Turkey Run State Park Campground offers a diverse range of camping experiences near Marshall, Indiana. The park contains over 200 campsites nestled within mature woodlands, with sites varying in levelness due to the natural terrain. Electric hookups are available at most sites, though water hookups are limited. Temperatures in this region typically range from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer, making it a year-round destination with distinct seasonal conditions.
What to do
Hiking challenging trails: Turkey Run State Park features unique hiking opportunities with varied terrain difficulty. "Trail 3, which has the ladders, and parts of trail 10, 4, and 2. Trail 10 was nothing special but was relatively flat. It was pretty crowded but people were respectful," notes one Turkey Run State Park Campground visitor. Some trails require wading through water, so proper footwear is essential.
Canoeing and kayaking: Sugar Creek offers multiple water recreation options with rental services available. "You can choose 2 different canoe trips," explains a camper at Turkey Run State Park Campground. For those seeking a longer adventure, "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 at the park."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes and waterways provide fishing throughout the area. At Shakamak State Park Campground, "There's 3 lakes spanning some 400 acres that are known for spectacular fishing." Many campsites at area parks offer lakeside locations for easy access, though specific regulations may apply to each waterway.
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: The natural setting provides privacy between many campsites. "We were in a wooded section and it was pretty private however our site was pretty sloped. Next time I would probably pick the site on either side of 167," shares a camper at Turkey Run State Park. For more privacy, "try to get a wooded site on the outsides that back up to woods. The majority of those have a decent number of trees separating you from the site next to you."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers enhance the camping experience. At Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area, visitors note the "super clean, new bike, walking, rollerblading path. Beach is large and clean." Similarly, at Turkey Run State Park, "The bathrooms were super clean and the showers were hot with good water pressure."
Family-friendly amenities: Recreation options beyond nature trails keep families entertained. "We stayed at Shakamak for a 3 day trip this weekend. The campsites were well kept, shaded, and the bathroom/shower house was clean. There were several nice looking trails, 3 lakes that were great for fishing, and a really nice pool with water slides and diving board. The pool also had a splash area/wading pool for your smaller kiddos."
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for resident wildlife, particularly after dark. A Turkey Run State Park camper warns, "Watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything." Similarly, at Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental LLC, "Raccoons will show up at night so pack up your snacks."
Seasonal considerations: Park facilities have varying operational schedules. One camper at Shakamak State Park mentioned "The Nature Center was inexplicably closed 'for the season'. Disappointing!" Another 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."
Site selection matters: Campsite characteristics vary significantly within each campground. At Rockville Lake County Park, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near play areas for convenience with small children. At Rockville Lake County Park, "Site 44 lots of room to set up any thing... Three play grounds for the kids." Some parks offer central playground locations that remain visible from multiple campsites.
Weekend activities: Many parks host special events for children on weekends. Shakamak State Park offered "a special pancake breakfast by the Friends of Shakamak- all you can eat! That was a treat!" Check park calendars before arrival as "the Nature Center had a snake demonstration at 2 pm. Yesterday was planned a kayak trip by the DNR there."
Swimming options: Pools and beaches provide alternative recreation when trails are crowded. At Old Mill Run Park, families appreciate the "heated pool, mini golf, two stocked fishing ponds and more." For glamping in Marshall, Indiana during hot summer months, water recreation becomes essential.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Come prepared for uneven terrain at many sites. A Turkey Run State Park visitor with an RV shared, "It 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."
Utility placement: Check hookup locations when selecting sites. "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," notes a Shakamak State Park camper. At some locations, water and electric are shared between sites, requiring additional hose or cord length.
Seasonal maintenance: Roads and sites may have condition issues depending on time of year. While visiting glamping sites near Marshall, Indiana, one camper at Raccoon Lake mentioned, "Great place to camp, can be flooded at times, some of the sites have a huge inclines or declines, allot of sites reserved way in advanced. There is a few pull throughs, no water hook ups at site."
