Looking to cabin camp near Cecil M. Harden Lake and enjoy a rustic retreat into nature? Finding a cozy cabin in Indiana has never been easier. When you're looking for a quiet location in nature, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect cabin rental.
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.
Native forest and large rock outcrops line the upper part of Big Raccoon Creek. Cecil M. Harden Lake resulted from the damming of the creek for flood control. Raccoon Lake Camping also provides recreation, wildlife management and economic benefits. A variety of fish, flora and fauna can be viewed at the property.
Nearby Historic Mansfield Roller Mill is a preserved, working example of industrialization in Indiana at the turn of the 20th century. This 1880s flour mill uses machinery from that time to show visitors how flour and cornmeal were processed from wheat and corn. It is an almost complete and unchanged example of flour mills from this time period.
Camping:
-Electric / 240 sites
-Non-electric / 37 sites
-Primitive / 35 sites
-Youth Tent Areas
-Camp Store
-Dumping Station
$25 / night
$22 - $120 / night
$30 - $45 / night
$35 / night
Shade, grass, and gravel sites. A lot better than most KOAs. They ask that you not put outdoor rugs on grass; no problem as grass is nice. Sites 1-10 are your best bet for Starlink if that’s what you have; best opening through tree canopy of the northern sky. Pet friendly; counted three cats and a dog in the office when I checked in. Was given the option of choosing my site out of the seven available for my reservation. A mix of long term residents and travelers; some of the long term resident sites were a little junky.
We were so fortunate to have found The Retreat at Hickory Hills and stay there for a month! There’s two pools, a pickle ball court, a basketball half court, farm animals, golf cart trails, kayak/canoe/row boats, exploring creeks, fishing, a dog park, several playgrounds, Gaga ball, tether ball, volleyball, frisbee golf and several weekend activities for everyone. Saturday mornings were our favorite where we could get biscuits and gravy, coffee and the kids had craft time. It’s definitely worth bringing mountain bikes or renting their golf carts to explore their golf cart trails! We went out on these several times and it never got old! Staff and campers were welcoming and friendly. We still haven’t stopped talking about how CLEAN they keep everything. The sites were large and they’re still expanding and adding more sites. There’s a seasonal campers area and an overnight or monthly area. We stayed in the overnight/monthly area. It was peaceful and relaxing throughout the week and lively during the weekend. It was a wonderful balance!! We’ll definitely be back.
We have been coming here every year since 2016. Most of the sites are shady. Our favorite site is 72. It is close to a water hookup if you need to top off your fresh water tank, shady, and not too close to other sites. They added a new shower house close by in 2022 or 2023.
We stayed in buddy sites 81 and 82. Buddy sites are large, have full hookup, fire pits, and picnic tables. Lots of dogs around, pricing was about $50 a night per site. Restrooms had showers as well which made it easy to rinse off the mud. Great time all around.
Turkey Run is a fabulous state park with a nice campground. My only complaint about the campground is that many sites are in an open, level area without a lot of trees or bushes between them. You don’t have a lot of privacy. Two sections of the campground, with the higher numbered sites, are much more wooded. If I go again, I will try to be there!
But the campground has two large modern bathrooms that are cleaned regularly. It also has clean well maintained vault toilets throughout the campground. Best of all, from the back of the campground you can access Trail 7, a moderate level trail that leads unexpectedly to a small stream running past a recessed cave. It’s a peaceful spot.
Be advised that a “moderate” hike at Turkey Run can be challenging, with plenty of steps up and down the hillsides. Many of the trails go along stream beds, so you often need to make your way across the rocks to avoid wet feet. Be prepared with hiking boots and sticks.
There are two covered bridges on the edges of the park. Be sure to check them out!
Got in late after a spurratic decision to camp. Got here and found that point 5 was open and we tried it. Beautiful view, nice people, and great lake access. Mossy but we casted over it no problem and never had any issues.
Turkey Run is arguably the most popular campground (and state park) in Indiana and has its pros and cons.
It is definitely designed to accommodate RVs, as the majority of the sites are situated in an open field. There are a few dozen sites that are in “loops” that are situated in shaded areas. Some camp sites have zero privacy while others have a little. Either way, if you’re here on a weekend, you’ll definitely have neighbors close by. You can see the entire campground via google maps street view, just FYI
This is a very family friendly campground and you will see lots of kids on bicycles flying around. I’ve stayed here a few times, and no matter the day of the week or the time of year, there are always lots of kids.
This campground has a raccoon “problem” due to campers having poor camp etiquette and feeding them. They come out of the woods towards dusk looking for food. They will come right up to you without hesitation, so don’t be alarmed if there’s one next to you while you cook s’mores over your fire (ask me how I know, hah). They will take any food that is left out. Do not turn your back to your dinner table at any time if there’s food out.
