Combining the historical significance of the area with environmental conservation, Prophetstown State Park is perfect for your next RV getaway. Opened in 2004, Prophetstown State Park is one of the newest state park in the Indiana system, but the history of the area stretches back for centuries. In the 1800s, a decisive battle took place, known as the Battle of Tippecanoe. Fought between the Native Americans and US forces, William Henry Harrison, the governor of Indiana Territory at the time, moved 1,200 troops to Prophetstown in response to the Native Americans gathering to attack their common enemy, and the result was the complete destruction of Prophetstown. The battle lasted two hours and Prophetstown was burned to the ground at the request of Governor Harrison.
Today, Prophetstown focuses on preserving the Native American history that was retrieved from the rubble of 1811. The 2,000 acres of land within the park has been designated as a restoration area for natural habitats, such as prairie lands and wetlands, and the preservation of the history of Prophetstown. There is a museum dedicated to the events of Prophetstown and a monument within the park that pays homage to the tribes that live in the area. Explore the history of the 1920s with the Farm of Prophetstown, a non-profit organization that rents 125 acres of land to demonstrate farm life during the early 20th century. The park also offers fishing, biking, and winter recreational activities.
Prophetstown State Park is ideal for RV travelers to call home during their visit thanks to the modern campground with 110 spots for RV camping. All sites have electric hookups, and half of the campground also has full hookups for a little added luxury. Whenever you decide to bring your RV to Prophetstown State Park, you’ll be guaranteed a great experience. Peak season at Prophetstown State Park runs from April until October, and the park is open all year round.
Located in northern Indiana and only a short distance from the I-65, Prophetstown State Park is a historic getaway that is very easy for RV drivers of all experience levels. To make sure you arrive at the main entrance rather than the back entrance, take the left on Swisher Road. The roads are well paved and maintained, and on the way to the park, you will see signs indicating the right path to take.
Prophetstown State Park has lovely farmer’s markets, dining options, grocery stores, and museums within a mile of its location thanks to the town of Battle Ground. Within ten miles, you will also be able to find other great amenities and services such as laundry facilities, motels, RV maintenance, golfing, and boutique shops. If you just want to grab a snack on your way into the park, there are plenty of casual restaurants nearby.
Visitors to the park enjoy moderate summers and snowy winters. If you are concerned about the winter weather hampering your stay, you can contact the park office for an update on conditions before your departure.
Just visiting for the day? There is a large parking lot at the Aquatic Center that will be perfect to leave your RV while you go and explore.
Prophetstown State Park has one campground that is perfect for all of your RV camping needs. Divided into two separate loops, the campground has a total of 105 sites that you can call home no matter what time of the year you visit. Prophetstown State Park Campground is highly regarded by RV travelers due to the sites being very large, and the overall cleanliness of the campground. Please note that cell phone reception can be hard to come by, so prepare for an off-grid trip. Pets are also allowed in both loops, so feel free to bring your furry friend!
The Savannah Loop contains the 53 sites that have the 50-amp electric-only hookups in the eastern half of the campground. The sites are great for rigs that are up to 59 feet in length and, at each site, you will find a paved area to park your RV along with a picnic table and fire ring perfect for smores. You will also have access to the dump station, and the hot showers and restrooms are also easily accessible.
The Spruce Loop is the place to stay if you are wanting to use the full hookup sites that are on offer. The lots in the Spruce Loop are mostly leveled, and they are suited to rigs up to 99 feet in length. The full-hookup sites are usually the first to be reserved, so if you want to stay in this loop make sure that you book early.
During the off-season, the campground may close some amenities if the weather gets too severe, such as the restrooms, water collection points, and full hookup possibilities.
Within the town of Battle Ground is the national landmark known as the Tippecanoe Battlefield and Museum. Covering over 96 acres of land and located only a stone's throw away from the park entrance, the Tippecanoe Battlefield and Museum exists to pay homage to the Battle of Tippecanoe. The main attraction is the over 100-year-old marble obelisk monument that rises 85 feet in the air.
If you are looking to learn more about the history of the area, the museum is the place to go. There are multiple exhibitions, a store, and many other great activities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and a nature center. The museum is open all year round, and tours are also available.
Located within Prophetstown State Park is the Prophetstown Farm, which offers a unique opportunity to see how farming was done in the 1920s. This 125-acre property highlights sustainable farming, homesteading, heirloom gardening, and farm-to-table cooking. The farm is open all year and also provides spaces for weddings, meetings, and other special events. On the weekends, the farm runs tours for all ages and offers the opportunity to taste some of the delicious food grown on the farm. Entry to Prophetstown Farm is free when also visiting Prophetstown State Park, so make sure you check it out.
Prophetstown State Park is a wonderful place to go birding during every season of the year, so make sure you bring a pair of binoculars in your RV if you want to go birding during your stay. There are 422 species of birds in Indiana, and of those, 125 are considered rare and 10 of them have been newly introduced to the area. On the trails and around Prophetstown State Park, you can spot many interesting birds that call the area home, including the red-winged blackbird and the Eastern bluebird. Looking for the best place to bird within the park? Ask one of the friendly park staff and you might find out about some secret spots!
Both of the campgrounds within Prophetstown State Park are not specifically available on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you are planning to visit the park it is advised that you make a reservation.
For those planning a spur of the moment trip the sites that haven't been reserved are available for walk-up, however, there is no guarantee that this will be possible. This is especially true during the peak season when both campgrounds are usually full. If you are visiting during the off-season, you will have more of a chance to secure a site on a first-come, first-served basis.
The campground within Prophetstown State Park does not have any tent-only sites available, but that shouldn't dissuade you from bringing a tent for some classic camping. All of the campground sites can accommodate tents, and since they are on the larger side you will have plenty of room to make a comfortable camping area. Since you won't be needing full hookups in a tent, it is recommended that you stay in the Savannah Loop.
During the summer months, you will find many visitors to the park hanging out at the Aquatic Center. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day every year, the Aquatic Center is a very well-equipped swimming area that has many different features, such as a 30-foot slide tube and aquatic basketball. You and your family can also enjoy a whole day in the lazy river and concession area if you are looking to chill out. Other amenities include clean showers, restrooms, and changing rooms with lockers available for your convenience.
Prophetstown State Park offers five trails for you and your family to enjoy that combine to over 11 miles in length. There are three easy trails that run along the Tippecanoe River and the Prairie View that are suitable for hikers of all experience levels. The moderate trails run along the Wabash River and Harrison Creek, and they are located on the west side of the park. Along the trails, you can see some of the native plants and the park’s initiative to preserve the prairie lands. The majority of the trails are paved, permitting pets to go for a walk if they remain on their leash the entire time.
The Wabash River runs along the park, so there are plenty of opportunities to go fishing for anglers of all ages. Fishing from the banks of the river is the most popular way to fish, and there are plenty of species that you can target. These include several varieties of bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, northern pike, and walleye. Remember to bring your Indiana fishing license, which you can order online or purchase at the park’s main office if you don't have one. There are no fishing supplies at the park, but in town you’ll find bait and tackle shops.
