5 Things to do at Turkey Run State Park

Looking for adventure this summer and not quite sure where to start? Look no further then Turkey Run State Park, Indiana! Here are 5 things to do in Turkey Run State Park that will definitely satisfy that explorers itch.

1. Camping

Turkey Run State Park in Indiana is a great place to camp!  They have 213 sites, all of which are electric with a choice of a wooded area or a completely sunny area. Of course, we chose a wooded area!  I was pleasantly surprised since we generally do primitive camping.  There were plenty of people tent camping amongst the RVs, so it didn’t feel weird to pull out our tent. I was excited to be able to plug in my fan for sleeping and bring our plug-in coffee maker.

There are flush toilets and showers, along with port-o-potties.  I don’t know what it is about boys, but mine had a fascination with the port-o-potty. One word.  EWWW.  They were clean, but it’s still a port-o-potty. 

The campground is not inside the state park.  It is right next to it, so you won’t have that far of a drive to enter the park.  It’s right next door!

2. Hiking

Turkey Run State Park has 11 awesome trails ranging from rugged to easy.  Check in with your ability level and plan accordingly.  When they say rugged, they mean rugged.  If you plan on hiking a rugged trail, plan on navigating through wet streams and boulder fields between high cliffs and rocky terrain.  Lots of picturesque sites.  Because we are adventurous, we did rugged with the boys.  Now my 2.5yo feels like he can climb anything.  

We let the kids do a lot of “risky play” this week while hiking.  They loved every minute of it and made a lot of amazing memories.  

Make sure to use the restroom before starting off on your hiking adventure.  They have flush toilets in the nature center, right before a trail head and also port-o-potties little off the beginning of the trail to the suspension bridge.  There is not a place to go to the bathroom on the trail, like most, if not all hiking trails.  My 3yo held it for 3 hours because he refused to pee behind a tree.

You will see lots of wild life on the trails.  We saw lizards, snakes, and toads, just to name a few.  The kids freaked out over the snake that was probably 3 feet long laying across the trail.  They made Daddy carry them passed the snake.  They loved the frogs and toads they saw that were as big as my hand and, of course, the lizards because they had never seen one up close before.  

As you can imagine, it was quite the hiking adventure.  Exploring is one of our most favorite things to do.  I hope you enjoy the photos!

3. Swimming

Turkey Run State Park does not have a beach.  They do not allow swimming in the river.  However, they do have a pool.  It’s pretty nice.  

4. Boating

You can bring or rent your own kayak.  If you rent, the youngest allowed to ride is 4yo.  The river is shallow and very deep in some places.  It is  also very clear.  You can see all the huge fish. 

5. Fishing

You can fish anywhere you find a place along the river, so hit the trails and bring your fishing gear!  The river is so clear you can see straight to the bottom to where the fish are (and snakes).  I do not advise swimming, even though there were a few people doing so.  It is prohibited because of undertow and we saw a ton of snakes. 

Turkey Run State Park in Indiana is truly an exciting adventurers paradise.  Happy exploring!  

Oh and don’t forget the sunscreen!  (and bug spray)