Campsites, shelters available for Independence Day weekend

Indiana DNR Release:

State park and reservoir campsites/cabins are 85 percent booked for Independence Day weekend, so time still remains to plan a holiday outing to one of Indiana’s “treasures in your own backyard.”

Christie Wilmoth, reservation system program manager with the DNR Division of State Parks and Reservoirs, said that 50 percent of the reservable shelters and recreation buildings are booked, meaning that it’s also still possible to reserve one for a day outing for a large gathering of family and friends.

“The weather is supposed to be great, so if people haven’t made plans yet, there are still outstanding opportunities out there,” Wilmoth said.

As with any other time, reservations can be made for campsites until noon the day of arrival. The minimum stay at a campsite for the upcoming weekend is Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, with checkout on July 5. Reservations for shelters can be made until the close of call center business the day before arrival. To reserve a cabin, campsite or shelter, visit www.camp.IN.gov or call 1-866-6CAMPIN (1-866-622-6746).

If you want to camp but haven’t made up your mind where to go or just plain need more information, property maps and facility information can be viewed at www.stateparks.IN.gov.

Wilmoth said the number of weekend reservations at this point is consistent with what she’s observed the last four years.

“This is pretty typical for Independence Day weekend,” she said. “We do well, but we haven’t been full like we are over Memorial Day.”

Usually the trend is back to full, weeks in advance, for Labor Day weekend, so even though it may be tough to think about the end of summer, now is not too early to make reservations for the last big weekend of the season.

Severe weather caused some features at some properties to close during the past few weeks. All facilities at all of properties are open now, with the following exceptions.

-Cagles Mill Lake: The campground, pool and other facilities are open. Boat ramps are flooded and limited parking is available. The beach is closed at Lieber SRA. Call (765) 795-4576 for local updates.

-Monroe Lake: The beach at Paynetown SRA is open, as is the lake and all other facilities. The beach at Fairfax SRA is currently closed. For local updates call (812) 837-9546.

-Shades State Park: The backpack/canoe campground is closed, but all other facilities remain open. For local information, call (765) 597-2635.

-Cecil M. Harden Lake (Raccoon SRA): The main launching ramp in Raccoon SRA is open, but all other ramps are closed except for the Walker Ramp, and boats must be backed down to the water there. The beach in Raccoon SRA is closed. The campground is open, and shuttles are being provided to the boat rental docks. Fireworks originally scheduled for Saturday, July 3, have been rescheduled for Sept. 4. For the latest conditions, call (765) 344-1412.

-Versailles State Park: The Shadow Run loop of the mountain bike trail system might be open in time for the weekend. Trail crews continue to work on it. The rest of the mountain bike trail system remains open for riding. For the latest conditions, call (812) 689-6424.