As Indiana’s second state park, Turkey Run Campground was established in 1916. The story behind its name suggests that local hunters would find herds of wild turkeys gathering in the area’s narrow canyon bottoms—called “runs”—and funnel them out for easy harvesting. The area’s natural history goes back a little father—upwards of 600 million years. It was around this time that the sandstone and coal deposits seen in the park were being formed and compacted in a vast, swampy plain. Fast-forward several million years, and Ice Age meltwaters cut and scoured the creeks, canyons, and potholes seen today. Some of the glacial erratics (boulders) seen in the park are actually pieces of bedrock that were transported from as far north as Canada. Visitors to Turkey Run can explore these unique canyons, enjoy the park’s natural scenery, fish and paddle in Sugar Creek, and see several historic sites.

 Located 10 miles north of Rockville, and 70 miles west of Indianapolis, Turkey Run State Park is year-round nature and recreation area covering nearly 2,400 acres along Sugar Creek. The campground at Turkey Run features more than 200 tent and RV sites with electrical hookups, picnic tables and fire pits with cooking grills; some sites are ADA accessible. Most sites are back-in and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 45 feet; a few pull-throughs can accommodate larger. All sites have access to drinking water, flush and vault restrooms, and showers; two dump stations are available onsite. There are also two primitive tent camping areas for youth groups, several cabins for rent, and the historic Turkey Run Inn, which offers 61 lodge rooms, a dining room, and meeting spaces. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed. Campsites raters are $23–$33/night; other accommodations range from $67–$110/night; reservations accepted.

 Besides exploring Turkey Run’s canyon runs, the park offers a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and sports courts. The park’s nature center showcases a variety of exhibits and interactive activities to educate visitors about the park’s geology, flora and fauna. Park naturalists offer guided hikes and nature walks, animal talks and campfire programs. Swimming is not permitted in Sugar Creek, but anglers can fish for bass and bluegill, and paddlers can head out in canoes and kayaks. Swimmers are invited to enjoy the park’s Olympic-sized swimming pool for cooling off during the warmer months. The park also offers hayrides and guided horseback rides. For a blast from the past, visitors can also tour the historic Lusk Home. Built in 1841, this restored European home displays a lifestyle from a bygone era. Watch out for the resident raccoons.

Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park

My favorite of my home state's parks. I have camped and hiked here in droughts and torrential downfalls. Even so, never had a problem here. There's a camp shop on property and a canoe livery across the road where you can get your float on.

Some of the best Indiana has to offer

This  state park is just beautiful, lots of camp sites with electricity and also tent areas. The best part of camping here is the hiking trails.  Also very close to lots of old covered bridges. Very neat area. Gets really busy on weekends. Worth the trip and stay. 

Amazing hiking trails.

This was a favorite getaway spot when I was a student at Purdue University. This area is such a drastic difference from the surrounding areas with canyon-like structures and cooler temperatures on the trails. It definitely doesn't feel like you are in Indiana. There are ample campsites (all electric) and a camp store. It is separate from the rest of the rest of the park, just down the road but easily accessible. Personally, the best part for me is the awesome hiking trails, rivaling my favorites in Tennessee!

A gem in Indiana

Much enjoyed hiking some of the trails at Turkey Run State Park near Marshall, Indiana.
This is Indiana's 2nd oldest state park, now 100 years old (1916-2016). 
Visitors can camp in RV's or in tents in campground area that has water/electrical hook-ups, modern bathrooms w/ showers.  There is also cabins to rent, or you can stay at Turkey Run Inn.  Canoeing down Sugar Creek was great, and it passes through the state park at a fairly scenic section.  Some hiking trails are easy to walk along, others trails are more rugged and difficult.  Cross over Sugar Creek on a suspension bridge to get to more hiking trails in a more remote section of woods.  We ate a very nice lunch in the restaurant in the Inn, and even played pinball in the gameroom.  Great state park.  Would be happy to go again some day. 



