Shakamak State Park sits within Indiana's southwest coal country region at an elevation of 500-600 feet, near Jasonville's rural landscape. The park and surrounding campgrounds experience typical Midwestern continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Options for camping near Jasonville extend beyond traditional tent sites, with several facilities offering rustic yurt camping accommodations designed to provide shelter while maintaining a connection to the outdoors.
What to do
Trail hiking: 7 different routes. At Turkey Run State Park Campground, visitors find challenging trails through unique terrain. According to camper Samantha S., "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." Most trails require moderate fitness levels.
Fishing: Electric-motor lakes. The three connected lakes at Shakamak provide habitat for multiple fish species. One camper noted, "Fishing was fair according to my fishing guy." The park permits only electric motors, creating quieter conditions for anglers. The lakes range from 56 to 290 acres in size.
Water activities: Rental options available. Rockville Lake County Park offers water-based recreation with affordable equipment rental. A visitor shared: "Beach area is nice. We were the only people there the first 2 days. Mostly people at campground had boats for fishing." Water temperatures typically reach the mid-70s in summer months.
What campers like
Level campsites: Rare in Indiana parks. Campers frequently mention the flat, even sites at Shakamak State Park. As one visitor remarked, "The sites are all flat- ALL FLAT!!! No inclined sites at all! Unheard of in an Indiana State Park, but there you go." This unusual topography makes setup easier for both tent and RV camping.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses. Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area receives consistent praise for cleanliness. One camper reported, "Bathroom facilities are very clean, new bike, walking, rollerblading path. Beach is large and clean. We go every year and love it!" The park employs full-time maintenance staff during peak season.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lake access points. Greene Sullivan State Forest stands out for its fishing-focused design. According to Ron H., "There are many lake with good fishing, most of which have boat ramps (small boats). Great for kayaking and canoeing." The forest contains approximately 120 fishing lakes across its 9,000 acres.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Check facility schedules. While some campgrounds operate year-round, others have limited seasons. For example, Hawthorn County Park runs from May 1 to October 15. A visitor noted, "The pool was only opened on the weekends in August which was disappointing but there was a large fishing dock and many boating opportunities."
Varying site privacy: Research specific sites. Campground layouts differ significantly in the Jasonville area. One camper at Turkey Run described: "As some other reviews stated, watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything. Also, 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."
Primitive to full-hookup range: Options for all preferences. From basic yurt camping near Jasonville to modern amenities, the region offers diverse accommodation types. A Greene Sullivan State Forest visitor shared: "My wife and I camped at the Narrow Lake Campground here for 4 nights, but did not like it due to its proximity to a highway. Additionally, the electric sites near the lake (P1-P3) were unlevel."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Request sites accordingly. Family-friendly sites often cluster near play areas. At Fowler's Park, one camper reports: "Our family loves this park. There is plenty to do or not do. Lake is great for fishing, also the beach is very nice. Pioneer village is so neat to walk around."
Bug preparation: Summer brings insects. Pack appropriate repellents, especially for evening activities. A camper warned: "Very nice camping spot, but in August beware of the bugs!" Long sleeves and pants for evening hours help reduce bites.
Wildlife awareness: Food storage matters. Multiple campgrounds report raccoon activity. One visitor noted, "We did have several nighttime visits from a couple large raccoon families, but it became a game for the kids as they watched for them." Secure food in hard containers, not plastic bags or coolers without latches.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: Extension cords needed. Some campgrounds have unusual utility placements. One RVer suggested: "Bring an extension cord if you're in a pull through. If you want your door facing the fire pit- the electric box is in an awkward place." Standard 25-foot power cords may not reach.
Site leveling: Many parks have uneven terrain. Bring appropriate leveling blocks or jacks. A visitor to Rockville Lake noted: "The sites range from very uneven to moderately uneven in this section. The full hookup site section is flat but with less tree cover." Sites near water often have more significant slopes.
Extension utilities: Water sharing between sites. Some campgrounds require longer-than-standard water hoses. According to one RVer: "Sharing of water and electric between two sites, so come prepared with extensions for water and electric." A 50-foot drinking-water-safe hose ensures connectivity regardless of hookup location.
Traveler
