Raccoon Lake

About

Raccoon Lake State Recreation Area encompasses Cecil M. Harden Lake, a 2,060-acre reservoir created by damming Big Raccoon Creek in Parke County. Located 50 miles west of Indianapolis and 35 miles northeast of Terre Haute, the park offers 327 campsites spread across multiple campgrounds including 240 electric sites with 30-amp hookups, 39 non-electric sites, and 35 primitive sites. Facilities include modern bath houses with showers, dump stations, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. The recreation area provides extensive water-based activities with five boat launch ramps, a marina with boat rentals including jon boats and jet skis, and a swimming beach with a beach house featuring showers and a concession stand. Anglers will find a fish cleaning station and bait shop on site. Beyond the water, visitors can explore 8 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to rugged, featuring views of rocky cliffs, second-growth forests, and prairie restorations. Additional amenities include a camp store selling firewood and supplies, an amphitheater, playground, basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and an archery range. The Historic Mansfield Roller Mill, a working 1880s grist mill, offers tours and demonstrations nearby. The park also provides 330 acres of hardwood forest and open field for seasonal hunting.

Directions

From Indianapolis, travel west on US-36 approximately 50 miles to Rockville. The park entrance is on US-36 in Parke County. From Terre Haute, travel northeast on US-36 approximately 35 miles.