Turkey Run State Park, west-central Indiana

We stayed in a 30 foot motorhome, hoping for a Saturday afternoon hike and Sunday morning hike. The campground is very busy and the sites are very close together. The restrooms and shower house is impossible to keep clean with the volume of traffic through them. It is also not recommended to have a campfire, because when every campsite has a fire burning the smoke is too thick to enjoy sitting outside. This campground has the feel of a KOA located just off the interstate with noisy neighbors all around, traffic, dogs barking and children playing all night long.

The trails are nice and if you get an early morning start you can get in some enjoyable hiking. To get a reasonable overnight do these things. Do not have a campfire, use the restroom and shower in your camper, turn in early and start hiking at first light.

Nice but crowded

Turkey Run is my all time favorite State Park in Indiana. It has great camping with both reserved and walk up options (get there early for walk up options). Reservations can be made here: [https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=IN&amp;parkId=570032&amp;ltcmp=177360&amp;ltclickid=03_51015144_cfbb0fa2-9eb5-41c1-bcb2-f620d18c259e](https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=IN&amp;parkId=570032&amp;ltcmp=177360&amp;ltclickid=03_51015144_cfbb0fa2-9eb5-41c1-bcb2-f620d18c259e)

The campgrounds have modern facilities including showers. Dogs are allowed. We love the hiking trails. The extra bonus for us was to do a covered bridge driving tour!

Great Trails and Camping!

We have stayed here for several years. The best hiking in Indiana and rent a kayak and take a trip down Sugar Creek! Pictures are from our trip in Oct of 2016\.

Best park for hiking in Indiana! 

Booked late for this one but ended up with a great corner spot in the middle of a turn off from the main drive. Checked out the hiking trails which were beautiful and highly recommended. I have AT&amp;T service and had no problem with cell service, my husband has Verizon and his was spotty.

Perfect Corner Lot

Obe of my favorite state campgrounds. Great hiking trails, beautiful scenery. Lots of covered bridges to explore

Love it here

plenty of fun trails to hike!  Bikes are pretty much worthless here. :(

Nice campgrounds

Great spot but gets really busy in the summer. Go there on a cooler or rainy day for more availbility

Beautiful park 

This is one of my favorites for hiking. All the obstacles and little creeks that dub the trail "very rugged" get me excited just thinking about it. Not to mention the beautiful views, from being so high and seeing over the top of the park, to being down in the raviens and coming across the Punch Bowl. If you're a hiker and haven't been here yet. Go. As mentioned in my review of Shades, it's only a short drive between the two. And you can do some fishing at the nearby Raccoon Lake. Enjoy!

All hail trail 3

I had heard about Turkey Run a few times but never thought much of it. On my way through we decided to stop in and we were so blown away we stayed the night. This state park is definitely the Gem of Indiana . There are lots of view stops along the river, the suspension bridge is super neat, and the rocks, waterfalls, and streams will have you awestruck the whole time. I cannot wait to return, I’m sure it is breathtaking in the fall. there are lots of inclines and steps , not much of it was extremely easy hiking, but we did see lots of families with kids doing just fine. We camped out of our Jeep and didn’t have any issue. My favorite part about camping is the sunrise and Turkey Run was not disappointing. 

Absolutely Incredible 

Recommend going in the off season if you want to visit. The park is overrun in the summer months and week days in the spring can be overrun with school groups. That being said, we have visited here for 15 years and continue to return and invite friends! The hiking trails are extensive and fun. You walk they creek beds, climb boulders and waterfalls. There is horseback riding and canoes/kayaks available nearby. Also a nice visitor center and historic home onsite. We find Geodes in the riverbed often!

Hiking is amazing but campground can be busy

There is lots to do here!  I came here earlier in the summer for a day of hiking and really enjoyed it.  We hiked for hours and only covered a small protion of the trails available.  There are so many nice spots to take in  the views.  Its dog friendly but some trails have steep parts with ladders so you'll have to keep to the more shallow trails.  The trails can also get full of people during the midday and early afternoon so get out early.  I can't wait to come back amd explore all there is to see.  

Love this place!  

Beautiful trails with a variety of challenge levels. Many great sights to see and very well maintained. We loved the bridge across the river. We visited during the weekend and it was not overcrowded. The did not get any cell service or internet while there, so be aware if that's important to you!

