Shades State Park 11/22/24

I’m looking for a good pull off or access point to Hoosier national forest in brown county near Charles Dean Wilderness Area. I’m not familiar with the area but we want to do a backpacking hike for a few days and have someplace secluded. Just looking for someplace safe to make entry at. Preferably away from the army corps land. No trails needed, just a pull off.

Was wondering what all campground and/or hikes everyone has enjoyed this year. Any good ones to share? Thanks!

Hello, campers!

Draper Cabin (in Morgan-Monroe) has been our go-to spot for years, but with the changeover to ReserveAmerica, it's become too popular and difficult to find an opening.

I'm in search of a alternative-- somewhere in the southern half of the state with similar amenities:

* enough isolation that you only see others once or twice a day -- a valley, for example
* a structure where children and supplies can be safely contained at night
* enough space that dogs can run free around camp without fear of vehicles or bothering neighbors

All ideas appreciated! Thank you!

Have campsited profitstown for the next 2 days Looking for like-minded people to come hang out have fun enjoy nature and company

Looking for a any variety of cabin that's somewhat secluded with nice trails in November. Hoping to get my dog out with me. Best pet friendly places that somewhat meet the criteria? Thanks.

Where do you go if you want to sleep outside for a night in November? I have backpacking stuff, my goal is to use it somewhere. I was thinking Shades, but I found they close the backpacking trail in October. Trying to find something uncomplicated, but I realized my options are more limited by going during offseason. This won’t be a first trip ever, just first this year. Been to Salamoni (sp?) a different year, it was fine, but a tad far for a drive.

What should I research for my idea? I’m more interested in practicing with my equipment and developing my preferences than anything. I’m already used to carrying water like Indiana is a desert 🐪, so I’m not hung up about that. Within 1.5-2 hrs of Indianapolis is the ideal range, but I might extend that for the right location. Any suggestions are appreciated!! Bonus points if you can help me understand what to expect from your suggestions!

I've heard there isn't any black bear on the tecumseh but , that sounds off.

4 night hike through the tecumseh trail, will I need bear protection for food. Cannister, bag etc?

Hello, I'm looking for recommendations for the best tent camping in central Indiana that has sites far away from each other and is quiet. So often I choose a park and specific site that I think is seculded but turns out we're 10 feet from the next tent. I'm not looking for entirely off-grid though (need water and bathroom). We're looking for mid to late October.

Hey everyone, I’d like to find one or more people to go camping and hiking with starting on a Friday or Saturday sometime. I live in Jasper and wouldn’t mind traveling 3-4 hours for camping. I have a nice sized tent that I wouldn’t mind sharing. I can drive and pay for the campsite too. I tend to interact better with men because of my sarcasm, bluntness, and unfiltered mouth but as long as you’re not easily offended then we can get along great!

Last year, my mom bought a nice tent for my partner and I since I had mentioned something to her about potentially camping. Well my partner ended up not going with me last year (Cedars of Lebanon in TN) and he’s said he really doesn’t want to go tent camping at all. Before my trip last year, it had probably been more than 20 years since I was camping. I feel old writing that lol. I’d like to get away from work/tech periodically, give my partner a break from me lol, and meet some new people.

About me: 31 white male, been with my partner for 12+ years. Work 50-60 hours per week in IT for a hazmat trucking company. Mostly stream Netflix/Prime/Crunchyroll, scroll Reddit/Facebook, watch TikTok videos with my partner, and may periodically do some light gaming (PC or console).

Would be happy to chat more and learn more about great places to camp/hike. Feel free to message me.

Looking for the best spots to take a 3-4 day trip for 2 inexperienced hikers

Anywhere in Indiana works

Where to stay: Camp, Air BnB, Rent a cabin (cheaper is better but I need running water)

What trails to take: 4-8 hour walking/hiking

Note: I love rivers and creeks

Thanks!

Might hit up lake Waveland tonight for some catfishing

Spent the night in a secluded spot last week while the weather was still nice and cool!

My boyfriend and I spend a lot of time in Hoosier National Forrest Charles Deem wilderness and Shades State park backpacking/boondocking? Where else should we check out?

Anyone have experience with TR on Memorial Day? Is it busy? We want to hike and would like to beat the crowd.

Hello all,

I am working on putting together a weekend camping trip for myself and my little sister this year. I have recently introduced Little House on the Prairie to her, and she is enamored.

I have done some research and discovered the pioneer village in Spring Mill State Park. I would love to find a rustic log cabin to rent for a night or two to really finish off the Laura Ingalls experience for her.

does anyone have any recommendations or personal experience with a nice rustic cabin? preferable with a fire pit for cooking? I want to be a close to the little house on the prairie experience for her haha.

any advice is appreciated. thank you and have a wonderful day. :)

I'm looking to get back into camping, I used to camp a lot as a kid but since being an adult have never found the opportunity. When I was a kid I remember loads of camping spots where you would park and then have to carry all your gear down a path about a 5 - 10min walk (I also feel like they were pretty secluded but my memory could be wrong). I am looking for something like this but everywhere I look in Indiana it looks like campsites are almost right next to another campsite and they always seem like they are pull up in a car and pitch a tent kind of things. Not exactly what I am looking for. Anyways I would love some recommendations Paid and or Free.

Some friends and I plan to head down to the Shades / Turkey Run area this weekend to take our kayaks out on Sugar Creek.

We’ve hiked the trails before, but this would be our first time kayaking there.

I’m looking for suggestions or info about the public access points for getting in and out.

Initially we were thinking Brush Creek to Cox Ford, but it seems like public parking may be a hassle.

Also, maybe that’s a very short trip with the rain we’ve had this week. Around 4hrs on the water seems to be our sweet spot.

Just wanted to see what the experience has been like for others. Thanks in advance!

Hello!

I'm looking to camp at Shades the weekend of the 13th. On the website it says water might not be working until some time in May, and to contact them for the status. Well, the DNR phone line is a hot mess and I've failed to be able to ask anybody about it. Does anyone know what the situation is like? Just trying to figure out how to prepare. Thanks!