Campground

camping at shakamak state park

Hey there, fellow Hoosiers and outdoor adventurers! If you’re looking for a classic Indiana camping experience that offers a little bit of everything—from serene lake activities to lively family fun—then the Campground at Shakamak State Park in Jasonville, Indiana, is a destination well worth your attention. Nestled in the heart of Greene County, Shakamak State Park has been a cherished retreat for generations of Indiana families, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. For us locals, it represents a quintessential Hoosier getaway, providing ample space to unwind, explore, and make lasting memories.

The Campground at Shakamak State Park isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a vibrant hub within a larger state park that boasts three man-made lakes, miles of trails, and a highly-praised family aquatic center. It’s known for its welcoming atmosphere, with campsites designed to accommodate various preferences, from rustic tent sites to electric hook-up spots for RVs, and even comfortable cabins. While every campground experience can have its quirks—as one review highlighted regarding a misunderstanding during a popular "Christmas in July" event—the overwhelming sentiment from visitors is one of satisfaction, appreciating the park's offerings and the dedication of its staff. The mention of a "public pool for summer" in another review perfectly encapsulates the family-friendly amenities that set Shakamak apart. This is a place where you can spend your days fishing, paddling, hiking, or simply relaxing by the campfire, all within a familiar and beloved Indiana landscape.

In this article, we'll dive deeper into what makes the Campground at Shakamak State Park such an appealing choice for us Indiana residents. We'll explore its convenient location and accessibility, detail the wide array of services offered, and highlight the key features that make it a standout destination. We'll also provide essential contact information to help you plan your next Hoosier adventure and explain why this campground is perfectly suited for locals seeking a well-rounded and memorable outdoor experience right here in our beautiful state.

The Campground at Shakamak State Park is located on Park Rd, Jasonville, IN 47438, USA. This places it approximately two miles west of Jasonville in Greene County, in the southwest region of Indiana's Lower Peninsula. For Hoosiers, Jasonville is a familiar small town, making the park easily accessible from major cities across the state.

Shakamak State Park itself is strategically positioned, allowing for convenient travel. From Indianapolis, you can typically reach the park by taking US-40 West to SR 59 South, then heading west on SR 48 into Jasonville, and finally continuing west on SR 48 past Jasonville for about two miles until you see the park entrance on your left. The park is well-signed, making navigation straightforward. Once inside, the campground is clearly marked, with well-maintained internal roads leading to various camping loops. The park encompasses 1,766 acres, featuring three man-made lakes—Lake Shakamak, Lake Lenape, and Lake Kickapoo—which are central to many of its activities. The accessible location combined with the comprehensive internal road network ensures that visitors, whether arriving in an RV, trailer, or car, can easily navigate to their chosen campsite or desired recreational area. Its proximity to other popular Indiana destinations, while still maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, makes it an ideal central point for exploring southwestern Indiana. For Indiana residents, its central location within the state, coupled with clear signage and good internal access, means less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the great outdoors.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground at Shakamak State Park offers a wide range of camping experiences, including sites with electric hook-ups (114 sites), full hook-up sites (8 sites), non-electric sites (42 sites), and a specialized Maple Loop with 10 sites (including two paved, accessible sites) that may offer 50-amp electric hook-ups. This variety caters to different camping styles, from tent campers to large RVs.
• Modern Comfort Stations: Well-maintained comfort stations are available, providing modern restrooms with hot water and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay for campers.
• Potable Water: Water fill stations are located throughout the campground, providing convenient access to potable water.
• Dumping Station: A dumping station is available for RVs, making waste disposal easy and convenient for those with self-contained units.
• Camp Store: A seasonal camp store is on-site, offering essential supplies, firewood, ice, and other conveniences for campers.
• Family Aquatic Center: A major amenity is the family aquatic center, featuring a large swimming pool and a slide (note: large slide may be closed for 2025 season as per alerts). The pool is open seasonally with lifeguards on duty.
• Boat Rental: Boat rental facilities are available on all three lakes, offering rowboats, paddleboats, and kayaks, allowing visitors to enjoy the water even without their own equipment.
• Picnic Areas & Shelters: Numerous picnic areas with tables and grills are scattered throughout the park, along with reservable shelters for larger gatherings.
• Playgrounds: Playfield areas and playgrounds are available for children, ensuring family-friendly entertainment.
• Group Camp: A large group camp area with dorms, kitchen, and dining facilities is available for supervised groups, as well as seasonal group camp cottages.
• Cabins: Family cabins equipped with electric ranges, refrigerators, showers, modern restrooms, beds, and air conditioning/heating are available seasonally for those seeking a more comfortable stay.
• Activities & Programs: The park offers a variety of recreational activities and seasonal interpretive programs through its Nature Center, including guided hikes and educational sessions.

