​Raccoon Creek State Park
RV Guide

The wintertime is a time for personal reflection and tranquil silence. So take a deep breath, take it all in, and relax all of those tensions that are bearing down on you. Curl up inside the Airstream for a while with a warm blanket and a great book, or play a round or two of cards with the family and reflect on the fun activities you've taken part in during your time at Raccoon Creek.

Raccoon Lake may have frozen over, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still get some fun out of it. Under the surface, the fish are carrying on with their lives, and you can still try and catch a keeper by drilling a hole and casting a line in the water. The park does not monitor the ice thickness, so be sure to bring an auger along in the campervan and measure it yourself before dropping a line.

Even when the snow and ice come to the park, you'll still be able to enjoy some thrilling activities. If you’d like to take the snowmobile out for a ride during your time at Raccoon Creek, there are two roads that you can choose from at the park. Those roads are Nichol and Pioneer Camp roads, and together they total four miles. Be cautious while you’re out there though because this area is also open to hunters.

Ice Skating can be a lot of fun, and you can do it here on the 101 acres of frozen Raccoon Lake. Just be sure to check that the ice is thick enough for it to be safe before venturing out. Once you know that it’s safe, take a friend out on the ice with you and spend the day practicing your figure eights or racing each other across the lake while taking in views of the snow-covered landscape.

When snow covers the ground at Raccoon Creek State Park, most of the trails become available for cross-country skiing, but you should probably steer clear any trails that are labeled “most difficult” to avoid trouble. One of the best trails for cross-country skiing is the two-mile White Blazes Trail located near and around Heritage Trail. Be sure to bring your own equipment along in the travel trailer, as the park does not offer rentals.

Even if you're not visiting Raccoon Creek during the busy summer months, you'll have plenty to keep you busy. Throughout the year the park offers environmental education programs that are great for the whole family. You can learn a lot about the area, along with some of the park's flora and fauna, through a series of programs like guided hikes, junior ranger programs, and other hands-on activities. Stop in at the interpretive center to learn about which activities are offered during your stay.

Given the park’s namesake, you can be sure that raccoons are common here. But that's not the only wildlife you might see during your RV vacation to the park. Deer and beavers are pretty common too, and if you're near the lake you may spot beavers, minks, or muskrats. If you like to go birdwatching, the Audubon Trail inside of the Wildflower Preserve is a great place to go to spot warblers and other birds. Just remember not to disturb or feed any wildlife that you come across.

If you’re looking for a great place to have a picnic, you’ll have plenty of options at this park. There are around 200 picnic tables in total, and they are located all around in various locations of the park. Most picnicking areas are equipped with everything you'll need for the perfect outdoor meal, including grills, drinking water, and nearby restrooms - you'll just need to bring the food! Choose the spot that you think has the best view, and share a meal with loved ones.

One of the main attractions at Raccoon Creek during the summer months is the lake. Raccoon Lake totals 101 acres, and there are two boat launches and 48 mooring spaces available to park guests. Only electric motors are acceptable on the lake, and you’ll also need to have your boat registration displayed. If you didn’t tow your own boat behind the Sprinter, you can rent a canoe, kayak, rowboat, paddleboard, or hydro bike from the park.

Summers at Raccoon Creek State Park can get hot, so don't forget to pack your bathing suit along in the teardrop. From May to September, you can go out and enjoy splashing around in the water at the 500-foot sand and turf beach located here in the park. You’ll have a bathhouse located nearby for your convenience, as well as a concession stand. The beach is also ADA-accessible, but please swim at your own risk.

There are 42 total miles of trails at Raccoon Creek, so after you park the motorhome and set up camp, lace up those hiking boots and stretch your legs. The trails range in length and difficulties, from a casual stroll to an overnight backpacking trip. You can also take bikes, and even horses, out on some of the trails. There is a lot to see in this park, and you can explore a great deal of it when you get out on these great trails.

One of the most unique and tranquil places in the park is the Wildflower Reserve. There are over 700 varieties of plants spread over 314 acres, and you could easily spend a whole day perusing the reserve on the four miles of walking trails available. The best times to see the flowers are when they are in full bloom, usually between April and early September. Dogs are not permitted inside the reserve, and picking plants is strictly prohibited. You can, however, take as many pictures as you'd like, so don't forget to grab your camera out of the Class A before walking through the reserve.