Park Pass & Fees
The Annual Entrance Pass ($50 for Indiana residents, $120 for non-residents) covers entry to all state park properties for the calendar year. The Golden Hoosier Passport ($25) is available for residents age 65+ or those eligible for Social Security disability. Qualifying foster families receive a free annual pass. Note: Indiana state park passes are not valid for Indiana Dunes National Park (federal).
Parks by Region
Northern Indiana
The Lake Michigan shoreline defines northern Indiana, with Indiana Dunes State Park drawing nearly 2 million visitors annually. Massive sand dunes rise 200 feet above the lake, with beaches and diverse ecosystems ranging from bogs to prairies. Pokagon State Park offers year-round activities near Angola, including the famous toboggan run in winter. Potato Creek State Park near South Bend provides excellent fishing and mountain biking.
Central Indiana
Fort Harrison State Park brings wilderness to the Indianapolis metro area, with old-growth forest, a historic fort, and two golf courses. Mounds State Park protects ancient Adena-Hopewell earthworks dating back over 2,000 years. Summit Lake State Park offers a quiet retreat in east-central Indiana with excellent birding opportunities.
Southern Indiana
The hill country of southern Indiana holds the system’s crown jewels. Brown County State Park — Indiana’s largest at 15,776 acres — is legendary for its fall foliage, earning it the nickname “Little Smokies.” Clifty Falls State Park features dramatic canyon scenery and waterfalls plunging over 60 feet. Turkey Run State Park showcases sandstone canyons carved by Sugar Creek, with ladders and trails through narrow gorges. McCormick’s Creek State Park, Indiana’s first state park, features a stunning limestone canyon and waterfall.
Best Parks by Activity
Best for Hiking
- Turkey Run State Park — Sandstone canyon trails with ladders and creek crossings
- Brown County State Park — 20+ miles of trails through rolling hills
- Clifty Falls State Park — Rugged canyon and waterfall trails
- Shades State Park — Remote gorges and towering hemlock trees
Best for Camping
- Brown County State Park — 400+ campsites, cabins, and a historic Abe Martin Lodge
- Pokagon State Park — Year-round camping with heated cabins
- Indiana Dunes State Park — Campground steps from the beach
- Patoka Lake — Lakeside and electric sites
Best for Families
- Fort Harrison State Park — Easy trails and playground near Indianapolis
- Pokagon State Park — Toboggan run and pool complex
- Spring Mill State Park — Pioneer village and underground boat tour
- Turkey Run State Park — Canyon exploration kids love
Best for Water Activities
- Indiana Dunes State Park — Swimming on Lake Michigan
- Patoka Lake — Boating, fishing, and swimming beach
- Brookville Lake — Walleye and bass fishing
- Potato Creek State Park — Kayaking and canoeing
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | Wildflowers at Turkey Run, waterfall season at Clifty Falls |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Beach time at Indiana Dunes, swimming and boating statewide |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Legendary fall foliage at Brown County, cooler hiking |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Toboggan run at Pokagon, eagle watching statewide |
FAQs
Are Indiana state parks free?
No, most parks charge a vehicle entry fee of $7 (Indiana plates) or $9 (out-of-state). The Annual Entrance Pass ($50 resident/$120 non-resident) provides year-round access to all parks.
What is the most popular state park in Indiana?
Indiana Dunes State Park draws nearly 2 million visitors annually, while Brown County State Park is the largest and most famous for fall foliage.
Can I camp in Indiana state parks?
Yes! Most parks offer campgrounds with electric sites, and many have cabins and lodges. Reservations can be made at camp.IN.gov or by calling 1-866-622-6746.
Is Brown County worth visiting outside of fall?
Absolutely. Spring wildflowers, summer mountain biking, and winter solitude make it a year-round destination. The Abe Martin Lodge provides comfortable accommodation.
Start Your Indiana Adventure
Indiana’s state parks pack remarkable diversity into a compact system — from Great Lakes shoreline to Appalachian-style canyons. Whether you’re dodging waterfalls at Clifty Falls or watching the sunset from atop an Indiana Dune, these 26 parks prove that adventure doesn’t require a long drive.
