Cecil M. Harden Lake camping spans several designated areas across a 2,060-acre reservoir situated at 690 feet elevation in western Indiana's coal mining region. The surrounding campgrounds feature varying terrain across Parke County with modest elevation changes between 600-750 feet. Most camping facilities remain partially operational during winter months with reduced services, though water systems are typically winterized from November through March.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Rockville Lake County Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course set in challenging wooded terrain. "The disc golf course is awesome, in the woods, up and down ravine. 18 holes plus practice basket. Hole 1 starts by primitive sites closer to beach. Ask for a disc golf map at gatehouse," notes a visitor to Rockville Lake County Park.
Archery range: The archery range at Cecil M. Harden Lake provides target practice opportunities for bow hunters and recreational archers. "We love camping here! Lots to do. Love the archery range," shares a camper at Raccoon Cecil M. Harden Lake.
Ladder climbing trails: Turkey Run State Park features unique trails with natural rock formations requiring ladder climbs. "We hiked Trail 3, which has the ladders, and parts of trail 10, 4, and 2. Trail 10 was nothing special but was relatively flat. It was pretty crowded but people were respectful," explains a visitor to Turkey Run State Park Campground.
What campers like
Paved walkways: The well-maintained paths at Cecil M. Harden Lake connect camping areas to recreational facilities. "New bike, walking, rollerblading path. Beach is large and clean. We go every year and love it!" shares a camper about Raccoon Cecil M. Harden Lake.
Corner and wooded sites: Strategic site selection provides privacy and shade at many campgrounds in the area. "We took our van and stayed at Turkey Run for a three night weekend. We were in a wooded section and it was pretty private however our site was pretty sloped. Next time I would probably pick the site on either side of 167," advises a Turkey Run visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer lake and pond access with productive fishing spots. "This place is so beautiful! We stayed in the hideaway loop and it was perfect. Lots of wildlife, so pack your food up right. The hiking trails were pretty, not very rugged," says a visitor to Raccoon Cecil M. Harden Lake.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Mobile reception varies significantly between campgrounds in the area. "We really enjoyed our visit to Raccoon Lake. Plenty of places to hike, awesome beach, clean restrooms. No cell service but who needs it!" explains a camper at Raccoon Cecil M. Harden Lake.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites throughout the region have notable elevation changes. "The campground is located in a mature tree woods, so some sites are not as level as others," notes a camper at Turkey Run State Park.
Wildlife encounters: Active raccoon populations require proper food storage. "As some other reviews stated, watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything," warns a Turkey Run camper.
Road conditions: Access roads to some parks have deteriorated surfaces. "Easy to get to, however some of the worst roads I have been on," mentions a visitor to Lake Waveland Park.
Tips for camping with families
Beach alternatives: During peak summer weekends, consider canoe rentals instead of crowded swimming areas. "Saturday we rented a canoe from a canoe place right down the road from the campground. It was great and once we saw the crowds at the beach area of the park on Saturday afternoon, we were super glad we had been canoeing all day instead of fighting crowds at the park," recommends a Turkey Run visitor.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer multiple play areas for children. "I loved this camp ground, there was a beach which was nice and a building to get food. They have a basketball court, and a few trails. We stayed Thurs thru Sunday and had a very nice time," shares a visitor to Raccoon Cecil M. Harden Lake.
Halloween events: Fall camping includes special holiday-themed weekends. "We love going to this park several times a year. We especially like camping in the fall for their Goblins weekend," notes a camper at Lieber State Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
EV charging options: Some sites accommodate electric vehicle charging. "This campground was reasonably priced, had clean facilities and quite unusual and interesting hiking nearby. There are multiple trails and some quite challenging ones. No water hookups at the site but all except the 'youth sites' had 110, 30, and 50 amp power. I was able to charge my ev without issue," reports a visitor to Turkey Run State Park.
Site selection for RVs: Choose sites carefully based on access and leveling needs. "Great place to camp, can be flooded at times, some of the sites have a huge inclines or declines, allot of sites reserved way in advanced. There is a few pull throughs, no water hook ups at site," advises a camper at Raccoon Cecil M. Harden Lake.
Primitive alternatives: For RVers seeking quieter experiences with fewer neighbors, consider primitive camping sections. "The primitive sites are very secluded and quite but get there fast because spots are first come first serve! The staff is very friendly and helpful!" suggests a visitor to Peaceful Waters Campground.
