch. Numerous on-site activities and a range of accommodations make this a great spot for both first-time and seasoned campers. 250 McCormick Creek Park Rd., Spencer | indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com
Shades State Park
Beautiful sandstone cliffs and shady ravines set the stage at this nature lover’s dream. Shades overlooks Sugar Creek and is within easy reach of a number of local outfitters that offer canoeing, kayaking and tubing excursions. PineHills Nature Preserve, located within the campground, is perfect for longer hikes that cover a range of topography. Shades offers a peaceful location that’s perfect for a relaxing family weekend. 7751 S 890 W., Waveland |
in.gov/dnr/
Shakamak State Park
Shakamak is home to three man-made lakes offering 400 acres of water perfect for fishing, boating and swimming. Kids will love the onsite aquatic center that features a large pool complete with water slide. Wooded campsites offer ample shade in the spring and summer months, and scenic beauty in the fall. 6265 W. State Rd. 48, Jasonville | indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com
Turkey Run State Park
Prepare yourself to be amazed by the beautiful scenery at this park! Just southwest of Crawfordsville, this park has lots of options for lodging, including a campground, cabins, and the Turkey Run Inn. In the summer, don’t miss the chance to canoe or peacefully float down Sugar Creek’s beautiful scenery. 8121 Park Rd, Marshall | in.gov
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort at Lake Monroe
Those looking for a camping experience with modern-day amenities will find what they are after at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Bloomington. This campground runs the gamut from RV sites to luxury cabins to traditional tent campsites. Amenities range from a swimming pool complete with splashground to a gaga pit. Kids will love the variety of activities, including arts and crafts, foam parties, relay races and more. But one of the best reasons to visit Jellystone Park is to hang out with Yogi Bear, Boo Boo and all of their friends. 9396 S. Strain Ridge Rd., Bloomington | jellystonelakemonroe.com