Beautiful Trails

This is one of our favorite camping destinations! The park and facilities are clean, and the trails and scenery are out of this world. It is very beautiful there in the fall! We had terrible cell reception, but I enjoyed that “issue”!

Nice campground; AWESOME hiking!

Turkey Run is one of my top 2 campgrounds in Indiana! We camped here during the Covered Bridge Festival, which is really hard to get a site, book early if you're wanting to do that. We went during the week so it was easier to get a campsite.

Our site, 226 was on a small loop that was nice and wooded. The campground staff was really good at keeping the noise down, we've had problems with noisy campers before so that was nice to see.

My absolute favorite part though, is the trails. You completely forget you're in Indiana. We went on trail 5 I believe which ran through a creek bed for awhile and that made it even more fun. We normally have our kids (4 and 1.5) but were kid free this time. We wouldn't have been able to take them on this trail at this age.

If you're into kayaking or canoeing, there are several canoe liveries that service the area and a trip down Sugar Creek is always a good time.

Put this one on your must see list!

THE BEST!

We love Turkey Run. The campgrounds are clean and fun for all ages. The outer edge campsites provide beautiful views of the woods and are pretty secluded from other sites. The hiking trails are incredible...one of a kind for Indiana. The trails are more like adventures, leading in and out of the creek, up stairs carved into rock, up and down ladders, and across a cable bridge. It’s just beautiful. The facilities are clean, the staff is as nice as can be. You won’t regret staying at Turkey Run. 

Beautiful Park

Nice state park with access to the river for water activities. Books up way in advance so make reservations early

Access to awesome floating, and canoeing 

It's a very popular park all the time, not just for the Covered Bridge Festival. Over 200 sites, all electric. Some sections are shady and wooded on winding roads that can make backing in a little challenging. Also lots of sunny pull-thrus. Showers and restrooms are well-maintained and clean. Hiking and climbing in valleys and canyons, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, fishing on Sugar Creek. A relaxing and rewarding trip - great place for Shinrin-yoku.

Beautiful Turkey Run

Short drive from Chicago (3 hours?) and you are in lush forest. You have to pick the right campsite or you will have no cover and big campers on either side of you. We had two campsites right next to each other and backing into the woods.  Went on a fun canoe trip right down the road, which was fun.  There is an odd (but fun!) Key West themed bar/resturant very close to the park entrance.  The hiking is great in the area near the lodge.  I'd go back to the area and maybe try a different loop as we were near the entrance which had a lot of traffic.  Well maintained park with very clean bathhouse.

Nice campground, close to home! 

Turkey Run has one of the most peaceful campgrounds. It is nestled in the woods, away from big cities and you truly get to enjoy nature. They always have activities for the kids and they have some of the best hiking trails.

Very Peaceful 

We really enjoyed staying at this campground. We unfortunately took the wrong route on a trail and ended up hiking almost 5 miles in the rain but it was amazing! The hike was incredibly beautiful and there were so many others on the trail with us. Campsite was very nice and everyone was very helpful!

The best!

Love that this was voted the best campground in Indiana by The Dyrt because that is just how I felt about our stay. Great hiking trails plus a lodge with gift shop and restaurant. 

  

Many of the sites are a good size and level but not all of them are, so be cautious if you are reserving and not familiar with the sites. In April, we practically had the entire campground to ourselves! The ranger was obviously not busy so he came over to talk to us for a while. We especially liked the hike to the covered bridge and exploring the sandstone canyons. The suspension bridge was fun too! We saw birds, a profusion of beautiful wildflowers and (not so beautiful) wild turkeys. We would love to return in the fall.

Beautiful park and trails

We stayed here this weekend and had a terrific time. The weather was very hot but there is a river to tube and canoe in to keep you cool. We stayed at site #35. It is in a very quiet, off the main road, in a circle,  in full shade. It’s is very close to the restroom but a distance from the camp store and dumpster. The site was clean and well equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. The site is very uneven. It definitely sloops to the back corner. It’s was difficult to level our camper but we got it in the end. The site was huge but given the unevenness it would be difficult for tents. The campground is family friendly and was quiet at night. There is a lot to do at this state park. We hiked the #3 and #5 trails and it took us about 2 hours. It was very busy but everyone was very polite. It was a great stay all around. 