On my last visit to turkey run (I’ve camped here 3 or 4 times) I arrived to my campsite and someone had left dog food out for the raccoons in little piles all over the place which was super disappointing. Additionally, my neighbors didn’t put their campfire out when they packed up and left.
Perhaps I’m just used to camping in other areas where you have to worry about bears and burning the forests down…But campers here just aren’t as mindful or respectful of the campground.
The restrooms and showers (at least the one I use at this campground) is modernized and cleaned daily but there’s no dish pit/wash room available if you cook. Just be prepared to clean up accordingly and put trash in trash receptacles. There are a few vault toilets in the campground as well.
You can hike from the CG into the state park (highly recommend. It’s gorgeous!) just wear shoes that youre willing to get wet.
Overall, it’s a beautiful state park with a conveniently located campground. It’s not the best campground ever but for Indiana standards, it’s great. Even with my complaints, I always return because I enjoy visiting and hiking through the state park.
I stayed by the lake, the spaces there are parallel to the road. Which gives you a beautiful view of the lake. I was there early in April when all the flowering trees were in bloom! Full hook up made it even the nicer!
This is our family favorite camp park in Terre Haute! Has great hiking trails, a covered bridge with historical log cabins for festivals. They have 1 cabin you can rent out. Bring your fishing gear, they stock the lake. There's and boat ramp and bank access to kayak. They have some pull through for your big riggs and some sand beds for your tent camping
Beautiful place! Love that we were right next to the water
Super easy reservations online, and if it’s a weekday or a Sunday you could likely just roll up. $16/night for a tent site plus $9 out of state car fee. Security is at the main gate until midnight so later check-ins are possible. Great set-up after driving 11+ hours!
Stayed at River Birch 15. Site has a pretty severe grade as the site goes back. If you have a 20+ travel trailer I would be inclined to choose another space. Site mostly level left to right. On the corner next to the road but minimal traffic and close walk to the dumpsters and bath house. Nice shade. River Birch is definitely the more popular loop and was full Thursday night versus barely any campers at the other 2 loops.
On an east/west trip and only had an overnight here. Campground is well maintained. Bathhouse clean, plenty of showers, flush toilets. Will need to fill your water holding tank as sites only have electric. Most sites are very spacious. Only negative was our site description and picture. Described the pad as level when it was actually about a 30% grade. We are camping in a truck camper and had planned to leave the camper on the truck but had to take it off to get level. And said the “yard” was grassy but it was only dirt which then became muddy after a bad storm. Great areas to walk your dog. We would definitely stop again but pick a different site. Camp store and ice, other items sold.
We had a great two night visit right on the creek! Rented kayaks for a 3 mile adventure! Owners are super friendly and helpful. I would advise to camp during the week for a less crowded time. Would love to come back!
While this is always listed among the top Indiana state parks because of its amazing beauty and historic sites, the campgrounds are not up to the same level. The shower houses are old. No sinks, no flush toilets, no solid doors for privacy. Just curtains. So yes, that means put/vault toilets only, and there is no light for a middle of the night visit except the flashlight you will hopefully remember. Other state parks in the area do have modern shower houses. If you are disabled or just prefer better hygiene amenities, camp at Raccoon Lake SRA and take day trips to Turkey Run. I’m not sure of the status of nearby Shades Stare Park comfort facilities since we haven’t camped there yet.
Not a lot of tent-camping options, but we found a nice open area not far from the showers. Quiet campground in September. I would do this again...
Place was huge and packed. Really nice and it was quiet to sleep with nice facilities.
Nice quiet secluded lots of nature great atmosphere family friendly
No room to fish, can't fish after dark, don't tell you what spots are reserved, no afternoon shade, sits on the highway. And don't even think about a refund even if you're there less than an hour. I grew up camping, I camp very regularly even when it's frosting. I have never in my life even considered one close to a highway but we were trying to stay local and try somewhere new. Rude,crowded,ghetto, inconsiderate and they don't tell you any of the rules until they got your money in the bank. Definitely a MUST AVOID!!!
We just left after a 2 night stay and we’re really pleased with this camp ground. The staff were very friendly and wanted to make sure our stay was the best it could be.
Our primitive tent site was in the very back isolated from the rest of the grounds. A port-a-potty was near by, but the shower house was a short drive away. Also, the site, 27C, was alone with timber separating it from the nearest site. The downside to this site is the morning/afternoon sun, but we adapted with a pop-up canopy and positioning our tent to utilize the little shady available.
