Shades State Park

Open — Open year-round with reservations available up to 6 months in advance via ReserveAmerica. The northern portion of Trail 7 is currently closed due to damaged trail structures.

About

Shades State Park is a nature lover's paradise located about 17 miles southwest of Crawfordsville, featuring dramatic sandstone cliffs overlooking Sugar Creek and shady ravines that wind through the property. The campground offers 105 non-electric sites accommodating RVs up to 47 feet, along with 7 backpack campsites and 10 canoe camp sites for more primitive experiences. Hikers will find excellent trail systems ranging from easy half-mile paths to rugged 2.5-mile backpack trails that traverse ravines, creek beds, and mature forests. Several trails involve steep climbs, steps, ladders, and streambed hiking. The property also includes Pine Hills Nature Preserve for those seeking spectacular topography and longer hikes. Shades State Park has some of the darkest skies in Indiana, making it a popular destination for astronomy groups and stargazing events. The park offers modern restrooms, showers, dump station, picnic areas with shelters, fishing access to Sugar Creek, and seasonal interpretive naturalist services. The peaceful atmosphere and relative seclusion make it an ideal escape for experienced campers seeking a quiet wilderness experience.

Directions

From the north: U.S. 41 S to SR 234, then east on SR 234 to entrance. From the south: U.S. 41 N to SR 234, then east on SR 234 to entrance. From the east: I-74 W to Exit 52 (Jamestown/Advance), south about 3 miles to SR 234, continue west approx. 25 miles to entrance. From the west: I-74 E to Exit 15 (Veedersburg/U.S. 41), south on U.S. 41 about 12 miles to SR 234, then east on SR 234 approx. 18 miles to entrance.

Nearby Campgrounds