Best
By Bethany Beebe
Watching the glow of lightning bugs fade into the clear, starry sky around a campfire is the quintessential image of summer fun for many Hoosiers. We are fortunate to have many options to seek shelter from our sheltered lives, engaging nature at its finest while camping. Whether camping, to you, means piling into an RV, pitching a tent at a primitive site, or hiking with nothing but the basics on your back, Hoosierland is a land of opportunity. This list of ten may help you plan a picture-perfect camping trip.
Camping Spots shutterstock.com
FEATURE FOCUS | Best Camping Spots
Indiana’s
10. Indiana Dunes With a political history that may be as complex as the biological diversity of the area, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore became Indiana Dunes National Park in 2019. This treasure on Lake Michigan has been protecting the delicate ecosystem in its borders since 1926. 1600 N. 25 E., Chesterton, IN 46304 (219) 926-1952 www.indianadunes.com
6. Johnny Appleseed Park 8. Ouabache State Park There may not be antelope, but your “dear” children can play “where the buffalo roam” at Ouabache State Park. Enclosed bison, like those the pioneers may have seen, are one of the highlights of this park. 4930 E. SR 201, Bluffton, IN 46714 (260) 824-0926 https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com
This touch of nature in the City of Fort Wayne is close to metropolitan offerings and caters to the needs of travelers from May 1 through September 6. It is closed as a camping facility September 11-21 while the area plays host to the Johnny Appleseed Festival. 1500 Harry Baals Dr. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 260-427-6720 www.fortwayneparks.org/facilities/johnny-appleseed-campground.html
9. KOA Whether a regular camper or putting your toe in to test the waters on the activity, KOA has opportunities available. Different KOAs offer different amenities, and the one closest to Fort Wayne calls itself a “weekend retreat campground.” It, for example, has planned social activities, playgrounds, a volleyball court, a spot to throw horseshoes, a heated pool, and trails to walk, among other things.
5. Prophetstown State Park
Bluffton/Fort Wayne South KOA Journey 1625 West Lancaster St., Bluffton, IN 46714
The nine connected lakes of this protected area are host to a campground and family cabins. Rowboats, paddleboats, canoes, and kayaks can be rented, and electric-only motors are allowed on the water. For land lovers, 23 miles of hiking trails await.
Prophetstown is named in honor of “The Prophet” Tenskwatawa. Modern camping facilities are tucked among the natural beauty of prairie plants, trees, and the Harrison Creek’s bank. A Native American reproduction village tastefully tells the story of the Shawnee residents alongside an operational, vintage farm operated by an independent nonprofit.
https://koa.com For more information, at the local level (260) 824-0127 Reserve online or 800-562-8515
2355 E 75 S Albion, IN 46701 (260) 636-2654 https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com
4112 E. State Road 225, West Lafayette, IN 47906 (765) 567-4919 https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com
18
| JULY GLO 2022 |
7. Chain O’ Lakes State Park