The shower house was one of the cleanest we’ve seen and the staff makes a concerted effort to keep it that way.
The camp store was a nice convenience and wood delivery was a plus.
Lastly, features include a pond to fish (and rental of paddle boats/canoes) where my son and I caught two decent sized fish from the dock. Playground, volleyball court, and a half court basketball were right off the backside fishing dock.
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Approx $35 / day
Happy Campers Campground
5.0 (1 reviews)
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Details
Call 812-239-6263 for reservation. Plan to arrive before dark.
5 full hook-up sites, 1 primitive site, and one primitive cabin. On a lake stocked with fish. Port-a-potty and shower house available.
Location
Contact
39.4931, -87.0188
https://happycamperscampgroundinc.com
Cell signal
Verizon LTE
AT&T LTE
T-Mobile LTE
Sprint LTE
Weather
Averages
Forecast
Jan
2.57"
34.6°
16.8°
Feb
2.48"
39.6°
20°
Mar
3.39"
50.5°
28.6°
Apr
3.99"
62.9°
39.4°
May
5.41"
72.4°
49.3°
Jun
4.67"
81.1°
58.7°
Jul
5.19"
84.2°
61.7°
Aug
3.37"
83.2°
60.2°
Sep
3.73"
77.3°
52.3°
Oct
3.49"
65°
41.2°
Nov
3.98"
52°
31.8°
Dec
3.26"
38.3°
20.7°
Seasonal scales
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Crowdedness
Others between 10 and 50 feet away
Fullness
Almost full
Noise
Occasional man-made noise (trains, cars, etc...)
Shade
Mostly shaded, but still some spots with sunlight
Cleanliness
Pristine, no trash at all
Safety
Very safe
Road difficulty
No problems with any vehicle
Features and amenities
Water hookup
Sewer hookup
50A Electric
Showers
Picnic tables
Toilets
Pets allowed
Wifi
Fire pits
randyorsusan
Great place to stop overnight or for a few days. Can hear the highway; but it's not very loud or intrusive. Camp host/owner is very friendly. Plenty of room for kids or pets to roam and play. Very clean and safe.
We stayed in the modern section of the campground. This is the electric and water only section. The sites range from very uneven to moderately uneven in this section. The full hookup site section is flat but with less tree cover. The sites in modern electric water only can be awkward to back into with no room to pull forward due to a ditch in some areas. We stayed in site 10 which was uneven, no room for a tent, and small. Next time we would try 9. The campground offers a beach and fairly busy fishing lake, some trails. Over all it was less busy on opening weekend than Turkey run or raccoon lake.
Stayed for 5 days , very nice park with lots to do, hiking, biking,fishing, bird watching. Hiked 3 trails all well kept. Trail 3 favorite. Good place to ride bikes. Shower house clean also new one just built. Wi-Fi was ok, was able to download email and get on company site for work, limited Verizon connection but some. Larges sites Staff friendly and helpful. Will go back again
This was recommended to me from a friend. Very clean and well kept, smaller but with direct access to an awesome creek. Kids played in the creek all day long. Cheap and plentiful firewood. Really friendly and family owned
We stayed at Ash 8 right on the water. We loved the location of the site but it was very short. I had to park our truck halfway onto the road because there wasn’t enough space. Wouldn’t have been an issue except we were right at the peak of the curve on the loop so needed to move for larger campers to make the turn. We love the location of the park being next to Griffin Bike Park and it makes for a great base camp for a weekend of biking. Big parks for the kids and a settlers village to wander through. The newer shower house is nice and a big upgrade from the older bathrooms that are still there.
Campground as a whole is very similar to other State Parks. Water hookups not available at sites but able to fill up before setting up or bring a very long hose to reach the spicket in the middle of the loop.
Word of caution: 50amp sites only have 50amp and do not have 30amp plugs. You will need an adapter to use 30amp from a 50amp site. The campers next to us found out the hard way and had to drive in to town to get a converter.
Large campground with spacious sites. The pictures for each site and details they give while booking are pretty good. However, it said 202 was level and for a tent there's def a bit of a slope (manageable but definitely present). The women at the gate was friendly and buying firewood from her was easy. Only checked out the pit toilets near our site, but they were incredibly clean!
This whole campground facility is top notch! Wow. I’m speechless. The wooded walking trail all around is beautiful. Highly recommend early Fall!
Camping near Cecil M. Harden Lake, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different needs.
Camping near Cecil M. Harden Lake, Indiana, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Cecil M. Harden Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Cecil M. Harden Lake is Turkey Run State Park Campground — Turkey Run State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 66 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Cecil M. Harden Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 cabin camping locations near Cecil M. Harden Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
