State Parks near Bloomington, IN

Beall Woods State Park, near Mount Carmel, is a government-owned nature preserve that was established in 1966. The area had been owned by the Beall family since the mid-1800s, but only half of it had been farmed while the remaining area was left undisturbed. Following the death of the last family member, the land was purchased by a man who intended to harvest the forest. However, the property was purchased by the state of Illinois after numerous local citizens and groups protested, resulting in a civil lawsuit.The land is a prairie woodland, a type of ecosystem that was once common across the state; its vegetation includes a variety of grasses, cottonweed, prickly pear cactus, and much more. The …

Big Bone Lick State Park is a historical park situated near the stunning Ohio River. This unique park features swamps and forests and is well-known for its abundance of rare fossils. So many fossils have been discovered at this park that there's a museum dedicated to the prehistoric remains, with several exhibits explaining the origins of these extinct creatures. Camping at Big Bone Lick State Park is also easy due to the well-equipped campground, and with plenty to do in and around the campground, there's no better place to park your RV rental near the Ohio River.If you're looking for a peaceful getaway, you'll find an oasis at Big Bone Lick State Park. When you book an RV in …

Brown County State Park is by far the most popular getaway in Indiana for both Hoosiers and out-of-state visitors. Indiana’s largest state park, Brown County consists of nearly 16,000 acres of diverse landscape sandwiched between Bloomington, Indiana, and Columbus, Ohio. This convenient location is ideal for finding RV rentals in Brown County. Like so many other state parks in the country, this one also started as a Civilian Conservation Corps project to employ young men in the 1930s.Due to the makeup of the park, Brown County has earned the moniker of “Little Smokies.” Glaciers came to the end of the road here during the last ice age, and their journey formed moody ravines and rugged hills that …

Charlestown State Park is located in southern Indiana on the Ohio River and Indiana - Kentucky border. The state park lies near the towns and cities of Louisville, KY, Cincinnati, OH, and Lexington, KY. Charlestown State Park began life as part of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant and was donated in separate parcels since 1993. Today the park consists of over five thousand acres, making it one the largest national parks in all of Indiana. The park consists of the ‘Fourteen Mile Creek,’ a tributary of the Ohio River, miles of hiking trails, and access to the Ohio River itself. All of these things, and much more, make Charlestown State Park the ideal place to take an …

With its beautiful waterfalls, rugged terrain, and ancient fossils, Clifty Falls State Park is one of the gems of the Indiana State Parks system. Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Indiana, around 47 miles from Louisville, Kentucky, the park is well worth checking out for a few days if you're looking for beautiful natural scenery with a difference.The park offers challenging hiking trails, plenty of delights to thrill and challenge amateur photographers, and the chance to get back to nature in peaceful surroundings. And with more than 160 sites to choose from in the Clifty Falls State Park campground, RV travelers are very well catered for.

Set on Lake Shelbyville, Eagle Creek State Park is a fantastic place to soak up the Illinois sunshine. The park is a gateway to the 11,000-acre reservoir, where you can cool off at the sandy swimming areas, launch a kayak, and reel in freshwater fish. Eagle Creek holds special appeal for golfers, with a scenic lakeside course located within the park.Planning a road trip through the Prairie State? Book an RV in Shelby County and you can enjoy a lakeside getaway to Eagle Creek State Park. When you've had your fill of fishing, paddling, stargazing, and golfing, why not extend your road trip to discover other Illinois recreation areas like the Shawnee National Forest and Starved Rock State Park? …

Situated in the central region of the Midwest, Indianapolis is the capital and largest city in the state of Indiana. Founded in 1816, the city replaced Corydon as the state capital in 1821. Did you know that Indianapolis is the largest American city not located on a navigable river? Enough with the facts, when you decide to camp in an RV near Indianapolis, you will pass by Fort Harrison State Park. Located to the northeastern part of town just next to Lawrence, IN, this state park sits on part of what used to be Fort Benjamin Harrison, a US Army Post dating back to the 1900s. The 18-hole golf course and hiking trails make Fort Harrison State Park the premier …

Illinois doesn’t have a lot in the way of rolling hills, making Fox Ridge State Park stand out among the other, flatter state parks. Like much of the rest of Illinois, the terrain at Fox Ridge was also formed by glaciers in the last ice age. It’s incredible to hike among the park’s many trails and imagine it covered in thousands of feet of ice. Native American tribes settled into the area in approximately the 17th century, and Europeans arrived soon after, using the river for trade and commerce.The Civilian Conservation Corps began construction of trails, picnic shelters, bathrooms, and a small lake in 1935 after nearby residents helped preserve the surrounding land. A few of these historic buildings …

