Feature Focus: Best Camping Spots

FEATURE FOCUS | Best Camping Spots BestCamping Spots Indiana’s 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 camp- shutterstock.com

ing. 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.

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

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

6. Johnny Appleseed Park

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. Bluffton/Fort Wayne South KOA Journey 1625 West Lancaster St., Bluffton, IN 46714 https://koa.com For more information, at the local level (260) 824-0127 Reserve online or 800-562-8515

7. Chain O’ Lakes State Park

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. 2355 E 75 S Albion, IN 46701 (260) 636-2654 https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com

5. Prophetstown State Park

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. 4112 E. State Road 225, West Lafayette, IN 47906 (765) 567-4919 https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com

4. Hoosier National Forest

After a long day of choosing between a hike, on or off trail; riding the mountain bike or horse trails; enjoying the beach; or fishing, you will be ready for a place to rest! Many camping options are available at Hoosier National Forest, near Bloomington. Whether you select to rent a cabin, take your tent, or let your RV play host for the night, there’s something for everyone. It also offers dispersed camping, or that done outside the bounds of a site; one need not check in with the Forest Service for this type of experience, but rules do apply. Check out the Forest Service camping site for more information. 811 Constitution Ave., Bedford, IN 47421 www.fs.usda.gov/activity/hoosier/recreation/camping-cabins

3. Brown County State Park

No matter your level of comfort with the great outdoors, about 17,000 acres of opportunity is waiting for you at Indiana’s largest state park. Hiking through rolling hills and ravines or scaling the fire tower for a bird’seye view, among other opportunities, can leave one ready for a night’s rest. Should you select to camp to meet those needs, options abound. West Gate: 1405 SR 46 W | North Gate: 1801 SR 46 E | Horse Camp: 4800 SR 135 S Nashville, IN 47448 812-988-6406 https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com

2. Turkey Run State Park

Laddered ascents and descents among rock faces supporting lush growth, splashing around in the calmly flowing water, and finding wildflowers that dot the landscape with delicate color can leave you happy but ready to find somewhere to unroll your sleeping bag for the night. The landscape that reminds some of Jurassic Park, right here in our modern era, can be enjoyed at Indiana’s Turkey Run State Park. 8121 E Park Road, Marshall, IN 47859 (765) 597-2635 https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com

1. Backyard

If you are new to camping, concerned about the price of gas or travel, or simply do not want to worry about what to do if it rains, your own backyard or living area can be a lot of fun! Run through the sprinkler, and have an ice cream cone from your own freezer. Summer is young; a stay in the backyard can be big fun, big savings, and a precursor for big camping trips of the future. a

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