Cecil M. Harden Lake sits within Parke County, Indiana at an elevation of 690 feet, covering 2,060 acres with 36 miles of shoreline. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions ideal for hiking. The surrounding campgrounds offer varied terrain from heavily wooded sites to more open areas with lake views.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The lake at Raccoon Cecil M. Harden Lake provides excellent fishing. "Great place to camp, can be flooded at times, some of the sites have a huge inclines or declines," notes Dave R. in his review.
Kayaking and canoeing: At Turkey Run Canoe & Camping, visitors can arrange water activities. "Did a nice kayaking loop using their service. Had everything you needed, very chill experience," says Rowan G. The campground provides equipment rental and river access points.
Disc golf course: Rockville Lake County Park features a challenging disc golf course set in wooded terrain. "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," explains Smeeta T. The course provides a fun alternative to traditional hiking.
What campers like
Paved walking paths: Several campers appreciate the well-maintained paths that connect camping areas. "New bike, walking, rollerblading path. Beach is large and clean. We go every year and love it!" reports Jill W. about Cecil M. Harden Lake.
Secluded sites: Peaceful Waters Campground offers private tent camping areas. "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," writes Alan F.
Clean facilities: Turkey Run State Park Campground maintains high standards for their bathrooms. "The bathrooms were super clean and the showers were hot with good water pressure," notes Samantha S. These well-kept facilities enhance the overall camping experience.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Some areas around the lake have spotty connectivity. "No cell service but who needs it!" mentions Joe M. about Raccoon Lake. Consider downloading offline maps before arrival.
Site selection matters: At Shades State Park Campground, choosing the right campsite is important. "Choose your site carefully! Whitetail Loop has the showers & toilets. We did a drive thru & most all the sites looked very nice," advises Cynthia K.
Seasonal considerations: Lake Waveland Park has a limited operating season. "Lake Waveland Park... season: May 15 to October 15." Plan accordingly as many facilities close during colder months.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Rockville Lake County Park offers several play areas for children. "Three playgrounds for kids. ," notes Smeeta T. These spaces provide entertainment options for younger campers.
Beach access: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Cecil M. Harden Lake feature swimming areas. "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," shares Staci J.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area hosts various animals that children enjoy observing. "We stayed in the hideaway loop and it was perfect. Lots of wildlife, so pack your food up right," advises Stacey S. about Cecil M. Harden Lake, emphasizing both the entertainment value and necessary precautions.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds around Cecil M. Harden Lake have uneven sites. "Our site was a pull through 30amp full hook ups. The site was clean and well equipped with 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," reports Michelle M. about Turkey Run.
Water hookup limitations: Lieber State Recreation Area Campground has some water access issues. "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," notes Samantha S.
Shared utilities: Some campgrounds have setups where neighboring sites share electrical connections. "The electric is shared with another site which could be a problem if you have the same type of service since there is only one 50 amp, one 30 amp, and one 20 amp service per hook up," explains Scott B. about Turkey Run Canoe & Camping.
Legend