• Three Man-Made Lakes: Shakamak State Park is famous for its three beautiful man-made lakes—Lake Shakamak, Lake Lenape, and Lake Kickapoo—totaling over 400 acres, offering extensive opportunities for fishing, boating (electric trolling motors only), and scenic views.
• Excellent Fishing: The lakes are well-known for fishing, with species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. Ice fishing is also popular in winter.
• Family-Friendly Aquatic Center: The presence of a large public swimming pool with a slide is a significant highlight, especially during warm Indiana summers, providing a safe and fun way to cool off. (Note: large slide may be closed for 2025 season).
• Vibrant "Christmas in July" Event: As noted in reviews, the park hosts festive events like "Christmas in July," where campers decorate sites. While the specific experience can vary, it highlights a lively community atmosphere and special seasonal attractions.
• Shady & Flat Campsites: Many campsites are described as mostly shaded and very flat, providing comfortable and easy setup for tents and RVs, a valued feature in Indiana state parks.
• Clean Bathrooms/Showers: Reviewers frequently praise the cleanliness of the comfort stations, including the showers, often comparing them favorably to private campgrounds.
• Extensive Hiking & Biking Trails: The park offers seven well-maintained hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties, including multi-use trails for biking, winding through diverse landscapes of oak forests, pine plantings, and wetlands.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse habitats, including forests and wetlands, offer excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, including white-tailed deer and various bird species.
• Boating & Paddling: With three lakes and boat rental services, visitors can easily enjoy paddle boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing from the water.
• Historic Features: The park is home to structures from a former Civilian Conservation Camp, adding a historical dimension for exploration.

For detailed information, reservations, or any inquiries regarding the Campground at Shakamak State Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: Park Rd, Jasonville, IN 47438, USA

Phone: (812) 665-2158 (Shakamak State Park Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 812-665-2158 (Same as park office)

For campsite and cabin reservations, it is highly recommended to use the Indiana State Park Central Reservation System online via the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN.gov) website or by calling 1-866-6CAMP-IN (1-866-622-6746). Reservations are generally available up to six months in advance and are strongly recommended, especially during peak season, weekends, and for popular events like "Christmas in July." For the most current information on pool hours, event schedules, and any park alerts (such as the large slide closure), always call the park office directly.

For us Hoosiers, the Campground at Shakamak State Park in Jasonville is more than just a place to set up camp; it's a deeply ingrained part of Indiana's outdoor heritage and a fantastic destination that perfectly suits our local preferences and needs.

Firstly, its convenient location in southwestern Indiana makes it easily accessible from many parts of the state. We don't have to drive for hours to find a quality outdoor experience; Shakamak is right here, offering a familiar and welcoming environment. This accessibility means more time enjoying the park and less time on the road, which is always a win for a weekend getaway or a longer family vacation.

The diverse range of camping options is another significant draw for us locals. Whether you're a seasoned tent camper looking for a non-electric site, an RVer needing full hook-ups, or a family seeking the comfort of a cabin, Shakamak has something to offer. This flexibility allows different generations and styles of campers within the same family or friend group to enjoy the park together, fostering a sense of community that's so important in Indiana.

Beyond just camping, the park’s amenities are truly what make it shine for Hoosiers. The three man-made lakes are a haven for fishing and quiet boating (with electric motors only, ensuring peace on the water). For families, the public pool and aquatic center are a huge bonus, providing a fantastic way to beat the Indiana summer heat. While a recent review highlighted a minor hiccup during "Christmas in July," the fact that such festive, community-oriented events even exist speaks volumes about the park's commitment to creating engaging experiences for its visitors. These unique activities, alongside the beautiful hiking and biking trails, ensure there’s always something to do for every age and interest. The generally positive reviews praising the park’s clean facilities and welcoming atmosphere reinforce its reputation as a well-maintained and enjoyable destination. Shakamak State Park truly offers a comprehensive and quintessential Indiana outdoor experience, making it an ideal choice for any local looking for adventure, relaxation, and lasting family memories right here in our backyard.

Campground

Park Rd, Jasonville, IN 47438, USA