Tucked away about halfway in-between the cities of Cincinnati, OH, and Louisville, KY is where you can find General Butler State Park. This state park is popular among city dwellers seeking a serene motorhome camping excursion away from the hassle and bustle of big city life. When state park RV camping at General Butler State Park, you’ll get access to loads of water-based as well as land-based activities. Culture seekers can check out a couple of towns in the area such as Madison, IN, Bedford, KY, and La Grange. Should you be looking to cross the Ohio River Scenic Byway off your bucket list, search for an RV in Carroll County and explore the region camping. …

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park is in Vincennes, Indiana, near the banks of the Wabash River. It's a monument to a hero of the American Revolution. A colonel in the American Army, George Rogers Clark led his soldiers and a contingent of Illinois civilians into Fort Sackville in 1877. Today, you can visit the monument and retrace Clark's steps as he moved against the British.Before going to the monument, you should stop by the park's visitor center, which features exhibits and a short movie explaining the history of the site. There is a bookstore in the center selling souvenirs and gifts as well. The center is open during normal business hours. Once you've seen the park, there …

Harmonie State Park is located just 25 miles northwest of Evansville, IN, and is the reason that many people rent an RV in Posey County year after year. The park has so much to offer those that come to the park with picnic area swimming spots and hiking trails, all of which lure in visitors from all over the state and even further afield.old-growthThe state park covers 3,465 acres of old-growth forest and runs along the banks of the Wabash River, giving visitors the best of all worlds, with recreational opportunities both on land and in the water. The area is abundant in natural beauty and also has enough man-made attractions and facilities to give visitors a comfortable stay.

Tucked away on the rolling hills of southern Indiana, Hoosier National Forest is a popular getaway spot among the motorhome camping community in Indiana. Situated just north of Benton and a few miles to the west of Louisville, KY, the park is ideal for state park RV camping because of the numerous outdoor activities. The park isn’t only for outdoorsy folk. Culture seekers RV camping at Hoosier National Forest get to stay within proximity to the towns of Bloomington and Washington, IN.Hiking is the highlight at the expansive Hoosier National Forest. Horseback riding and biking are also very popular, especially during the warmer months. The charming rural communities and picturesque hills make for some incredible photo …

Perched in between Preble and Butler Counties of Southern Ohio lies Hueston Woods State Park. The sprawling park sits on a massive 3000-acre piece of land that features an enormous wealth of recreational activities. Located in College Corner, this state park has the towns of Oxford and Camden as its neighbors. Notable parks in the area include the Whitewater Memorial State Park in Liberty and the Mounds State Recreation Area in Brookville, IN. Don’t get left behind, search for an RV in Preble County and uncover the region’s best-kept secrets one campground at a time.Back in time around 1779 is when Matthew Hueston was serving with the legendary General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, Matthew observed that the area had …

Situated deep in the heart of Indiana, approximately halfway in-between Indianapolis, IN, and Louisville, KY lies the charming town of Brownstown. Sitting just to the east of town is Jackson Washington State Forest. This stunning recreational area offers awesome hiking, picnicking, and boating opportunities to tent and motorhome camping enthusiasts. To get a feel of the authentic Indiana experience, search for an RV in Jackson County and embark on a memorable getaway.When camping with an RV at Jackson Washington State Forest, you’ll want to have a camera as the hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the region’s rolling hills. The forest has about five forest lakes, two of which are open to boating. The archery range provides a …

The southern states are known for their historical relevance, pleasant though sometimes hot temperatures, and booming natural areas. It’s quite easy to travel via rental RV down there with many states just a few hours away, depending on where you’re looking to go. Book a camper rental to John James Audubon State Park and begin your Kentucky southern outdoor adventure.Located along US Route 41, John James Audubon State Park is a 700 acre stretch of protected forest in the Wolf Hills of Henderson, KY. The park was named for local resident John James Audubon who resided in Henderson and frequented the forest to engage in ornithology and painting. In 1934, the initial acreage was purchased, and progress on …

Kickapoo State Park is located in eastern Illinois near the Indiana state line, just over an hour east of Decatur, an hour and a half west of Indianapolis, and a quick shout from Westville. Surrounded by 22 ponds, this park is popular for its water activities.In 1939, the land was purchased from a mining company, and all 1,290 acres of it was turned into a state park. A lot of the land has since been reclaimed by the lush and strong arm of nature, which resulted in most of the lakes being crystal clear. The rest of the 1,550-odd acres of the park was donated by local residents.This park has it all. There's no shortage …