Turkey Run State Park Campground spans across mature wooded terrain with uneven elevations throughout its 270 sites near Waveland, Indiana. The campground operates year-round with electric hookups for all sites except designated youth camping areas, which feature basic amenities. Sites vary significantly in levelness, with corner locations often providing additional space and privacy compared to interior spots.
What to do
Hiking diverse terrain: Turkey Run offers challenging trails with unique features not found in typical Midwest parks. "We hiked 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 Kaley A. from Turkey Run State Park Campground.
Water recreation options: Sugar Creek provides multiple options for cooling off during hot weather. "Sugar Creek is also great for floating with inner tubes, canoes, or kayaks. There is a stable and a campground store," explains Joel R. Most water equipment can be rented from outfitters near the park entrance.
Morning wildlife viewing: Early risers can experience quieter trails and increased wildlife activity. "My favorite part about camping is the sunrise and Turkey Run was not disappointing," shares Maggie M., who stayed at Turkey Run after being "blown away" by its features during an unplanned visit.
What campers like
Campsite selection strategies: When booking at Turkey Run Canoe & Camping, experienced visitors recommend researching site locations. "Site 91 was tucked away in a more forested area away from RVs. Did a nice kayaking loop using their service," mentions Rowan G., highlighting the benefit of strategic site selection.
Clean facilities: Regular maintenance keeps amenities functional despite heavy use. "The bathrooms were super clean and the showers were hot with good water pressure," reports Samantha S., who stayed at Turkey Run for a three-night weekend.
Natural features exploration: The park's geological formations create distinct camping experiences compared to other horse campgrounds near Waveland, Indiana. "There are lots of view stops along the river, the suspension bridge is super neat, and the rocks, waterfalls, and streams will have you awestruck the whole time," describes Maggie M.
What you should know
Campsite terrain varies significantly: Many sites require effort to establish level sleeping areas. "The site was huge but given the unevenness it would be difficult for tents," explains Michelle M. about site #35 at Turkey Run State Park Campground.
Wildlife encounters common: Prepare for curious local fauna, especially after dark. "As some other reviews stated, watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything," warns Samantha S., suggesting secured food storage.
Varying cell service: Mobile connectivity fluctuates throughout the area. "I have AT&T service and had no problem with cell service, my husband has Verizon and his was spotty," reports Monica C., indicating visitors should plan communications accordingly.
Crowded peak periods: Weekends and holidays bring significant visitor numbers to trails and water features. Sites fill quickly during summer and fall color seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites strategically: Family-friendly locations offer additional space for activities. "We had site 94, which 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," recommends Kaley A. at Turkey Run State Park Campground.
Consider weekday visits: Scheduling trips outside peak visitation reduces competition for facilities. "In order to avoid crowds on the trails, we got there Thursday night so we could hike Friday morning/early afternoon," suggests Samantha S.
Plan appropriate trail routes: Not all paths accommodate all ages or abilities. "There are multiple trails and some quite challenging ones," notes leif D., who found trail maps sometimes outdated but the hiking "incredible" despite this limitation.
Tips from RVers
Electric options available: The campground provides various electrical hookups to accommodate different RV requirements. "All except the 'youth sites' had 110, 30, and 50 amp power. I was able to charge my EV without issue," shares leif D. from Turkey Run State Park Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites require substantial leveling equipment. "The site was very uneven. It definitely sloops to the back corner. It was difficult to level our camper but we got it in the end," explains Michelle M. about her experience at site #35.
Limited utility connections: While equestrian campgrounds near Waveland, Indiana often provide varied hookups, Turkey Run offers specific services. "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," notes Scott B. about the setup at Turkey Run Canoe & Camping.
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