It’s literally always a great time to go outdoors with the intention of exploring nature and soaking in some much-needed sunshine. These underrated state parks in Indiana are a wonderful place to start! Sure, you could always go to one of the most popular ones, but we prefer adventuring off the beaten path.

1. Charlestown State Park
12500 IN-62, Charlestown, IN 47111, USA
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This gorgeous southern park is a perfect spot for camping and exploring of any kind. It's located along the Ohio River, has tons of travels to embark upon, and offers great campsites for any type of camper. You can also check out the beautiful Rose Island (a former amusement park) while you're here. Read more about Charlestown State Park's mysterious island in this article.
2. Ouabache State Park
4930 IN-201, Bluffton, IN 46714, USA
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If you've never heard of this unique state park, you're missing out. Not only can you camp, hike, and explore nature, but you can also watch buffalo roam inside of this park! Click here to learn more on the Indiana DNR website.
3. Prophetstown State Park
5545 Swisher Rd, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
Steve M./TripAdvisor
There's a lot to do at Prophetstown State Park - from hiking and camping to swimming and playing. Visit animals at the farmhouse (like hickens, turkeys, ducks, horses and pigs) and be sure to check out the aquatic center as the weather continues to warm. Learn more about this underappreciated hidden gem in this article.

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4. Harmonie State Park
Harmonie State Park Road, Harmonie State Park Rd, Harmony Township, IN 47631, USA
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This charming park is located near the historic small town of New Harmony and is a camper's paradise. Stay in a tent, RV, camper, or rent out a quaint cabin to sleep in while you spend the day exploring this natural wonder. Click here to read more on Indiana.gov.
5. Summit Lake State Park
5993 N Messick Rd, New Castle, IN 47362, USA
Steve M./TripAdvisor
If you're a fan of the water, you'll love this lakeside state park. Here you can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and so much more. It's also a great place to picnic and relax for a few hours. Read more about this hidden state park in this article.
6. Potato Creek State Park
25601 IN-4, North Liberty, IN 46554, USA
ccindyk/TripAdvisor
This is the perfect park for biking, running, hiking, or simply relaxing and enjoying a nice day with your family. You'll also find some of the cleanest campgrounds and cabins around at this state park. Oh, and it might be haunted.
7. Fort Harrison State Park
5753 Glenn Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46216, USA
Steven M./Yelp
This gorgeous park is the perfect escape for anyone in central Indiana. You'll find a great variety of walking/hiking trails, incredible playgrounds, horseback riding, a museum, and even a dog park. Learn more in this article.

Which state parks in Indiana do you plan on visiting this year? For more fun places to explore in our beautiful state this year, check out this bucket list.

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More to Explore

State Parks to Visit in Indiana

Tori Jane | January 13, 2022

What are the best state parks in Indiana? 

Indiana is a wonderful state for those who appreciate the great outdoors. It’s home to 24 amazing state parks, each of which is truly unique and filled with adventure. There are a handful, however, that tend to get way more love than the others, and we know exactly why: they’re absolutely incredible. Some of them include Clifty Falls State Park, home to incredible gorges, rivers, and waterfalls, Indiana Dunes State Park, home to breathtaking dunes and endless views of Lake Michigan as well, Brown County State Park, which is located in the county most frequently referred to as the “most beautiful” in Indiana, and McCormick’s Creek State Park, which is also a haven for waterfall lovers. Additionally, people really adore Turkey Run State Park (it’s home to Indiana’s own “Grand Canyon” of sorts), and Shades State Park is privy to some of the most incredibly lush and forested trails in the state. For more information about amazing state parks in Indiana, check this list out!  

What are some fun things to do outside in Indiana?  

The Hoosier State is a great place for outdoorsy folks! Even during the coldest months, when snow is on the ground and that winter chill has set in, it’s a wonderful place to get outside and enjoy nature as much as possible. It seems like each season brings with it plenty of things to do outside; in the spring, hiking trails come ripping back to life and cover themselves in wildflowers. In summer, there’s plenty of kayaking, tubing, fishing, swimming, and lounging to be done at Indiana’s amazing lakes. In autumn, lush summer greens give way to some truly amazing colors as the trees begin to change; it’s the best time of year to get out and enjoy fall color hikes, camping, and more. Winter, finally, is an amazing time for cold-weather hiking, ice skating, snowboarding, sledding, tubing, or skiing; there’s no shortage of fun things to do outside in Indiana. What there is a shortage of, however, is time to do it all in!  

 

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