This Historic Midwest State Park Is A Great Spot For A Camping Trip

Whether you are passing through the Midwest on a cross-country road trip or looking for your next camping adventure, Turkey Run State Park is an ideal destination for camping, hiking, history, and exploration. Located a little more than an hour west of Indianapolis, it offers visitors the perfect combination of history and outdoor recreation.

Encompassing 1,150 acres, Turkey Run State Park is known for its beautiful sandstone gorges, lush forests, and unique historical buildings that date back to the 1800's. It's been ranked by AllTrails as number one state park in Indiana, and it receives more than a million visitors yearly.  Still, it remains somewhat of a hidden gem, allowing visitors to enjoy miles of gorgeous footpaths and historical sites without hordes of other tourists.

Hiking and camping are the most popular activity in Turkey Run State Park, and you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty as you explore more than 14 miles of trails through the forests and ravines. Hikes range in difficulty from easy to rugged, so there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Other popular activities in the area include kayaking, canoeing, exploring the historical sites, and fishing on the scenic Sugar Creek, which meanders through the park. You can sleep beneath the stars steps away from the trails and other activities with a stay at Turkey Run State Park Campground, which offers sites for both RV and tent campers with excellent amenities, allowing for a comfortable home base from which to explore the area.

Campers and RV travelers will love the expansive sites at Turkey Run State Park Campground, because they are surrounded by lush vegetation and offer plenty of privacy. There are more than 213 electric sites and six wheelchair-accessible sites. Peak season camping rates start at just $23 per night from Sunday to Wednesday, with slight price increases of just a few dollars on weekends and holidays. Well-behaved pets are permitted as long as they remain on a leash.

For non-profits with more than 10 children, there are also large Youth Tent Campsites with affordable rates starting at just $20 per site, or $2 per person, making them a fantastic option if you're planning a large Scout Troop outing or a community event.

Amenities at the state park campground include fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms with hot showers, drinking water refill stations, and a small camp store that sells firewood and other common camping items — just in case you forgot anything at home. Camping reservations at the state park campground can be made ahead of time online. For those without reservations, campsites are first come, first served — so it's a good idea to book yours in advance.

If you aren't able to book a site within the state park, there are several privately owned campgrounds nearby, including Clements Canoes Outdoor Center, Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rentals, and Turkey Run Canoe and Camping.

Perhaps camping isn't your style, but you want to stay within the park. If so, check out the historic Turkey Run Inn, initially constructed in 1919. The rustic lodge has only 61 rooms, so it books up well in advance, but if you are lucky enough to score one, you can enjoy amenities like an indoor heated swimming pool, lounge areas, and a covered porch with rocking chairs. Reservations can be made online up to a year in advance. Rooms start at just $100 per night.

Cabins are also available to rent within the park for the ultimate "glamping" experience. They're located just steps from the Turkey Run Inn, and you'll have access to some of the Inn's amenities like the lounge areas. There are 20 cabin rooms and three private cabins on the property. You can book the cabin rooms online, and prices start at about $160 per night. For the private cabins, you must make your reservation by calling 877-LODGES-1.