Turkey Run State Park, Indiana
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
In west-central Indiana, Turkey Run State Park offers visitors remarkable beauty and environmental variation in an otherwise flat and relatively plain landscape. The 2,300-acre park prominently features Sugar Creek and the incredible geologic features created by erosion. Much of the park is Mansfield sandstone, which has allowed the formation of deep ravines and gorges that make for fascinating hiking and exploration.
The origin of the park’s name is still debated, although some believe it refers to the large concentration of turkeys that once lived on these lands and their habit of congregating in the canyon bottoms, also known as “runs.”
Historically, the area was originally settled by miners looking for coal deposits embedded in the deep layers of sandstone. A number of these old buildings still exist in the park and are accessible via the trail system. Today, the park is widely enjoyed by locals from the Indianapolis area as well as out-of-state visitors for its unique trail opportunities and plenty of water fun in Sugar Creek.
Hiking at Turkey Run State Park is unlike anything else you’ll find in the state of Indiana. To cross Sugar Creek and access the bulk of the park’s trail system, you’ll need to walk over either an awesome suspension bridge or a historic covered bridge from the 1800s. Some trails wind their way through the forests and ravines while others stick close to the creek.
The 11 trails at Turkey Run are definitely on the more challenging side. Only one is rated as ‘easy’, while the rest range from ‘moderate’ to ‘very rugged’. Although the longest trail is only three miles, it will feel a heck of a lot longer with all of the elevation changes, some of which include stairs or ladders. For the most adventurous, go for trail number nine where you will quietly literally be hiking up a rocky stream into the hills. You’re going to want breathable or waterproof boots for this one.
If you’d like to explore the trail on four legs instead of two, head on over to the saddle barn. Turkey Run operates its own guided horseback tours for the miles of dedicated bridle trails within the park. If you don’t have any experience, but would like to learn, lessons are available.
Children can also enjoy the magic of a pony ride at the saddle barn. Parents are welcome to walk alongside little ones as they take their first equestrian steps. If you’d like to tour the grounds but would like to let someone else do the work, tractor hayrides are also offered at the saddle barn.
After you explore this awesome land for a while, you just may want to learn more about it. Interested campers can head on over to the Nature Center for a variety of informational exhibits and displays. Live presentations are also offered at certain times during the day if you are looking for more of a Q and A format.
The Nature Center also operates guided hikes and other outdoor programs to get visitors in touch with the land around them. A planetarium program is available to bring out the stargazers in all of us at night. In addition, those interested in the history of the area can find guided hikes that focus on the park’s historic sites (see below for more).
Perhaps the favorite activity at Turkey Run State Park is floating Sugar Creek. Whether it’s on a tube with a cooler or in a kayak, visitors love to sit back and let the creek flow take them for a ride. There are many points along the creek that have become gathering spots to hop ashore and have a snack while you congregate with your fellow floaters. The most popular is right by the historic Narrows Covered Bridge.
If you don’t have a kayak, canoe, or tube, don’t worry. There are plenty of outfitters that are happy to provide rentals. Some even offer services to drop you significantly upstream of the park so that you can make it a day trip and float down the creek for 15 miles to a bus waiting to pick you up.
History buffs will be fascinated by the park’s four prominent historical sites. The first one that most people encounter on the south side of the river is the Lieber Cabin, accessible off of trail #6. The 170-year-old cabin commemorates the dedication of Richard Lieber to the Indiana Park system. As you cross to the north side of the creek, opt to cross via the Narrows Covered Bridge built in 1882.
The Lusk Home on the north side was built in 1841 by European settlers that ran a grain mill on the land. Tours are available in the summer months where you will be able to see how these early settlers lived. Finally, a log church, originally constructed in 1871 is also inside the park, and services are still held every Sunday.
RVers will find 213 campsites scattered throughout the park that offer electrical hookup access. Campers will also have access to bathhouses, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings at each campsite. There will also be at least one potable water station fairly close to your site. If you realize you forgot something or are running low on firewood, the camp store has got you covered.
Your closest option outside the park by far is Turkey Run Canoe and Camping. Just a mile and a half from the park entrance, this campground offers 125 RV sites with 30- or 50-amp electrical service. Campers will also have access to potable water, a bathhouse, a well-stocked camp store, a dump station, playgrounds, and a snack bar.
About six miles to the south, you’ll find Peaceful Waters Campground. You have your choice of RV hookups including electric only, water/electric, and full hookups. A dump station and bathhouse are also available for your comfort. Anglers in particular will love this campground.
The little four-acre pond is full of hungry largemouth bass, catfish, bluegills, and crappies. Because the pond is private, no license is required, and all campers are allowed to fish free of charge. Canoes are also available for rental if you prefer to be on the water. During your stay, you’ll also want to check the campground calendar for events like karaoke, wiffleball, or craft making.
If you would like to stay within a town, the Covered Bridge Campground in Rockville (11 miles) is likely your best bet. Although the park is no-frills, it will cover all the basics. The grounds are quite green with a respectable abundance of trees. Over 70 RV sites offer both water/electric and full hookup service. Bathhouse and restroom facilities are also available for your comfort. The primary advantage of staying here, however, is that you will be within walking distance to the restaurants and stores in downtown Rockville.
Enjoy lakeside camping and all its amenities at Rockville Lake Park. There are plenty of RV sites available and you can choose which level of hookup connectivity is right for you. Rockville Lake is known for its fantastic largemouth bass and channel catfish fishing. The soaring bald eagles overhead also add to the ambiance. A disc golf course and series of nature trails round out the entertainment options for this fantastic campground.
The only dining option at the park is the Narrows Restaurant, located within the lodge. The Narrows is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. The fare is American with a southern twist (as described above) and their tenderloin sandwich is a guest favorite. Salads are also available for those looking for calorie-conscious options. The camp store also has some grocery items available if you prefer to cook in your RV.
The largest hub for dining options in the immediate area would be the town of Rockville 10 miles to the south. Here you will find Mexican, pizza, Chinese, grills, and a number of American cafes. There are also a variety of fast-food chains if you prefer. There are also a couple of grocery stores if you would like to stock up on supplies as well.
No matter where you stay, the ravines, covered bridges, and charm of Sugar Creek will be fond memories of your time at Turkey Run State Park.