Lincoln State Park, Gobbler's Run Campground

Lincoln State Park, Gobbler's Run Campground Introduce

For generations of Hoosiers, Lincoln State Park has been a cherished destination for outdoor recreation, historical exploration, and creating lasting family memories. At the heart of this beloved park lies Gobbler's Run Campground, a popular choice for campers seeking a genuine connection with Indiana's natural beauty and rich heritage. Whether you're a seasoned camper with fond childhood memories of this very spot or a newcomer looking for your next adventure, Gobbler's Run offers a quintessential Indiana camping experience. It's a place where the rustling leaves and starry nights invite you to slow down, relax, and appreciate the simple joys of the outdoors.

Gobbler's Run Campground, much like the entire Lincoln State Park, prides itself on providing a welcoming and well-maintained environment for all its visitors. From the well-kept sites to the essential amenities, the goal is to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. This overview will guide you through the various facets of Gobbler's Run Campground, highlighting its prime location, the services and features that make it stand out, and why it remains a top choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts across Indiana looking for their next great escape.

Gobbler's Run Campground is located within Lincoln State Park, specifically at Lamar, IN 47550, USA. This address places it squarely in Spencer County, in the scenic southwestern region of Indiana. The park itself is a significant part of the historical landscape, being the only Indiana state park to commemorate a U.S. President – Abraham Lincoln, who spent his formative years in this very area.

Accessibility to Gobbler's Run is straightforward for most Indiana residents. The park is well-marked and easily reached via state roads that lead into Lamar. Once inside Lincoln State Park, signage directs visitors to the various campground loops, including Gobbler's Run. While the campground offers a natural, immersive experience, it remains conveniently close to local amenities and attractions. Its proximity to major roadways ensures a relatively easy drive, allowing campers to quickly transition from the everyday hustle to the tranquility of the park. Even with its rustic charm, the location ensures that essential supplies are never too far away, blending the best of both worlds for a truly accessible outdoor adventure in the heart of Indiana.

Gobbler's Run Campground within Lincoln State Park offers a range of services designed to make your camping trip comfortable and enjoyable, whether you prefer a more primitive setup or a few more conveniences.

Non-Electric Campsites: Gobbler's Run is primarily known for its non-electric (Class B) sites, providing a more rustic experience for tent campers or those with self-contained RVs who prefer to be off the grid. Lincoln State Park as a whole also offers electric sites in a separate loop (Lake Lincoln Campground).
Clean Restrooms: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness of the restroom facilities. While some areas have "pit toilets," there are also "actual restrooms with showers" located within the primitive camping area, which is a notable and convenient feature for a non-electric loop.
Showers: The availability of showers, even in a primitive section, is a significant amenity, allowing campers to refresh after a day of hiking or exploring the park.
Water Access: Water sources are available within the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh water for drinking and cooking.
Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient space for outdoor dining and activities.
Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are provided at each site, perfect for enjoying campfires and cooking outdoors (always check for burn bans).
Country Store on Property: A notable convenience, Lincoln State Park features a country store, offering essential supplies, snacks, and perhaps even some camping gear, minimizing the need to leave the park for forgotten items.
Dump Station: For RV campers, a sanitary dump station is available within Lincoln State Park, making it convenient for waste disposal.
Playground: A playground is available within the campground area, offering recreation for younger campers.

Gobbler's Run Campground and its surrounding Lincoln State Park boast numerous features and highlights that contribute to an exceptional camping experience for Indiana residents.

Historic Significance: The entire park is steeped in the history of Abraham Lincoln's youth. Campers are just a stone's throw away from the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, allowing for a unique educational and reflective experience. This historical connection is a major draw.
Incredible Hiking Trails: Lincoln State Park offers over 10 miles of diverse hiking trails, catering to various skill levels. These trails wind through beautiful landscapes, often with historical markers, providing opportunities for exploration and exercise.
Lake Lincoln Access: The campground is in close proximity to Lake Lincoln, a beautiful lake within the park. This offers opportunities for fishing, boating (electric motors only), and swimming at the park's designated beach (check for seasonal availability and any alerts regarding lake conditions).
Nature Center: The park features a nature center, offering interpretive programs and exhibits that enhance visitors' understanding of the local flora, fauna, and history.
Well-Maintained Sites: Campers frequently commend the "great sites" and how "sites are spaced nicely apart," indicating a commitment to quality and providing a sense of privacy.
Friendly and Helpful Staff: Positive reviews often mention "nice staff," which contributes significantly to a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.
Serene Primitive Experience: Despite having modern restrooms, the non-electric nature of Gobbler's Run offers a more traditional and quiet camping experience for those who enjoy the simplicity of roughing it slightly while still having basic comforts.
Amphitheater: Lincoln State Park is home to the Lincoln Amphitheatre, an outdoor venue that often hosts concerts and theatrical performances, adding a cultural dimension to a camping trip.