Terrific campground and state park 

A nice site, close to hiking. The RV spots were a bit close together and “partially shaded” doesn’t actually mean partially shaded but the site is well maintained, beautiful, there are several dump stations and water fill ups. A gorgeous hiking loop links straight off the campground and from there you can access many of the other trails. The suspension bridge and ravines are not to be missed. 

Gorgeous hiking

Really great hiking!
We had 2 sites. # 181, 182. 
Tip: Don’t leave any food out at night. 
Raccoons own the campgrounds! Stole our bag of marshmallows from the picnic table while we were making s’mores! Hilarious!

Hiking!

Stayed Spring 2021. Site 108 is clean, level and well groomed. Close to bath house facilities. 

Clean-good trails

We stayed for a long weekend. Large group set up in sites 236-244. Great shaded area. Lots of play space for the kids. 

Great group camping 

We had spot 234, big, wooded, close to clean shower house, close to playground.  State park is great hiking.  Avoid the inner part of that loop if you want any shade, it is an open area. 


Nice wooded spots

Enjoyed our stay. Site 198 had lots of room to roam. No neighbors too close. But close to a good size hill.
Not a grass spot. No water hookup. But would recommend.
Little store has lots to offer. Gas station and good near by. Fantastic walking trails within a mile or 2 also. And canoe rental directly across street.

Good 

The campground here is nothing to get excited about, but holy moly this is the best park in Indiana. The sites are so unique and surprising. The trails are a fun challenge and not your average hike. 

Hard to believe you’re in Indiana…

**General:** We rarely return to the same campground as there are so many new ones and areas to explore but when we were here 3.5 years ago on a cool April day, we thought the only thing that would make it better would be to return in the fall. However, many others must have had the same idea! When we were here in April, this almost 300-site campground was maybe 10% occupied but in mid-October on a Monday the day **AFTER** the nearby 10-day covered bridge festival, it was about 98% full! Additionally, the yellow jackets came out in full force with the sun; we ended up eating lunch inside our camper van (fortunately, once the sun went down, we could be outside). 

  

**Site Quality:** When I made our reservation, we decided to stay at the same site we were in last time! If I recall correctly, the website was good at letting you know if the sites were not level (not all were) and if they were in full or partial sun. This was a very helpful bit of information to have! Our site (18) was very long and many could accommodate large RVs. The picnic table was very skimpy and could seat only four people comfortably.

  

**Bathhouse:** Clean with hot water and showers. Did not use the showers so cannot comment on them. 

  

**Activities:** Hiking! There is a large network of trails, many of which criss-cross each other so you can shorten or lengthen your hike depending on how you are feeling. We were able to explore different trails than the last time we were here. I thought the description of the difficulty scale was a bit over-exaggerated but if you take the trail with the three ladders, I do recommend traveling in a clockwise direction so that you climb up instead of down. For the most part, the trails are well-marked. There is a nearby canoe rental outfitter for in-season. There is also a decent playground and many families biked along the camp loops. 

  

**Conclusion:** Five stars last time but four this time. Camp at this beautiful park in the spring if you want peace and quiet but it is nice in the fall too!

You can't always duplicate a stellar experience

Turkey Run has the best trails in Indiana with water features, rock, and ladders. Good canoeing, tubbing and the best junk food at Up The Creek.  

Best Trails in Indiana 

I have never been to a campground with so many children. At first it was a nice break from all the old folks at the RV parks, but then it got to be too much. There was constant noise and commotion and kids (and adults) constantly walking through my site. One boy was even riding his bike over my Starlink wire. A lot of the kids had electric scooters and bikes and were zooming through the campground endlessly.  I had a group from across the road come into my site and start playing frisbee golf because they did not have enough room in their own site but didn't say a word to me. Really? The surrounding area is very beautiful with rock outcroppings and small gorges unlike the rest of Indiana. However, the walking paths around this beautiful area were MOBBED.  The area around the suspension bridge was like being in Times Square.  The bathrooms were good….a solid B+.