Turkey Run State Park Campground and Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area offer distinctive camping experiences near Independence, Indiana. The terrain features sandstone ravines and wooded areas with elevations ranging from 600-700 feet above sea level. Both locations maintain electric campsites surrounded by mature hardwood forests that provide natural shade during summer months when temperatures typically reach 85°F.
What to do
Hiking challenging trails: Turkey Run State Park features unique ravine hiking that requires different skill levels and sometimes gets your feet wet. "We hiked Trail 3 with our dog, but we cut off early before the ladders using Trail 10. Our dog did pretty well in the section of Trail 3 before the ladders, and be prepared to get wet," notes Samantha S. from Turkey Run State Park Campground.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Big Fish-n-Camp Ground maintains multiple fishing ponds for catch-and-release angling. "We love coming here when we want to camp, fish and getaway from home without driving far," reports Jennifer K. The ponds wrap around the property, offering multiple access points for anglers.
Canoeing and tubing: Sugar Creek runs through several campgrounds in the area and provides water recreation opportunities. "You can choose 2 different canoe trips," explains Barry B. about Sugar Creek Campground, which offers equipment rentals directly on site for creek access.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many visitors appreciate the roominess of sites at Turkey Run. "The campground was reasonably priced, had clean facilities and quite unusual and interesting hiking nearby... Sites tried from all concrete to a dusty dirt and rock tent area, and all had old wood picnic tables," states leif D.
Clean facilities: Rockville Lake County Park maintains well-kept bathhouses and shower facilities. "The cleanest campground we have been to in our neighborhood! Easy to get to, however some of the worst roads I have been on," reports Pam M. about Rockville Lake County Park.
Family activities: Campgrounds near Independence offer recreation beyond just camping and hiking. "The park is great, they offer disc golf, Gaga, and other fun activities," says Amy Y. about Sugar Creek. Most family-friendly sites maintain playgrounds, sports areas, and organized weekend activities during peak season.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are prevalent throughout the area, particularly at Turkey Run. "As some other reviews stated, watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything," warns Samantha S. Secure food in hard containers rather than coolers to prevent nighttime raids.
Site selection considerations: Choosing the right site impacts your yurt camping experience near Independence, Indiana. "Get a wooded site... the open, grassy area sites don't offer any privacy. If that's what you're looking for, try to get a wooded site on the outsides that back up to woods," advises Samantha S.
Water levels affect activities: Creek-based activities depend on recent rainfall. "It was August so the river was kinda low and we had to stand up and walk a few times," explains Joe K. about tubing at Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental. Call ahead to check current water conditions before planning water activities.
Tips for camping with families
Time your visits: Popular trails get crowded during peak times. "In order to avoid crowds on the trails, we got there Thursday night so we could hike Friday morning/early afternoon," shares Samantha S. For the best yurt camping experience in Independence, Indiana area, arrive mid-week.
Pack for variable conditions: Weather changes quickly in this region. "A bad storm rolled in that night, but we felt well protected by the trees," notes Jennifer K. about Big Fish-n-Camp Ground. Sturdy shelters like yurts provide protection during unexpected storms.
Multiple recreation options: When planning activities, have alternatives ready. "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," notes Samantha S.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some sites require significant effort to level RVs. "Site 94 was right next to the bathhouse. It had almost a whole extra campsite's worth of space next to it for my kids to run around. It also had a tree for shade and was nice and level," shares Kaley A. about Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area.
Electric hookup types: The electric service varies between campgrounds. "All except the 'youth sites' had 110, 30, and 50 amp power. I was able to charge my EV without issue," reports leif D. about Turkey Run. Most developed sites offer at least 30-amp service with some providing 50-amp for larger rigs.
Water access planning: Not all sites have water hookups. "No water hookups at the site but all except the 'youth sites' had 110, 30, and 50 amp power," notes leif D. Campers should fill tanks before setting up or bring extra water containers when staying at partially serviced sites.
