Few Labor Day Weekend Campsites Remain in Indiana

A handful of DNR State Park & Reservoir campsites remain open for Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31 through Sept. 3.

If the trend that’s held since 2007 continues, by mid-next week all campgrounds and cabins will be filled.  Last-minute planners should act now.

Openings are at Charlestown, Clifty Falls (non-electric only), Lincoln (non-electric only), O’Bannon Woods, Prophetstown and Whitewater Memorial (equestrian primitive only) state parks; Lieber State Recreation Area and Mississinewa Lake (non-electric only). A three-night minimum stay is required.

Make reservations at camp.IN.gov or 1-866-6CAMPIN (1-866-622-6746), where you can also reserve picnic shelters for a day.

Not a camper?  Consider a day trip for hiking, a family gathering or a swim. Check ahead with your destination for availability of swimming and hours of operation.

Labor Day weekend programs abound, including an ice cream social at Chain O’Lakes State Park, a chance to explore the historic pavilion and view the sunset from  its top at Indiana Dunes State Park, Brown County State Park’s annual “Survivor,” exploration of historic Moery Cabin at Patoka Lake, a cornhole tournament at Whitewater, and historic haypress demonstrations at O’Bannon Woods.  See more programs and details at interpretiveservices.IN.gov.

Too late for Labor Day?  Fall awaits. It’s the best time to camp at many places. And one of the most popular.

“Campsites for Halloween and other fall festival weekends are already full in many places,” said Christie Wilmoth, DNR reservation system program manager, “so don’t delay.”

Information on specific state parks and lakes is at stateparks.IN.gov. Click on “Parks and Reservoirs” for a list of individual properties.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the U.S. state of Indiana charged with maintaining natural areas such as state parks, state forests, recreation areas, etc. There are many divisions within the DNR and each has a specific role. The DNR is not only responsible for maintaining resource areas but also manages Indiana's fish and wildlife, reclaims coal mine ground, manages forested areas, aids in the management of wildlife on private lands, enforces Indiana's conservation laws, and many other duties not named here. According to the department's website, their mission is "to protect, enhance, preserve, and wisely use natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education."