Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Cecil M. Harden Lake? Camping with your horse in Cecil M. Harden Lake just got easier. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect equestrian sites that are scenic and easy to access.
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.
Guide
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!
GuideTurkey 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.
ScoutWhile 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.
GuideLarge 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!
ScoutPleasant experience. Only crowded on Friday and Saturday. Shady spot.
TravelerThe Turkey Run State Park Campground is great because of its location to the various creek tour spots.
The camp store is small, but has enough stuff to get you out of a basic bind: food items, household stuff, some clothing, souvenirs.
Campground had decent signal for Verizon and AT&T.
Camp spots were tight, uneven, and many had strong-to-severe grades.
The campsite has a wonky layout and for a lot of the bigger rigs, this is a tight camp ground to navigate.
We had a pull-through site so no complaints.
Septic dumps were almost a complete 90* angle turn from the main camp road into the lane for waste dumping. For a longer rig, the angle of the turn will give you some anxiety.
LegendI 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+.
ScoutI stayed for one night in a non electric site on a trip. The campground was ok. The bathrooms were clean-ish but I couldn’t get the showers to be not cold. The site was nice and level. The sites are right next to each other with nothing breaking up the views of the neighbors. The site had a picnic table and a fire pit. Not many people there on a weeknight. I didn’t really check out the beach or the pool.
GuideWe love this state park. The hiking trails are beautiful especially down in the caverns.
Sugar Creek runs through the park and is great for kayaking or canoeing in the spring. There is a rental place across the street from the park. There is also a lodge and restaurant in the park.
Many of the campsites are in the woods and well-shaded. We stayed on 162 which is in a small circle of campsites. It was quiet and well shaded. There are others that are in full sun in some parts of the campground. The state park website provides good description of the sites and photos. The campground is very popular and weekends need to be booked very early.
TravelerTurkey 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.
LegendGeneral: 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!
GuideThe 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.
GuideEnjoyed 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.
TravelerA very large campground with tent and rv camping. Gets very busy.
TravelerWe 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.
GuideWe stayed for a long weekend. Large group set up in sites 236-244. Great shaded area. Lots of play space for the kids.
ScoutStayed Spring 2021. Site 108 is clean, level and well groomed. Close to bath house facilities.
ScoutWell maintained trails and campground. We love everything about this place.
GuideReally 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!
Scout**The campsites are so close to each other no privacy, there was a camper on both sides of us and we were in a tent when we arrived one neighbor had all there stuff (bicycles, dog, dog accessories, all in our spot, and they had helped thereselves to our picnic table, we saw a couple open spots next to us with a little more privacy so we asked if we could switch the lady said they were spoken for I stayed 2 nights no one ever showed up to them sites very unhappy will not return. **
TravelerQuiet, heavily wooded campground. We arrived well after dark and had a bit of a time finding our site, but once we were set up it was very quiet. Parking spot was paved.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND CHECKING ON THEIR WEBSITE TO SEE IF PART OF THE ROADS ARE CLOSED DUE TO CONSTRUCTION. THEY HAVE ALTERNATE DIRECTIONS. We missed that detail and ended up on a 30 minute long trek around 930pm...started on the interstate, then a state road, then a county road, then an unnamed road...if we had met oncoming traffic there would have been only room for one vehicle in a few places.
GuideA 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.
GuideWe 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.
RangerAlthough the sites ar fairly well spaced some are on top of one another, especially on a covid pcked Friday night. We only stayed as a night over and did not use any facilities. The place was packed and as with any large overcrowded park too many of them left their manners & common sense at home.
The park has a lot to off with trails, swimming and a beautiful lodge with good food. (Last time we were there as we did nod eat there this time.) Our site #123 was shaded and level
Can accomandate large rigs, but more so for tenters and smaller units. We would stay here again.
GuideThe best part of Turkey Run is sugar creek. You can choose 2 different canoe trips.
TravelerSmallish site 081 but we have a teardrop tiny camper so it fit perfectly. Camped opening weekend (Memorial Day) due to the pandemic. My review is slightly skewed because bathrooms remained closed for covid-19 reasons but shower houses were open. Verizon pre-paid (Visible) had excellent data speeds at site 081 and 3 bars coverage on our phones. We did not wander far from our site most of the weekend due to the two 11 week old puppies we had with us so coverage may vary depending on your site. Our site was very close to the entrance.
RangerMy 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cecil M. Harden Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian 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 equestrian camping near Cecil M. Harden Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Cecil M. Harden Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