For inquiries or to learn more about Lincoln State Park and Gobbler's Run Campground, please use the following contact information:

Address: Lamar, IN 47550, USA (within Lincoln State Park)

Phone: (812) 937-4710

Mobile Phone: +1 812-937-4710

For reservations, it's highly recommended to use the Indiana DNR's online reservation system (Camp.IN.gov or ReserveAmerica.com, searching for Lincoln State Park). For the most up-to-date information on park conditions, alerts (such as the Lake Lincoln closure for dam repairs, as noted in recent information), and seasonal hours, please contact the park directly or visit the official Indiana DNR website for Lincoln State Park.

For Indiana locals, Lincoln State Park's Gobbler's Run Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a cherished institution that offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, historical immersion, and family-friendly fun. Its suitability for residents of our state is evident in its long-standing appeal and the consistent positive feedback from campers. This campground provides an accessible and affordable way to unplug and reconnect with nature, all while being surrounded by the very landscapes that shaped one of America's most revered figures.

The balance between primitive charm and convenient amenities, like clean showers even in non-electric areas, makes it versatile for various camping styles. Whether you're seeking peaceful nights under the stars, invigorating hikes on well-maintained trails, or educational visits to the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, Gobbler's Run serves as an ideal base camp. It fosters a welcoming atmosphere, supported by friendly staff, ensuring that every trip feels like coming home to a beloved Indiana tradition. For Hoosiers, Lincoln State Park and its Gobbler's Run Campground stand as a testament to our state's beauty, history, and enduring spirit of outdoor recreation.

Lincoln State Park, Gobbler's Run Campground Photos

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Lincoln State Park, Gobbler's Run Campground Location

Indiana Spencer County Lamar

Lamar, IN 47550, USA

Lincoln State Park, Gobbler's Run Campground Reviews

I've been camping here since I was a kid and I have loved every single trip. Nice staff, great sites, clean restrooms, a nice country store on property, incredible trails. Would highly recommend.
May 07, 2023 · Josh Stratton
I picked camping spot 151 because it was close to the pit toilets. I didn't realize it was also right there on the main road. Vehicle traffic sounds and headlights made it hard to sleep. I also didn't realize that there were actual restrooms with showers halfway down in the primitive camping area. Which is pretty unusual. So next time we will be picking a camping spot closer to that.
Nov 15, 2021 · Heather Ratcliff
Gobbler's Run Campground is the park's non-electric campground. The good: It's a pretty nice campground at first glance. Sites range from very small and crowded to pretty spacious. The small, crowded sites outnumber the spacious ones. There is a modern restroom and bathhouse. Holiday World is only about five minutes up the road. Bathrooms were modern, clean, and well-stocked. I saw rangers patrol the camp at least 3 times during the night, and there was a ranger at the park's entry gate every time we went by. The place felt more secure than average.The bad: While the showers looked nice, you can't adjust water temp, at all. Men's showers were uncomfortably warm, almost hot. Meanwhile, my girlfriend said the women's shower was "freezing" and she could hear other women complaining loudly that their showers were also very cold. So that clearly needs some adjustment. Also, there is a 4 lane highway less than one mile away. We camped in a tent and there was some road noise at night. I doubt it would be an issue in a camper.Finally, my number one dislike. Campsites currently go for $16-19 per night. That seems like a bargain, but the pricing is not straightforward. The reservation system tacked on a $6 reservation fee and state tax to our $19 campsite, making it $26.Then when we hit the gate, the ranger hit us up for another $9 entry fee to get to our $26 campsite. They charge this entry fee EVERY DAY, and this info is NOT prominent on the park website. So really, our primitive campsite was over $35 for one night. Every dime of this goes to the state, so why play games with the pricing? Just be upfront and charge me $35 and be done with it if that's your price. I didn't care for the campsite/reservation fee/state tax/entry fee pricing game, at all.
Sep 16, 2024 · G. Forsythe
Lovely, small campground with a great trail around the lake.
Jun 03, 2021 · Nora Weber
This place is amazing. Love everything about it and so much to do with the family. The month of Oct is the best, they have tons of Halloween activities to do with the kids and the trick or treating is so much fun! Camping at Gobblers primitive sites are so much fun. Bathrooms are clean too! Hiking is fun and the history is very informative and interesting.
Oct 10, 2021 · Stephen “Scout” Elkin, Jr