We have been coming here every year since 2016. Most of the sites are shady. Our favorite site is 72. It is close to a water hookup if you need to top off your fresh water tank, shady, and not too close to other sites. They added a new shower house close by in 2022 or 2023.
We stayed over July 4th weekend Campground was crowded, but very quiet. Most sites are shady, and some are feet from the lake. A lot of kayakers when we stayed, very few boats. Our site had some shade, and had a level gravel pad. Once off the gravel, it did slope. We wanted a flat area for our dog/baby fencing, so we parked slightly off the gravel and it worked fine. Staff were very friendly. All sites have water. The power went out at the pumping house, and a staff member and the campground host went to the sites to let us know. It was only out for about an hour.
Park has canoe rentals and a small beach, a well as several boat launches. Overall, a very nice, well maintained park and campground. We will definitely return, this time with kayaks.
The campground was full, but was surprisingly quiet. Clean comfort stations and grounds. It was a bit odd that there was only one water fill station, and two oddly placed dump stations, but we were not in a hurry so waiting was not a concern. Our site, 315, was listed as having a slight grade. The gravel pad was surprisingly steep, with a good slope down on the camp side. It worked, but I do not feel the descriptions online fit the actual gravel pad. There were other sites that seemed impossible to have a level trailer.
The campground is huge, but we have never felt crowded. There is a nice prairie area to walk around in, and an easy to ride pave bike trail. We watched the osprey nest one year for several hours. We have not yet had a kayak out on the lake, but the lake is big. The bathrooms have always been clean, and the campground hosts friendly. The sites vary in size and slope, so research and prepare for anything. But all of the sites are manageable. South Bend is close by if you want to adventure in.
We visit this park often throughout the year to ride the nice paved bike trails and take pictures of the restored prairie and wildflowers. We also take our first camping excursion of the season here to make sure the camper is good to go for the season. The full hook up sites book up quickly, and the electric only often do as well, so book your weekend early.
The sites are all pretty spacious, with a gravel pad for your camper or tent. The electric only sites lack shade, so bring an awning or canopy. There is also only one comfort station, although it has never been packed even with a full campground. Some of the sites are called buddy sites, and the gravel camping pads are close to each other, so consider that when booking.
The hiking and biking trails are all moderate, but again they are in the open and a sunny day can wear you out without a hat and water.
We love this park to visit and to stay, and will always recommend it!
We have stayed at this park several times. The camp sites are mostly spaced out for room, but some can get very wet and flooded during a nice rain. The paved bike trail in the park starts near the campground, and connects with a bike trail along the Wabash River that goes into nearby Bluffton, and is an easy ride. The bison enclosure is always fun to check out, and the last time we stayed I actually walked to the top of the restored fire tower to take in the view. We have never used the lake, but plan on taking some kayaks out at some point.
This is our favorite state park to camp at. We started here in tents, and moved up to a travel trailer. We have stayed here at various times over the past 5 years. Camp sites are all non-electric. The park is typically pretty quiet except for the sounds of children playing during the day. The park roads are easy to walk, and trails abound! Trails range in difficulty, so read the park pamphlet before setting out. Views are amazing from the trails! Turkey Run SP and Raccoon Lake Rec Area are close by, and the campground pass from Shades gets you into both. Camp sites vary in size and shape, and most can get really muddy after a rain, so check the weather and plan accordingly. There is only one shower house that can get crowded on a busy weekend. Overall an amazing park and a great campground. Pictures attached are from site 102.
This was our second trip to the campground and first trip with a camper. Nice small park, overall things were quiet. There is a railroad track nearby, but the noise is not bothersome. I love the trails and the mounds. We will try a nearby kayak rental place next time.
This was our first visit. Very nice state park. Beautiful lake. We walked one trail, #3, and that walk was very pleasant. The naturalists hosted a very good talk on raptors, with a guest star, a bald eagle. We will definitely return to kayak and trek the rest of the trails.