Many DNR campgrounds full, but prime options remain

ByFree Press Staff Reading Time: 2 minutes

Memorial Day weekend is traditionally one of the busiest of the year, and last weekend was no exception.

But entering the post-holiday weekend, which has traditionally been slower for camping, DNR campgrounds have even more reservations than for Memorial Day weekend. Most camping options at most state park properties are sold out.

“This weekend is a bit unusual,” said Ginger Murphy, deputy director of Indiana State Parks. “More often the first weekend after Memorial Day is a little quieter as people finish school, and have and go to graduation and open houses. But this year is obviously different, and we are off and camping in 2020.”

As far as camping at state parks, online reservations for camping can be made until 2 p.m. the day of camping. Walk-in registration for camping is also allowed on the day of arrival. Right now, O’Bannon Woods State Park is the only park property where there might be electric sites available tomorrow. Campsites for equestrian use are still available at Brown County, Tippecanoe River, and O’Bannon Woods state parks, and at Salamonie Lake and Deam Lake State Recreation Area (SRA).

But other prime DNR campground options remain available, while they last. 

First-come, first-served primitive camping sites are available at Greene-Sullivan, Yellowwood and Morgan-Monroe state forests.

First-come, first-served camping is also available at Glendale Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA), as well as at J.E. Roush Lake and Willow Slough FWAs. If considering Glendale FWA, call 812-644-6107 for information on the campground and site availability before heading there. More information on FWA camping is at on.IN.gov/dfwproperties.

All those camping and considering camping are reminded to practice social distancing, and to choose a different weekend to visit if they are not feeling well or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19.

If going to a DNR property for only day use, keep in mind that access is managed based on parking availability to help ensure that guests have a positive experience. A good way to avoid waiting in line or being asked to visit elsewhere nearby instead is to keep up with DNR/State Parks on Twitter and follow DNR/State Parks and property pages on Facebook for near-real-time updates regarding access. In addition, Indiana Dunes State Park is a part of a regional beach parking information line, 219-395-1003, which you can call to hear the status of beaches along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Indiana.

State Park inns have plenty of rooms available in all seven locations and cabins at Brown County, Turkey Run and Pokagon state parks are also available for the weekend. Inn restaurants are open for dining with menu-based meals available. Make reservations at IndianaInns.com or 877-LODGES-1 (877-563-4371).

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3 Comments

  1. Unfourtunate for those of us who made reservations beforehand only to be told we cannot use the swimming pools at the state campgrounds. We made reservations to take our grandchildren to Harmonie State Park under the assumption that we would be able to use the facilities. Are we to expect that the kids will be banned from using the playground too? What about the showers, will they be closed?
    At this point, there is probably nowhere that a person could get a spot for the 4th of July. Especially on such short notice.
    I called to check on cancelling the reservations (have to go through a 3rd party; Reserve America) and was told that I would be charged cancellation fees basically equal to what they charge for a holiday weekend. So I’m left with either cancelling and losing my money and trying to find something else without much hope (and paying again) or just staying home.
    I sure do feel like I’ve been robbed of my money and the happiness of my grandkids. I’ll probably stay home and take them to Holiday World or go spend my time and money out of state!

    1. Don’t know how much $$ you’re talking with res fees, and in principle it really doesn’t matter, so if made “beforehand” (before panicdemic shutdowns, restrictions, etc) bet you can get someone’s attention by appealing at the state park level, or even to alert your representative of what’s happening. Given the circumstances this could be/is bad PR for the state and could be that the third party is the culprit, here, and the state may not know about their tactics and/or that a snowball has started if/with others in same predicament. Doesn’t resolve your g-kids camping but still maybe a little consolation if successful.

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