8 Stunning Indiana State Parks Where You Can Camp All Year-Round
By Tori Jane|Updated on April 13, 2023(Originally published April 08, 2023)
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
Indiana is an awesome state with more than its fair share of awesome things to do. And year-round campgrounds in Indiana are definitely popular. We can’t stress enough just how many campsites scattered around the state are worth a visit no matter what time of year it is. Check out some of our favorites:
1. Indiana Dunes State Park
Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter, IN 46304, USA
Not only is Indiana Dunes State Park (now known as Indiana Dunes National Park) one of the straight-up most beautiful parks in the country, but it's also open all year for your camping pleasure. It offers both primitive and modern campsites, and during the winter, there's a heated family restroom on the grounds, too. Learn more about what you can do at Indiana Dunes National Park.
2. Ouabache State Park
Ouabache State Park, 4930 IN-201, Bluffton, IN 46714, USA
Pronounced exactly like the river ("Wabash"), Ouabache State Park is a mecca for boating and fishing enthusiasts. In the colder months, it's got two cozy, heated comfort stations open, so you'll be comfortable at this state park in Indiana even during the chilliest times of the year. Discover more about Ouabache State Park.
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3. Hardy Lake State Park
Hardy Lake State Recreational Division, 4171 E Harrod Rd, Scottsburg, IN 47170, USA
Hardy Lake State Park is perfect for folks who prefer smaller year-round campgrounds in Indiana. It offers primitive and modern sites all year, and the sunrises over the lake are to die for! Learn more about the beauty of Hardy Lake.
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4. Harmonie State Park
Harmonie State Park, 3451 Harmonie State Park Rd, New Harmony, IN 47631, USA
We don't even know where to begin when it comes to reasons you ought to camp at Harmonie State Park at least once. On top of it being one of your more traditional camping grounds, it also has a pool and a playground, and it's pet-friendly. Water is available even in winter, making it pretty perfect for camping in Indiana any time of year. Head to the website for Harmonie State Park for the most up-to-date information about visiting here.
There are so many crazy and interesting things to do here that you might have to visit this state park in Indiana more than one time! Charlestown State Park is home to Rose Island, an abandoned theme park like something out of an urban explorer's dream. Take your pick from 192 campsites all through the year. Learn more about exploring Charlestown State Park.
6. O'Bannon Woods State Park
O'Bannon Woods State Park, 7234 Old Forest Rd, Corydon, IN 47112, USA
O'Bannon Woods is great for folks who like larger, busier campgrounds. Like the rest of the parks on this list, O'Bannon State Park offers up both primitive and modern campsites for your trip and is a great option for year-round camping in Indiana. Get more details on staying at O'Bannon Woods State Park.
7. Versailles State Park
Versailles State Park, 1387 US-50, Versailles, IN 47042, USA
Versailles is a super-interesting town in and of itself, so it's no surprise that the nearby state park is just as intriguing. Campground C is open year-round, and luckily for those of us who enjoy peace and quiet while camping in Indiana, it's a smaller area. Get more information on Versailles State Park.
8. Whitewater Memorial State Park
Whitewater Memorial State Park, 1418 S State Rd 101, Liberty, IN 47353, USA
The best thing about camping here is that the campsites are large, so you'll have lots of room to stretch out. This state park in Indiana is kid-friendly and good for the entire family, too. Learn more at the website for Whitewater Memorial State Park.
The most awesome part of this list is that when it comes to year-round campgrounds in Indiana, these aren’t even all of your options! If for some reason none of these camping in Indiana options strike your fancy (although we don’t think that will be the case), there are lots more you can choose from.
Have you ever camped out at any of these state parks in Indiana? Tell us your tales of survival in the comments!
Looking for a nice hike to take in the beauty of the Hoosier State? Check out these long-haul hikes in Indiana.
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Lake Monroe Spillway: Avoid the crowds of the larger Lake Monroe and head on over to this spot. Here, you can swim, paddle, fish, and more in a much less congested piece of this beautiful area in Indiana.
Prairie Creek Reservoir: Located in Muncie, this body of water is great for swimming and fishing. It’s also within a park, where you can camp, hike, bike, horseback ride, and more.
Scales Lake: Head to this 66-acre lake in Warrick County for fishing, boating, and swimming. You can also use the park for hiking and camping.
Bluebeard Hills Trail: Located in Angola's Pokagon State Park, this 1.8-mile loop trail will provide you with ample views of the flora and wetlands of the park as you traverse lovely rolling hills.
Great Marsh Trail: Located within Indiana Dunes National Park in Beverly Shores, this 1.3-mile trail will bring you to extraordinary views of the dunes from the observation deck.
Shades State Park: This 3,082-acre park is located in Waveland. Enjoy some epic scenic hiking among the sandstone ravine as well as many other trails. You can also camp, fish, and picnic here.
Potato Creek State Park: Located in North Liberty, this 3,840-acre park has several hiking trails as well as opportunities for camping, biking, and horseback riding.
McCormick’s Creek State Park: You’ll find this 1,924-acre park over in Spencer. Be sure to visit the creek it is named for and its five waterfalls. You can also hike through canyons or even head to Wolf Cave.
Mounds State Park: If you are looking for a side of history in your hiking, head to this 252-acre park in Anderson. Here, you’ll find 10 mounds/earthworks that were built by a prehistoric Indian tribe. There are also a few hiking trails here as well as campsites.